Bell, Book And Candle (1958)

A beautiful witch (Kim Novak) in Greenwich Village is bored and on a whim decides to cast a spell on a man (James Stewart) to fall in love with her. Complications arise when her brother (Jack Lemmon) reveals all to a writer (Ernie Kovacs) doing a book on witchcraft in Manhattan. Based on the hit play of the same name by John Van Druten, this is a charming romantic comedy with an amusing "witchy" twist. Never a great actress, Novak is perfectly cast here. There was always a slightly spaced out, ethereal quality to her which complements the character she's playing. Stewart, of course, displays perfect comedic timing. The very funny scene where he is forced to drink a disgusting witches poison served by Hermione Gingold shows what marvelous comic skills he had. The novelty of the film's narrative has dimmed somewhat (especially if seen after) with the success of the 60's TV show BEWITCHED which in some respects it resembles. Expertly directed by Richard Quine and with a smooth jazz score by George Duning. With Janice Rule (when Stewart calls Novak a witch, Rule retorts, "You never could spell"), Elsa Lanchester and a scene stealing Siamese called Pyewacket.