The people who rate this movie down must not appreciate the difficulty Rich Little faced in not only the production of this TV movie, but also the difficulty of capturing the vocal, visual, and personality quirks of several stars of television and motion pictures.
I saw this movie when it first aired on HBO in 1978-79. I laughed and laughed and it wasn't until a couple of years later that I wanted to videotape it, and never could seem to catch it. Finally, a friend loaned me a copy that was far from perfect, but it satisfied my need for laughter during the Christmas season until it finally deteriorated to the point that it was unwatchable. I found it on Amazon a few years ago on DVD.
The backdrop for the story is, of course, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In this particular telling, the cast is played by many stars of TV and motion pictures, who are, in turn, played by Rich Little. Many of the newer generation who have not seen the old movies of the 40's, 50's, and 60's, nor the Golden Age of TV will not recognize the parts Little plays. Those of us Baby Boomers remember them well and will appreciate the individuality Little gives to each star. The three businessmen who make jokes are represented by George Burns, John Wayne, and Maurice Chevalier, NOT James Mason. The portrayal of Bob Cratchit's wife (Edith Bunker) is particularly hilarious.
Much of Dickens' story is omitted due to time constrictions, but Little has written a tight script that progresses rapidly to its conclusion. If you can identify the characters, watch some of their material, and you will appreciate this Canadian gem for years to come.
I saw this movie when it first aired on HBO in 1978-79. I laughed and laughed and it wasn't until a couple of years later that I wanted to videotape it, and never could seem to catch it. Finally, a friend loaned me a copy that was far from perfect, but it satisfied my need for laughter during the Christmas season until it finally deteriorated to the point that it was unwatchable. I found it on Amazon a few years ago on DVD.
The backdrop for the story is, of course, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In this particular telling, the cast is played by many stars of TV and motion pictures, who are, in turn, played by Rich Little. Many of the newer generation who have not seen the old movies of the 40's, 50's, and 60's, nor the Golden Age of TV will not recognize the parts Little plays. Those of us Baby Boomers remember them well and will appreciate the individuality Little gives to each star. The three businessmen who make jokes are represented by George Burns, John Wayne, and Maurice Chevalier, NOT James Mason. The portrayal of Bob Cratchit's wife (Edith Bunker) is particularly hilarious.
Much of Dickens' story is omitted due to time constrictions, but Little has written a tight script that progresses rapidly to its conclusion. If you can identify the characters, watch some of their material, and you will appreciate this Canadian gem for years to come.