c. 1998 Religion News Service
UNDATED _ Witches _ both good and wicked _ have been recurring characters in American films for 60 years. The”Witchcraft”listing in”Videohound’s Golden Movie Retriever”features nearly 100 movies available on video. Here are some of the more memorable and important films:
The Wizard of Oz (1939).
This Oscar-winning classic film, which is scheduled for a technically enhanced theatrical re-release next month (its first such showing in 25 years), features both the beautiful Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and the unforgettably creepy Wicked Witch of the West.
I Married a Witch (1942).
Veronica Lake is executed during the Salem witch craze, then comes back centuries later to descendants of her tormentors, falling in love with one of them.
The Crucible (1957).
This acclaimed version of Arthur Miller’s play about the Salem witch trials features a screenplay by Jean-Paul Sartre and French dialogue with English subtitles.
Bell, Book and Candle (1958).
First, young witch Kim Novak decides to forego her special powers. Then, when she falls for James Stewart, she uses a spell to reel him in.
The Witches (1990).
Anjelica Huston delivers a haunting performance as a senior witch who, along with sister crones, threatens to turn children into mice. From a Roald Dahl story.
Hocus Pocus (1993).
More Salem witches wind up in the 20th century. This time, it’s Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker who cavort with evil glee.
The Craft (1996).
School’s a drag. Guys are hopeless. And parents are clueless. What are four high school girls to do? Practice witchcraft and harass their harassers, that’s what! Before it falls apart near the end, this popular slumber party rental helps viewers understand why some young women may be attracted to Wicca.
DEA END RABEY
