I cannot believe this wonderful program, "A Christmas Memory," has received no votes or comments. But, then, it probably hasn't been seen or available for years. One of Capote's finest short stories, his TV adaptation was an annual small-screen event in the late 60s.
"A Christmas Memory" autobiographical-- concerns the sad little boy who was Truman Capote-- who is shuttled from relative to relative (he's also "Dill" in "To Kill a Mockingbird.") For several winters he stays with these particular relatives-- including the rather simple Sook. The piece is narrated by Capote (sans most of his "preciousness") and just beautifully performed by the wonderful Geraldine Page and a fine youngster named Donnie Melvin. I believe the work was filmed on location in Alabama. I don't remember its being in color but the black & white film was fine-- particularly for the late fall crispness depicted in the enchanting sequence in which Sook and Buddy go to the cabin of the local bootlegger-- a forbidding old Indian named "Ha-Ha"-- to obtain Whisky for the fruit-cakes Sook bakes that they send out to unknown and famous folk-- including the residents of the Roosevelt White House.
The most endearing moment occurs on the morning of December 25th when Buddy and Sook can't contain themselves and make just enough noise to wake the other "aunts"-- the household. As the two grumpy women slip into the room and the conspirators barely contain their delight, the inimitable voice of Capote drolly states: "They'd like to kill us... but it's Christmas, so they can't!"
Ten Stars indeed!!! Find this one if you can!
"A Christmas Memory" autobiographical-- concerns the sad little boy who was Truman Capote-- who is shuttled from relative to relative (he's also "Dill" in "To Kill a Mockingbird.") For several winters he stays with these particular relatives-- including the rather simple Sook. The piece is narrated by Capote (sans most of his "preciousness") and just beautifully performed by the wonderful Geraldine Page and a fine youngster named Donnie Melvin. I believe the work was filmed on location in Alabama. I don't remember its being in color but the black & white film was fine-- particularly for the late fall crispness depicted in the enchanting sequence in which Sook and Buddy go to the cabin of the local bootlegger-- a forbidding old Indian named "Ha-Ha"-- to obtain Whisky for the fruit-cakes Sook bakes that they send out to unknown and famous folk-- including the residents of the Roosevelt White House.
The most endearing moment occurs on the morning of December 25th when Buddy and Sook can't contain themselves and make just enough noise to wake the other "aunts"-- the household. As the two grumpy women slip into the room and the conspirators barely contain their delight, the inimitable voice of Capote drolly states: "They'd like to kill us... but it's Christmas, so they can't!"
Ten Stars indeed!!! Find this one if you can!