This British TV movie was based on the first book in the popular series, which was written and illustrated by Jill Murphy. Set in a school for young witches, it's a predecessor to HARRY POTTER. I wonder if J.K. Rowling was inspired by this tale? But in light of the monster success of Rowling's "boy who lived" book series and its big budgeted feature films, THE WORST WITCH, sadly, looks like a pale imitation.
Mildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk, THE CRAFT) is the worst witch in her all-girl witching school. Miss Hardbroom (Diana Rigg, 1970’s JULIUS CAESAR) is always giving her a hard time and the snobby Ethel Hallow (Anna Kipling, TIME AFTER TIME) is always making her look like a fool. However, the school’s head mistress Miss Cackle (Charlotte Rae, TV’s FACTS OF LIFE) keeps encouraging Mildred. What the school doesn’t know is that Miss Cackle’s twin sister Agatha is plotting to take over the school. All of this occurs as the school prepares for a guest visit from The Grand Wizard (Tim Curry, ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW).
The story is fun and whimsical. Balk is charming as a little witch who tries her best, but bumbles through everything she does. Her broom-flying class really sticks out in my mind. Rae is wonderful in her dual roles. Those who remember her from FACTS and DIFF'RENT STROKES will not find the perpetually flabbergasted Mrs. Garrett. She brings quiet and kind strength and leadership to Miss Cackle and the plays up the devilish side as Agatha. Kipling is effective as the conventional snobby rich girl, who we love to hate. And come on, Tim Curry is always fun.
However, the viewer must keep in mind that the movie was made for TV in 1986 and the special effects really show this fact. The effects date the film, but the thing that really throws the production off is the inclusion of two horrible songs. Cheesy ‘80s music video production styles don’t help the tunes either. The low budget production values are really such the life out of the story.
Despite the bumps, the film was at least entertaining. The acting is good. Balk makes us care about her character. We want to see her finally succeed. But it is hard to get around the dated feeling of this 18-year-old production. I recommend it for younger kids who like HARRY POTTER, and for everyone else, I recommend just watching any of the HARRY POTTER films.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
