About I Married a Witch

'I Married a Witch' is a comedy fantasy film, released in 1942. The film, directed by French filmmaker, René Clair, is based on a novel by Thorne Smith called 'The Passionate Witch'. The story revolves around a 17th-century witch, Jennifer, who is burned by Puritans, and curses the Wooley family so that their marriages are tormented for generations. Centuries later, she is accidentally freed by lightning, and endeavours to torment the latest Wooley but instead ends up falling in love with him.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by René Clair and Preston Sturges and was filmed under the United Artists banner. The unique blend of fantasy, romance and comedy made the film a timeless classic. It was one of the inspirations behind the hit TV series "Bewitched".

Actors

• Veronica Lake as Jennifer: She portrays the mischievous yet charming witch who sets the plot in motion.
• Fredric March as Wallace Wooley: He plays the cursed latest Wooley, who unexpectedly ends up being Jennifer's love interest.
• Robert Benchley as Dr. Dudley White: He plays Wooley's best friend who provides comedic relief throughout the film.
• Cecil Kellaway as Daniel: As Jennifer's father, he perfectly portrays a loveable, eccentric old wizard.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was one of the major inspirations for the hit TV show, "Bewitched".
• Director René Clair and lead actor Fredric March reportedly did not get along during production.
• Despite being a witch, Jennifer's character cannot perform magic unless she’s in possession of a flask containing magical potion.

Awards

The film did not win any formal awards at the time but is highly regarded as a classic and has been named one of the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.

Quotes

• "Can't you understand? I'm in love with you, you great oaf!" - Jennifer
• "Marriage, my foot! I'm marrying her, you're only getting the license." - Wallace Wooley
• "You seem to have a pretty spineless lot of ancestors." - Jennifer to Wallace

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Roy Webb, a notable composer of the time.
• Some tracks include "Always and Always", "Prelude and Fugue in C Minor", and "Magic Brew".