I first watched this adaptation of A Christmas Carol when it was broadcast by PBS in the seventies. Of course, one attraction was the casting of Michael Hordern as Scrooge, having remembered him as Jacob Marley in the all-time classic Alastair Sim version. Mr. Hordern did not disappoint, providing a Scrooge of sufficient bluster and befuddlement. This could be described as a no frills version of the story by some, but I love it's lean and mean production values and wonderful sets. The cold in Scrooge and Marley's counting house is palpable, with the frost building on the window behind Scrooge's desk. It really seems as though the lighting is coming from the few candles lit in the office, one of which does double duty as Bob Cratchit uses it to warm his cold hands. I love these atmospheric touches, of which there are many in this production. The wonderful collection of British actors bringing the novel to life is the icing on the cake as there are many who stand out. I heartily recommend this version if you can find it. I was able to tape it off television about 10 years ago, and have not seen it since. Still, a wonderful adaptation.
Reviews
5 Reviews
The Love God?
(1969)
Abner Peacock--the Love God!!
27 October 2007
Yes, if nothing else, the Mr. Peacock song montage makes this movie for me. I can't help but laugh out loud every time I see it. The movie itself is also quite good, relatively speaking. Any film with Don Knotts playing an unwitting Hugh Hefner clone can't help but be at least amusing in my book. But watch for his little dance during the montage--that self satisfied smirk on his face while Darlene Love sings his virtues--it's a surreal treat. Of course, most of his films--The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Reluctant Astronaut, and The Incredible Mr. Limpet all have something entertaining to offer to those in the mood for something fun and undemanding.
The House Without a Christmas Tree
(1972 TV Movie)
A wonderful Yuletide gem.
22 October 2007
I remember watching this wonderful Christmas offering as a 9 year old when it first aired in 1972. I was able to record it on VHS in the '80s, and since then it has been a must-watch every year. Based on Gail Rock's book, it's simple story of love and longing over the Christmas season is truly the stuff which is rarely, if ever produced these days. The trio of Jason Robards, Mildred Natwick, and Lisa Lucas are absolutely top-notch. I recommend "The House Without a Christmas Tree" without hesitation to anyone who wants a good, simple, heartfelt story to help remember what Christmas used to be like way back when. Thankfully, the movie is now available on DVD for the first time, making this little seen production readily available for all.
A Child's Christmas in Wales
(1987 TV Movie)
A wonderful Christmas delight with heart
22 October 2007
On this, the 20th anniversary of this wonderful production, I hope that more people will have the opportunity to experience it for the first time. I tend to think of it as a reassuring antidote to the constant ills of everyday life. In a time when many new Christmas specials seem to have a somewhat cynical slant, the wonderful "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is something which is most welcome. Denholm Elliot is wonderful in his role as Old Geraint who shares his Christmas memories of his Welsh childhood with his grandson Thomas. A beautiful production which is well acted and directed, it has an ending which will bring a sentimental tear to your eye. It's one of the best.
The Olden Days Coat
(1981)
A wonderful, underrated Christmas film.
12 December 2005
Although the person who wrote the previous comment seems to fixate on what he (or she) deems a one-dimensional plot (whatever that means), and the fact that it's length is only half-an-hour, I feel that this short film is that rare breed-a near perfect adaptation of its source material. The Olden Days Coat is a story about family and looking back. It's an old fashioned story told in an economical way with wonderful acting and beautiful writing. How anyone can possibly mention this gentle film in the same breath as Back to the Future is simply wrong. There is no comparison. If ever you have the opportunity, do yourself a favor and see this. It's a holiday story with a heart-something we could use more of these days.
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