Maidgethma Wonderfully offbeat film!

2hotFeature one of my absolute favorites!

PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

TheLittleSongbird Despite being a younger viewer of 'Bewitched', with the show being aired well before my time, one doesn't need to have been born in the 1960s or before to feel that the 60s was a great decade for television, 'The Munsters', 'The Addams Family', 'Doctor Who' and 'Bewitched' being just a few very good to classic shows.'Bewitched' may not be a perfect or completely magical show, but at its best (with the early seasons being better than the later ones) it was utterly bewitching viewing that puts a spell on fans and doesn't make the mistake of trying to put too much into the cauldron. A mistake that the frustrating missed opportunity that was the 2005 film based on the show committed.The later seasons did have some overripe acting (Alice Ghostley for example) and some of the story lines lack the freshness of those of the early seasons, some being lacking in variety and feeling a little stale.However, 'Bewitched' has production values that were clearly made with love and affection and the slick photography complements them well. For the 60s, the show does still look pretty good. The effects are not always special (particularly early on) and there could have been more of them but most of the time they are hardly slapdash, make interesting use of film techniques and have a good deal of charm, putting some effects seen on television these days, and in the past 30 years or so, to shame.When it comes to the music, 'Bewitched' is unique especially in, as has been picked up upon in its critical reception, the synthesised sound of nose twitching. The theme tune is memorable. The writing is very funny, touchingly charming, very snappy, provokes thought and is very true to life. The early episodes narration delivered by an uncredited Jose Ferrer gave a lot of sociological insight into a witch adapting to life in middle class suburbia and her role in society.Most of the story lines have a real magical charm and have a huge amount of humour and truth. That they do these so well more than makes up for the formulaic nature of them that one is willing to overlook. The sociological insight is fascinating, though nowadays viewers may find what is said and the sociological insights very of the time.Particularly successful are the large assortment of likable characters and the large cast clearly having the time of their lives. A large part of 'Bewitched's' charm is the peerless acting of lovely Elizabeth Montgomery. Likewise with Agnes Moorehead, one cannot imagine anybody else as Endora (certainly not equalling her if tried let alone outshining, Moorehead was one of a kind).Her chemistry with a splendidly neurotic Dick York is one of the best in the history of television, though York and Montgomery aren't that far behind either. Dick Sargeant does a valiant effort filling big shoes replacing York and does a good job, though he lacks York's spark. In secondary roles, the hilarious turns from Bernard Fox and especially Paul Lynde stand out.In summary, utterly bewitching. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Movie Enthusiast I generally like this sitcom very much. I have seen most all episodes, but over the years I have watched them over and over again. Especially when I feel sad or down - whenever Stephens cozy home and Samanthas twitchy nose appears on the screen, I instantly feel better. The creators of the show nailed it when creating the overall "universe" and atmosphere of the show. Also, even though I do not always like Samanthas character from artistic point of view, Samantha as a character and as presented by Elizabeth Montgomery has a kind of therapeutic impact on me. Samantha (as an on-screen character) has a great calming impact and also has a sort of protective motherly energy which I do not get from anywhere in real life - but sometimes need badly. She is this "Good fairy god-mother archetype", a supernatural female protector. Their home comes across as very cozy also, no wonder that many other characters - both humans and supernatural - want to stay there as well - uninvited. I also love the gallery of kooky characters they created over the years.As for acting, I think in first 3 seasons Montgomerys and Darrin-actors acting was the most "wooden" one. Even though I loved them both, I noticed that none of their conversations or reactions flow naturally. their acting had almost amateurish quality in my opinion. Montgomerys Samantha became much more natural when they changed the Darrin actor due to first Darrins health problems. In the first 3 seasons, Samantha never got really angry or sad about anything, even in most desperate situations or when Darrin or somebody else had done something really annoying. That was kind of unnatural. I liked it much more when Samantha started to have some believable reactions, like getting properly angry or worried.In fact, when it comes to acting, I think Montgomery did a much better job as Serena. She really had fun with that character, and I always waited for Serena to turn up. Also even though I knew it was Montgomery as well, I always forgot about it because she came across as a totally different actress. It is also notable how well Samanthas and Serenas reactions to each other were played out - come to think of, it was all one actress who had to react to her own self! My favorite character however was Endora. I think it was Darrin who treated her badly, not the other way around. My other favorite characters: Serena, aunt Clara, Larry, and, of course the Kravitzes. I think both first and second Gladys Kravitz actress did a great job, creating two versions of a snoopy neighbor. Abner Kravitzes reactions to his wife's snooping antics were priceless.As for flaws, I already mentioned some wooden quality in the main couples acting in first 3 seasons or so. The other thing, I necessarily did not like the general morals it seemed to be preaching. It was a very fifties moral, where the wife's place - even the supernaturally gifted and beautiful wife's "right" place is only at home. Whenever Samantha accidentally shined in any area in mortal world (besides being a gifted which) Darrin immediately put her down. Even if Samantha did it to help Darrin (which she did most of the time, she was very selfless most of the time, putting everybody elses well-being ahead of her own).Also, Samantha was born as a which - if Darrin loved her for right reasons - such as for being what she is - he should never have demanded that Samantha give up her which craft. As compared to kind, broadminded and helpful Samantha Darrin comes across as really selfish, petty minded and limited person. What we see on the screen, is how he constantly criticizes Samantha, cancels their special dinner appointments, loads some extra unexpected wifely duties on Samantha and constantly gets seduced by other women. However for some reason Samantha stands by him, saying Darrin is kind and loving man. Smantha treats his relative with kindness and respect, yet Darrin is very rude to all Samanthas relatives.Just like Endora, as a viewer I want to know what does she see in that chauvinist moron of a man? However, in spite of the flaws there is some timeless magic in that show, and the positive sides outweigh the negatives. So I think I keep watching the old episodes over and over again.

Maddyclassicfilms Bewitched was created by Sol Saks and it stars Elizabeth Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, Dick York, Dick Sargent, Paul Lynde, David White and Maurice Evans.It tells the story of kind and generous advertising man Darren Stephens(Dick York and Dick Sargent)who meets and falls in love with the lovely Samantha(Elizabeth Montgomery).So far so good except after they are married Darren discovers she's a real witch.The two of them are fine about it though but her family are not.It's encounters with Samatha's bizarre family that make this series so great who could forget the mother-in-law from hell Endora(the wonderful Agnes Moorehead),suave father Maurice(Maurice Evans),hopeless aunt Clara(Marion Lorne)and the ultimate prankster the unforgettable,ever lovable Uncle Arthur(Paul Lynde).There's also the bafflement of Darrens boss and friend Larry Tate(David White)over the strange things that always seem to happen when he's around the couple.This is one that never fails to make me laugh(and who could forget the nose twitch),it features a great cast and has some truly memorable moments if you've never seen it buy the boxset because it's worth every penny.

sonya90028 Bewitched was one of several 60s comedies, that had fantasy themes. Other shows in the same genre, included I Dream Of Jeannie, The Adams Family, The Flying Nun, Mister Ed, My Favorite Martian, etc. Bewitched's shtick revolved around an ordinary housewife, who had extraordinary magical powers. Samantha Stevens happened to be a witch, who was married to her husband, Darrin. Darrin was a regular guy (a mortal in witche's lingo) without magical powers, just like the rest of us. Darrin had to deal not only with the powers of his wife, but also his wife's many relatives, including his little daughter, Tabitha. Samantha and her witchy family, were always twitching their noses and conjuring-up chaos, for poor Darrin. He was forever trying to hide Samantha's, and her family's, supernatural mischief from his boss, Larry Tate.Elizabeth Montgomery was excellent in her role as suburban wife, mother, and witch, Samantha Stevens. There were two different actors who played Darrin, throughout the series. Both of them, coincidently, had the same first name; Dick. Dick York, played Darrin early in the series. Dick Sargent, stepped into the role of Darrin, after Dick York left the show in 1969. To me, Dick York was better than Dick Sargent, as the high-strung, overwrought Darrin Stevens. Other supporting cast members, really shone in this series. Especially David White as Darrin's demanding boss, Larry Tate. And also Agnes Moorehead, as Samantha's meddling mother, Endora.Bewitched was a very entertaining show, that was enjoyable for all ages. And it's really stood the test of time. I highly recommend it, for fans of '60s sitcoms.