As many times as I've seen this (oh, about 54) the scene when Elinor Donahue and Andy Griffith perform one of the most beautiful duets of "Away In A Manger" and Will Wright is standing on a crate looking through the bars then sings harmony with them making it a trio chokes me up every time. It's funny how all those instruments come out of that guitar, though!
I just researched the writer of this episode, many other Andy Griffith and other TV series episodes He also wrote "Father Goose". In the credits, he's listed as David Adler, but that is not his birth name. Blacklisted as a result from being an "unfriendly witness" when he testified during the dreaded House Committee on Un-American Activities in the 1950s. As a result, his career was so damaged that he and his family moved to England, UK. For 12 years, he was forced to use phony names and "front" writers. One of several screenwriters blacklisted in Hollywood during the Red Scare of the 1950s.
His "real" name is Frank Tarloff and he really wrote a gem of a Christmas Story.
Reviews
7 Reviews
Expect Great Things from an unknown actress
22 March 2019
Since no one has mentioned Louise Fletcher in this classic "Wagon Train" episode,I will. Seeing her performance here,some 15 years before her Oscar winning performance in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", I could see a little of her cold,callous acting ability. It may be even more shocking coming from her younger and in my opinion,very beautiful self. The other reviews covered how this is an homage to Dickens's "Great Expectations" so I won't retell that...but to do in about 55 minutes is a credit to the great writers and performers in this series. A favorite.
For what...?
14 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
You have probably read the synopsis and other reviews so I won't repeat that. The part about the man that Owney hangs was the only part I thought didn't live up to the otherwise superb screenwriting. Otherwise,this is some of the best screenwriting (by Paul Savage) for a television series I've ever seen,and the acting especially the interaction of Jay Flippen and Andrea Darvi is excellent.
For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul? Mark 8:36... By man's law,he did nothing wrong. That's stretching the situation that happened to Owney Tupper,but it made me think of that chapter and verse. It also made me think of people and governments that think they know what's best for others. Would I have done the same if I were in Owney Tupper's situation? Would you?
For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul? Mark 8:36... By man's law,he did nothing wrong. That's stretching the situation that happened to Owney Tupper,but it made me think of that chapter and verse. It also made me think of people and governments that think they know what's best for others. Would I have done the same if I were in Owney Tupper's situation? Would you?
Cars
(2006)
Great entertainment with a good message
10 June 2006
A friend told me he saw "Cars" and the references to NASCAR escaped him since he's not a fan.Still,he said he enjoyed it due to the great animation and story.I'm happy to say so did we. Even though the theater was uncomfortable, soon the movie grew on me and when Mater made his appearance,I was "hooked". The voice talents really made this a stand-out,in my opinion.Larry the Cable Guy (Mater)and Paul Newman (Doc Hudson) were my favorites.I don't know if it was intentional when Doc Hudson asked Lightning McQueen: "When is the last time you cared about anything other than yourself?" In case you don't know about Paul Newman, he is a caring and supremely generous man, and the founder of "Newman's Own" a successful line of food products that has earned in excess of $100 million, every penny of which he has donated to charity. Finally,the message about taking the scenic route made this a memorable experience.
Alias
(2001–2006)
Enjoy it while you can...It's coming to an end
1 December 2005
Alias was canceled last week by ABC. It will finish its fifth and final season in May,the network said. What a shame;in my opinion this is one of the best series I've ever seen. Well,at least we'll have DVDs and reruns. I hope another network has the fortitude to pick it up and breathe new life into it. There seemed to be an overabundance of sad happenings this season,starting with the death of Michael Vartan's character,Vaughn.Will there be a happy ending? We'll have to wait and see. Alias executive producer Jeff Pinkner said in a statement that the crew was "very saddened to face reality that Alias is coming to an end." He promised a "surprising" and "thrilling" finale.
Key to the City
(1950)
Great cast,funniest Clark Gable since "It Happened One Night"
28 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
In my opinion,this is one of the best movie pairings I've seen. Clark Gable and Loretta Young have great chemistry together.In fact,I think Gable may be at his zaniest here,and I like his performance more than any of his other films I've seen. Loretta Young also surprised me here; she shows she is capable of comedy equal to any of Gable's other costars. *Warning readers-spoilers ahead* Her fight scene with Marilyn Maxwell (as Sheila the 'Atom' Dancer)is a hoot! I'd never have believed Loretta Young would do wrestling throws. I also enjoyed Raymond Burr playing the bad guy,and his fight with Gable made me forget this was a comedy/romance for a while. Frank Morgan(the Wizard of Oz) is also wonderful as ding-a-ling Fire Chief Duggan. One last thing,the music ties in with San Francisco very well,no wonder since the composer of the song "San Francisco", Walter Jurmann is listed in the credits for original music! I could go on and on,but I hope I've changed your opinion about seeing this movie.
Penny Serenade
(1941)
Another Cary Grant charmer with a lot of insights
18 December 2001
Warning: Spoilers
George Stevens' heartwarming study of the trials and tribulations of a young married couple is how TV Guide describes this work of art,but you have to see this to understand how heartwarming a movie can be. As I watch this I am enchanted with Irene Dunne's and Cary Grant's performances. Even crotchety Edgar Buchanan (as Applejack) is a softy in this movie...I like his performance in this better than all his others. The insights to adopting a baby and early parenthood as it was and still is in some respects are truly the heart of this movie. Since I was adopted it is even more poignant for me. Cary Grant's plea to the judge to keep their child is one of his best moments in any film. Update 14 years to the day later,I am not as enchanted but maybe that's just me.I'm going to add the spoiler because it's such a major part of this movie and my life.The death of a child is the worst experience a parent can go through. Some don't recover as this couple almost didn't. I don't think many,if any parents would act like the ones in this movie with the news that another child was available for adoption,so that diminished the movie for me.
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