Story: Breathtaking witch Kim Novak falls for sweet muggle neighbor Jimmy Stewart on Christmas. Elsa Lanchester is an adorably kooky auntie witch. Will love conquer all? Um, of course!

Scares: Zero. L’Amour!

Splat factor: See above.

Closing scene “shocker”: If you consider a happy ending a shocker, then yes.

Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul): Based on the stage play that starred Mrs. Voorhees! Er, Lilli Palmer.

Trick or Treat: Gotta admit I’m dragging on the 31 in 31 right now. So when I saw this on the TV guide, I dug up my DVD and got to watchin’. This is a great film for Paranormal Romance lovers, or people who like to watch beautiful people fall in love (with a dash of witchcraft, of course.)

I only wish I could get my hands on a vid of Lilli Palmer on stage in this role. But I’m happy with watching Elsa Lancaster be adorably kooky. Plus, Kim Novak rocks capri pants like none other, and who doesn’t love Jimmy Stewart? Besides haters. (Watch for Jack Lemmon as Kim/Gilly’s warlock brother playing the bongos. Way out, man.)

Score: 
5 out of 5 pumpkins. Fun retro witchy love, and a bonus star for the Christmas crossover possibilities.