Bechdel Test Movie List

/bech·del test/ n.
1. It has to have at least two [named] women in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something besides a man

[[3]] The Black Cauldron (1985) [imdb]

This movie passed 3 of 3 tests. It was entered by Mira on 2011-01-31 00:09:53.

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Mira said:
The three evil witches talk to one another about the black cauldron and whether or not to give it up.
Message posted on 2011-01-31 00:09:53
femmeapples said:
Felt worth it to expand on Mira's comment from nine years ago to say... Two of the witches' names are said in the film, Orddu & Orgoch, but all three are named in the (beautifully designed) credits, which is where we get the third witch's name, Orwen.

So, while it's quite proper to accept a Credits-Del from this exchange:
Orddu: I've never seen a sword like that! I've got to have that sword! Listen carefully, we'll trade the Cauldron for the sword!
Orwen: But what can they DO with the Cauldron, Orddu?
Orddu: Nothing! That's the point. Don't you see? We'll end up with both! The sword and the Cauldron!


I'd give slight preference in ringing the Bech-bell for this exchange, immediately following (technically making this a Back-to-back-Del):
Orddu: It's decided then, you shall have the Black Cauldron. (Note that this line is delivered to Taran, but the Princess jumps in and gives us our Bechdel!)
Eilonwy: You mean, you'll give it to us?
Orddu: Ha, ha! That's not what I said. You weren't listening. We never give anything away! What we do is bargain, trade!


Lots of stunningly disturbing animation for a kids movie, but such was Disney in the 80s, I suppose... Gotta say though, until the witches showed up, I thought our only chance of a Bechdel would be if Princess Eilonwy were to talk to Hen Wen the Clairvoyant Pig! Really lucked out!
Message posted on 2020-08-05 05:21:07
RaMaK disagreed with the rating and said:
While the 3 witches are named in the credits (and in the book) - Orddu, Orwen, Orgoch - only Orddu is named in the actual movie dialogue.
Message posted on 2020-12-04 13:07:22

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