Directed by Robert W Young Original language(s) English | Country of origin United Kingdom | |
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Starring Fairuza BalkDiana RiggCharlotte RaeTim Curry Producer(s) Hilary Heath (executive producer)Lewis Rudd (executive producer)Colin Shindler (producer) | ||
The Worst Witch is a 1986 television film based on the children's book of the same name by Jill Murphy. It was produced by Central Independent Television and HBO.
Contents
Plot
The film follows the plot of the 1974 book. The movie centers around Mildred Hubble, who is invariably the "Worst Witch" at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches; a school of magic. Mildred creates many mishaps, including being late for school and made all of her classmates fall down, the incidents of when Mildred and her friend unintentionally turn themselves invisible, and transforms Ethel into a pig. The climax surrounds Miss Cackle's notorious twin evil sister, Agatha, plotting to take over the Academy. Ultimately Agatha is foiled by Mildred and Mildred establishes herself as the hero for the academy.
Cast
Production and broadcast
The film was shot at St. Michael's College in Tenbury Wells. Its opening and closing song "Growing Up Isn't Easy" was sung by Bonnie Langford. It was composed by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Don Black. They also wrote "Anything Can Happen on Halloween". This song was covered by British rock band Stonegarth in 2008. Denis King composed its score and wrote the song "My Little School".
This television film aired on HBO in the 1980s and The Disney Channel during its Halloween season from 1986 to 1996.
Home media
Prism Entertainment released this television movie on VHS on 19 October 1994. It was also released by Reel Corporation PTY LTD. in 2000 Bfs Entertainment re-released this television film on video on 28 December 1999 and on DVD on 24 August 2004.