Bell, Book, and Candle, a strange, mildly amusing comedy, directed by Richard Quine and scripted by Daniel (From Here to Etenity”) Taradash, is based on John Van Druten’s popular Broadway play.
Jimmy Stewart, at the height of his career, plays a book publisher about to marry Janice Rule, when he meets a glamorous and enchanting witch, played by the beautiful Kim Novak.
Novak puts a spell on him that changes his marriage plans. She is assisted by her croonies, played by the great character actors Jack Lemmon, Elsa Lanchester, and Hermione Gingold.
Stewar and Novak appeared together in the same yeat in Hitchcock’s masterpiece, “Vertigo.”
Oscar Nominations: 2
Art Direction-Set Decoration: Cary Odell; Louis Diage
Costume Design: Jean Louis
Oscar Context
MGM’s musical “Gigi” won in both categories, art direction and costumes (designed by Cecil Beaton).