The Disney film, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is set in England during World War II. The film is loosely based on the children's novels: The Magic Bedknob also known as How to Be a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons and Bonfires and Broomsticks by Mary Norton. The film won the Academy Award for Best Special Visual Effects in 1972 and was also nominated for several others. Bedknobs and Broomsticks showcases Disney's patented method of filmmaking with its blend of live action and animation that was so prevalent in that particular era. The film stars Angela Lansbury as Eglantine Price and David Tomlinson as Emelius Brown. One continuity error I noticed early on in the film is the introduction. “England in August 1940…” At the child evacuation center where the orphans are, a woman says: “anything to keep these poor children away from the terrible bombings of London”. In fact, London was not bombed until September 7, 1940 (wikipedia.org). Since Bedknobs and Broomsticks was not produced until 20 years after World War II, why was it dated incorrectly? I understand there was supposed to be a chronological correlation behind this. It just doesn't make sense. The main protagonists of the title are three orphans named Charlie, Carrie and Paul Rawlins. The three orphans are sent to live with an apprentice called Eglantine Price. Upon discovering that she is a witch, Charlie conspiratorially attempts to extort Miss Price. He tells her that she has to give him something, otherwise he will reveal her secret to the whole world. This makes Charlie seem self-centered. Miss Price obliges Charlie by putting the famous travel magic spell she knew on a bedknob that Paul found. B...... middle of paper ....... Although good for its time and considered a classic by many, this film has many flaws due to technological constraints. The musical numbers aren't catchy, the story feels lacking, the visuals are putrid at times, and I don't know how it won the Oscar for special effects. The orphans seemed to show little importance to the story apart from Paul. After Charlie showed his arrogance, he never did anything to turn away from it. Carrie had the smallest part of the movie and she seemed almost non-existent. Paul was probably the only orphan necessary for the story to progress. I would only recommend this film to those who are either fans of the classic Disney films or a parent who wants to show their children something different. Although it won an Oscar for special effects and is considered a classic, Disney's Bedknob and Broomsticks is pretty average.