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Rough Magic

Rough Magic is a 1995 American comedy-fantasy film directed by Clare Peploe.^[1] The screenplay, written by Robert Mundi, William Brookfield, and Clare Peploe, is an adaptation of the 1944 novel Miss Shumway Waves a Wand by James Hadley Chase.^[2] Starring Bridget Fonda as the aspiring magician Myra Shumway and Russell Crowe as the rugged rancher Alex Ross, with a runtime of 100 minutes, the film blends elements of screwball comedy, film noir, and magical realism.^[3] Set against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico, the story follows Myra, a young woman from Texas engaged to a sleazy political candidate, who flees to Mexico after her magician mentor dies and leaves her a magical amulet.^[1] There, she encounters Alex, a skeptical cowboy, and becomes entangled in a web of intrigue involving corrupt politicians, a powerful sorcerer, and her own burgeoning magical abilities.^[2] The narrative explores themes of empowerment, illusion versus reality, and romantic adventure, with Myra using her "rough magic" to navigate dangers and assert her independence.^[3] Produced by Declan Baldwin, Laurie Parker, and Yves Attal and filmed primarily in Mexico, Rough Magic premiered at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival and received a limited theatrical release in the United States in 1997.^[1] Despite mixed critical reception—praised for its whimsical tone and Fonda's charismatic performance but critiqued for uneven pacing and tonal shifts—the film has garnered a cult following for its offbeat charm and early showcase of Crowe's leading-man potential.^[2]^[3]

Background

Plot

Rough Magic is set in 1950s Mexico and follows Myra Shumway, an apprentice magician who flees to the border after witnessing the murder of her boss by her controlling fiancé, a rising U.S. politician.^[2]^[4] Desiring independence 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.^[5]^[6] In Mexico, Myra encounters Alex Ross, a jaded private detective hired by her fiancé to track her down, leading him toward personal redemption through unexpected alliances.^[2]^[4] Together, they delve into a web of intrigue involving a quack English doctor seeking an ancient Mayan elixir, blending elements of film noir suspense, comedic mishaps, and fantasy through magical realism—such as hypnotic illusions and mystical artifacts that challenge reality.^[5]^[6] The narrative explores themes of empowerment and liberation as Myra harnesses latent magical abilities, navigating betrayals and revelations in a world where illusion and truth intertwine.^[2] 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.^[2]

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.^[7] 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.^[8] 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 novel by altering the setting to South America and shifting the tone toward lighter adventure and romance while retaining core elements of the kidnapping plot and magical motifs.^[9] For the 1995 film, the screenplay was penned by Robert Mundi, William Brookfield, and director Clare Peploe, who transformed Chase's hard-boiled narrative into a comedy-fantasy by amplifying the magical realism and screwball humor, while downplaying the detective procedural aspects in favor of whimsical escapades.^[10] Peploe, inspired by a trip to Guatemala, incorporated influences from indigenous cultures during the writing process, which spanned several years of revisions to streamline the novel's convoluted threads.^[11] The story remains set in 1950s Mexico, aligning with the novel's locale but infusing it with vibrant, noir-tinged visuals.^[12] 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.^[13] The romantic tension between Myra and the detective Alex is also expanded into a fuller screwball dynamic, heightening the film's playful interplay over the novel's terser interactions.^[12]

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 supernatural elements.^[2] The project emerged as an independent production in the early 1990s, aiming to reimagine the source material for a contemporary audience through a screenplay 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 Mexico.^[14] Clare Peploe, an experienced director known for her 1987 film High Season and her marriage to Bernardo Bertolucci, became attached to direct in the early 1990s, with formal announcements confirming her involvement by late 1993.^[15] Peploe, who also co-wrote the script, brought revisions that shifted the narrative toward themes of feminism, cultural clashes between American and Mexican influences, and a blend of screwball comedy with spiritual undertones, drawing from the novel's magical elements but expanding them for a road-movie structure.^[11] She collaborated closely with co-writer William Brookfield, a British screenwriter, 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.^[14] 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.^[11] 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 France, where Chase's works had a strong following.^[15]^[11] Produced by Laurie Parker under the Recorded Picture Company banner, the film 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.^[15]^[16] This reflected broader challenges for offbeat films mixing comedy, fantasy, and noir, which struggled to find clear market positioning in the mid-1990s Hollywood landscape.^[16] Pre-production spanned from around 1991 to 1993, with script finalization occurring amid iterative revisions to adapt the novel's 1940s setting and plot to a more vibrant, visually driven screenplay suitable for international co-production.^[15] Peploe's vision emphasized location authenticity, initially scouting sites in Guatemala before pivoting to Mexico due to logistical and safety concerns, which further shaped the script's cultural dynamics.^[11] By 1993, the project was greenlit under UGC's slate, marking the transition from development to active preparation.^[15]

Casting and filming

The principal cast of Rough Magic featured Bridget Fonda as the apprentice magician Myra Shumway, a role that highlighted her established comedic talents following performances in films like Single White Female. Russell Crowe played the rugged reporter Alex Ross, marking one of his early breakthroughs in Hollywood after Australian projects such as The Crossing. Jim Broadbent was cast as the eccentric con artist Doc Ansell, bringing his signature British wit to the supporting role. D.W. Moffett 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.^[17] The casting 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 Australia, securing his U.S. entry point with the production. Broadbent's selection provided a contrasting humorous edge to the ensemble.^[18]^[19] Principal photography occurred from May 25, 1994, to August 4, 1994, spanning diverse international sites to capture the film's 1950s Mexico adventure. Shooting in rural villages of Michoacán, Mexico, lent authenticity to the story's cultural immersion, while the ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal, Guatemala, served as backdrops for the mystical elements. U.S.-set scenes were filmed in Los Angeles. Production faced logistical hurdles from the varied terrains and climates, with magic sequences relying on practical effects due to the film's modest budget.^[20]^[18] 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 post-production 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.^[17]^[2]

Release

Theatrical release

Rough Magic was released theatrically in France on August 30, 1995, under the title Miss Shumway jette un sort.^[1] Distribution in France was handled by UGC, reflecting its status as a French-British co-production.^[18] The film had its international premiere at the 52nd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 1995, where it screened in the Fast Lane section.^[18] In the United States, the film received a limited theatrical release on May 30, 1997, distributed by The Samuel Goldwyn Company.^[21] International distribution was managed through partners including UGC in France, targeting select markets with the film's blend of comedy, romance, and fantasy elements.^[22] Marketing efforts positioned Rough Magic as a quirky romantic comedy set in the 1950s, emphasizing its magical realism and adventurous tone. Trailers highlighted the period setting, illusionist tricks, and the on-screen chemistry between leads Bridget Fonda and Russell Crowe.^[23] 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.^[24] The genre mix of noir, fantasy, and romance presented challenges in broad positioning, resulting in a niche appeal geared toward arthouse audiences.^[25] The film earned an MPAA rating of PG-13 for sex-related content and some violence, with a runtime of 104 minutes.^[26]

Home media and availability

Following its limited theatrical release in 1997, Rough Magic became available on VHS in the United States through the Samuel Goldwyn Company, with copies distributed shortly after the film's premiere.^[27] The film received its initial DVD release in the United States on August 6, 2002, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, featuring a standard edition with the theatrical trailer but no audio commentary or extensive special features.^[28]^[29] In the digital era, Rough Magic has been accessible via various streaming platforms. As of November 2025, it is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video (with subscription or ads) and Shout! Factory TV, as well as for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video; it can also be watched for free with advertisements on Tubi, where it was added in August 2023.^[30]^[31]^[32] Internationally, DVD editions emerged in Europe during the early 2000s, including a release in Germany on August 6, 2002.^[33] 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 Russell Crowe roles has led to its occasional inclusion in streaming retrospectives of 1990s independent cinema.^[25]

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.^[3] 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.^[2] 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.^[18] 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.^[25] Critics commonly praised Fonda's spirited portrayal of Myra, capturing a blend of intelligence and allure that anchors the film.^[18]^[25] Russell Crowe's early leading role was highlighted for its relaxed charisma, adding appeal to the romantic tension.^[18]^[25] The film's innovative mix of film noir 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.^[2]^[25] However, common criticisms focused on the incoherent plot shifts and uneven tone, which undermined the narrative's momentum.^[2]^[18] 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.^[2]^[18] Thematic analysis in reviews frequently addressed feminist undertones in Myra's arc of self-discovery and empowerment through her magical awakening, as well as a subtle critique of American imperialism embedded in the water rights subplot set against Mexican landscapes.^[25]

Box office and legacy

Rough Magic had a limited theatrical release in the United States on May 30, 1997, grossing $247,202 domestically from an opening weekend of $59,026 across 28 theaters.^[34] The film's U.S. debut occurred two years after its French premiere 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 The Samuel Goldwyn Company.^[2] With no reported international figures exceeding domestic totals significantly, the film was widely regarded as a box office disappointment, earning modest returns overall.^[35] Despite commercial shortcomings, Rough Magic marked an early Hollywood showcase for Russell Crowe as the cynical journalist Alex, contributing to his rising profile ahead of his Oscar-winning role in Gladiator (2000). The film has since cultivated a cult following, praised for Clare Peploe's idiosyncratic direction that fuses magical realism with 1950s pulp aesthetics, earning retrospective acclaim as a neglected gem.^[25] Academics have examined its depiction of 1950s Mexico, highlighting shamanistic rituals and esoteric elements as innovative examples of cinemagic realism in independent cinema.^[36] The movie received no major awards but earned recognition at festivals, with Bridget Fonda winning Best Actress at the 1995 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival for her portrayal of the enigmatic Myra Shumway.^[37]

References

[1]
Rough Magic (1995) - IMDb
Rating 5.4/10 (2,241) Rough Magic: Directed by Clare Peploe. With Bridget Fonda, Russell Crowe, Jim Broadbent, D.W. Moffett. In the 1950s, a pretty sorceress apprentice travels ...
[2]
Rough Magic movie review & film summary (1997) - Roger Ebert
Rating 2/4 · Review by Roger EbertShe frowns and says thoughtfully, “Don't say things like that.” “Rough Magic” is based on a novel by the noir novelist James Hadley Chase, best known for “No ...
[3]
Rough Magic - Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 25% (8) Rough Magic is an unusual and a charming film. It's a mix of comedy, magic and noir that turns into outright fantasy. One never knows where the plot is going to ...
[4]
Rough Magic (1997) Movie Synopsis & Film Details - FilmJabber.com
Rough Magic Movie Synopsis & Plot. A beautiful magician's assistant, Myra (Bridget Fonda), is leaving the stage to marry her rich fiancee, Cliff Wyatt (D.W. ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
[5]
Rough Magic (1995) - Turner Classic Movies - TCM
Rough Magic. 1h 44m 1995. Overview; Synopsis; Credits; Film Details; Notes. Brief Synopsis. Read More. The story of magician's assistant Myra Shumway who sets ...
[6]
Rough Magic | Film Review | Spirituality & Practice
### Plot Summary of *Rough Magic*
[7]
Miss Shumway Waves a Wand | WWEnd - Worlds Without End
Synopsis. How come a New York reporter like Ross millan was combing half of Mexico looking for old man Shumway's missing daughter? Millan had asked himself ...Missing: setting | Show results with:setting
[8]
Miss Shumway Waves a Wand, by James Hadley Chase - nwhyte
Mar 24, 2020 · Miss Shumway has run away to Mexico; as well as being a stage magician she has developed real magical powers, and also turns out to have double ...Missing: setting | Show results with:setting
[9]
A Blonde Like That (1963) - Jean Jabely - Letterboxd
Myra, daughter of the circus king, has been kidnapped in South America. Or so her father believes. In reality, Miss Shumway has escaped into the Indian ...
[10]
Rough Magic | Jonathan Rosenbaum
Rough Magic. Posted September 21, 2023. A Critic's Choice ... Adapted by William Brookfield, former film critic Robert Mundy, and Peploe from James Hadley ...Missing: changes | Show results with:changes
[11]
CLARE PEPLOE ON ROUGH MAGIC | Bernardo Bertolucci
Jul 14, 2001 · With her latest film Rough Magic Peploe weaves a tale utilizing elements and tropes from film noir, magic realism and the screwball comedy.
[12]
It's a kind of magic | The Independent
May 16, 1996 · This appears to delight Clare Peploe, the director (she also co-wrote the screenplay, adapted from James Hadley Chase's novel Miss Shumway Waves ...
[13]
Jim Broadbent Film Title: Rough Magic
Set in the 1950s, Rough Magic tells the story of a pretty magician's assistant who goes to Mexico to escape her fiancé, a wealthy politician who is caught up ...Missing: 1997 summary<|control11|><|separator|>
[14]
Rough Magic (1995) - Moria Reviews
Jul 6, 2000 · Rough Magic is a venture into Magical Realism with Bridget Fonda as a magician's assistant who undergoes a Mexican ceremony to emerge with ...
[15]
UGC backs pic slate - Variety
Dec 1, 1993 · The first projects will include “Rough Magic,” directed by Claire Peploe and produced by Laurie Parker; and Angelica Huston's directorial debut, ...Missing: Clare | Show results with:Clare<|separator|>
[16]
Lost Without a Screen: the Fate of 'Orphan' Films
Mar 9, 1997 · So were ''Rough Magic,'' ''Heaven's Prisoners'' and ''Faithful,'' small movies that were going to be released by Savoy Pictures Entertainment ...
[17]
Rough Magic (1995) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
Rough Magic (1995) - Cast and crew credits, including actors ... Russell Crowe and Bridget Fonda in Rough Magic (1995). Full cast & crew. Rough ...
[18]
Rough Magic - Variety
“Rough Magic” is a handsome production, with costume designer Richard Hornung deserving special kudos for the snappy threads and great hats in ...Missing: novel | Show results with:novel
[19]
Trying to Make 'Magic' Out of Spiritualism, Film Noir
May 30, 1997 · Starring the inscrutable Bridget Fonda and the ... It's hard to say whether director Clare Peploe actually intended to make “Rough Magic ...
[20]
Rough Magic (1995) - Filming & production - IMDb
Russell Crowe and Bridget Fonda in Rough Magic (1995). Filming & production. Rough Magic. Jump to. Filming locations (4), Filming dates (1). Edit. Filming ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
[21]
Company credits - Rough Magic (1995) - IMDb
Russell Crowe and Bridget Fonda in Rough Magic (1995). Company credits. Rough Magic. Jump to. Production Companies (2), Distributors (13), Other Companies (20).Missing: budget | Show results with:budget
[22]
Rough Magic - Clare Peploe - Unifrance
... Rough Magic. A Feature film of. Clare Peploe. Production year1995 ... Photography : John J. Campbell. Music Composer : Richard Hartley. Editor ...Synopsis · Credits · Media GalleryMissing: principal | Show results with:principal<|separator|>
[23]
Rough Magic [1995] Official Trailer - YouTube
Jan 24, 2012 · Set in the 1950s, Rough Magic tells the story of what happens when a pretty apprentice magician goes to Mexico to escape her fiancé, ...
[24]
'Virtuosity' Villain Wants to Kill Stereotype : Movies: Russell Crowe's ...
Aug 18, 1995 · Yet for acclaimed Australian actor Russell Crowe, who plays ... Rough Magic,” with Bridget Fonda. As for his doing anything else for ...
[25]
Neglected Gem #60: Rough Magic (1995) - Critics At Large
Aug 30, 2014 · Rough Magic is an inspired doodle, and Peploe is its true magician. Unhappily, almost no one got an opportunity to see it.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
[26]
Parents guide - Rough Magic (1995) - IMDb
Rough Magic ; Sex & Nudity · Mild. 1 of 1 found this mild ; Violence & Gore · Mild. 1 of 1 found this mild ; Profanity · Moderate. 1 of 1 found this moderate ; Alcohol ...
[27]
VHS: Rough Magic: Bridget Fonda, Russell Crowe - eBay
In stock Free deliveryVHS: Rough Magic: Bridget Fonda, Russell Crowe ; Quantity. 1 available ; Item number. 156584649170 ; Language. English ; Former Rental. Yes ; Accurate description.Missing: marketing strategy
[28]
Rough Magic - Amazon.com
Rough Magic ; Genre, ‎Romantic Comedy ; Format, ‎Subtitled ; Contributor, ‎Bridget Fonda, Claire Peploe, Declan Baldwin, Fourth Vision Inc; Rough Magic Inc; Union ...
[29]
Rough Magic 1995 Full DVD with Bridget Fonda, Russell Crowe ...
DVD Release Date: 08/06/2002. Original Release Date: 05/30/1997. Theatrical Release Date: 05/30/1997. Release Year: 2002. Run Time: 1hr 44min. Screens: Color ...
[30]
Rough Magic streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
Rating 28% (32) Currently you are able to watch "Rough Magic" streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel or for free with ads.Missing: releases VHS
[31]
Watch Rough Magic (1995) - Free Movies - Tubi
Aug 31, 2023 · Rough Magic ... A magician's apprentice flees an arranged marriage. Her fiancé dispatches a reporter to trail her in Mexico as she hunts for a ...Missing: Kanopy | Show results with:Kanopy
[32]
Rough Magic - Prime Video - Amazon.com
Set in the 1950s, Rough Magic tells the story of what happens when a pretty apprentice magician goes to Mexico to escape her fiancé, a wealthy politician, ...Missing: 1995 media DVD Blu-
[33]
Rough magic (1995) - CeDe.com
Rough magic (1995). English · DVD ; Genre, Comedy. Content, DVD ; Content, DVD ; Content, DVD. FSK / age rating, from age 0 ; Publication date, 06.08.2002.
[34]
Rough Magic - Box Office Mojo
- **Domestic Box Office Gross**: $247,202
[35]
Quick Reviews: Rough Magic - The DVD Journal
Rough Magic went unreleased in the U.S. until 1997, when it managed to gross less than $0.5 million. An absolute dud. And perhaps Columbia TriStar understands ...
[36]
[PDF] CINEMAGIC REALISM Ljudmila Labudovic
One. such example is Rough Magic (1995) which mixes profusely instances of cqnjuring magic, the occult magic of an esoteric group from Mexico, as.
[37]
Awards - Rough Magic (1995) - IMDb
Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival · Bridget Fonda, John J. Campbell, and Clare Peploe in Rough Magic (1995. 1995 Nominee Best Film · Clare Peploe.