Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Year: 1971

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Stevenson

AdventureFantasyComedyAnimationFamilyMusical

During World War II, a trainee witch named Miss Eglantine Price finds herself in wartime England. To protect the country, she seeks to master her magical abilities, aided by a stern instructor, Emelius Brown. Along with three evacuated children, she embarks on a whimsical journey involving a magical bed, encountering spells, singing suits of armor, and a quest to stop the Nazis. It's a fantastical adventure where magic and wartime efforts collide.

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Timeline – Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

Trace every key event in Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Evacuation from London

In August 1940, as the Blitz descends upon London, three orphaned siblings, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul, are removed from the chaos of their war-torn city. They are relocated to the peaceful countryside of Pepperinge Eye, a stark contrast to their previous environment, where they will stay under the care of Miss Eglantine Price.

August 1940 London
2

New Guardianship

The sibling trio meet Miss Eglantine Price, their temporary guardian, who seems indecisive and has her own secrets. Initially wary of their new home, the children consider escaping back to London, driven by a sense of loss and longing for their old life.

Pepperinge Eye
3

Discovery of Witchcraft

Their plans to return to London shift dramatically when the children see Miss Price attempting to fly on a broomstick. This revelation leads to a discovery that she is practicing witchcraft through correspondence courses, which piques their interest and curiosity.

Pepperinge Eye
4

The Enchanted Bedknob

In a deal for their silence about her witchcraft, Miss Price gives Paul a unique spell that allows him to use a bedknob for magical transportation. This unusual gift creates a sense of adventure among the siblings and marks the beginning of their extraordinary journey together.

Pepperinge Eye
5

A Distressing Letter

Miss Price receives a troubling letter indicating that her witchcraft correspondence school is shutting down. Faced with the potential loss of her magical education, she urgently persuades Paul to use the bedknob to travel back to London in search of further knowledge.

Pepperinge Eye
6

Meeting Professor Browne

In London, the group encounters Professor Emelius Browne, an unwitting magician who has stumbled across real magic. They form a connection, and Miss Price is excited to receive a valuable magical tome, only to discover that the crucial final spell is missing.

London
7

Visit to the Bookseller

The group heads to Portobello Road to find the old bookseller who supplied Browne with the magical text. Their interactions reveal the sinister history of the Star of Astaroth, a medallion once owned by a powerful sorcerer, adding a layer of urgency to their quest.

Portobello Road
8

Adventure to Naboombu

The children's adventure takes them to Naboombu, an island spoken of in the lore they discovered. Their journey is fraught with surprises, including their enchanted bed being entered in a dance contest, showcasing the whimsical and unpredictable nature of their venture.

Naboombu
9

Confrontation with King Leonidas

Upon reaching Naboombu, the group is summoned to meet King Leonidas, who wields the Star of Astaroth. He challenges Mr. Browne to ref a high-stakes football match, which they participate in under the pressure of royal decree and amidst chaos.

Naboombu
10

Victory and Escape

After a tumultuous match, Leonidas claims victory, but Browne cleverly swaps his whistle for the Star of Astaroth, allowing them to escape. Their quick thinking leads them back home, but not without underlying tension and the threat of danger lingering.

Naboombu
11

Unleashing Substitutiary Locomotion

Once back, Miss Price successfully casts her Substitutiary Locomotion spell, bringing everyday objects to life. Initially a source of joy, the spell spirals out of control, throwing the household into chaos and prompting fears of separation for the siblings.

Pepperinge Eye
12

The Nazi Threat Emerges

As the children grow more connected to Miss Price, Mr. Browne faces danger from Nazi operatives seeking to disrupt communications along the coast. His encounter reinforces his resolve to protect both his newfound family and the mission at hand.

Coast
13

Final Confrontation

In a climactic showdown, Miss Price leads her animated objects in a battle against Nazi soldiers to protect her home. Their bravery and teamwork ultimately succeed, though the workshop suffers damage that signifies a poignant farewell to her life as a witch.

Pepperinge Eye
14

New Beginnings

In the aftermath of the battle, Miss Price embraces her role as a guardian for the siblings. A new chapter begins in her life, marked by deepened familial bonds and a sense of duty infused with love and commitment to her children's safety.

Pepperinge Eye
15

Tender Farewell

As Mr. Browne prepares to enlist in the military, he shares a heartfelt goodbye with Miss Price, promising to return. Their parting signifies the strength of their relationship and the hope for future adventures, leaving behind a legacy of magic and connection.

Railway Station

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 16:13

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Bedknobs and Broomsticks

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