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Bell, Book and Candle

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  2w, 3m

John Van Druten

In this charming romantic comedy, Gillian, a modern-day witch, casts a spell over Shepherd, her tenant, rendering him head over heels in love with her. Gillian begins to reciprocate, which poses a challenge, because witches cannot fall in love without losing their powers.

Bell, Book and Candle

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

This hit Broadway comedy, later adapted into a celebrated film, inspired the popular TV show Bewitched. In 1950s New York, a young witch named Gillian secretly performs feats of the supernatural. She casts a spell over her unattached tenant Shepherd, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. Shepherd falls head over heels in love with her at once and wants to marry her. Unfortunately, witches cannot fall in love, and this minute imperfection leads into a number of difficulties. Ultimately, Gillian breaks off with her companions in witchery, choosing a “normal’ life of human love with Shepherd.

History

Bell, Book and Candle premiered on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 4 November 1950. Directed by John Van Druten, the production starred Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer. A 1952-53 national tour followed the Broadway run, starring Rosalind Russell, followed by Joan Bennett. A West End production at London’s Phoenix Theatre opened on 5 October 1954, starring Rex Harrison. A 1958 film adaptation, directed by Richard Quine, featured James Stewart and Kim Novak in the leading roles along with Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, Elsa Lanchester and Hermione Gingold.

Keywords
Performing Groups
GILLIAN HOLROYD – 27, petite, very attractive
SHEPHERD HENDERSON – 35+, masculine, attractive
MISS HOLROYD – Gillian’s eccentric Aunt Queenie
NICKY HOLROYD – Gillian’s slightly younger brother
SIDNEY REDLITCH – 50s, disheveled, often drunk
  • Time Period 1950s
  • Setting

    A New York City apartment. Christmas Eve 1950 through February 1951.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Completely enchanting – a wonderfully suave and impish fantasy.” – The New York Times

“Mr. van Druten has devised an airy trifle for simple enjoyment.” – Brooks Atkinson, The New York Times

“Van Druten’s dialogue is witty and his characters are fairly nuanced. It's also interesting to note that he wrote the play at a time when witch hunts were happening in Washington, DC, with the House Un-American Activities Committee on the hunt for communists.” – Talkin’ Broadway

Licensing & Materials

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Scripts

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Authors

John Van Druten

John Van Druten
John William Van Druten (June 1, 1901 – December 19, 1957) was an English playwright and theatre director. He began his career in London, and later moved to America, becoming a U.S. citizen. He was known for his plays of witty and urbane observations of contemporary life and ...
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