Saturday, November 27, 2021

The Honeymooners Christmas Carol (1977): Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 


Title
The Honeymooners Christmas Carol

AdaptationStarring as Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim; and as Bob Cratchit

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  
MON, 28 NOV 1977
 
My Rating***(Offensive Favorite)

Format Reviewed
live-action film, on DVD
 
Runtime:  49 minutes
 
Availability:  
As of November 9, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $15 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 
No, this adaptation is not particularly reverent.

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?
No.
 
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" 
No.

What does my wife think of
this adaptation?
She thinks it's "not that great."

Where and when does this adaptation take place?
Brooklyn, New York, circa 1975.
 
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 very closely. It's framed as a play put on by two married couples (Ralph and Alice Kramden, and Ed and Trixie Norton), for charity, to feed New York City's stray cats, because Ralph's boss' wife is fond of cats. Ralph directs the play, as a favor for his boss, hoping that his boss will reward him with a promotion.

Ralph and his wife play Bob Cratchit and his wife; Mrs. Norton plays their thirteen-year-old daughter; Mr. Norton plays their ten-year-old son, Tiny Tim, as well as eighty-year-old Ebenezer Scrooge.

A town crier and a half dozen Christmas carolers also make appearances.

There are no ghosts.

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  
No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 
No.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  
Yes.  (See above.)

Is this adaptation a musical?  
No.
 
What songs and/or dances are included?  
Carolers sing "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!"

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  
The visual art is adequate.

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 first scene opens in a locker room with four men in it. A half dozen carolers sing "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!" in the play.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 
The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, that there are no ghosts in it.
 

What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 
The DVD has optional, English subtitles. It also includes an additional episode of "The Honeymooners," and an interview with Jane Kean, who plays Trixie Norton as Mrs. Cratchit.

Test your knowledge of this adaptation by taking these quizzes:

Quiz  1 of 11

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Review and quizzes by William Mortensen Vaughan