Television magic came in many forms during the 1960s, but none captivated audiences quite like “Bewitched.” The show sprinkled supernatural charm into living rooms across America, turning ordinary family sitcoms into extraordinary adventures. For baby boomers who grew up with Samantha’s nose twitch, these behind-the-scenes secrets will transport you back to a more enchanted time.
1. The Magical Name Origins
The characters Samantha and Endora have surprisingly biblical roots that most viewers never knew about. The names were actually inspired by characters from the First Book of Samuel, specifically the Witch of Endor. Originally, the creators had planned to name the characters Cassandra and Matilda before settling on the more magical-sounding monikers. Additionally, Remind also writes that this monumental television show had not one but two cinematic inspirations behind its plot.
The name change added an extra layer of mystique to the already captivating show. Fans would spend years wondering about the characters’ origins without realizing the biblical connection. It’s a delightful piece of trivia that adds depth to our favorite supernatural family.
2. The Iconic Nose Twitch’s Surprising Birth
That magical nose twitch wasn’t scripted but emerged from a moment of genuine nervousness. Show director William Asher noticed Elizabeth Montgomery’s unconscious gesture when she felt anxious and transformed it into Samantha’s signature spell-casting move. It took two months of experimentation to perfect the now-legendary magical signal. As People writes, Asher knew that his wife was on to something that would become iconic for decades to come.
A simple xylophone sound accompanied the twitch, making it even more memorable for viewers. The gesture became so iconic that it rivaled other television special effects of its time. Audiences would eagerly await that tiny movement that could transform entire rooms in an instant.
3. Wardrobe on a Shoestring Budget
The show’s costume department operated on an incredibly tight budget that would make modern television producers gasp. Extras and supporting actors were actually asked to bring their own clothing to wear on set. Even lead actresses Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead frequently wore their personal wardrobe during filming. As reported by Woman’s World that this practice was particularly common among the women of the cast specifically, but it led to some sweet moments between Elizabeth and Agnes.
The costume constraints led to some creative solutions that viewers never noticed. Samantha’s alter ego Serena was even credited under a pseudonym, Pandora Spocks, adding an extra layer of magical mystery. The show proved that creativity could triumph over financial limitations.
4. Practical Magic Before CGI
Before the days of computer-generated imagery, “Bewitched” relied on incredibly ingenious practical effects. Invisible wires, fast-motion and backward-motion film, and meticulously choreographed scene changes created the illusion of magic. Stagehands would carefully move objects while actors remained frozen in place. Screen Rant praises the sometimes remarkably creative means the team used to make each scene sparkle with magic that put viewers in the moment.
Actors like Bernard Fox, who played Dr. Bombay, sometimes encountered minor injuries from these elaborate setups. The commitment to creating magical moments required incredible precision and teamwork. Each episode was a complex dance of timing and technical skill.
5. The Dual Darrins
For the first five seasons, Dick York played Darrin Stephens, bringing a sense of bewildered indignation to the role. Due to a severe back injury from a previous film, York struggled with chronic pain that eventually forced him to leave the show. Dick Sargent took over, bringing a more relaxed interpretation of the character.
The change was subtle but significant, with Sargent’s Darrin appearing more accepting of his wife’s magical abilities. Even Agnes Moorehead, who played Endora, was reluctant about the actor switch. Fans remained divided about which Darrin captured the essence of the character.
6. A Groundbreaking Message of Equality
One of the most remarkable episodes tackled racial prejudice in an unexpected way. The Christmas episode “Sisters at Heart” was actually written by two dozen African-American high school students. The storyline explored racism through a magical lens, with Samantha using her powers to make a point about equality.
While the episode’s method of addressing racism might seem problematic by today’s standards, its heart was in the right place. The show demonstrated a willingness to address serious social issues through the lens of magical comedy. It was a bold statement for its time.
7. Elizabeth Montgomery’s Behind-the-Scenes Pregnancy
Montgomery was pregnant three times during the show’s run, which presented unique filming challenges. For her first pregnancy, the production team shot scenes without her and then added her separately after giving birth. The subsequent pregnancies were actually incorporated into the show’s storyline.
The name Tabitha was Montgomery’s personal choice, inspired by the daughter of actor Edward Andrews. Her involvement went far beyond just acting, as she was deeply connected to the show’s creative process. Montgomery even owned 20% of the show, giving her significant creative control.
8. The Magical Address
1164 Morning Glory Circle became an iconic television address that fans could practically visit in their imaginations. The exterior shots were filmed at Warner Brothers Ranch Studios, with the color green prominently featured in every episode as a nod to witchy symbolism. Fans could even potentially convince staff to show them around the location.
The house became more than just a set – it was a character in its own right. Viewers could imagine themselves walking through those magical rooms, wondering what supernatural shenanigans might occur. It represented the perfect blend of suburban normalcy and magical mystery.
9. Unexpected Television Crossovers
“Bewitched” had some delightful behind-the-scenes connections with other shows of its era. The kitchen from “I Dream of Jeannie” actually appeared in one episode, creating a subtle supernatural universe. Some Flintstones episodes even featured magical cameos from the “Bewitched” cast.
These small connections delighted observant fans who loved spotting these Easter eggs. It created a sense of interconnectedness in the world of 1960s television comedies. Viewers felt like they were in on a special secret.
10. The Unsung Theme Song
Most viewers never knew that “Bewitched” originally had a theme song with lyrics. Composer Jack Keller and lyricist Howard Greenfield created a song that was ultimately never used in the show. Multiple artists, including Steve Lawrence and Peggy Lee, recorded their own versions of the unused tune.
The producers had even considered using “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” from the musical Pal Joey. Budget constraints ultimately prevented this plan. The unsung song became a fascinating piece of television musical trivia.
11. Endora’s Magical Jewelry
The 8.5-carat old-mine diamond brooch that Endora always wore actually belonged to Agnes Moorehead in real life. When Moorehead passed away, she willed the brooch to Elizabeth Montgomery, her on-screen daughter. The piece of jewelry became a tangible connection between the actresses.
This small detail represents the genuine affection between the show’s stars. It transformed a costume piece into a symbol of their real-life relationship. Fans would never have known the brooch’s true significance.
12. The Show’s Surprising Longevity
“Bewitched” consistently ranked in the top 10 television shows during its run and continues to enchant audiences through syndication. Despite Elizabeth Montgomery’s initial reluctance to continue the show, it was greenlit for multiple seasons. Her husband and show producer Bill Asher was instrumental in convincing her to continue.
The show’s magic transcended its original era, becoming a timeless piece of television history. It captured the imagination of millions and continues to do so decades later. “Bewitched” proved that a little supernatural charm could go a long way.
Television would never be the same after Samantha’s magical nose twitch transformed the medium forever. These behind-the-scenes secrets reveal the incredible creativity, passion, and magic that went into creating one of the most beloved shows of the 1960s. For those who grew up with “Bewitched,” these stories are a delightful trip down memory lane.
