Music Magic The Sherman Brothers Bedknobs And Broomsticks
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a 1971 musical film produced by Walt Disney Productions. The film is a mix of live-action and animation, featuring three children who are evacuated from London during World War II and find themselves in the care of a witch-in-training. The film was directed by Robert Stevenson and stars Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson. The music for the film was composed by the legendary Sherman Brothers, who were responsible for many classic Disney songs.
The Sherman Brothers
The Sherman Brothers, Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, were American songwriters who wrote many of the most popular Disney songs of all time. Their partnership with Disney began in 1960 with the song "Tall Paul" for the film "Summer Magic". They went on to write the songs for a number of Disney films, including "Mary Poppins", "The Jungle Book", and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks".
Robert and Richard were born in New York City and began writing songs together as teenagers. They had their first big hit in 1958 with the song "Tall Paul", which was recorded by Annette Funicello. They went on to write songs for a number of popular artists, including Connie Francis, Bobby Vee, and Johnny Burnette.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Bedknobs and Broomsticks was released in 1971 and was the last Disney film to be produced using traditional animation techniques until the release of "The Little Mermaid" in 1989. The film was adapted from a series of children's books by Mary Norton and was directed by Robert Stevenson, who had previously directed "Mary Poppins".
The film tells the story of three children who are evacuated from London during World War II and sent to live with an eccentric woman named Eglantine Price, played by Angela Lansbury. Eglantine is a witch-in-training who is trying to learn a spell that will help England win the war. With the help of a magic bedknob, the children embark on a series of adventures that take them to a magical island and back in time to the days of King Arthur.
The Music of Bedknobs and Broomsticks
The music for Bedknobs and Broomsticks was composed by the Sherman Brothers and features some of their most memorable songs. The film's opening number, "The Old Home Guard", sets the tone for the film and introduces the theme of wartime Britain. Other highlights include "The Age of Not Believing", a poignant ballad sung by Angela Lansbury, and "Portobello Road", a lively number that showcases the film's mix of live-action and animation.
The Sherman Brothers also wrote the score for the film, which includes a number of instrumental pieces that help to set the mood and create a sense of magic and wonder. The score was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and is one of the highlights of the film.
Legacy of Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Bedknobs and Broomsticks was a commercial success when it was released in 1971 and has since become a beloved classic. The film has been released on DVD and Blu-ray and is regularly shown on television. The music of the Sherman Brothers continues to be celebrated and is a testament to their enduring legacy.
Overall, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a delightful film that combines humor, adventure, and magic. The Sherman Brothers' music is an integral part of the film and helps to create a sense of wonder and excitement. If you haven't seen Bedknobs and Broomsticks, it's definitely worth checking out!