Veronica Lake: I Married a Witch Veronica Lake was an American actress and model known for her sultry beauty and signature hairstyle. She rose to fame in the 1940s, starring in a series of successful films. One of her most notable roles was in the comedy-fantasy film "I Married a Witch" released in 1942. "I Married a Witch" is a romantic comedy directed by René Clair. The film tells the story of a witch named Jennifer, played by Veronica Lake, who, after being burned at the stake in the 17th century, is resurrected 300 years later. She sets out to take revenge on the descendants of the man who sentenced her to death.
"Long, long ago, when people still believed in witches," Fredric March dressed as a pilgrim and kept his Puritan reputation squeaky clean when he pointed the finger at Jennifer who chased him into a hayloft and cursed him and all descendants to be forever unhappy in love and marriage. Jennifer and her father, Daniel, were burned at the stake, their ashes buried with an oak tree planted over top to keep their evil spirits in place through all eternity. From there they amused themselves in watching Jennifer's curse take effect over generations of Wooley men throughout time.
The film is also brimming with classic witchy tropes, the sort that should be irresistible to anyone who counts kitschier later works like Hocus Pocus, The Witches of Eastwick, and Practical Magic among their favorites. Contemporary viewers may also find themselves rolling their eyes a bit at Jennifer s manic-pixie-dream-witch characterization a slight offense to anyone allergic to mansplaining.
She sets out to take revenge on the descendants of the man who sentenced her to death. However, she falls in love with the modern-day descendant, Wallace Wooley, played by Fredric March. The film received positive reviews for its witty dialogue and charming performances.
I Married A Witch
Mischievous and smoldering in equal measure, Veronica Lake (Sullivan’s Travels) commands the 1942 romantic comedy I Married a Witch. While her early-’40s period of stardom was brief, this underrated, delightfully frivolous film showcases Lake’s sly charm.
The iconic blonde plays Jennifer, a 17th-century witch who, along with her father, is burned at the stake in Salem after being denounced by a Puritan named Jonathan Wooley. Before her death, Jennifer curses the Wooley family, ensuring that every male descendent will be unlucky in love. Centuries later, the father-daughter duo’s spirits are reawakened, and Jennifer takes human form in order to torture Wallace (Frederic March, who had previously won an Academy Award for his lead performance in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, 1931), a living Wooley man who is slated for marriage and a gubernatorial win. When Jennifer accidentally drinks a love potion she had concocted for Wallace, her plan goes awry and the romantic tables turn.
The convincing chemistry between Lake and March drives the film, which is surprising considering the well-known acrimony between the two actors behind-the-scenes. In pre-production March was quoted as calling Lake “a brainless little blonde sexpot, void of any acting ability” and Lake responded by calling March a “pompous poseur” and (allegedly) playing pranks on him throughout filming. René Clair, who was previously renowned for his funny, often fantastical silent films in France (The Italian Straw Hat, 1928; Under the Roofs of Paris, 1930), utilizes charming visual gags that laid the groundwork for future witch-centric popular media such as Bewitched: broomsticks appear sentient and zip around, Lake works spells next to a bubbling black cauldron, and the disembodied spirits regularly travel around in the form talking wisps of smoke.
I Married a Witch screens tonight, January 13, and again on January 30, in a new digital restoration. It is part of “To Save and Project: The 19th MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation.”
Veronica Lake's portrayal of Jennifer, the mischievous witch, was praised for her comedic timing and alluring presence. Her chemistry with Fredric March was also highly praised, adding to the film's romantic appeal. The success of "I Married a Witch" further cemented Veronica Lake's status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Her unique combination of beauty and talent made her a sought-after actress during the 1940s. She continued to star in successful films such as "This Gun for Hire" and "The Blue Dahlia". In addition to her acting career, Veronica Lake also faced personal challenges. She struggled with alcoholism and had a tumultuous personal life. Despite these difficulties, she remains an iconic figure in the history of cinema, remembered for her contribution to the golden age of Hollywood. Veronica Lake's role in "I Married a Witch" showcased her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring charm and charisma to the screen. The film continues to be celebrated for its enchanting storyline and the timeless performance of its leading lady. Veronica Lake's portrayal of Jennifer remains a memorable part of her legacy, ensuring her place in film history..
Reviews for "The Witch's Lover: Veronica Lake's Surreal Marriage Tale"
1. Mike - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Veeonica lake i marride a witch". The storyline felt disjointed and the acting was subpar. I did not connect with any of the characters and found myself bored throughout the entire film. The humor also fell flat for me and I didn't find any of the jokes funny. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star
"Veeonica lake i marride a witch" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was extremely predictable and lacked any depth or originality. The chemistry between the lead actors was non-existent, making it difficult to care about their relationship. The film also suffered from poor production quality, with cheesy special effects that took away from the overall viewing experience. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a well-crafted and entertaining film.
3. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Veeonica lake i marride a witch", but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The script felt weak, with shallow character development and a lackluster storyline. The pacing was also off, with certain scenes feeling dragged out while important plot points were rushed. Additionally, the dialogue was often cheesy and cringeworthy, making it hard to take the movie seriously. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing and forgettable film that I wouldn't watch again.