This is my favorite version of the Dickens classic, songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, featuring the voice of Jim Backus. There’s supposed to be a framing device with Mr. Magoo getting ready for the show–but it was sometimes cut to make room for more commercials. Too bad, if that’s the case. This bit of ironic distance could help arm the kids in the crowd for the horrors to come.
I also like the George C. Scott version–originally made as a movie for television. He’s especially good when he’s happy at the end. And while I know I’m supposed to love Alastair Sim in the role, I’m not crazy about him before the big transformation, until after he is redeemed (which is never any fun at all), at which point I become nostalgic for him earlier in the film. I don’t like him happy and I don’t like him sad.
What’s your favorite Christmas Carol?
Jack Silbert, curator