HALLOWEENTOWN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Every day this month, resident horror movie enthusiast and 828newsNOW staff reporter Pruett Norris is recommending a Halloween film for your macabre amusement.
Whether they be monster movies or fearsome family films, demonic possessions or slasher sensations, this exercise hopes to encourage spooky seasonal “scream”ings at home or in cinemas.
As the old saying goes, “trick or treat, trick or treat, give me something good to…watch.”
Day 16: I MARRIED A WITCH (1942, 74 min., directed by René Clair)
It may not be the traditional definition, but “oldie goldies” has to refer to Veronica Lake and her instantly identifiable blonde hair when it comes to films of the 1940s.
Lake, star of prestigious and beloved films like “Sullivan’s Travels,” was renowned for her “peekaboo” haircut and mischievous screen persona. In 1942, she brought both to French director René Clair, who cast her in his delightful romantic comedy, “I Married a Witch.”
The film, only an hour and 17 minutes long, is a incredibly charming tale of a magical mayhem-wreaking father and daughter team who get caught up in local politics when they’re freed from a tree after nearly 300 years of imprisonment. The exposition is sped through blissfully quickly.
Their captor was a great ancestor of the central politician, Wallace “Wally” Wooley, played here by Fredric March. March is to be married to the daughter of a prominent city luminary in a matter of days, giving Lake and her father a short window of time to cause vengeful chaos on their captor’s descendant.
Naturally, hijinks ensue, and a flirtatiously witchy Lake winds up with a flustered and flummoxed Wooley. It’s adorable screwball fun.
The film feels like an early template for shows like the 1960s sitcom “Bewitched” and is an impressive showcase for 40s special effects.
Brew up some love potions and call it a date night: “I Married a Witch” is a Halloween delight.
“I Married a Witch” is available to stream on Max.
Looking for more October movie recommendations? Read the rest of the 828boosNOW archive:
DAY 1: BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
DAY 3: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS
DAY 5: SCOOBY-DOO! AND THE WITCH’S GHOST
DAY 7: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT
DAY 8: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS