Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), Featuring the Voice of Jim Backus: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Title:  Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

Adaptation:  Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Mr. Magoo

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

TUE, 18 DEC 1962 U.S.A.

FRI, 31 DEC 1965 Finland

 

My Rating:  *****

Format Reviewed:  animated film, on DVD

 

Runtime:  53 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of February 20, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $10 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

Yes.

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?

Yes.

 

Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" 

Yes, Tiny Tim says, "God bless us, everyone!"

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She likes the hymns in it, and thinks that it's "pretty cute."

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

Victorian England, depicted on a Broadway stage circa 1960

 
What language and/or dialects are used?  

American English

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?

This adaptation follows the original novel fairly closely, with some changes and exclusions, within a "frame."

Mr. Magoo plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge on Broadway.

After Jacob Marley's ghost appears to Scrooge, the next ghost to appear is that of Christmas Present, at 2 a.m., in a pink robe, instead of at 1 a.m., in green, with white trim.  The next ghost to appear, is the Ghost of Christmas Past, who arrives at 1 a.m.

Scrooge appears as a boy in school, but the scene with Fan is missing.  He then meets Belle at Fezziwig's ball, and she breaks off their engagement in the next scene.

Fred and his wife and friends are missing.  Scrooge celebrates Christmas with Bob Cratchit and his family instead.

Mr. Magoo's performance receives a standing ovation.

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 

The frame is not supernatural, but the play is, since it features ghosts and time travel. Some of the animations of events and effects on stage appear supernatural; for example, the ghosts are translucent.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  

Yes, Mr. Magoo plays the role of Scrooge in play on Broadway.

Is this adaptation a musical?  No.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

(Music by Jule Styne... Mr. Magoo sings "Great to Be Back on Broadway."  Scrooge and Cratchit sing "Ringle, Ringle." A child sings "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!" Belle sings "Winter Was Warm." Cratchit sings "The Lord's Bright Blessing."  Scrooge sings "Alone in the World." The people in Old Joe's pawn shop sing "We're Despicable."

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The animated art is simple and two-dimensional, but excellent!

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?

The transitions are adequate.

 

What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?  N/A

What use is made of background extras?  

Adequate use is made of animated background extras in the theater, and in New York City traffic, for example.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

It seems to be the perfect combination of humor, drama, tragedy, music, and nostalgia.

 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

The DVD includes:

• Scene Index
• "History of Mr. Magoo in Film and Television"
• "Biographies of the Voice Talents, With Jim Backus"
• "Career Retrospective of Composer Jule Styne and Lyicist Bob Merrill"
• original movie poster
• a classic Bonus Mr. Magoo short

Review by William Mortensen Vaughan