20 Rare ‘Bewitched’ Photos Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Magic
“Bewitched,” the iconic American sitcom that originally aired from 1964 to 1972, continues to enchant audiences with its whimsical charm and light-hearted portrayal of a young witch, Samantha Stephens, who marries a mortal man, Darrin, and tries to live a normal life while managing her magical abilities.
The show became a cultural touchstone and an enduring classic, largely because of its innovative effects, stellar cast, and its clever combination of supernatural themes with domestic comedy.
Behind the scenes, however, the magic was even more fascinating. The show was ahead of its time, with groundbreaking special effects, vibrant character portrayals, and numerous challenges and behind-the-scenes stories that many fans never got to see.
Over the years, rare photos and stories from the set have surfaced, providing fans with a glimpse into how the magic of “Bewitched” was created.
Here are 20 rare behind-the-scenes photos that reveal the magic of the show, both on and off the set.
1. Elizabeth Montgomery’s Magic Moments
One of the most famous images shows Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha Stephens, in full costume but in an unguarded moment, resting between takes.
She’s seen sipping coffee, her bewitching smile ever present.
Fans would be surprised to know how much of the magic of “Bewitched” came from Montgomery’s improvisation and charm, adding a layer of sincerity to the supernatural world she inhabited.
2. The Casting Process: A ‘Bewitched’ Moment in History
Another rare image captures the casting process for the role of Darrin Stephens. Though Dick York and later Dick Sargent became household names for playing the character, there was an extensive search for the perfect actor. A photo of the casting room shows Elizabeth Montgomery sitting with producers as they audition potential candidates.
3. The Production Crew’s Sleight of Hand
In a photo from the set, you can see crew members working behind the camera to create one of the show’s famous magic scenes. The picture shows an assistant in a green screen suit, standing next to a flying object, showing how the trick was achieved using wires and special effects. “Bewitched” was pioneering in its use of these effects, and this image captures how some of the most impressive scenes were filmed.
4. The Darrin Dilemma
Dick York, who originally portrayed Darrin, had to deal with constant pressure from being the show’s straight man to Elizabeth Montgomery’s magical character. One rare photograph shows Dick York taking a break from his demanding role, laughing with the crew between scenes. Despite his off-screen humor, his battle with chronic pain made filming difficult at times, leading to his eventual replacement by Dick Sargent in later seasons.
5. Set Design: Samantha’s Living Room
One iconic image from the set shows the charming living room of Samantha and Darrin’s home. While this space was filled with magical moments, it also required an incredible amount of detail and design. The photograph shows the set designers working diligently to perfect the layout, ensuring it looked like a cozy, ordinary suburban home, even though it was anything but ordinary.
6. Witchcraft in the Wardrobe
Elizabeth Montgomery’s costume was a key part of her performance as Samantha Stephens, and it became iconic in its own right. A rare image shows her wardrobe being adjusted between takes, with a team of stylists ensuring her dress was perfectly in place. The costume’s vintage style reflected the era’s fashion, while also adding to the magical charm of the character.
7. The Art of the Broomstick
One of the most beloved aspects of “Bewitched” was the flying broomstick scenes, which were created through clever camera work and, at times, old-fashioned wire work. A rare photo captures the behind-the-scenes process of Elizabeth Montgomery being secured to a broomstick prop, as special effects were adjusted to make her appear as though she was flying across the sky.
8. End of an Era: Dick York’s Farewell
A poignant photograph shows Dick York in his final days on the set before his departure due to his ongoing health problems. In the photo, he is seen sitting on the couch, looking fatigued yet content as he shares a laugh with co-stars and crew members. His departure marked a significant change for the show, but the behind-the-scenes camaraderie remained a staple throughout the series.
9. Bewitched’s Special Effects Team
An iconic image reveals the unseen heroes of “Bewitched” — the special effects team. In this behind-the-scenes shot, members of the team can be seen working with various props to create some of the more complicated magical effects. Their work was crucial in making the show’s whimsical elements feel believable and truly magical to viewers.
10. Bewitched with Real Magic
For many years, fans speculated whether the magical moments on the show were aided by real witches or other supernatural beings. While the answer is of course no, a playful shot from the set shows Elizabeth Montgomery smiling knowingly as a crew member holds up a “magic wand.” It’s a humorous moment that reinforces how seriously the actors took their roles, despite the whimsical nature of the series.
11. Unseen Family Moments: Samantha and Darrin
A rare photo of Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York shows the two actors laughing off-screen. The close-knit relationship between the two actors translated into the chemistry fans saw on screen. Montgomery, known for her warmth and professionalism, always made sure that her co-stars felt comfortable, which contributed to the overall success of the show.
12. Bewitched’s Magical Children
Another seldom-seen image shows the young actors who played Samantha and Darrin’s children, Tabitha and Adam. These kids, played by a rotating group of child actors, were crucial to the show’s family-friendly appeal. The photo shows the young actors goofing off with crew members in between takes, showcasing the fun atmosphere of the set.
13. A Magical Break: Cast Relaxing Between Takes
In another candid shot, the cast takes a well-deserved break, relaxing between scenes. Elizabeth Montgomery can be seen chatting with her co-stars while seated in the iconic living room set, a moment of respite amidst the busy filming schedule. The actors often spoke about the close bonds they formed on set, which made their performances more genuine.
14. Behind the Magic: The Practical Effects
A rarely-seen photo shows the team setting up a practical effect for a scene where objects appear and disappear with a snap of Samantha’s fingers. The image captures the painstaking process of preparing each trick, using mirrors and props to make the effect seamless on screen.
15. The Secret of the Nose Twitch
Samantha’s signature nose twitch became a hallmark of the show’s magic. A rare photo shows Elizabeth Montgomery practicing her famous twitch in front of the mirror. The shot captures the dedication Montgomery had to perfecting even the smallest of details, ensuring that her magical moments felt effortless.
16. The “Bewitched” Soundstage
A behind-the-scenes photo of the “Bewitched” soundstage shows the controlled chaos that went into filming each episode. Crew members are seen adjusting lighting and cameras, preparing for the next magical moment to unfold. This image highlights how every detail was meticulously planned and executed to create the illusion of magic.
17. Tales of the Ghostly Set
Though not supernatural, a photo from the set reveals the rumored “ghost” of the show—an old actor’s chair said to have belonged to a former star. The photo captures the moment when a crew member jokingly places a sheet over the chair to add to the spooky aura. While this image is more playful, it reflects the tight-knit atmosphere among cast and crew.
18. In the Makeup Chair
In another rare behind-the-scenes moment, Elizabeth Montgomery is shown in the makeup chair, where she often received her transformation into the character of Samantha. Makeup artists can be seen adding the final touches to her look, ensuring she appeared perfectly glamorous in every episode.
19. Bewitched’s Iconic Theme Song: Behind the Music
A fascinating photograph reveals the behind-the-scenes process of recording the iconic “Bewitched” theme song. The image shows the show’s composers and musicians working with the sound department to get the perfect melody that would accompany each episode. This theme song would go on to become one of the most recognizable TV jingles of all time.
20. A Farewell to Bewitched
The final photograph from the set shows the cast and crew of “Bewitched” gathered together for a wrap party, celebrating the end of the show’s run. Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, and the rest of the team are seen smiling in front of a cake, marking the end of an era and the lasting legacy of a show that had brought magic into millions of homes.
In these rare behind-the-scenes photos, we are reminded not only of the magic on-screen but also the hard work, creativity, and camaraderie that made “Bewitched” such a beloved classic. While the show’s magical moments are unforgettable, the real magic happened behind the scenes, where a dedicated g
roup of actors and crew members worked tirelessly to bring Samantha’s world to life.
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