Roald Dahl Retrospective Episode 6: The Witches (1990)

In this episode of the Roald Dahl Retrospective, Patricia and
Arun discuss about the 1990 film The Witches based on the 1983
book of the same name starring Jasen Fisher, Mai Zetterling,
Charlie Potter, Anjelica Huston, and Rowan Atkinson. A young boy
named Luke is raised by his grandmother after losing his parents
in a car accident. She tells him the warning signs on witches and
what to look out for after she lost her best friend to one many
years prior. When Luke and his grandmother check in on a hotel,
they don't realize that they're in the middle of a gathering of
witches who wish to get rid of all the children by buying all the
sweet shops in England. Luke discovers their evil plan and turns
into a mouse when caught by the witches. Luke, his grandmother,
and another boy named Bruno work together to take down the
witches before they accomplish their diabolical deed.  


When the movie premiered in theaters, it only made $15 million
dollars in the box office while being critically acclaimed by
critics. However, the film had brought controversy such as
scaring kids and complaints from wiccans offended of portraying
witches as harmful stereotypes. Another controversial event that
occurred was when the original ending of the movie was changed
for a more lighter and happier tone. Roald Dahl was so displeased
with the decision that he left the project and removed his
involvement with the film. To this day, The Witches has become a
cult classic for kids who first saw the film and Roald Dahl fans.
How well does the film hold up 30 years later? Listen and find
out.