Holiday Cheer for Cinema Members With ‘Bell, Book and Candle’

Sag Harbor Cinema kicks off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Cheers to the Members, featuring a screening of the 1958 supernatural romantic comedy “Bell, Book and Candle” on Thursday, December 11, at 6 p.m.

The film, directed by Richard Quine and starring Kim Novak and James Stewart, tells the story of a Greenwich Village witch who casts a love spell on her unsuspecting neighbor. The screening will include a special introduction by SHC Founding Artistic Director Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan and a sneak preview of clips from the upcoming documentary “Kim Novak’s Vertigo.” A holiday celebration for members will follow on the cinema’s third floor.

“‘Bell, Book and Candle’ is one of my favorite Christmas films, and one of the great New York ones,” D’Agnolo Vallan said. “I am thrilled to share it with our members, with the added treat of a sneak preview of Alexandre Philippe’s upcoming documentary ‘Kim Novak’s Vertigo,’ which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and coincided with Kim Novak’s reception of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. On that occasion, I had the honor of working with both Ms. Novak and Alexandre, and I am grateful he has allowed me to offer our members a taste of his insightful piece.”

Whereas Alfred Hitchcock had used it to haunting, dramatic heights in “Vertigo,” the pitch-perfect chemistry between Kim Novak and James Stewart is reflected here in its comedic possibilities. “Bell, Book and Candle” — adapted by Daniel Taradash (“From Here to Eternity”) from John Van Druten’s 1950 play — opened in November 1958, just six months after Hitchcock’s masterpiece. A story of love and witchcraft set against the backdrop of the Village 1950s bohemian life, Quine’s film (his second with Novak) is lushly photographed by James Wong Howe (“Sweet Smell of Success”) and features sumptuous costumes designed by Jean Louis (“Gilda,” “A Star Is Born”).

The 1958 film follows Gillian Holroyd (Novak) as she casts a love spell on her neighbor Shepherd Henderson (Stewart), only to fall for him herself. The film also stars Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester, with cinematography by James Wong Howe and costumes by Jean Louis.

“Kim Novak’s Vertigo” highlights the 92-year-old’s iconic role in the revered Hitchcock psychological thriller. The documentary explores Novak’s journey from stardom to a reclusive life as an artist in Oregon, blending rare archival footage and Novak’s deeply personal reflections on defiance against the Hollywood studio system, reclaiming her identity after “Vertigo,” and her reinvention as a painter.

The screening and holiday celebration — which includes complimentary beverages and treats as well as a basket raffle — is free for Sag Harbor Cinema members. Preregistration is required; each member may reserve up to two tickets. Tickets are available at the box office or online at sagharborcinema.org.

The celebration will be held at Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor. For more information, visit sagharborcinema.org.