Frank DeLima's Hawaiian Christmas Carol (1982), Starring Don Ho: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Title:  Frank DeLima's Hawaiian Christmas Carol

Adaptation:  Starring Frank DeLima as Mr. Hu, "the Scrooge," and featuring Don Ho in a cameo appearance

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

1982 U.S.A.

My Rating:  * (Viewer Discretion Advised)

Format Reviewed:  live-action film, on  DVD

 

Runtime:  60 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of February 6, 2021, a copy of this title, in the form of a book, was available, online, for approximately $45e U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

No, this adaptation is not reverent.  It includes a modified version of the song "Little Drummer Boy," about sucking a thumb.  It also includes a song, which includes the words, "Slant-eyed!  We are Oriental!" and suggests that it is better to be an Oriental with slanted eyes than an Arabian with a slanted nose.

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

(Give specific examples.)

 

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

T.B.D.

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She finds it "odd," and didn't bother to watch it.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

Hawaii, circa 1980.

 
What language and/or dialects are used?  

American English.

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

This adaptation does not follow the original novel.  It's about a Japanese man who works as a cook in a stingy, old, Chinese man's restaurant, Mr. Hu's Chop Suey.

 

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  No.

Is this adaptation supernatural?  T.B.D.

Is this adaptation "framed"?    No.

Is this adaptation a musical?  Yes.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

(See above.)

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The set, wardrobe, architecture, and art are poorly done.

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?  

The lack of background extras makes this film seem low budget.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation?
The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is the unabashed bigotry and cultural insensitivity.

 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD?

The only bonus material on this DVD is "Scene Selection."