‘I Married a Witch’ (1942) Review

I Married a Witch Synopsis: A beautiful 17th-century witch returns to life to plague politician Wallace Wooley, a descendant of her persecutor.


I Married A Witch
Starring: Veronica Lake, Fredric March
Directed by: René Clair
Written by: Marc Connelly, Robert Pirosh
Released: 10.30.1942
Runtime: 74 minutes
Rated: NR

In 1692 New England, Jennifer (Veronica Lake) is about to be burned at the stake for witchcraft, along with her father, Daniel. Before death, she casts a curse on her accuser, Jonathan Wooley, condemning all the men in future generations to marry the wrong woman.

Jennifer and Daniel’s remains are buried beneath a tree to imprison their spirits. 250 years later, lightning strikes the tree, freeing Jennifer and Daniel’s spirits. Jennifer sets her sights on Wallace Wooley, the latest descendant of her accuser (Fredric March). Determined to make his life even more miserable, she uses a love potion to make him fall in love with her—leading to unexpected consequences.

I have had I Married a Witch on my watchlist for nearly a year, but it felt right to save it until the spooky season began. At 74 minutes, this is a movie that I may watch again when October comes back around. It’s a wonderfully outrageous film, carried by Veronica Lake’s captivating performance. There’s no question that she is the star here, mischievous, charming, and seductive. March’s role is certainly not as flashy but he brings a charming everyman quality to Wooley.

Lake and March famously feuded on set, and I can’t help but wonder if some of that tension spilled over into their performances. Jennifer finds tormenting Wallace to be quite a treat, while Wallace is perplexed by Jennifer and attempts, at least initially, to resist her. Even when they’re married, some apprehension still lingers between them, at least from Wallace.

I Married a Witch is a clever commentary on love, marriage, and the consequences of our actions. Jennifer gives up her devious (and probably more fun) life as a witch to become a wife and mother, stating to Wallace that “love is stronger than witchcraft”—though we never really know for sure if her enduring love for Wallace is real or if the love potion she drank is the reason for the path she chooses. Perhaps the right kind of love can tame a witch, after all.

By today’s standards, the special effects are pretty dated, but I didn’t mind them at all, as they add a certain nostalgic charm to the film. Several sequences made me laugh—Wallace’s derailed wedding to his political sponsor’s daughter, for one—and I have always loved how bitingly witty the dialogue of these Hollywood classics can be. I Married a Witch is no different. It’s a whimsical, lively-paced movie that reflects on the magic of love, both good and bad.

If you are a fan of classic cinema, or maybe you just want something lighthearted and romantic with a supernatural bent for this time of year, I recommend giving I Married a Witch a watch!

I Married A Witch 'I Married A Witch' (1942) Review

Watched: 10.10.2024
Notable Song: I Love You Truly

Rating:

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