When a young American boy, Luke, goes to stay with his grandmother in Norway with his parents, she tells him stories about witches who kidnap and kill children. After his parents are killed in a car accident, Luke and his grandmother, Helga, move to England. On Luke’s birthday, Helga becomes ill and is diagnosed with diabetes. The doctor recommends a holiday by the seaside, so the two set off to a hotel in beautiful Cornwall. At the same time, the RSPCC (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) are due to have their annual meeting at the hotel ballroom. Luke goes to the ballroom to find his runaway mouse, before the room becomes filled with women. The women, however, are not really from the RSPCC.
This in a great Roald Dahl movie. I have yet to read the book, so I can’t really compare. I first saw this at a young age, and I remember being rather frightened by the boys being transformed into mice and then the witches transforming at the end. The movie is just so delightfully English.
Most British children can probably relate to Luke. A lot of us go on a holiday to the seaside with a parent or family member, and go exploring and meet another kid with their parents. Not only that, but we hear stories about witches and monsters that caution us to stay away from strangers and look under the bed and in the cupboard before we can sleep. When I was a kid, I couldn’t sleep with my bedroom door closed.
The casting is great. Anjelica Huston plays the Grand High Witch, and Jane Horrocks plays her assistant. The hotel manager is played by Mr Bean actor, Rowan Atkinson. Not only that but the movie was produced by the late great Jim Henson. Give it a try. It may have some disturbing moments, but it also has some great ones, too.
Linsey Loves Horror 