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Rough Magic
Rough Magic
Rough Magic
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Rough Magic
Directed byClare Peploe
Screenplay byRobert Mundi
William Brookfield
Clare Peploe
Based onMiss Shumway Waves a Wand
by James Hadley Chase
Starring
CinematographyJohn J. Campbell
Edited bySuzanne Hartley
Music byRichard Hartley
Production
company
Distributed byGoldwyn Entertainment Company
Release date
  • May 30, 1995 (1995-05-30)
Running time
104 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$598,981

Rough Magic is a 1995 comedy film directed by Clare Peploe, starring Bridget Fonda and Russell Crowe. The screenplay was written by Robert Mundi, William Brookfield, and Clare Peploe. Rough Magic is based on the 1944 novel Miss Shumway Waves a Wand by British novelist James Hadley Chase, which had previously been adapted as the 1962 French-Argentine film Une blonde comme ça.

Cast

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Production

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Filming locations in Michoacán, Mexico; Tikal, Guatemala; and Los Angeles, United States.

Release

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The film was released in France on August 30, 1995 and in the United States on May 30, 1997.

Reception

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On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 25% of 8 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.6/10.[1]

Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film 2 stars, writing:

Peploe, who is married to Bernardo Bertolucci, co-wrote his Luna (1979) and Antonioni's Zabriskie Point (1970), and has directed one previous feature, High Season (1987), an engagingly goofy comedy set on a Greek island and involving tourists and spies. Nothing she has done before is anything like Rough Magic, which seems to be a visitor from a parallel timeline: If film noir had developed in South America instead of California, maybe we would have seen more films like this.

Apart from anything else, the movie is wonderful to look at. It's a cliche to talk about great visuals, since if you point a camera in the right direction you can make almost anything look good. But John J. Campbell and Peploe create painterly compositions with rich Mexican colors, and there are landscape shots and atmospheric effects here that are astonishing.[2]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Rough Magic

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rough Magic is a 1995 American comedy-fantasy film directed by . The screenplay, written by Robert Mundi, William Brookfield, and , is an adaptation of the 1944 novel Miss Shumway Waves a Wand by . Starring as the aspiring magician Myra Shumway and as the rugged rancher , with a runtime of 100 minutes, the film blends elements of , , and magical realism. Set against the backdrop of 1950s , the story follows , a young woman from engaged to a sleazy political candidate, who flees to after her magician mentor dies and leaves her a magical amulet. There, she encounters Alex, a skeptical , and becomes entangled in a web of intrigue involving corrupt politicians, a powerful sorcerer, and her own burgeoning magical abilities. The narrative explores themes of , versus , and romantic adventure, with Myra using her "rough magic" to navigate dangers and assert her independence. Produced by Declan Baldwin, Laurie Parker, and Yves Attal and filmed primarily in , Rough Magic premiered at the 1995 and received a in the United States in 1997. Despite mixed —praised for its whimsical tone and Fonda's charismatic performance but critiqued for uneven pacing and tonal shifts—the film has garnered a for its offbeat charm and early showcase of Crowe's leading-man potential.

Background

Plot

Rough Magic is set in 1950s and follows Shumway, an apprentice magician who flees to the border after witnessing the murder of her boss by her controlling fiancé, a rising U.S. . Desiring from her fiancé's domineering influence, Myra embarks on a journey of self-discovery amid rural Mexican landscapes and ancient Mayan ruins, contrasting American encroachment with local mysticism. In , encounters , a jaded private hired by her fiancé to track her down, leading him toward personal redemption through unexpected alliances. Together, they delve into a web of intrigue involving a quack English doctor seeking an ancient Mayan , blending elements of suspense, comedic mishaps, and fantasy through magical realism—such as hypnotic and mystical artifacts that challenge reality. The narrative explores themes of and liberation as harnesses latent magical abilities, navigating betrayals and revelations in a world where illusion and truth intertwine. The film, loosely adapted from James Hadley Chase's novel Miss Shumway Waves a Wand, emphasizes Myra's arc from subservience to agency against a backdrop of cultural fusion and supernatural wonder.

Literary origins

Rough Magic is based on the 1944 pulp novel Miss Shumway Waves a Wand by British author James Hadley Chase, a hard-boiled detective story centered on a New York reporter's search for a missing magician's assistant amid a murder mystery and supernatural elements in Mexico. The novel features protagonist Ross Millan pursuing Myra Shumway, who possesses genuine magical abilities beyond her stage illusions, blending noir intrigue with whimsical fantasy in a tropical Mexican setting. The source material had one prior screen adaptation: the 1963 French-Argentine film Une blonde comme ça (also known as Mi novia es otra), directed by Jean Jabely, which loosely interpreted the by altering the setting to and shifting the tone toward lighter adventure and romance while retaining core elements of the kidnapping plot and magical motifs. For the 1995 film, the screenplay was penned by Robert Mundi, William Brookfield, and director , who transformed Chase's hard-boiled narrative into a comedy-fantasy by amplifying the magical realism and humor, while downplaying the procedural aspects in favor of whimsical escapades. Peploe, inspired by a trip to , incorporated influences from indigenous cultures during the writing process, which spanned several years of revisions to streamline the novel's convoluted threads. The story remains set in 1950s , aligning with the novel's locale but infusing it with vibrant, noir-tinged visuals. Significant deviations include the addition of Mayan mysticism, exemplified by Myra's encounters with an ancient shaman imparting real magical principles, and a central water rights conspiracy tied to her fiancé's political ambitions—elements absent from Chase's original, which focuses more on personal intrigue and illusion-based crimes. The romantic tension between Myra and the detective Alex is also expanded into a fuller dynamic, heightening the film's playful interplay over the novel's terser interactions.

Production

Development

The development of Rough Magic began with the acquisition of film rights to James Hadley Chase's 1944 novel Miss Shumway Waves a Wand, a pulp fiction story blending mystery and elements. The project emerged as an independent production in the early , aiming to reimagine the source material for a contemporary audience through a that emphasized its noir roots while incorporating magical realism and comedic tones. The initial screenplay was credited to Robert Mundi, who focused on the novel's detective thriller aspects set in 1950s . Clare Peploe, an experienced director known for her 1987 film High Season and her marriage to , became attached to direct in the early , with formal announcements confirming her involvement by late 1993. Peploe, who also co-wrote the script, brought revisions that shifted the narrative toward themes of , cultural clashes between American and Mexican influences, and a blend of with spiritual undertones, drawing from the novel's magical elements but expanding them for a road-movie structure. She collaborated closely with co-writer William Brookfield, a British , on dialogue and thematic enhancements, resulting in a final script that balanced adventure, romance, and whimsy while toning down some of the source material's pulp excesses. Mundi's contributions laid the groundwork for the story's intrigue, while Peploe and Brookfield infused humor and deeper character motivations, particularly for the female protagonist. The production was financed as a low-budget independent venture, primarily through French backing from UGC (Union Générale Cinématographique), secured due to the novel's enduring popularity in , where Chase's works had a strong following. Produced by Laurie Parker under the Recorded Picture Company banner, the faced hurdles in assembling funding and distribution, characteristic of genre-blending indies at the time; U.S. rights were eventually picked up by Samuel Goldwyn Company, but the project languished for nearly two years post-completion amid distributor shifts, including the collapse of Savoy Pictures. This reflected broader challenges for offbeat mixing , fantasy, and noir, which struggled to find clear market positioning in the mid-1990s Hollywood landscape. Pre-production spanned from around 1991 to , with script finalization occurring amid iterative revisions to adapt the novel's setting and plot to a more vibrant, visually driven suitable for international co-production. Peploe's vision emphasized location authenticity, initially scouting sites in before pivoting to due to logistical and safety concerns, which further shaped the script's cultural dynamics. By , the project was greenlit under UGC's slate, marking the transition from development to active preparation.

Casting and filming

The principal cast of Rough Magic featured as the apprentice magician Myra Shumway, a role that highlighted her established comedic talents following performances in films like . played the rugged reporter , marking one of his early breakthroughs in Hollywood after Australian projects such as The Crossing. was cast as the eccentric con artist Doc Ansell, bringing his signature British wit to the supporting role. portrayed the controlling fiancé Cliff Wyatt, with additional supporting performances by Paul Rodriguez as the guide Diego, Lionel Mark Smith as Toole, and Michèle Garcia as Isabelle. The process emphasized actors who could blend noir intrigue with whimsical fantasy; Fonda was involved from early development through director Clare Peploe's industry network, while Crowe auditioned from , securing his U.S. entry point with the production. Broadbent's selection provided a contrasting humorous edge to the ensemble. occurred from May 25, 1994, to August 4, 1994, spanning diverse international sites to capture the film's adventure. Shooting in rural villages of , , lent authenticity to the story's cultural immersion, while the ancient Mayan ruins at , , served as backdrops for the mystical elements. U.S.-set scenes were filmed in . Production faced logistical hurdles from the varied terrains and climates, with sequences relying on practical effects due to the film's modest budget. Behind the camera, cinematographer John J. Campbell delivered vibrant visuals with a noir-inflected style that enhanced the film's dreamlike tone. Editor Suzanne Fenn handled the assembly, ensuring a fluid narrative flow. Composer Richard Hartley, known for his eclectic work, created a whimsical score incorporating Latin rhythms to underscore the exotic setting.

Release

Theatrical release

Rough Magic was released theatrically in on August 30, 1995, under the title Miss Shumway jette un sort. Distribution in was handled by UGC, reflecting its status as a French-British co-production. The had its international at the 52nd on September 2, 1995, where it screened in the Fast Lane section. In the United States, the film received a on May 30, 1997, distributed by . International distribution was managed through partners including UGC in , targeting select markets with the film's blend of , romance, and fantasy elements. Marketing efforts positioned Rough Magic as a quirky set in the , emphasizing its magical realism and adventurous tone. Trailers highlighted the period setting, illusionist tricks, and the on-screen chemistry between leads and . Promotional posters prominently featured Fonda and Crowe to capitalize on their star appeal, while press junkets focused on Crowe's emerging prominence following roles in films like The Quick and the Dead. The genre mix of noir, fantasy, and romance presented challenges in broad positioning, resulting in a niche appeal geared toward arthouse audiences. The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 for sex-related content and some , with a runtime of 104 minutes.

Home media and availability

Following its in 1997, Rough Magic became available on in the United States through , with copies distributed shortly after the film's premiere. The film received its initial DVD release in the United States on August 6, 2002, from , featuring a standard edition with the theatrical trailer but no or extensive special features. In the digital era, Rough Magic has been accessible via various streaming platforms. As of November 2025, it is available for streaming on (with subscription or ads) and Shout! Factory TV, as well as for rental or purchase on ; it can also be watched for free with advertisements on , where it was added in August 2023. Internationally, DVD editions emerged in during the early 2000s, including a release in on August 6, 2002. No official Blu-ray edition or major restorations have been issued as of 2025, though the film's modest cult appeal among fans of early roles has led to its occasional inclusion in streaming retrospectives of independent cinema.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Rough Magic received mixed to negative reviews from critics, reflected in its aggregate scores. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 25% approval rating based on 8 reviews. Roger Ebert awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars in his 1997 review, praising its enchanting fantasy visuals and the engaging performances, particularly Bridget Fonda's charm as the protagonist Myra, while criticizing the uneven pacing and the failure of its noir and magic realism elements to blend seamlessly. In a 1995 Variety review, Todd McCarthy noted the handsome production values and costume design but described the plot as rambling, with disparate elements that do not fully mesh despite Fonda's terrific performance and Russell Crowe's charismatic support. Retrospectively, a 2014 Critics at Large piece hailed the film as a neglected gem, commending director Clare Peploe's elegant control and the fresh thematic exploration of truth and illusion through its magic-show-like narrative. Critics commonly praised Fonda's spirited portrayal of , capturing a blend of and allure that anchors the film. Russell Crowe's early leading role was highlighted for its relaxed charisma, adding appeal to the romantic tension. The film's innovative mix of and magical realism was appreciated for its quirky creativity, alongside Jim Broadbent's comedic relief as the huckster Doc Ansell, whose scenes provide intentional humor. However, common criticisms focused on the incoherent plot shifts and uneven tone, which undermined the narrative's momentum. Reviewers often pointed to underutilized fantasy elements, such as the magical sequences that felt underdeveloped or tonally mismatched, and limited depth in supporting characters beyond their archetypal roles. Thematic analysis in reviews frequently addressed feminist undertones in Myra's arc of self-discovery and through her magical awakening, as well as a subtle of American imperialism embedded in the water rights subplot set against Mexican landscapes.

Box office and legacy

had a in the United States on May 30, , grossing $247,202 domestically from an opening weekend of $59,026 across 28 theaters. The film's U.S. debut occurred two years after its French in 1995 as Miss Shumway jette un sort, a delay that hindered momentum and exposed it to intense competition from 1997 blockbusters like Titanic and Men in Black. Its hybrid genre—blending noir thriller, comedy, and fantasy—created confusion for audiences and limited mainstream appeal, exacerbated by niche marketing from distributor . With no reported international figures exceeding domestic totals significantly, the film was widely regarded as a disappointment, earning modest returns overall. Despite commercial shortcomings, Rough Magic marked an early Hollywood showcase for as the cynical Alex, contributing to his rising profile ahead of his Oscar-winning role in Gladiator (2000). The film has since cultivated a , praised for Clare Peploe's idiosyncratic direction that fuses magical realism with 1950s pulp aesthetics, earning retrospective acclaim as a neglected gem. Academics have examined its depiction of 1950s , highlighting shamanistic rituals and esoteric elements as innovative examples of cinemagic realism in independent cinema. The movie received no major awards but earned recognition at festivals, with winning at the 1995 - Catalonian International for her portrayal of the enigmatic Myra Shumway.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114303/
  2. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/rough-magic-1997
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rough_magic
  4. https://www.filmjabber.com/movie-synopsis/rough-magic.html
  5. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/443842/rough-magic
  6. https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/reviews/view/4931
  7. https://www.worldswithoutend.com/novel.asp?ID=35081
  8. https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3360087.html
  9. https://letterboxd.com/film/a-blonde-like-that/
  10. https://jonathanrosenbaum.net/2023/09/rough-magic/
  11. https://bernardobertolucci.org/diary/clare-peploe-racconta-rough-magic/?lang=en
  12. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/it-s-a-kind-of-magic-5615858.html
  13. https://www.broadbent.org/jim_broadbent/films/rough_magic.htm
  14. https://www.moriareviews.com/fantasy/rough-magic-1995.htm
  15. https://variety.com/1993/film/news/ugc-backs-pic-slate-116277/
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/09/movies/lost-without-a-screen-the-fate-of-orphan-films.html
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114303/fullcredits/
  18. https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/rough-magic-1200442962/
  19. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-30-ca-63749-story.html
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114303/locations/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114303/companycredits/
  22. https://en.unifrance.org/movie/13193/rough-magic
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WuEkA0ns-w
  24. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-18-ca-36647-story.html
  25. https://www.criticsatlarge.ca/2014/08/neglected-gem-60-rough-magic-1995.html
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114303/parentalguide/
  27. https://www.ebay.com/itm/156584649170
  28. https://www.amazon.com/Rough-Magic-Bridget-Fonda/dp/B00006AUHS
  29. https://swapadvd.com/Rough-Magic-1995-Full/dvd/28316/
  30. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/rough-magic
  31. https://tubitv.com/movies/100008331/rough-magic
  32. https://www.amazon.com/Rough-Magic-Clare-Peploe/dp/B0CWYC44LM
  33. https://www.cede.com/en/movies/?view=detail&aid=10028693
  34. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0114303/
  35. https://www.dvdjournal.com/quickreviews/r/roughmagic.q.shtml
  36. https://digital.auraria.edu/files/pdf?fileid=02e9b7d3-cd0a-4888-ae32-beb29cd6a785
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114303/awards/
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