"I Married a Witch" is a classic romantic comedy film released in 1942 and directed by René Clair. The movie centers around the enchanting Jennifer played by Veronica Lake, who is a witch seeking revenge on her Salem descendant Wallace Wooley, portrayed by Fredric March. Wallace is a politician running for office, and Jennifer uses her magical powers to interfere with his life and ruin his chances of success. The plot takes an interesting turn when Jennifer falls in love with Wallace and decides to use her powers to help him instead. The movie showcases their unconventional love story as they navigate the challenges brought about by Jennifer's witchcraft and her desire for revenge. "I Married a Witch" is known for its imaginative storyline, witty dialogue, and exceptional performances by the lead actors.
I Married A Witch (1942)
I Married A Witch features Veronica Lake as a playful witch (Jennifer) determined to make the uptight Wallace Wooley (Fredric March) fall in love with her before he carries through on wedding plans with his snobby fiancé (Susan Hayward).
Coincidentally, Robert Benchley, the long-time friend of Dorothy Parker and Thorne Smith, appears as Wooley’s best friend, Dr. Dudley White.
While the film credits Thorne Smith's The Passionate Witch as the source material, it bears scant resemblance to the book.
Screenwriters Robert Pirosch, Marc Connelly, and Dalton Trumbo felt the novel made Jennifer too dark, which is something I have always felt about the novel as well. Based on the research I've done thus far, Thorne never got very far in the actual writing of the book before he died. Norman Matson completed the novel, working from the notes and outline Thorne had created.
I personally believe there are plenty of Thorne Smith-like elements in I Married A Witch that are usually not acknowledged in most reviews. Take Jennifer's father, Daniel (Cecil Kellaway) for example.
He is not in the book but he embodies the characteristics one might expect in a Thorne Smith novel; a warlock who gets so drunk he forgets the words to the spells he could easily use to escape jail or turn his jailer into a frog.
If you haven't seen this movie in awhile, you should really do yourself a favor and pick up the wonderful DVD edition Criterion released. It's by far the best copy you can add to your home video collection today. And it's perfect for watching with the family at Halloween .
Michael D. Walker
You can also watch this movie trailer on the Thorne Smith 1 YouTube channel at:
"I Married a Witch" is known for its imaginative storyline, witty dialogue, and exceptional performances by the lead actors. Veronica Lake captivates viewers with her bewitching charm and natural beauty, while Fredric March delivers a delightful performance as the confused and lovestruck Wallace. The film also employs impressive visual effects for its time, adding to the enchanting atmosphere and showcasing Jennifer's magical abilities.
More Thoughts on I Married A Witch
Here are more reviews for your enjoyment .
Criterion, the wonderful folks who have released the new digitally restored DVD of I Married A Witch, have posted a terrific review of the movie written by Guy Maddin. You can read that entire review by clicking here => Guy Maddin essay
You can also read the outstanding article below by Jeff Stafford.
The romantic comedy elements are skillfully blended with fantasy and supernatural elements, making it a unique and enjoyable movie experience. "I Married a Witch" is considered a significant influence on later literary and cinematic works, including the popular television series "Bewitched." The film's clever writing and endearing characters have made it a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences. Overall, "I Married a Witch" is a delightful and entertaining romantic comedy that combines elements of fantasy and witchcraft. With its charming story, talented cast, and memorable performances, it remains a beloved classic in the genre and a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and old Hollywood movies..
Reviews for "Rediscover the beauty of black and white films with 'I Married a Witch' on DVD"
1. John - 1 star
I found "I married a witch" to be quite disappointing. The story seemed shallow and predictable, lacking any depth or originality. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The comedy also fell flat for me, with most of the jokes failing to make me laugh. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this movie to others.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"I married a witch" failed to capture my attention or engage me throughout its duration. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with no clear direction or purpose. The chemistry between the lead actors was lacking, making their so-called romance unconvincing. The attempts at humor were forced and fell short, leaving me feeling underwhelmed. I regret watching this film and would advise others to skip it as well.
3. Tom - 2 stars
While "I married a witch" had an interesting concept, it failed to successfully execute it. The pacing was off, with the story moving too quickly to allow for any real emotional investment in the characters or their relationships. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the film on any level. Despite some visually appealing scenes, the overall experience fell flat and left me wanting more.
4. Emily - 1 star
"I married a witch" was a disappointing and forgettable film. The supposed comedy landed with a thud, and the romance between the main characters lacked any spark or chemistry. The story felt clichéd and predictable, leaving no surprises or memorable moments. The performances were lackluster, making it difficult to care about the fate of the characters. Overall, this movie failed to leave any lasting impression and is better off being skipped.