Search - Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol on DVD

Still my favorite musical version of Dicken's classic story

Lawrance M. Bernabo | The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" has always been my favorite musical version of Dicken's classic tale for the simple reason that the songs have been better than all those other versions, including the most recent attempt with Kelsey Grammar. Since the music and lyrics are by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, the same team that did "Funny Girl," this is not surprising. I have just finished watching the show again and I finally noticed that there are only four songs. They just happen to be four really good songs and even when there is not singing three of them are used to great effect as background music. No wonder that as soon as you hear the opening theme on the DVD the feelings and memories coming rushing back.

Once you get past the framing device of Magoo showing up for the performance and taking a curtain call as he brings down the house at the start and the end of the show there are only a few moments where you are dealing with Mr. Magoo's nearsightedness. For the most part Barbara Chain's script does "A Christmas Carol" straight up and it works, mainly because when Mr. Magoo scowls and does his whole "Bah, humbug" bit you buy it. As we all know Jim Backus does the voice of Mr. Magoo/Scrooge, while Jack Cassidy does Bob Cratchit, Royal Dano is Marley's Ghost, Les Tremayne voices the Ghost of Christmas Present, the great June Foray (a.k.a. Rocky the Flying Squirrel) does the Ghost of Christmas Past, Joan Garnder is Tiny Tim (who is "played" by another cartoon character from the 1950s, Gerald McBoing-Boing), and Paul Frees' recognizable voice does several characters. Frees and Foray sing together on "The Bandit Song" and Jane Kean sings "Winter Was Warm" as Belle, the woman beloved by the young Scrooge.

All things considered, "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" is my favorite animated holiday show and it is not Christmas unless I see it, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." I love the finale when they all sing "The Cratchit Family Dinner Song" (a.k.a. "We'll Have the Lord's Bright Blessing). It does not matter that the animation is bare-boned (the audience never moves) or that there are some completely comic supporting characters, because the songs are so wonderful and the emotion of the story comes through. Watching your favorite holiday specials brings back memories of Christmas as a child, and there is not much in this world sweeter than that. I do not know if this show can win over a new generation of fans, but if you have ever seen this one you know you have to see it again."

An Overlooked Gem

Movie Man | Santa Monica, CA United States | 12/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I too bring this VHS (now a DVD) out every December and view it. And for me also, it simply is not Christmas if I haven't had a chance to revisit Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. I remember as a kid loving this TV special and now I know why. The stylized animation coupled with the Jule Styne score and the high art of Jim Backus' voiceover simply cannot be improved upon. The songs are show-stopping and the rousing chorus rendition of "We'll Have the Brightest Christmas" at the end of the show is downright infectious. I just had Christmas dinner with a group of fellow working professionals and during the meal we talked about this animated classic and how we all have a special place in our hearts for it. I got to wondering, that since this piece was crafted as a musical theater production, why on earth has no one (with the financing capabilities) actually mounted this production for the live theater during the holiday season. I should think it would be a sellout."

My 6 yr old loved it -- and she's never heard of Mr. Magoo

Joan | NYC | 01/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are wondering whether kids who have never heard of Mr. Magoo would give a hoot about this program, I can tell you that my six-year-old daughter, who still doesn't know who Mr. Magoo is, loved it. And why not -- the story is well told and the songs are great. I was delighted to share a favorite of my childhood with her, and especially happy to see her enjoy a Christmas program that wasn't about the fat guy in a red suit."

A forgotten Christmas classic!

A Fan | VA | 11/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can still remember sitting and watching "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" at my grandparent's house during the Christmas season when I was a kid. This DVD brings back so many fond memories. While the animation may seem simple by some of today's standards the entire production is first rate! From the adaptation of a classic story, to the songs written for the cartoon, to voice talents and performances it is all top quality and will be enjoyed by both children and adults! When I bought this DVD a few years ago, I introduced it to my kids and it has since become a Christmas tradition (along with A Charlie Brown Christmas). Highly recommended!"