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This article is about the American television sitcom. For other uses, see Bewitched (disambiguation).
Bewitched
Series title screen
Genre Sitcom
Created by Sol Saks
Starring Elizabeth Montgomery
Dick York
Dick Sargent
Agnes Moorehead
David White
Theme music composer Howard Greenfield
Jack Keller
Composer(s) Warren Barker
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 8
No. of episodes 254 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Harry Ackerman
Producer(s) Danny Arnold
Jerry Davis
William Froug
William Asher
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time approx. 25 minutes
Production company(s) Screen Gems
Ashmont Productions (1971–72)
Distributor Columbia Pictures Television (1974-1984), Colex Enterprises (1984-1988), The Program Exchange (1980-1990, 2010-present), Columbia TriStar Domestic Television (1994-2002), Sony Pictures Television (2002-present)
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Picture format Black-and-white (1964–66)
Color (1966–72)
Audio format Monaural
Original run September 17, 1964 (1964-09-17) – July 1, 1972 (1972-07-01)
Chronology
Followed by Tabitha
Bewitched is an American situation comedy originally broadcast for eight seasons on ABC from 1964 to 1972, starring Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York (1964–1969), Dick Sargent (1969–1972), Agnes Moorehead and David White. The show is about a witch who marries a mortal and tries to lead the life of a typical suburban housewife. Bewitched continues to be seen throughout the world in syndication and on DVD and was the longest-running supernatural-themed sitcom of the 1960s–1970s era.
Contents [hide]
1 Premise and characters
1.1 Plot summary1.2 Setting1.3 Characters 1.3.1 Other recurring characters1.3.2 Historical, fictional, and contemporary characters
2 Cast
3 Production
3.1 Storylines repeated from I Love Lucy3.2 Timely topics3.3 Sets and locations
4 In popular culture
5 Spin-offs and remakes
5.1 Tabitha and Adam and the Clown Family5.2 Tabitha5.3 Passions5.4 Theatrical movie5.5 International television remakes
6 Episode availability
6.1 Syndication history6.2 Internet6.3 DVD releases
7 Further reading
8 References
9 External links
[edit] Premise and charactersSee also List of Bewitched episodes
[edit] Plot summaryA young-looking witch named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) meets and marries a mortal named Darrin Stephens (originally Dick York, later Dick Sargent). While Samantha pledges to forsake her powers and become a typical suburban housewife, her magical family disapproves of the mixed marriage and frequently interferes in the couple's lives. Episodes often begin with Darrin becoming the victim of a spell, the effects of which wreak havoc with mortals such as his boss, clients, parents, and neighbors. By the epilogue, however, Darrin and Samantha most often embrace and confound the devious elements that failed to separate them.
Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York as Samantha and Darrin Stephens, from a 1967 promo.Most female witches have names ending with the soft "-a" sound. Their male counterparts are known as "warlocks." The witches and warlocks are very long-lived; while Samantha appears to be in her twenties, many episodes suggest she is actually hundreds of years old. To keep their society secret, witches avoid showing their powers in front of mortals other than Darrin. Nevertheless, the perplexing inexplicable effects of their spells and Samantha's attempts to hide their supernatural origin from mortals drive the plot of most episodes. Witches and warlocks usually use physical gestures along with their magical spells, and sometimes spoken incantations. Most notably, Samantha often "twitches" her nose to perform a spell. Modest but effective special visual effects are accompanied by music to highlight the magic.
[edit] SettingThe main setting for most scenes is the Stephens' house at 1164 Morning Glory Circle (although in season 4's "How Green Was My Grass", house number 192 is used as a plot device). Many scenes also take place at the Madison Avenue advertising agency "McMann and Tate" for which Darrin works. The Stephens' home is located in a nearby upper-middle-class suburban neighborhood, either in Westport, Connecticut or within New York State, as indicated by conflicting information presented throughout the series.[1]
[edit] CharactersSamantha's mother, Endora (Agnes Moorehead), is the chief antagonist. Like all witches, she never reveals her surname, indicating to Darrin that he would be unable to pronounce it. Endora loathes mortals, and disapproves of Darrin, as do many of Samantha's relatives. Endora refuses to even use Darrin's name, alternatively calling him "Durwood," "What's-his-name," "Darwin," "Dum-Dum," etc., all much to his annoyance. She refers to him as "Darrin" only eight times during the entire series.[2] Many stories revolve around Endora, or another of Darrin's inlaws, using magic to undermine the union. Endora casts countless farcical spells on Darrin, but never attempts to outright destroy him. Endora's ploys to provoke a breakup always fail as Samantha's and Darrin's love overcomes every obstacle. When High Priestess Hephzibah expresses surprise that Darrin has withstood years of harassment from his mother-in-law, Endora can only shrug and admit, "He loves my daughter."
Agnes Moorehead as Endora.Darrin works as an executive at the McMann and Tate advertising agency. His profit-obsessed boss Larry Tate (David White) is a regular character, but Tate's partner, Mr. McMann, appears only twice during the series. Tate's opinions turn on a dime to appease a client in an attempt to land a deal. Many episodes culminate in a dinner party with clients at the Stephens' home that is humorously affected by magic. Samantha usually figures out a clever way to save the day and the account. Louise Tate (Irene Vernon, Kasey Rogers), Larry's wife, eventually becomes Samantha's closest mortal friend and, like Samantha, sometimes plays hostess to clients.
Across the street from Darrin and Samantha lives a retired couple, the nosy and tactless Gladys Kravitz (Alice Pearce, then Sandra Gould) and her husband Abner (George Tobias). Gladys's snooping often results in her witnessing witchcraft or its strange side effects. She frequently tries to prove Samantha is a witch, only to fail and be branded delusional by Abner.
Samantha's father, Maurice (Maurice Evans), is an urbane thespian much like Elizabeth Montgomery's father, Robert Montgomery. Maurice often embellishes his entrances and exits with strained Shakespearean verse. Bewitched is unique for mid-1960s sitcoms in that it portrays Endora and Maurice as an estranged married couple, their separation being implied. Endora once introduces Maurice as “my daughter's father,” and another time threatens to “move in” with Maurice. In the episode "Samantha's Good News," Endora threatens to file for an “ectoplasmic interlocutory” (i.e. divorce), only to wrangle Maurice's affection. Maurice also refers to Darrin with incorrect names, including "Duncan" and "Dustbin," with Endora going so far as to "correct" him, saying “That’s Durwood.”
Darrin's parents, the straight-laced Phyllis and laid-back Frank Stephens, visit occasionally but never learn of Samantha's supernatural powers. Phyllis (Mabel Albertson) makes inopportune surprise visits, and often complains of "a sick headache" after accidentally witnessing a spell in motion.
On Samantha's father's side of the family[3] is her far-out, egocentric lookalike cousin Serena. Also played by Elizabeth Montgomery, she is credited as "Pandora Spocks" (a spin on the phrase "Pandora's box") from 1969 to 1972. Serena is the antithesis of Samantha, in most episodes sporting a beauty mark on her cheek, raven-black cropped hair, and mod mini-skirts. Ever mischievous, Serena often chases after Darrin and Larry Tate (calling the white-haired Tate "Cotton-Top"), just for sport. More progressive than typical witches or warlocks, who generally abhor mortals, Samantha's counter-culture cousin occasionally dates some (including characters played by Jack Cassidy and Peter Lawford). Despite her wild behavior and frequent co-plotting with Endora, Serena ultimately supports Samantha and Darrin, even though she finds them both a bit "square."
Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde), Endora's prank-loving brother, makes several memorable appearances. Despite many practical jokes at Darrin's expense, Uncle Arthur seems to like him. In one episode, both Serena and Uncle Arthur go head-to-head with the Witches Council to support the Stephens' union, only to have their own powers suspended.
The only one of Samantha's relatives for whom Darrin regularly shows affection is the bumbling, absent-minded but lovable Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne). Though well-intentioned, Clara's spells usually backfire, and her entrances and exits are often a grand fumble, such as entering via a chimney or colliding with a wall. She has a collection of over a thousand doorknobs (inspired by Lorne's real-life collection). Rather than recast the role after Lorne's death in 1968, a similar witch, the anxiety-ridden and magically inept housekeeper Esmeralda (Alice Ghostley), was introduced in 1969.
In the second season, Samantha gives birth to a daughter, Tabitha (spelled Tabatha in production credits until season 5) and later in the series has a son, Adam. Both eventually prove to have supernatural powers. The Tates' son Jonathon is born several months before Tabitha.
A strange occurrence or condition caused by a supernatural illness is often used as a plot device. Assistance is often sought from the warlock Dr. Bombay (Bernard Fox) who is summoned by the phrase “Dr. Bombay, Dr. Bombay, emergency, come right away.” Dr. Bombay is a womanizer who often has a buxom assistant, and constantly cracks bad jokes. Help for supernatural illnesses is also occasionally sought from the unnamed witches’ apothecary (Bernie Kopell), an amorous old warlock.
[edit] Other recurring charactersAunt Enchantra and Aunt Hagatha, Samantha's aunts. They occasionally ride in an antique car called "Macbeth" (sometimes driven by chauffeur Rasputin, other times operating sans driver) which enters the Stephens home through the wall. Enchantra was played by three different actresses, while Hagatha was played by five, including Reta Shaw and Ysabel MacCloskey. Starting at the end of season 4, Hagatha sometimes appears to babysit Tabitha, and later Adam.
The "drunk guy" (Dick Wilson) shows up in various bars, jail cells and sidewalks to witness acts of witchcraft.
Betty, the secretary at McMann and Tate, played by various actresses.
Sheila Sommers (Nancy Kovack), Darrin's wealthy ex-fiancée and nemesis for Samantha. Twice in the series (the premiere episode, "I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha" and "Snob in the Grass") she brazenly tries to seduce Darrin, only to be stopped by Samantha and her powers. The character also appears in the 1968 episode "If they Never Met."
Howard McMann, Larry Tate's business partner, played by Roland Winters in "Man of the Year" (139) and Leon Ames in "What Makes Darrin Run" (191).
Miss Peabody, Tabitha's 2nd grade teacher (Maudie Prickett), appears in two episodes of season 8, "Tabitha's First Day of School" (248) and "School Days, School Daze" (251).
[edit] Historical, fictional, and contemporary charactersThanks to witchcraft, a number of interesting characters were seen, including Benjamin Franklin, Franklin Pierce, George and Martha Washington, Paul Revere, Sigmund Freud, Julius Caesar, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Leonardo da Vinci, Napoleon, King Henry VIII, Cleopatra, Santa Claus, Jack of Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, The Artful Dodger, Hansel and Gretel, The Tooth Fairy, the Loch Ness Monster, a Leprechaun, Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, Willie Mays (playing himself), and Boyce and Hart (playing themselves).
[edit] CastCast of Characters Character Actor(s) No. of episodes
Main Characters
Samantha Stephens Elizabeth Montgomery 254
Darrin Stephens Dick York (1964–1969)
Dick Sargent (1969–1972) 156 (York)
84 (Sargent)
Endora Agnes Moorehead 147
Larry Tate David White 166
Recurring Characters
Tabitha Stephens Cynthia Black (1966)
Heidi and Laura Gentry (1966)
Tamar and Julie Young (1966)
Diane Murphy (1966–1968)
Erin Murphy (1966–1972) 116
Gladys Kravitz Alice Pearce (1964–1966)
Sandra Gould (1966–1971) 57
Abner Kravitz George Tobias (1964–1971) 55
Louise Tate Irene Vernon (1964–1966)
Kasey Rogers (1966–1972) 46
Aunt Clara Marion Lorne (1964–1968) 28
Serena Elizabeth Montgomery (1966–1972)
(as "Pandora Spocks") 24
Adam Stephens unknown (1969–1970)
Greg and David Lawrence (1970–1972) 24
Phyllis Stephens Mabel Albertson (1964–1971) 19
Dr. Bombay Bernard Fox (1967–1972) 18
Esmeralda Alice Ghostley (1969–1972) 15
Frank Stephens Robert F. Simon (1964–67, 1971)
Roy Roberts (1967–1970) 13
Maurice Maurice Evans 12
Uncle Arthur Paul Lynde (1965–1971) 10
The series is noted for having a number of major cast changes, often due to illness or death of the actors. Most notably, the actor playing Darrin was quietly replaced mid-series. The only surviving members of the regular cast are Bernard Fox and the actors who played the Stephens children. The various changes during the series and untimely deaths of several of the regular actors in the decades following its cancellation produced a mythology that the series was cursed. However, a study of the average age of death of the actors, many of whom were already past middle age during the show's production, reveals no unusual pattern.[4]
Dick York was unable to continue his role as Darrin because of a severe back condition (the result of an accident during the filming of They Came To Cordura in 1959). York's disability caused ongoing shooting delays and script rewrites. After collapsing on the set and being rushed to the hospital in January 1969, York left the show and the role went to Dick Sargent that same month.[5]
Ghostley and Lorne together in The Graduate.Marion Lorne appeared in 28 episodes as Aunt Clara and won a posthumous Emmy Award in 1968. Essentially replacing this character was the similarly magic-disabled Esmeralda (Alice Ghostley) in season 6. Lorne and Ghostley had appeared side by side in the hotel scene of Mike Nichols's film version of The Graduate in 1967.
Also winning a posthumous Emmy award in 1966 for her role, Alice Pearce was the first to play the character of Gladys Kravitz. After Pearce's death from ovarian cancer, Mary Grace Canfield played Harriet Kravitz, Abner's sister, in four episodes during the spring of 1966, and is said to be keeping house while Gladys is out of town. Sandra Gould assumed the role of Gladys Kravitz beginning in season 3.
Louise Tate was played by Irene Vernon during the first two seasons and then replaced by Kasey Rogers, who wore a short black wig to appear similar to Vernon. According to Rogers,[6] Bill Asher noticed her tugging at the wig and asked why she was wearing it. She laughed and said, "Because you told me to." He replied, "Why don't you take it off!" and she played Louise with red hair for the remainder of the series.
Tabitha Stephens's birth in the season 2 episode "And Then There Were Three" featured infant Cynthia Black in the role. For the remainder of the season, Tabitha was played by twins Heidi and Laura Gentry, followed by twins Tamar and Julie Young. Fraternal twin toddlers Diane and Erin Murphy were cast for the role at the beginning of season 3. In time, they began to look less alike, so Diane was dropped during season 4. Diane made several guest appearances in other roles, and filled in as Tabitha one last time in season 5's "Samantha Fights City Hall," because Erin had mumps.
Alice Ghostley (Esmeralda), Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur), and Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay) all had guest roles during the first two seasons as mortal characters before being cast as magical regulars.
[edit] ProductionRatings Season Rank (rating)
1) 1964–65 # 2 (31.0)
2) 1965–66 # 7 (25.9)
3) 1966–67 # 8 (23.4)
4) 1967–68 # 11 (23.5)
5) 1968–69 # 12 (23.3)
6) 1969–70 # 25 (20.6)
7) 1970–71 # 34 (15.0)
8) 1971–72 # 72 (10.0)
Inspirations for this series in which many similarities can be seen were the 1942 film I Married a Witch (from Thorne Smith's unfinished novel The Passionate Witch and Me), and the John Van Druten Broadway play Bell, Book and Candle that was adapted into a 1958 movie.
Sol Saks, who received credit as the creator of the show, wrote the pilot of Bewitched, although he was not involved with the show after the pilot. Initially, Danny Arnold, who helped develop the style and tone of the series as well as some of the supporting characters who did not appear in the pilot, like Larry Tate and the Kravitzes, produced and headed writing of the series. Arnold, who wrote on McHale's Navy and other shows, thought of Bewitched essentially as a romantic comedy about a mixed marriage; his episodes kept the magic element to a minimum. One or two magical acts drove the plot, but Samantha often solved problems without magic. Many of the first season's episodes were allegorical, using supernatural situations as metaphors for the problems any young couple would face. Arnold stated that the two main themes of the series were the conflict between a powerful woman and a husband who cannot deal with that power, and the anger of a bride's mother at seeing her daughter marry beneath her. Though the show was a hit right from the beginning, finishing its first year as the number 2 show in the United States, ABC wanted more magic and more farcical plots, causing battles between Arnold and the network.
Arnold left the show after the first season, leaving producing duties to his friend Jerry Davis, who had already produced some of the first season's episodes (though Arnold was still supervising the writing). The second season was produced by Davis and with Bernard Slade as head writer, with mistaken identity and farce becoming a more prevalent element, but still included a number of more low-key episodes in which the magic element was not front and center.
With the third season and the switch to color, Davis left the show, and was replaced as producer by William Froug. Slade also left after the second season. According to William Froug's autobiography, William Asher (who had directed many episodes) wanted to take over as producer when Jerry Davis left, but the production company was not yet ready to approve the idea. Froug, a former producer of Gilligan's Island, was brought in as a compromise. By his own admission, Froug was not very familiar with Bewitched and found himself in the uncomfortable position of being the official producer even though Asher was making most of the creative decisions. After a year, Froug left the show, and Asher took over as full-time producer of the series for the rest of its run.
Along with Darrin now being played by Dick Sargent, the sixth season (1969–1970) also saw a significant decline in ratings. Viewership continued to dwindle in the seventh season. The show used fewer recurring characters in later episodes, the Kravitzes, Darrin's parents, and Uncle Arthur not appearing in the final (eighth) season at all. Scripts from old episodes were also recycled more frequently, the final season having eight remade episodes. The last season began with ABC moving Bewitched's air time from Thursdays at 8:30 to Wednesdays at 8:00. The schedule change did not help ratings as the show was now pitted against CBS's popular The Carol Burnett Show. Filming for the season ended in December 1971, and in January 1972 the show was finally moved to Saturday night at 8:00, opposite television's number one show, All in the Family, and finished the year in 72nd place.
[edit] Storylines repeated from I Love LucyIn the episode "Samantha's Power Failure," Serena's and Uncle Arthur's powers are removed by the Witches' Council. The impotent duo get jobs in a confectionery factory, with both tossing and hiding an onslaught of bananas from a conveyor belt which are to be dipped in chocolate and nuts, then packaged. This episode mimics the famous chocolate assembly-line episode of I Love Lucy ("Job Switching"), which was directed by Bewitched producer/director William Asher. Serena's and Arthur's jokes and physical antics are taken from Lucy's (Lucille Ball) and Ethel's (Vivian Vance) playbook.
In another episode Samantha interviews a maid, and the scene is almost identical to one in Lucy. Season 8 featured a European vacation, but was filmed in Hollywood using stock footage, like the "European" episodes of Lucy. Similar to Endora's refusal to pronounce Darrin's name correctly, Lucy's mother always referred to son-in-law Ricky with an incorrect name ("Mickey").
[edit] Timely topicsSome episodes take a backdoor approach to such topics as racism, as seen in the first season episode, "The Witches Are Out," in which Samantha objects to Darrin's demeaning ad portrayal of witches as ugly and deformed. Such stereotypical imagery often causes Endora and other witches to flee the country until November. "Sisters at Heart" (season 7), whose story was submitted by a tenth-grade English class,[7] involved Tabitha altering the skin tone of herself and a black friend with coordinating polka-dots, so that people would treat them alike.
In the 1969 episode, "Tabitha's Weekend," when offered homemade cookies by Darrin's mother, Endora asks, "They're not by chance from an Alice B. Toklas recipe?" Phyllis replies, "They're my recipe," to which Endora retorts, "Then I'll pass." Toklas had been known for her recipes being laced with marijuana.
[edit] Sets and locationsThe 1959 Columbia Pictures Gidget movie was filmed on location at a real home in Santa Monica (at 267 18th Street). The blueprint design of this home was later reversed and replicated as a house facade attached to an existing garage on the backlot of Columbia's Ranch. This was the house seen on Bewitched. The patio and living room sets seen in Columbia's Gidget Goes to Rome (1963) were soon adapted for the permanent Bewitched set for 1964.
In June 1970, Bewitched filmed on location in Salem, Magnolia and Gloucester, Massachusetts. These location shoots marked the only time the show would film away from its Hollywood studio set, which was being rebuilt owing to a fire. The eight so-called "Salem Saga" episodes helped the show's ratings.[8] On June 15, 2005, TV Land unveiled a Samantha statue in Salem Massachusetts, to mark the show's 40th anniversary. On hand were stars Bernard Fox, Erin Murphy and Kasey Rogers.
On the Columbia studio backlot, the Kravitzes' house was actually down the street from the Stephens' house exterior. Both homes' exterior doors opened to an unfinished eighteen-by-fifteen foot entry, as the interiors were shot elsewhere. The exterior of the Kravitzes' house later became the home of The Partridge Family.
[edit] In popular cultureThe magical powers of the characters on the show and the sudden switch of actors playing Darrin at the start of the 1969 season without explanation have both been sources of many popular culture references to the show, such as on sitcoms like Roseanne, Family Guy and The Nanny.
In an episode of the 1960s sitcom My Favorite Martian, Martin's hands are tied so he is unable to utilize his martian powers with his finger. He instead tries twitching his nose, and when successful states that he had seen that technique on an earth television program.
In the episode "Having His Baby," of The Nanny, Mr. Sheffield asks Fran, "Since when did you want to have a baby?" and she repies, "Ever since Samantha had Tabitha on Bewitched."
In the episode "Trouble with the Rubbles" of Roseanne, new neighbors move in and Jackie asks Roseanne, staring attentively through the window, if she knows anything about them. Roseanne jokingly replies, "Well, okay, the husband, Darrin, he's in advertising, and they have this cute little daughter named Tabitha. But the wife, I don't know, something's wrong with her. I think she's a witch." In the episode, "Homecoming," daughter Becky, recast with a new actress, jokingly references the switch twice. Becky returns home after moving away and Roseanne comments that it's been so long, she barely recognizes her. During the epilogue, the Connors are watching Bewitched on television and discuss the two actors playing Darrin. Becky muses, "well, I like the second Darrin much better".[9] In another episode, Roseanne states sarcastically that she tried "twitching [her] nose" to clean up the kitchen, but it didn't work.
In the supernatural child sitcom, Wizards of Waverly Place, the principal of the title characters' prep school is named Mr. Laritate, a reference to David White's character.
In the "Charmed" fourth season episode, "Lost and Bound", Phoebe worries about her ability to be a good wife and notes the only married witch she can think of as a model is Samantha Stephens. Subsequently, Cole gives her a ring which causes Phoebe to start behaving like Samantha, spending all her time in the kitchen, while alternating between color and black and white.
In the "Easy Bake Coven" segment of the "Treehouse of Horror VIII" episode of "The Simpsons," after Marge is revealed to be a witch, she escapes to a cave to join her sisters Patty and Selma, also witches. One of them comments to Marge, "So, you finally left Durwood" (the name Endora most frequently called Darrin). Marge replies, "His name is Homer."
[edit] Spin-offs and remakes
The Flintstones episode, "Samantha" (1965), features Dick York & Elizabeth Montgomery as Darrin and Samantha Stephens[10][edit] Tabitha and Adam and the Clown FamilyAn animated cartoon made in 1972 by Hanna-Barbera Productions for The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie, this featured teenage versions of Tabitha and Adam visiting their aunt and her family who travel with a circus.
See Also List of Animated Spinoffs from Prime Time Shows
[edit] TabithaMain article: Tabitha (TV series)
In 1977, a short-lived spin-off entitled Tabitha aired on ABC. Lisa Hartman plays Tabitha, now an adult working with her brother Adam at television station KXLA. There were several continuity differences with the original series. Adam and Tabitha had both aged far more than the intervening five years between the two series would have allowed. Adam also had become Tabitha's older mortal brother, rather than her younger warlock brother, as he was in Bewitched. Supporting character Aunt Minerva (Karen Morrow) is said to be "like a mother" to Tabitha, though she had never been mentioned once in the original series. Although Tabitha's parents never appear, Bernard Fox, Sandra Gould, George Tobias and Dick Wilson reprised their roles as Dr. Bombay, Gladys Kravitz, Abner Kravitz and the "drunk guy," respectively.
[edit] PassionsBernard Fox appeared as Dr. Bombay in several episodes of the supernatural-themed daytime soap opera Passions, which also featured a character named Tabitha, a middle-aged witch whose parents were identified by the names Samantha and Darrin, with Darrin being described as a mortal.[11]
[edit] Theatrical movieMain article: Bewitched (film)
Bewitched inspired a 2005 film starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. Rather than a remake, in this deconstruction of the sitcom, a failing Hollywood actor, Jack Wyatt (Ferrell), is offered the chance of a career comeback playing Darrin in a remake of Bewitched. All he has to do is find the perfect girl to play Samantha, which he does in Isabel Bigelow (Kidman), who really is a witch. The film was poorly received by most critics and was a financial disappointment, earning $22 million less than the production cost domestically. However it earned an additional $68 million internationally. The New York Times called the film "an unmitigated disaster."[12]
[edit] International television remakesArgentina — A remake called Hechizada, produced by Telefé, aired in early 2007. It starred Florencia Peña as Samantha, Gustavo Garzón as her husband, Eduardo, and Georgina Barbarrosa as Endora. This show adapted original scripts to an Argentinian context, with local humor and a contemporary setting. The show was cancelled due to low ratings after a few weeks.
Japan — TBS, a flagship station of Japan News Network, produced a remake called Okusama wa majo (奥さまは魔女), also known as Bewitched in Tokyo.[13] Eleven episodes were broadcast on JNN stations Fridays at 10 p.m., from January 16, 2004 to March 26, 2004, and a special on December 21, 2004. The main character, Arisa Matsui, was portrayed by Ryōko Yonekura. Okusama wa majo is also the Japanese title for the original American series.
India — In 2002, Sony Entertainment Television began airing Meri Biwi Wonderful a local adaptation of Bewitched.
Russia — In 2009, TV3 broadcast a remake entitled "Моя любимая ведьма" ("My Favorite Witch"), starring Anna Zdor as Nadia (Samantha), Ivan Grishanov, as Ivan (Darrin) and Marina Esepenko as Nadia's mother. The series is very similar to the original, with most episodes based on those from the original series. American comedy writer/producer Norm Gunzenhauser oversaw the writing and directing of the series.
United Kingdom — In 2008, the BBC made a pilot episode of a British version, with Sheridan Smith as Samantha, Tom Price as Darrin, and veteran actress Frances de la Tour as Endora. A series has not yet been commissioned.
[edit] Episode availability[edit] Syndication historyAfter completing its original run, ABC Daytime and ABC Saturday Morning continued to show the series until 1973. Bewitched has since been syndicated on many local US broadcast stations. Cable television channel WTBS carried the show throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The first two seasons, which were available only in black and white at the time, were rarely seen in reruns from the late 1970s to the late 1980s, until Nick at Nite began syndication of the series in the 1990s. The Hallmark Channel aired the show from 2001 to 2003; TV Land then aired the show from 2003 to 2006, and it returned in March 2010.[14] In October 2008, the show began to air in the US on WGN America and now broadcasts episodes in high definition. Channel 9 Australia airs the series on its digital channel GO! The Russian channel Domashny aired the show from 2008 to 2010.
[edit] InternetSelected episodes may be viewed on iTunes, YouTube, Internet Movie Database, Hulu, The Minisode Network, and Crackle.
[edit] DVD releasesMain article: Bewitched DVD releases
Beginning in 2005, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released all eight seasons of Bewitched. In regions 1 and 4, seasons 1 and 2 were each released in two versions—one as originally broadcast in black-and-white, and one colorized. Only the colorized editions were released in regions 2 and 4.
[edit] Further readingAlachi, Peter (2006). Salem's Summer of Sam: On the Trail of "Bewitched" in Salem, 1970. palachi.com. ISBN 978-0977675128.
Metz, Walter (2007-01-30). Bewitched. TV Milestones. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 978-0814332313.
Meyers, Gina (2004-06-20). The Magic of Bewitched Trivia and More. iUniverse, Inc. ISBN 978-0595315574.
Pilato, Herbie (2004-10). Bewitched Forever: 40th Anniversary Edition (2nd ed.). Tapestry Press. ISBN 978-1930819405.
Piro, Rita (2006-03-24). Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitching Life (5th ed.). Great Feats Press. ISBN 978-0970626127.
Tranberg, Charles (2007-08-31). I Love the Illusion: The Life and Career of Agnes Moorehead (2nd ed.). BearManor Media. ISBN 978-1593930950.
Rogers, Kasey (1995-11-01). The Official Bewitched Cookbook: Magic in the Kitchen. Kensington Books. ISBN 978-1575660950.
York, Dick (2004-06). The Seesaw Girl and Me: A Memoir. New Path Press. ISBN 978-0974544649.
[edit] References1.^ "Tales From The City". Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre. 2000. http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/talesfromthecity.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
2.^ "Nicknames". Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre. http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/nickname.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
3.^ Episode 5.20, "Mrs. Stephens, Where Are You?" Aired 1969-02-13.
4.^ Mikkelson, Barbara (2007-11-05). "'Bewitched' Curse". Snopes.com. http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/bewitched.asp. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
5.^ "Sargent Replaces Bewitched Costar". Los Angeles Times: p. G14. 1969-01-31.
6.^ Interview with Kasey Rogers and Mark Wood - Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre
7.^ Pilato, Herbie J. (2004-10). Bewitched Forever: 40th Anniversary Edition (2nd ed.). Tapestry Press. ISBN 978-1930819405.
8.^ Alachi, Peter. "The Salem Saga, 1970". Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre. http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/salemsaga.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
9.^ "Homecoming Plot Synopsis". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0688807/plotsummary.
10.^ "Samantha". Barbera, Joseph R. (Executive Producer/Writer), Montgomery, Elizabeth (Samantha Stephens), York, Dick (Darrin Stephens), Corden, Henry (Fred Flintstone), Vander Pyl, Jean (Wilma Flintstone), Blanc, Mel (Barney Rubble), and Johnson, Gerry (Betty Rubble). The Flintstones. ABC. 1965-10-22. No. 6, season 6.
11.^ "Tabitha Lenox". TV Acres. http://www.tvacres.com/horror_witches_lenox.htm. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
12.^ Barnes, Brooks (2009-07-31). "Full Stomachs, and Full Marriages Too". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/movies/02barn.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
13.^ "奥さまは魔女 – Bewitched in Tokyo". Tokyo Broadcasting System. http://www.tbs.co.jp/okumajo/. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
14.^ "TV Land March 2010 Has Return of Bewitched; Hope For Haiti Now Telethon Airs Friday Night". sitcomsonline.com. 2010-01-20. http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2010/01/tv-land-march-2010-has-return-of.html.
[edit] External linksBewitched at the Internet Movie Database
Bewitched at TV.com
Encyclopedia of Television
Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre
Bewitched ratings
Mischa's Bewitched
1164.com: A site devoted to the Bewitched set and the house
Bewitched.net
Sculpture of Samantha at night — Salem, MA
A site dedicated to the original Bewitched series
[show]v · d · eBewitched
Characters Gladys Kravitz • Dr. Bombay
Related List of episodes • DVD releases • Tabitha • Bewitched (film)
[show]v · d · eWitchcraft and magic
Types African witchcraft (Witch smeller · Vodun) · Asian witchcraft (Kulam) · European witchcraft (Akelarre · Benandanti · Brujería · Cunning folk · Seid · Völva · White witch · Witch Cult) · Middle Eastern witchcraft · North American witchcraft (Appalachian Granny Magic · Hoodoo · Huna · Pow-wow · Santería · Vodou · Voodoo) · South American witchcraft · Australasian witchcraft (Makutu) · Contemporary Witchcraft (Feri Tradition · Hedge witchcraft · Stregheria · Wicca)
Practices Animism · Coven · Divination · Familiar animal · Familiar spirit · Flying ointment · Herbcraft · Magic · Necromancy · Occultism · Poppet · Potions · Satanism · Spiritism · Spiritualism · Sigils · Shamanism · Witch ball · Witch's ladder
Folklore and mythology Agamede · Aradia · Baba Yaga · Circe · Drude · Elbow witch · Hecate · Huld · Kalku · Medea · Obayifo · Witch of Endor · Sorginak · Spearfinger · Weird sisters · Sea witch
Major historic treatises The Bible · Formicarius · Malleus Maleficarum · Summis desiderantes affectibus
Modern fiction Bayonetta · Bewitched · The Blair Witch Project · Buffy the Vampire Slayer · Charmed · The Chronicles of Narnia · The Covenant · The Craft · Eastwick · Halloween III: Season of the Witch · Halloweentown · Harry Potter · Hex · Hocus Pocus · I Married a Witch · Lives of the Mayfair Witches · Practical Magic · Rosemary's Baby · Sabrina the Teenage Witch · Septimus Heap · Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose · The Vampire Diaries · Wendy the Good Little Witch · Wicked Witch of the West · The Witches · The Worst Witch · Wizards of Waverly Place
Documentary film Häxan · The Burning Times
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bewitched"
Categories: 1964 television series debuts
1972 television series endings
1960s American television series
1970s American television series
American Broadcasting Company network shows
American television sitcoms
Bewitched
Black-and-white television programs
Dell Comics titles
English-language television series
Fantasy television series
Fictional characters who can teleport
Fictional witches
Television series by Sony Pictures Television
Television shows set in New York
Television shows set in Connecticut
Witches in film and television
This article is about the American television sitcom. For other uses, see Bewitched (disambiguation).
Bewitched
Series title screen
Genre Sitcom
Created by Sol Saks
Starring Elizabeth Montgomery
Dick York
Dick Sargent
Agnes Moorehead
David White
Theme music composer Howard Greenfield
Jack Keller
Composer(s) Warren Barker
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 8
No. of episodes 254 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Harry Ackerman
Producer(s) Danny Arnold
Jerry Davis
William Froug
William Asher
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time approx. 25 minutes
Production company(s) Screen Gems
Ashmont Productions (1971–72)
Distributor Columbia Pictures Television (1974-1984), Colex Enterprises (1984-1988), The Program Exchange (1980-1990, 2010-present), Columbia TriStar Domestic Television (1994-2002), Sony Pictures Television (2002-present)
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Picture format Black-and-white (1964–66)
Color (1966–72)
Audio format Monaural
Original run September 17, 1964 (1964-09-17) – July 1, 1972 (1972-07-01)
Chronology
Followed by Tabitha
Bewitched is an American situation comedy originally broadcast for eight seasons on ABC from 1964 to 1972, starring Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York (1964–1969), Dick Sargent (1969–1972), Agnes Moorehead and David White. The show is about a witch who marries a mortal and tries to lead the life of a typical suburban housewife. Bewitched continues to be seen throughout the world in syndication and on DVD and was the longest-running supernatural-themed sitcom of the 1960s–1970s era.
Contents [hide]
1 Premise and characters
1.1 Plot summary1.2 Setting1.3 Characters 1.3.1 Other recurring characters1.3.2 Historical, fictional, and contemporary characters
2 Cast
3 Production
3.1 Storylines repeated from I Love Lucy3.2 Timely topics3.3 Sets and locations
4 In popular culture
5 Spin-offs and remakes
5.1 Tabitha and Adam and the Clown Family5.2 Tabitha5.3 Passions5.4 Theatrical movie5.5 International television remakes
6 Episode availability
6.1 Syndication history6.2 Internet6.3 DVD releases
7 Further reading
8 References
9 External links
[edit] Premise and charactersSee also List of Bewitched episodes
[edit] Plot summaryA young-looking witch named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) meets and marries a mortal named Darrin Stephens (originally Dick York, later Dick Sargent). While Samantha pledges to forsake her powers and become a typical suburban housewife, her magical family disapproves of the mixed marriage and frequently interferes in the couple's lives. Episodes often begin with Darrin becoming the victim of a spell, the effects of which wreak havoc with mortals such as his boss, clients, parents, and neighbors. By the epilogue, however, Darrin and Samantha most often embrace and confound the devious elements that failed to separate them.
Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York as Samantha and Darrin Stephens, from a 1967 promo.Most female witches have names ending with the soft "-a" sound. Their male counterparts are known as "warlocks." The witches and warlocks are very long-lived; while Samantha appears to be in her twenties, many episodes suggest she is actually hundreds of years old. To keep their society secret, witches avoid showing their powers in front of mortals other than Darrin. Nevertheless, the perplexing inexplicable effects of their spells and Samantha's attempts to hide their supernatural origin from mortals drive the plot of most episodes. Witches and warlocks usually use physical gestures along with their magical spells, and sometimes spoken incantations. Most notably, Samantha often "twitches" her nose to perform a spell. Modest but effective special visual effects are accompanied by music to highlight the magic.
[edit] SettingThe main setting for most scenes is the Stephens' house at 1164 Morning Glory Circle (although in season 4's "How Green Was My Grass", house number 192 is used as a plot device). Many scenes also take place at the Madison Avenue advertising agency "McMann and Tate" for which Darrin works. The Stephens' home is located in a nearby upper-middle-class suburban neighborhood, either in Westport, Connecticut or within New York State, as indicated by conflicting information presented throughout the series.[1]
[edit] CharactersSamantha's mother, Endora (Agnes Moorehead), is the chief antagonist. Like all witches, she never reveals her surname, indicating to Darrin that he would be unable to pronounce it. Endora loathes mortals, and disapproves of Darrin, as do many of Samantha's relatives. Endora refuses to even use Darrin's name, alternatively calling him "Durwood," "What's-his-name," "Darwin," "Dum-Dum," etc., all much to his annoyance. She refers to him as "Darrin" only eight times during the entire series.[2] Many stories revolve around Endora, or another of Darrin's inlaws, using magic to undermine the union. Endora casts countless farcical spells on Darrin, but never attempts to outright destroy him. Endora's ploys to provoke a breakup always fail as Samantha's and Darrin's love overcomes every obstacle. When High Priestess Hephzibah expresses surprise that Darrin has withstood years of harassment from his mother-in-law, Endora can only shrug and admit, "He loves my daughter."
Agnes Moorehead as Endora.Darrin works as an executive at the McMann and Tate advertising agency. His profit-obsessed boss Larry Tate (David White) is a regular character, but Tate's partner, Mr. McMann, appears only twice during the series. Tate's opinions turn on a dime to appease a client in an attempt to land a deal. Many episodes culminate in a dinner party with clients at the Stephens' home that is humorously affected by magic. Samantha usually figures out a clever way to save the day and the account. Louise Tate (Irene Vernon, Kasey Rogers), Larry's wife, eventually becomes Samantha's closest mortal friend and, like Samantha, sometimes plays hostess to clients.
Across the street from Darrin and Samantha lives a retired couple, the nosy and tactless Gladys Kravitz (Alice Pearce, then Sandra Gould) and her husband Abner (George Tobias). Gladys's snooping often results in her witnessing witchcraft or its strange side effects. She frequently tries to prove Samantha is a witch, only to fail and be branded delusional by Abner.
Samantha's father, Maurice (Maurice Evans), is an urbane thespian much like Elizabeth Montgomery's father, Robert Montgomery. Maurice often embellishes his entrances and exits with strained Shakespearean verse. Bewitched is unique for mid-1960s sitcoms in that it portrays Endora and Maurice as an estranged married couple, their separation being implied. Endora once introduces Maurice as “my daughter's father,” and another time threatens to “move in” with Maurice. In the episode "Samantha's Good News," Endora threatens to file for an “ectoplasmic interlocutory” (i.e. divorce), only to wrangle Maurice's affection. Maurice also refers to Darrin with incorrect names, including "Duncan" and "Dustbin," with Endora going so far as to "correct" him, saying “That’s Durwood.”
Darrin's parents, the straight-laced Phyllis and laid-back Frank Stephens, visit occasionally but never learn of Samantha's supernatural powers. Phyllis (Mabel Albertson) makes inopportune surprise visits, and often complains of "a sick headache" after accidentally witnessing a spell in motion.
On Samantha's father's side of the family[3] is her far-out, egocentric lookalike cousin Serena. Also played by Elizabeth Montgomery, she is credited as "Pandora Spocks" (a spin on the phrase "Pandora's box") from 1969 to 1972. Serena is the antithesis of Samantha, in most episodes sporting a beauty mark on her cheek, raven-black cropped hair, and mod mini-skirts. Ever mischievous, Serena often chases after Darrin and Larry Tate (calling the white-haired Tate "Cotton-Top"), just for sport. More progressive than typical witches or warlocks, who generally abhor mortals, Samantha's counter-culture cousin occasionally dates some (including characters played by Jack Cassidy and Peter Lawford). Despite her wild behavior and frequent co-plotting with Endora, Serena ultimately supports Samantha and Darrin, even though she finds them both a bit "square."
Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde), Endora's prank-loving brother, makes several memorable appearances. Despite many practical jokes at Darrin's expense, Uncle Arthur seems to like him. In one episode, both Serena and Uncle Arthur go head-to-head with the Witches Council to support the Stephens' union, only to have their own powers suspended.
The only one of Samantha's relatives for whom Darrin regularly shows affection is the bumbling, absent-minded but lovable Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne). Though well-intentioned, Clara's spells usually backfire, and her entrances and exits are often a grand fumble, such as entering via a chimney or colliding with a wall. She has a collection of over a thousand doorknobs (inspired by Lorne's real-life collection). Rather than recast the role after Lorne's death in 1968, a similar witch, the anxiety-ridden and magically inept housekeeper Esmeralda (Alice Ghostley), was introduced in 1969.
In the second season, Samantha gives birth to a daughter, Tabitha (spelled Tabatha in production credits until season 5) and later in the series has a son, Adam. Both eventually prove to have supernatural powers. The Tates' son Jonathon is born several months before Tabitha.
A strange occurrence or condition caused by a supernatural illness is often used as a plot device. Assistance is often sought from the warlock Dr. Bombay (Bernard Fox) who is summoned by the phrase “Dr. Bombay, Dr. Bombay, emergency, come right away.” Dr. Bombay is a womanizer who often has a buxom assistant, and constantly cracks bad jokes. Help for supernatural illnesses is also occasionally sought from the unnamed witches’ apothecary (Bernie Kopell), an amorous old warlock.
[edit] Other recurring charactersAunt Enchantra and Aunt Hagatha, Samantha's aunts. They occasionally ride in an antique car called "Macbeth" (sometimes driven by chauffeur Rasputin, other times operating sans driver) which enters the Stephens home through the wall. Enchantra was played by three different actresses, while Hagatha was played by five, including Reta Shaw and Ysabel MacCloskey. Starting at the end of season 4, Hagatha sometimes appears to babysit Tabitha, and later Adam.
The "drunk guy" (Dick Wilson) shows up in various bars, jail cells and sidewalks to witness acts of witchcraft.
Betty, the secretary at McMann and Tate, played by various actresses.
Sheila Sommers (Nancy Kovack), Darrin's wealthy ex-fiancée and nemesis for Samantha. Twice in the series (the premiere episode, "I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha" and "Snob in the Grass") she brazenly tries to seduce Darrin, only to be stopped by Samantha and her powers. The character also appears in the 1968 episode "If they Never Met."
Howard McMann, Larry Tate's business partner, played by Roland Winters in "Man of the Year" (139) and Leon Ames in "What Makes Darrin Run" (191).
Miss Peabody, Tabitha's 2nd grade teacher (Maudie Prickett), appears in two episodes of season 8, "Tabitha's First Day of School" (248) and "School Days, School Daze" (251).
[edit] Historical, fictional, and contemporary charactersThanks to witchcraft, a number of interesting characters were seen, including Benjamin Franklin, Franklin Pierce, George and Martha Washington, Paul Revere, Sigmund Freud, Julius Caesar, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Leonardo da Vinci, Napoleon, King Henry VIII, Cleopatra, Santa Claus, Jack of Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, The Artful Dodger, Hansel and Gretel, The Tooth Fairy, the Loch Ness Monster, a Leprechaun, Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, Willie Mays (playing himself), and Boyce and Hart (playing themselves).
[edit] CastCast of Characters Character Actor(s) No. of episodes
Main Characters
Samantha Stephens Elizabeth Montgomery 254
Darrin Stephens Dick York (1964–1969)
Dick Sargent (1969–1972) 156 (York)
84 (Sargent)
Endora Agnes Moorehead 147
Larry Tate David White 166
Recurring Characters
Tabitha Stephens Cynthia Black (1966)
Heidi and Laura Gentry (1966)
Tamar and Julie Young (1966)
Diane Murphy (1966–1968)
Erin Murphy (1966–1972) 116
Gladys Kravitz Alice Pearce (1964–1966)
Sandra Gould (1966–1971) 57
Abner Kravitz George Tobias (1964–1971) 55
Louise Tate Irene Vernon (1964–1966)
Kasey Rogers (1966–1972) 46
Aunt Clara Marion Lorne (1964–1968) 28
Serena Elizabeth Montgomery (1966–1972)
(as "Pandora Spocks") 24
Adam Stephens unknown (1969–1970)
Greg and David Lawrence (1970–1972) 24
Phyllis Stephens Mabel Albertson (1964–1971) 19
Dr. Bombay Bernard Fox (1967–1972) 18
Esmeralda Alice Ghostley (1969–1972) 15
Frank Stephens Robert F. Simon (1964–67, 1971)
Roy Roberts (1967–1970) 13
Maurice Maurice Evans 12
Uncle Arthur Paul Lynde (1965–1971) 10
The series is noted for having a number of major cast changes, often due to illness or death of the actors. Most notably, the actor playing Darrin was quietly replaced mid-series. The only surviving members of the regular cast are Bernard Fox and the actors who played the Stephens children. The various changes during the series and untimely deaths of several of the regular actors in the decades following its cancellation produced a mythology that the series was cursed. However, a study of the average age of death of the actors, many of whom were already past middle age during the show's production, reveals no unusual pattern.[4]
Dick York was unable to continue his role as Darrin because of a severe back condition (the result of an accident during the filming of They Came To Cordura in 1959). York's disability caused ongoing shooting delays and script rewrites. After collapsing on the set and being rushed to the hospital in January 1969, York left the show and the role went to Dick Sargent that same month.[5]
Ghostley and Lorne together in The Graduate.Marion Lorne appeared in 28 episodes as Aunt Clara and won a posthumous Emmy Award in 1968. Essentially replacing this character was the similarly magic-disabled Esmeralda (Alice Ghostley) in season 6. Lorne and Ghostley had appeared side by side in the hotel scene of Mike Nichols's film version of The Graduate in 1967.
Also winning a posthumous Emmy award in 1966 for her role, Alice Pearce was the first to play the character of Gladys Kravitz. After Pearce's death from ovarian cancer, Mary Grace Canfield played Harriet Kravitz, Abner's sister, in four episodes during the spring of 1966, and is said to be keeping house while Gladys is out of town. Sandra Gould assumed the role of Gladys Kravitz beginning in season 3.
Louise Tate was played by Irene Vernon during the first two seasons and then replaced by Kasey Rogers, who wore a short black wig to appear similar to Vernon. According to Rogers,[6] Bill Asher noticed her tugging at the wig and asked why she was wearing it. She laughed and said, "Because you told me to." He replied, "Why don't you take it off!" and she played Louise with red hair for the remainder of the series.
Tabitha Stephens's birth in the season 2 episode "And Then There Were Three" featured infant Cynthia Black in the role. For the remainder of the season, Tabitha was played by twins Heidi and Laura Gentry, followed by twins Tamar and Julie Young. Fraternal twin toddlers Diane and Erin Murphy were cast for the role at the beginning of season 3. In time, they began to look less alike, so Diane was dropped during season 4. Diane made several guest appearances in other roles, and filled in as Tabitha one last time in season 5's "Samantha Fights City Hall," because Erin had mumps.
Alice Ghostley (Esmeralda), Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur), and Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay) all had guest roles during the first two seasons as mortal characters before being cast as magical regulars.
[edit] ProductionRatings Season Rank (rating)
1) 1964–65 # 2 (31.0)
2) 1965–66 # 7 (25.9)
3) 1966–67 # 8 (23.4)
4) 1967–68 # 11 (23.5)
5) 1968–69 # 12 (23.3)
6) 1969–70 # 25 (20.6)
7) 1970–71 # 34 (15.0)
8) 1971–72 # 72 (10.0)
Inspirations for this series in which many similarities can be seen were the 1942 film I Married a Witch (from Thorne Smith's unfinished novel The Passionate Witch and Me), and the John Van Druten Broadway play Bell, Book and Candle that was adapted into a 1958 movie.
Sol Saks, who received credit as the creator of the show, wrote the pilot of Bewitched, although he was not involved with the show after the pilot. Initially, Danny Arnold, who helped develop the style and tone of the series as well as some of the supporting characters who did not appear in the pilot, like Larry Tate and the Kravitzes, produced and headed writing of the series. Arnold, who wrote on McHale's Navy and other shows, thought of Bewitched essentially as a romantic comedy about a mixed marriage; his episodes kept the magic element to a minimum. One or two magical acts drove the plot, but Samantha often solved problems without magic. Many of the first season's episodes were allegorical, using supernatural situations as metaphors for the problems any young couple would face. Arnold stated that the two main themes of the series were the conflict between a powerful woman and a husband who cannot deal with that power, and the anger of a bride's mother at seeing her daughter marry beneath her. Though the show was a hit right from the beginning, finishing its first year as the number 2 show in the United States, ABC wanted more magic and more farcical plots, causing battles between Arnold and the network.
Arnold left the show after the first season, leaving producing duties to his friend Jerry Davis, who had already produced some of the first season's episodes (though Arnold was still supervising the writing). The second season was produced by Davis and with Bernard Slade as head writer, with mistaken identity and farce becoming a more prevalent element, but still included a number of more low-key episodes in which the magic element was not front and center.
With the third season and the switch to color, Davis left the show, and was replaced as producer by William Froug. Slade also left after the second season. According to William Froug's autobiography, William Asher (who had directed many episodes) wanted to take over as producer when Jerry Davis left, but the production company was not yet ready to approve the idea. Froug, a former producer of Gilligan's Island, was brought in as a compromise. By his own admission, Froug was not very familiar with Bewitched and found himself in the uncomfortable position of being the official producer even though Asher was making most of the creative decisions. After a year, Froug left the show, and Asher took over as full-time producer of the series for the rest of its run.
Along with Darrin now being played by Dick Sargent, the sixth season (1969–1970) also saw a significant decline in ratings. Viewership continued to dwindle in the seventh season. The show used fewer recurring characters in later episodes, the Kravitzes, Darrin's parents, and Uncle Arthur not appearing in the final (eighth) season at all. Scripts from old episodes were also recycled more frequently, the final season having eight remade episodes. The last season began with ABC moving Bewitched's air time from Thursdays at 8:30 to Wednesdays at 8:00. The schedule change did not help ratings as the show was now pitted against CBS's popular The Carol Burnett Show. Filming for the season ended in December 1971, and in January 1972 the show was finally moved to Saturday night at 8:00, opposite television's number one show, All in the Family, and finished the year in 72nd place.
[edit] Storylines repeated from I Love LucyIn the episode "Samantha's Power Failure," Serena's and Uncle Arthur's powers are removed by the Witches' Council. The impotent duo get jobs in a confectionery factory, with both tossing and hiding an onslaught of bananas from a conveyor belt which are to be dipped in chocolate and nuts, then packaged. This episode mimics the famous chocolate assembly-line episode of I Love Lucy ("Job Switching"), which was directed by Bewitched producer/director William Asher. Serena's and Arthur's jokes and physical antics are taken from Lucy's (Lucille Ball) and Ethel's (Vivian Vance) playbook.
In another episode Samantha interviews a maid, and the scene is almost identical to one in Lucy. Season 8 featured a European vacation, but was filmed in Hollywood using stock footage, like the "European" episodes of Lucy. Similar to Endora's refusal to pronounce Darrin's name correctly, Lucy's mother always referred to son-in-law Ricky with an incorrect name ("Mickey").
[edit] Timely topicsSome episodes take a backdoor approach to such topics as racism, as seen in the first season episode, "The Witches Are Out," in which Samantha objects to Darrin's demeaning ad portrayal of witches as ugly and deformed. Such stereotypical imagery often causes Endora and other witches to flee the country until November. "Sisters at Heart" (season 7), whose story was submitted by a tenth-grade English class,[7] involved Tabitha altering the skin tone of herself and a black friend with coordinating polka-dots, so that people would treat them alike.
In the 1969 episode, "Tabitha's Weekend," when offered homemade cookies by Darrin's mother, Endora asks, "They're not by chance from an Alice B. Toklas recipe?" Phyllis replies, "They're my recipe," to which Endora retorts, "Then I'll pass." Toklas had been known for her recipes being laced with marijuana.
[edit] Sets and locationsThe 1959 Columbia Pictures Gidget movie was filmed on location at a real home in Santa Monica (at 267 18th Street). The blueprint design of this home was later reversed and replicated as a house facade attached to an existing garage on the backlot of Columbia's Ranch. This was the house seen on Bewitched. The patio and living room sets seen in Columbia's Gidget Goes to Rome (1963) were soon adapted for the permanent Bewitched set for 1964.
In June 1970, Bewitched filmed on location in Salem, Magnolia and Gloucester, Massachusetts. These location shoots marked the only time the show would film away from its Hollywood studio set, which was being rebuilt owing to a fire. The eight so-called "Salem Saga" episodes helped the show's ratings.[8] On June 15, 2005, TV Land unveiled a Samantha statue in Salem Massachusetts, to mark the show's 40th anniversary. On hand were stars Bernard Fox, Erin Murphy and Kasey Rogers.
On the Columbia studio backlot, the Kravitzes' house was actually down the street from the Stephens' house exterior. Both homes' exterior doors opened to an unfinished eighteen-by-fifteen foot entry, as the interiors were shot elsewhere. The exterior of the Kravitzes' house later became the home of The Partridge Family.
[edit] In popular cultureThe magical powers of the characters on the show and the sudden switch of actors playing Darrin at the start of the 1969 season without explanation have both been sources of many popular culture references to the show, such as on sitcoms like Roseanne, Family Guy and The Nanny.
In an episode of the 1960s sitcom My Favorite Martian, Martin's hands are tied so he is unable to utilize his martian powers with his finger. He instead tries twitching his nose, and when successful states that he had seen that technique on an earth television program.
In the episode "Having His Baby," of The Nanny, Mr. Sheffield asks Fran, "Since when did you want to have a baby?" and she repies, "Ever since Samantha had Tabitha on Bewitched."
In the episode "Trouble with the Rubbles" of Roseanne, new neighbors move in and Jackie asks Roseanne, staring attentively through the window, if she knows anything about them. Roseanne jokingly replies, "Well, okay, the husband, Darrin, he's in advertising, and they have this cute little daughter named Tabitha. But the wife, I don't know, something's wrong with her. I think she's a witch." In the episode, "Homecoming," daughter Becky, recast with a new actress, jokingly references the switch twice. Becky returns home after moving away and Roseanne comments that it's been so long, she barely recognizes her. During the epilogue, the Connors are watching Bewitched on television and discuss the two actors playing Darrin. Becky muses, "well, I like the second Darrin much better".[9] In another episode, Roseanne states sarcastically that she tried "twitching [her] nose" to clean up the kitchen, but it didn't work.
In the supernatural child sitcom, Wizards of Waverly Place, the principal of the title characters' prep school is named Mr. Laritate, a reference to David White's character.
In the "Charmed" fourth season episode, "Lost and Bound", Phoebe worries about her ability to be a good wife and notes the only married witch she can think of as a model is Samantha Stephens. Subsequently, Cole gives her a ring which causes Phoebe to start behaving like Samantha, spending all her time in the kitchen, while alternating between color and black and white.
In the "Easy Bake Coven" segment of the "Treehouse of Horror VIII" episode of "The Simpsons," after Marge is revealed to be a witch, she escapes to a cave to join her sisters Patty and Selma, also witches. One of them comments to Marge, "So, you finally left Durwood" (the name Endora most frequently called Darrin). Marge replies, "His name is Homer."
[edit] Spin-offs and remakes
The Flintstones episode, "Samantha" (1965), features Dick York & Elizabeth Montgomery as Darrin and Samantha Stephens[10][edit] Tabitha and Adam and the Clown FamilyAn animated cartoon made in 1972 by Hanna-Barbera Productions for The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie, this featured teenage versions of Tabitha and Adam visiting their aunt and her family who travel with a circus.
See Also List of Animated Spinoffs from Prime Time Shows
[edit] TabithaMain article: Tabitha (TV series)
In 1977, a short-lived spin-off entitled Tabitha aired on ABC. Lisa Hartman plays Tabitha, now an adult working with her brother Adam at television station KXLA. There were several continuity differences with the original series. Adam and Tabitha had both aged far more than the intervening five years between the two series would have allowed. Adam also had become Tabitha's older mortal brother, rather than her younger warlock brother, as he was in Bewitched. Supporting character Aunt Minerva (Karen Morrow) is said to be "like a mother" to Tabitha, though she had never been mentioned once in the original series. Although Tabitha's parents never appear, Bernard Fox, Sandra Gould, George Tobias and Dick Wilson reprised their roles as Dr. Bombay, Gladys Kravitz, Abner Kravitz and the "drunk guy," respectively.
[edit] PassionsBernard Fox appeared as Dr. Bombay in several episodes of the supernatural-themed daytime soap opera Passions, which also featured a character named Tabitha, a middle-aged witch whose parents were identified by the names Samantha and Darrin, with Darrin being described as a mortal.[11]
[edit] Theatrical movieMain article: Bewitched (film)
Bewitched inspired a 2005 film starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. Rather than a remake, in this deconstruction of the sitcom, a failing Hollywood actor, Jack Wyatt (Ferrell), is offered the chance of a career comeback playing Darrin in a remake of Bewitched. All he has to do is find the perfect girl to play Samantha, which he does in Isabel Bigelow (Kidman), who really is a witch. The film was poorly received by most critics and was a financial disappointment, earning $22 million less than the production cost domestically. However it earned an additional $68 million internationally. The New York Times called the film "an unmitigated disaster."[12]
[edit] International television remakesArgentina — A remake called Hechizada, produced by Telefé, aired in early 2007. It starred Florencia Peña as Samantha, Gustavo Garzón as her husband, Eduardo, and Georgina Barbarrosa as Endora. This show adapted original scripts to an Argentinian context, with local humor and a contemporary setting. The show was cancelled due to low ratings after a few weeks.
Japan — TBS, a flagship station of Japan News Network, produced a remake called Okusama wa majo (奥さまは魔女), also known as Bewitched in Tokyo.[13] Eleven episodes were broadcast on JNN stations Fridays at 10 p.m., from January 16, 2004 to March 26, 2004, and a special on December 21, 2004. The main character, Arisa Matsui, was portrayed by Ryōko Yonekura. Okusama wa majo is also the Japanese title for the original American series.
India — In 2002, Sony Entertainment Television began airing Meri Biwi Wonderful a local adaptation of Bewitched.
Russia — In 2009, TV3 broadcast a remake entitled "Моя любимая ведьма" ("My Favorite Witch"), starring Anna Zdor as Nadia (Samantha), Ivan Grishanov, as Ivan (Darrin) and Marina Esepenko as Nadia's mother. The series is very similar to the original, with most episodes based on those from the original series. American comedy writer/producer Norm Gunzenhauser oversaw the writing and directing of the series.
United Kingdom — In 2008, the BBC made a pilot episode of a British version, with Sheridan Smith as Samantha, Tom Price as Darrin, and veteran actress Frances de la Tour as Endora. A series has not yet been commissioned.
[edit] Episode availability[edit] Syndication historyAfter completing its original run, ABC Daytime and ABC Saturday Morning continued to show the series until 1973. Bewitched has since been syndicated on many local US broadcast stations. Cable television channel WTBS carried the show throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The first two seasons, which were available only in black and white at the time, were rarely seen in reruns from the late 1970s to the late 1980s, until Nick at Nite began syndication of the series in the 1990s. The Hallmark Channel aired the show from 2001 to 2003; TV Land then aired the show from 2003 to 2006, and it returned in March 2010.[14] In October 2008, the show began to air in the US on WGN America and now broadcasts episodes in high definition. Channel 9 Australia airs the series on its digital channel GO! The Russian channel Domashny aired the show from 2008 to 2010.
[edit] InternetSelected episodes may be viewed on iTunes, YouTube, Internet Movie Database, Hulu, The Minisode Network, and Crackle.
[edit] DVD releasesMain article: Bewitched DVD releases
Beginning in 2005, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released all eight seasons of Bewitched. In regions 1 and 4, seasons 1 and 2 were each released in two versions—one as originally broadcast in black-and-white, and one colorized. Only the colorized editions were released in regions 2 and 4.
[edit] Further readingAlachi, Peter (2006). Salem's Summer of Sam: On the Trail of "Bewitched" in Salem, 1970. palachi.com. ISBN 978-0977675128.
Metz, Walter (2007-01-30). Bewitched. TV Milestones. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 978-0814332313.
Meyers, Gina (2004-06-20). The Magic of Bewitched Trivia and More. iUniverse, Inc. ISBN 978-0595315574.
Pilato, Herbie (2004-10). Bewitched Forever: 40th Anniversary Edition (2nd ed.). Tapestry Press. ISBN 978-1930819405.
Piro, Rita (2006-03-24). Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitching Life (5th ed.). Great Feats Press. ISBN 978-0970626127.
Tranberg, Charles (2007-08-31). I Love the Illusion: The Life and Career of Agnes Moorehead (2nd ed.). BearManor Media. ISBN 978-1593930950.
Rogers, Kasey (1995-11-01). The Official Bewitched Cookbook: Magic in the Kitchen. Kensington Books. ISBN 978-1575660950.
York, Dick (2004-06). The Seesaw Girl and Me: A Memoir. New Path Press. ISBN 978-0974544649.
[edit] References1.^ "Tales From The City". Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre. 2000. http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/talesfromthecity.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
2.^ "Nicknames". Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre. http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/nickname.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
3.^ Episode 5.20, "Mrs. Stephens, Where Are You?" Aired 1969-02-13.
4.^ Mikkelson, Barbara (2007-11-05). "'Bewitched' Curse". Snopes.com. http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/bewitched.asp. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
5.^ "Sargent Replaces Bewitched Costar". Los Angeles Times: p. G14. 1969-01-31.
6.^ Interview with Kasey Rogers and Mark Wood - Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre
7.^ Pilato, Herbie J. (2004-10). Bewitched Forever: 40th Anniversary Edition (2nd ed.). Tapestry Press. ISBN 978-1930819405.
8.^ Alachi, Peter. "The Salem Saga, 1970". Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre. http://www.harpiesbizarre.com/salemsaga.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
9.^ "Homecoming Plot Synopsis". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0688807/plotsummary.
10.^ "Samantha". Barbera, Joseph R. (Executive Producer/Writer), Montgomery, Elizabeth (Samantha Stephens), York, Dick (Darrin Stephens), Corden, Henry (Fred Flintstone), Vander Pyl, Jean (Wilma Flintstone), Blanc, Mel (Barney Rubble), and Johnson, Gerry (Betty Rubble). The Flintstones. ABC. 1965-10-22. No. 6, season 6.
11.^ "Tabitha Lenox". TV Acres. http://www.tvacres.com/horror_witches_lenox.htm. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
12.^ Barnes, Brooks (2009-07-31). "Full Stomachs, and Full Marriages Too". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/movies/02barn.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
13.^ "奥さまは魔女 – Bewitched in Tokyo". Tokyo Broadcasting System. http://www.tbs.co.jp/okumajo/. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
14.^ "TV Land March 2010 Has Return of Bewitched; Hope For Haiti Now Telethon Airs Friday Night". sitcomsonline.com. 2010-01-20. http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2010/01/tv-land-march-2010-has-return-of.html.
[edit] External linksBewitched at the Internet Movie Database
Bewitched at TV.com
Encyclopedia of Television
Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre
Bewitched ratings
Mischa's Bewitched
1164.com: A site devoted to the Bewitched set and the house
Bewitched.net
Sculpture of Samantha at night — Salem, MA
A site dedicated to the original Bewitched series
[show]v · d · eBewitched
Characters Gladys Kravitz • Dr. Bombay
Related List of episodes • DVD releases • Tabitha • Bewitched (film)
[show]v · d · eWitchcraft and magic
Types African witchcraft (Witch smeller · Vodun) · Asian witchcraft (Kulam) · European witchcraft (Akelarre · Benandanti · Brujería · Cunning folk · Seid · Völva · White witch · Witch Cult) · Middle Eastern witchcraft · North American witchcraft (Appalachian Granny Magic · Hoodoo · Huna · Pow-wow · Santería · Vodou · Voodoo) · South American witchcraft · Australasian witchcraft (Makutu) · Contemporary Witchcraft (Feri Tradition · Hedge witchcraft · Stregheria · Wicca)
Practices Animism · Coven · Divination · Familiar animal · Familiar spirit · Flying ointment · Herbcraft · Magic · Necromancy · Occultism · Poppet · Potions · Satanism · Spiritism · Spiritualism · Sigils · Shamanism · Witch ball · Witch's ladder
Folklore and mythology Agamede · Aradia · Baba Yaga · Circe · Drude · Elbow witch · Hecate · Huld · Kalku · Medea · Obayifo · Witch of Endor · Sorginak · Spearfinger · Weird sisters · Sea witch
Major historic treatises The Bible · Formicarius · Malleus Maleficarum · Summis desiderantes affectibus
Modern fiction Bayonetta · Bewitched · The Blair Witch Project · Buffy the Vampire Slayer · Charmed · The Chronicles of Narnia · The Covenant · The Craft · Eastwick · Halloween III: Season of the Witch · Halloweentown · Harry Potter · Hex · Hocus Pocus · I Married a Witch · Lives of the Mayfair Witches · Practical Magic · Rosemary's Baby · Sabrina the Teenage Witch · Septimus Heap · Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose · The Vampire Diaries · Wendy the Good Little Witch · Wicked Witch of the West · The Witches · The Worst Witch · Wizards of Waverly Place
Documentary film Häxan · The Burning Times
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bewitched"
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