The Worst Witch (film)

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The Worst Witch
The Worst Witch cover.jpg
VHS cover
Based on The Worst Witch
by Jill Murphy
Screenplay byMary Pleshette Willis
Directed by Robert W. Young
Starring Diana Rigg
Tim Curry
Charlotte Rae
Fairuza Balk
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producer Hilary Heath
ProducerColin Shindler
CinematographyIan Hollands
EditorAndrew Denny
Running time70 minutes
Production company Central
Original release
Network ITV
Release1 November 1986 (1986-11-01)

The Worst Witch is a 1986 British musical fantasy television film based on the 1974 children's book of the same name by Jill Murphy.

Contents

Plot

The film follows the plot of the 1974 book. The story centres around Mildred Hubble, who is invariably the "Worst Witch" at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. [1] Mildred causes many mishaps, including being late for school, making all of her classmates fall down, Mildred and her friend unintentionally turning themselves invisible, and transforming the class bully Ethel into a pig. The climax surrounds Miss Cackle's notorious evil twin sister, Agatha, plotting to take over the academy. Ultimately Agatha is foiled by Mildred, and Mildred establishes herself as the hero for the academy.

Cast

Production

The film was shot at St. Michael's College in Tenbury Wells. [2]

Soundtrack

Its opening and closing song "Growing Up Isn't Easy" was performed by Bonnie Langford and was composed by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Don Black. The pair also wrote "Anything Can Happen on Halloween". Denis King composed the film's score and wrote the song "My Little School".

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References

  1. Gilbert, Sophie (30 October 2015). "'The Worst Witch': An Appreciation of the Best/Worst Halloween Movie in 30 Years". The Atlantic. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  2. Heffley, Lynne (21 October 1986). "TV REVIEW: TRICKS SPOIL THE TREATS IN HBO'S 'WORST WITCH'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 12 January 2023.