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In this episode of Just That Film Podcast, we revisit Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), Disney’s magical family adventure that blends live action, animation, music, and wartime fantasy into one of the studio’s most enchanting classics.

Directed by Robert Stevenson, the film stars Angela Lansbury as the apprentice witch Miss Eglantine Price, alongside David Tomlinson, Ian Weighill, Cindy O’Callaghan, Roy Snart, Sam Jaffe, John Ericson, Roddy McDowall, and Bruce Forsyth.

Set during the Second World War, the story follows Miss Price and three evacuated children as they embark on an extraordinary quest to find a magical spell that could help defend Britain from the Nazi invasion. Along the way, they encounter enchanted bedknobs, talking animals, magical football matches, and unforgettable adventures beneath the sea.

We discuss Angela Lansbury’s wonderful performance, the Sherman Brothers’ memorable songs including “The Age of Not Believing,” “Portobello Road,” and “Beautiful Briny,” the groundbreaking combination of animation and live action, and why Bedknobs and Broomsticks continues to delight audiences more than 50 years after its release.

We also delve into the film’s fascinating production history, including the many deleted scenes that were removed when the film was originally cut for its theatrical release. Although much of this material was painstakingly restored for later versions, some footage remains lost, leaving fans to wonder what the complete original version of Disney’s ambitious musical fantasy might have looked like.

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, Bedknobs and Broomsticks remains one of Disney’s most imaginative family films and a treasured favourite for generations.

Is Bedknobs and Broomsticks Disney’s most underrated classic, and does it deserve to stand alongside Mary Poppins as one of the studio’s greatest live-action musicals?

🎬 Topics include:
• Angela Lansbury’s magical performance
• David Tomlinson’s return to Disney
• The unforgettable Sherman Brothers songs
• The restored and still-lost deleted scenes
• The famous animated football match
• The groundbreaking visual effects
• Favourite scenes and nostalgic memories
• Does Bedknobs and Broomsticks deserve classic status?

🎙️ New episodes covering classic, cult, and modern films every week.

#BedknobsAndBroomsticks #AngelaLansbury #Disney #ClassicDisney #MovieReview #FilmPodcast #FamilyFantasy #JustThatFilmPodcast

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