Witness the worst witch is a 1986 television film based on the book series of the same name by Jill Murphy. The film follows the story of Mildred Hubble, a young witch-in-training who attends Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. However, Mildred is often clumsy and accident-prone, earning her the reputation of being the worst witch in the school. Despite her best efforts, Mildred always seems to find herself in trouble and causing chaos. This leads to many humorous and entertaining situations throughout the film. Whether it's turning her classmates into pigs or causing potions to explode, Mildred's magical mishaps are a constant source of entertainment.
Follow the life of young Mildred Hubble, who goes to Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. It is a school of magic and the good-hearted, yet clumsy Hubble tends to get into catastrophic situations. Her blundering personality makes her famous as the worst witch in the entire school. Miss Cackle, Hubble’s headmistress, is usually compassionate, whereas Miss Hardbroom, her form teacher, finds her to be lazy. In the Worst Witch theatre production, you will see Mildred’s school friends come to life. Like Maud Spellbody, a rational girl trying to get past confusion, as well as the hilarious Enid Nightshade who gets them all into trouble. Their rival is the snobbish and ill-mannered Ethel Hallow, their high-born classmate who’s vengeful towards them. See witches falling off their broomsticks, spells and potions going wrong, humans turning into worms and a lot more during this magical play!
The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. It can be helpful to think about who the child might be able to link up with in a new setting, or what other comforting items might bring relief should they need it.
Whether it's turning her classmates into pigs or causing potions to explode, Mildred's magical mishaps are a constant source of entertainment. Despite her shortcomings, Mildred is determined to prove herself and become a successful witch. With the help of her loyal friends, Maud and Enid, Mildred must navigate the challenges of school life and overcome the obstacles in her path.
The Worst Witch
This book is about Mildred Hubble, who is in the first year of Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. Although the book has was written some time ago, many children can relate to the setting and the depiction of the teachers and the school rules. It humorously captures the struggles of starting somewhere new and feeling inept.
What does it help Children to think about?
Though Mildred, we experience the challenge of managing oneself away from home, in a setting where rules are imposed, and they are not always administered fairly. This may be in a new school, during residential trips, or for some children, experiences of being in care.
Additionally, Mildred has to master new challenges such as riding her broomstick, training her cat and making spells. There are no parents present to help her with these tasks, the only parental figures are the teachers; the more benign, yet distant Miss Cackle, and the less kind and more present Miss Hardbroom. These seem to represent different aspects of parental authority, and initially make the reader feel quite remote from any ‘good’ parental figure.
Mildred has to ‘find her brave’ with friends, and throughout the story, her relationship with Maud supports her. However, some of the other peer relationships are more problematic and we witness the difficulties that she gets into when she tries to sort things out herself. It is at the point that she feels that she has lost all her friends that she runs away. Nevertheless, it is her care and concern for her peers that helps to her to both be brave and stop the rival witches and return to face the consequences of her actions.
What other advice might you give to parents when talking to their child about being away from home?
This would depend on the age of the child, and the type of absence involved. In many circumstances, it can be helpful to talk through what the experience might be like for the child, acknowledging the mixture of possible feelings that one may have – e.g. that a residential trip isn’t just exciting, nor is it only scary. It can be helpful to think about who the child might be able to link up with in a new setting, or what other comforting items might bring relief should they need it.
Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, self-belief, and the true meaning of being a witch. Witness the worst witch is a lighthearted and fun film that appeals to audiences of all ages. It captures the magic and excitement of the original book series, bringing the characters to life on the screen. The film is filled with memorable moments, from Miss Hardbroom's strict teachings to the mischievous pranks of Mildred's classmates. One of the film's highlights is the performances of its talented cast. Actress Fairuza Balk brings a charming and endearing quality to the character of Mildred Hubble, capturing her vulnerabilities and determination. Similarly, Dame Diana Rigg delivers a powerful performance as the stern and no-nonsense Miss Hardbroom, creating a memorable and captivating character. As the film progresses, Mildred faces various challenges and learns important lessons about achieving her goals. She discovers that being perfect isn't everything and that embracing one's flaws and imperfections can lead to growth and self-discovery. The film's message of self-acceptance and perseverance is an important one, resonating with viewers of all ages. In conclusion, Witness the worst witch is an enchanting film that brings the beloved book series to life. Its portrayal of Mildred Hubble's journey to become a successful witch is filled with humor, adventure, and valuable life lessons. Whether you're a fan of the books or new to the story, this film is a delightful and magical experience that is worth watching..
Reviews for "Finding Inspiration in 'The Worst Witch': How the Film Shaped a Generation"
1. Karen - 1 star
I watched "Witness the Worst Witch 1986" with high hopes due to its cult following, but it left me utterly disappointed. The acting was cringe-worthy and the plot was completely nonsensical. The special effects were laughable, making the whole production look cheap and amateurish. I couldn't understand why this movie has such a dedicated fan base, as I found it to be a complete waste of time.
2. Mike - 2 stars
I have to admit, I am a fan of cheesy 80s movies, but "Witness the Worst Witch 1986" was just too much even for me. The storyline was incoherent and poorly developed, leaving me confused and uninterested. The performances were lackluster, and it felt like the actors were just going through the motions. I appreciate the nostalgic value that this movie may hold for some, but personally, I couldn't find anything redeeming about it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
As a lover of witch-themed movies, I was excited to watch "Witness the Worst Witch 1986." However, it failed to live up to my expectations. The dialogues were cliché and the characters were one-dimensional. The pacing was off, with unnecessary musical numbers that only dragged the film further. Overall, it felt like a poorly executed attempt to cash in on the popularity of witch movies during that era. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a quality witch-themed film.