- Film Review
- Reviewed By Tom Hutchinson
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3 out of 5
Roald Dahl's book about a little boy on a seaside holiday who discovers a witches' convention plotting to annihilate children is brilliantly brought to life in this fantasy adventure by director Nicolas Roeg. As chief witch, Anjelica Huston gets a gruesome Jim Henson's Creature Shop makeover, while Mai Zetterling is transformed into lavender and old lace as the boy's granny. Memorable sequences include the one in which the boy is turned into a mouse. Children should hold their parents' hands through some of it - grown-ups are notoriously nervous.
Plot Summary
Fantasy adventure starring Anjelica Huston and Mai Zetterling. After the death of his parents, young Luke visits England. His grandmother, Helga, has warned Luke about witches so he's not surprised when he discovers that their seaside hotel is hosting an English witch convention. However, the star guest at the convention is the Grand High Witch, who reveals her dastardly plan to turn the nation's children into rodents.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Miss Ernst / Grand High Witch
- Anjelica Huston
- Helga
- Mai Zetterling
- Mr Jenkins
- Bill Paterson
- Mrs Jenkins
- Brenda Blethyn
- Mr Stringer
- Rowan Atkinson
- Luke
- Jasen Fisher
- Bruno Jenkins
- Charlie Potter
- Miss Irvine
- Jane Horrocks
- Woman in black
- Anne Lambton
- Elsie
- Jenny Runacre
- Head chef
- Jim Carter
Crew
- Director
- Nicolas Roeg
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