Fun
A Radio Christmas Carol
Dear Ann,
Last week’s movie recommendation, The Muppet Christmas Carol, got me in the mood for Scrooge. Thinking about A Christmas Carol, I remembered that a friend, a Jewish friend as it happens, once told me that his family had a tradition of reading A Christmas Carol aloud on Christmas Eve. At one point, I acquired a copy of the book in hopes of starting a similar tradition in our house, but it never quite took off. But still, the notion of listening to the story appealed to me.
Off I went, a-YouTubing, among the leaves so green. There are plenty of versions, including ones that read the entire story. But for me, the gem is a 1965 radio version, linked above, with Ralph Richardson as the narrator and Scrooge. You really want the accents in this story to be British (or at the very least, Muppet).
The story was abridged, so the recording comes in at just under an hour. I didn’t think it was missing anything essential, but then I watched this 1990 collection of clips of Patrick Stewart reading all the parts for his one-man performance of the story, and I wished the wretched children, Ignorance and Want, hadn’t been edited out in 1965.
Enjoy, and a Merry Christmas!
Love,
Kay
I had the honor of seeing Patrick Stewart on Broadway . His rendition was something I’ll never forget! Thanks much for the Christmas Carol reference as no matter who we are or where we have come from, we need to be reminded of what the spirit of Christmas is all about! Best to you both for a wonderful season and new year! You ladies rock!!!
I’ve always loved mr. Magoo’s christmas carol since 1964. The words spoken are accurate and story right out of Dickens book. An added bonus are wonderful songs. And its all done within an hour. Give it a try and you will love it,too,imo.
My favorite version of A Christmas Carol is the 1951 version with Alastair Sim, one of my favorite actors. I always thought those Children were pretty powerful. If you have time over Christmas, I recommend the book “The Man Who Invented Christmas” about Charles Dickens. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I hope to and I hope it is at good as the book.
YES! My very favorite also and the only one I watch. A masterpiece that, ironically, was thought “too dark” by American audiences at the time.
Ralph Richardson is a truly great actor.
I, too, saw Patrick Stewart embody “A Christmas Carol” on Broadway, and for his curtain call, he just stood still, and held up a copy of the book. It was truly one of those magical, memorable theater experiences.
Which, by the way, there is an audio recording of!
We had that audio version and listened to it in the car many a time when our kids were littles. It was so good! Wish we still had it (although I could probably find a copy online somewhere.)
About 30 years ago my children played Ignorance and Want in a local theater production of A Christmas Carol. Thanks for helping that memory bubble up and make me smile.
We would listen to the recording of Lionel Barrymore as Scrooge. To me, the best movie Scrooge and ‘A Christmas Carol’ was the one with Alistair Sim. “God bless us, every one!”
Rich Little had a video of A Christmas Carol in the 80s employing his talent as an impressionist. Groucho Marx was a favorite. Such a funny version!