Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962 TV Movie) User Reviews

A wonderful, heart-warming holiday classic

[Marta · 10/10 · 22 November 2001]

Those of us fortunate enough to grow up in the late 50's remember Mr. Magoo with a special warmth, and this version of "A Christmas Carol" is the main reason. This remains a superior re-telling of the story and holds it's own against the George C. Scott and Alaister Sim versions, despite being only 50 minutes long and animated. The ghost of Marley is as scary as they come, and the villains are convincingly menacing. Mr. Magoo, thanks to the avant-garde UPA animation and the unparalleled voice talents of Jim Backus, emotes as effectively as a real person. The songs could not be better; they are Broadway quality and are sung with a heart-felt enthusiasm that adds as much to the film as the actor's voices. Jack Cassidy is perfect as Bob Cratchit, and Royal Dano as Marley holds the viewer spellbound with his sepulchral intonations.

This adaptation holds a special place in my memory, thanks to the excellence of the production and the great voices. Each year my husband and I (and our grown children) watch it several times, marveling at how it can still entertain and enthrall after so many years. Do not pass this up, if you can find it; it's a truly timeless classic. The film has been released on DVD, and this offers an extremely good-looking presentation of "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol."

Alone in the World

[-611 · 16 December 2001]

Right now I am trying to figure out what to do this Christmas, since the family tradition is a-tremor. The thought of being alone on Christmas deeply saddens me, and I think it goes back to seeing little Ebenezar Scrooge left behind in boarding school while all the other kids had families to go home to for Christmas.

I cried just like Mr. Magoo's older Scrooge did when he saw himself as a kid singing:

When you're alone, alone in the world When you're alone in the world Blown-away leaves get blown in the world Swirled-away leaves get swirled

A hand for each hand was planned for the world Why don't my fingers reach? Millions of grains of sand in the world Why's mine a lonely beach?

Where are the heels to click to my clack? Where is the voice to answer mine back? I'm all alone in the WOOOOORLD!!!

None of the other versions caught this scene the way this one does. Not Bugs Bunny, Bill Murray, Albert Finney, Mickey Mouse. Maybe Alistair Sim, sort of.

Simplistic, yes, but it's the scene that still sticks in my throat as I choke back an adult tear. It's the scene that makes this version, truly unique, all alone in the world.

New DVD is fine

[Bobs-9 · 3 December 2001]

I just watched the new DVD of `Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol,' and it seems as good a representation of the program as we're ever likely to see. I doubt it looked much better when it originally aired in 1962, but considering the video technology of that time, no home viewers would have seen it at its best then. There may have been some very infrequent white specs on the image, but if you're not consciously seeking them, you're not likely to see them. They are so few, they're barely noticeable. The colors may seem washed-out at first, but I simply turned the color intensity up on my TV, and the colors looked solid and well-balanced throughout the program. I directly compared this DVD to a copy of the laserdisc edition, which has been much sought-after by collectors since going out of print years ago. They are almost identical, except for a slightly sharper image on the DVD. An audio re-mix, maybe even in stereo, would have been great, but certainly costly. I wonder if the original studio tracks are even available for this anymore. In any case, the mono soundtrack works fine, and is practically distortion-free.

If you watched this as a kid, and haven't seen it since then (like me), I can only say: Wow, what a strong jolt of nostalgia it is! I find it hard to agree with the editorial reviewer at Amazon, who characterizes the songs in this production as `forgettable.' That may be because I first heard them in 1962 at around the age of nine, and haven't quite forgotten them since. I suspect I'm not alone in this, either. This program isn't high art, and an adult who doesn't have that nostalgic connection to it may not be able to embrace it, but for those who remember, it leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling. I'm very happy to have become re-acquainted with it.

Newcomer

[richard.fuller1 · 10/10 · 21 November 2005]

I caught this version of Christmas Carol just last year, at the age of 38.

Normally I like the first versions I will see of a story. Now I do like the Albert Finney musical from 1970.

there are also two animated versions; one I believe is from 1972 (both Past and Present are represented by Father Time characters), the other is an utterly creepy version with the scariest jacob marley I have ever seen.

I am also completely unfamiliar with the original Magoo cartoons. The only ones I saw were late 1970s remakes that I thought were awful. Jim Backus will always be Thurston Howell III to me.

But this cartoon was very unique. I kind of feel cheated to have not grown up watching this one as I did Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and Santa. It never aired for some odd reason.

The song that caught me; the finale, what did they sing about, The Brightest Blessing? Very rich tune that should have become a Christmas classic sung by others.

Why didn't it? I've seen many of those other versions as well; George C. Scott, Henry Winkler, Kelsey Grammar, Patrick Stewart. I would kind of like to see Henry Winkler's again.

And all those others; Flintstones, Mickey, bugs Bunny, the Muppets. No, this one really does outdo them, especially the songs.

Mr. Magoo as Ebeneezer Scrooge

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 27 December 2017]

Love Charles Dickens's work, and respect him highly as an author. As said in my recent review for 2017's 'The Man Who Invented Christmas', 'A Christmas Carol' has always been my personal favourite of his, it was my first exposure to him and the one that is the most frequently re-visited. It is similarly the quintessential Christmas story and this is evident by how much it's been adapted and how well served on the most part it is (with a few exceptions), the Alastair Sim and George C. Scott versions in particular.

There are many great, even classic, animated Christmas specials, like the best of Rankin/Bass and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'. 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' is, as well as one of the first (the first?), among the best ones for me and one that has always held dear to my heart. This is not nostalgia talking that it clouds my judgement, have seen childhood favourites that have not held up well, 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' does and splendidly.

All the important details are here and it captures the spirit of the story perfectly, so it doesn't disappoint as an adaptation even with its own spin (very like the Muppet and Mickey Mouse versions of 'A Christmas Carol', also have a fondness for them).

'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' fares quite well in the animation. It's not amazing and it's more simple than lavish, but it's at least appealingly drawn and has a lot of atmosphere and colour. Even better is the music, the score is whimsical but also atmospheric and the various songs are very well done. Although a singer and consider music an essential in my life, part of me also can be picky and expects a lot. "We're Despicable" and "All Alone in the World" are particularly good, while carol favourites "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", Christmas is not the same without them, are always welcome.

Furthermore, the writing is very funny, as well as heart-warming and very touching, like 'A Christmas Carol' should be. 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol' adapts the story incredibly well, despite having Mr. Magoo in it the spirit of the story is intact as well as its heart and the impact of the best scenes.

Parts are amusing, others are scary (Jacob Marley and especially the Ghost of Christmas Future) and others truly wrench the heart (always tear up during "Alone in the World" and at the end). The portrayal of the Cratchits avoids being too cloying.

Every one of the characters are very strongly portrayed, Scrooge's development and change of heart are incredibly believable and not rushed in any way when it is so easy for Scrooge to show signs of changing too early. The voice acting is top notch, with Jim Backus achieving a perfect balance of crusty and emotive. Royal Dano is an eerily effective Jacob Marley and Jack Cassidy endearingly humble. Veteran Paul Frees similarly shines and doesn't sound over-parted in multiple roles.

In conclusion, a classic animated festive favourite. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I grew

[amexspam · 10/10 · 24 November 2010]

I'm afraid my memories are biased by being age 8 when it premiered in 1962. This show was magical! To my eyes it felt like going to the theater instead of a TV production with the use of curtains and distinct acts. The cartoons were not cartoonish, but made me feel more like I was watching a grown up show. The spirits, and tiny Tim, may have been the first show that made me less egocentric. And in addition, it is a good story well told.

The Scrooge character was believable as were the others. The musical numbers held my attention at age 8 and age 50. The themes were scary but not frightening. This set the bar for the holiday cartoons that followed.

A Great Movie

[jonathan_k80 · 10/10 · 11 December 2003]

Cartoon Network just showed this film yesterday, and I must agree with the previous reviewer.

This is a great movie. What really works is the use of the Broadway show format and its clever music. I love the song about being "despicable" sung by the Undertaker, Charwoman and Laundry Lady. There's a definite early-1960s-Broadway feeling to this that could have quickly become outdated had it not been a Christmas program. It has a certain nostalgic flavor that its creators could not have forseen.

Like "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol" should become part of the annual Christmas TV programming tradition.

My Favorite over all version of a Christmas Carol!

[AbeStreet · 23 December 2003]

While my favorite live action version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is George C. Scott's 1984 version I would have to say that even that good film comes in second to this wonderful film.

Charles Dickens certainly wrote a story that would be retold in various forms 100's of times. However, MISTER MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL really captures the viewers imagination both young and old alike. Emphasis on the young viewer. Children, much like myself 25 years ago, really respond to this films animation and great songs. I still enjoy singing along with the various songs in this film as do my children. They are very catchy.

All the important aspects of the book are here in this version. Even though I like other film versions of this story this version holds a special place in my heart. Also, for all those that think RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER was the first animated Christmas special, think again it was this film.

Lastly, I firmly believe you will like this film. Trust me, Mr. Magoo brings the house down!!!

Fun and touching version of the classic story

[dewman10-1 · 9/10 · 25 December 2003]

I saw this last year for the first time in at least 30 years, and also still remember parts of it from when I was a child (razzleberry dressing, the "Despicable" song in the junkshop, and the achingly poignant "All Alone in the World"). My 8 year old really enjoyed it, a great intro to the classic story. He commented on how sad he felt for the young Scrooge in the schoolhouse scene. To see a modern kid as moved by that song as I remember being, is a real credit to the songwriter. And, the song in the Crachit house, where despite not being able to afford a tree or a holiday meal, they "prize what we have now" by having a loving family together for the holiday. What wonderful concepts presented in a simple yet effective holiday cartoon for kids and adults.

I loved introducing it to my own children

[overseer-3 · 10/10 · 17 May 2006]

I was four years old when this cartoon film premiered on television, but even though I am now 48, I still recall being transfixed by Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. A large part of my enjoyment comes from the beautiful musical soundtrack (and yes, it is beautiful - think of these songs, and compare them to the trash that passes for "music" today!), with poignant, and sometimes funny, music and lyrics by Bob Merrill and Jule Styne. These songs linger in your memory long after the film is over.

You can always tell a good song because you hum the melody to yourself after the show is over, and want to hear it again. This score delivers in spades. It doesn't talk down to children, and it tells them of the pain of being alone at Christmastime, the sadness of relationships that end, or might end, by death, as well as the Christian cheer of Christmas, which is all too often forgotten in the pursuit of material wealth and gifts for under the tree.

I was glad the DVD finally came out so I could share this memorable Christmas film with my own children and watch the same emotions fill their faces as must have filled mine back in 1962.

DVD restores footage cut from recent broadcast versions

[walap · 10/10 · 24 December 2002]

Like others, I too had vivid memories of watching this as a child in the 60's. I could still remember the "razzleberry dressing" lines and the disembodied mouths singing the "Despicable" song some 30 years later when I finally saw it being broadcast again, and was able to record it off the air. Over the past ten years I've watched that tape repeatedly, and never cease to be amazed at the portrayal and the remarkable music and lyrics.

But it wasn't until I got the DVD version as a Christmas gift that I realized nearly ten minutes had been cut from that broadcast version. Imagine my delight to watch the DVD and "discover" three whole scenes (including two complete songs) that I'm sure I hadn't seen since the original prime time airings in the 60's. The DVD quality is excellent as well (in contrast to the annoying "speed change" glitches in the broadcast soundtrack).

If, as I do, you consider this a Christmas "classic", don't rely on broadcast showings -- get the DVD, and enjoy it in its entirety.

One of the best, animated or otherwise!

[BobLib · 30 September 1999]

All these years later, this is very likely the best animated version of the Dickens classic you'll ever see. It has just the right combination of laughter and tears, and Jule Styne and Bob Merrill's songs, written concurrently with their work for "Funny Girl," are the icing on the cake.

Jim Backus left the world an indelible legacy of laughter when he created Quincy Magoo, but proved here that he could wring more than a few tears with him, as well. The late, great Jack Cassidy brought his customary grace and class to Bob Cratchit, and talented and pretty Jane Kean, of "Honeymooners" fame, is as touching a Belle as you will ever see. Her song, the bittersweet "Winter was Warm," is one of Jule Styne's best and has become something of a semi-standard over the years.

Again, this is a great Christmas treat, and a perfect introduction to Dickens classic for the youngsters, as it was for me.

An Annual True Classic

[marway1954 · 9/10 · 2 December 2005]

This wonderful animated film is timeless. I had the special privilege of working with those talented individuals in this production. (I was the voice of young Ebenezer Scrooge.) Jim Backus, Royal Dano, Paul Frees, and all the rest were pure magic working together. You can imagine the antics that went on during rehearsals and taping. We were laughing almost as much of the time as we were performing our parts! The music (Walter Scharf, Bob Merrill, Jule Styne) had a style all its own which perfectly matched the characters and settings. It's no wonder this production has been so popular year after year. I'm sure it will continue to bring enjoyment to families for many years to come.

A Great Version of the Classic Tale

[Sylviastel · 8/10 · 25 December 2007]

I loved Mr. Magoo growing up. We don't see him much anymore on television or this special around the holiday times. We see less and less television programming devoted to the Christmas holidays. Jim Backus uses his voice as Mr. Magoo, the four eyed actor, in this special where he plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the Charles Dickens character, forever immortalized in all sorts of holiday tales. Just like the story of a Christmas Carol, there are three ghosts and Marley, the predecessor who warns Scrooge to change his ways. Okay, this version is not the best out there but it's timely and good for kids and adults and fans of classic animation. I bought the tape years ago and just played it around the holidays. It's a treat to watch every year.

Great

[Cosmoeticadotcom · 9/10 · 1 February 2013]

The best ever.

Let those words penetrate. I state them in reference to the titular work under review and, mind you, I have seen every film and telefilm 'straight' version of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, plus almost every humorous take on it- be it spoof or satire, from lame musical adaptations to modernized updates to the brilliant reworking of the tale in the first season of the great American television sitcom, The Odd Couple. But, the animated Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol is the best version ever of the tale, and that includes Dickens' own often too heavyhanded morality play itself. The reason is that the cartoon takes on all the best elements of the source work, mitigates that work's flaws, deepens its positives, and adds a goodly amount of its own improvements. It is, in short, one of the finest examples of television cartoonery ever made, and, interestingly, try as I might, I cannot find a single objective flaw in it. But, there is a flaw, albeit in my own criticism. I just stated that Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol is 'one of the finest examples of television cartoonery ever made,' and that is incorrect. In fact, it is THE finest example of television cartoonery ever made, with the caveat that I have only a great knowledge of American cartoonery. It is also a great example of pop art made for children that succeeds on other levels, not unlike such films as The Curse Of The Cat People and Godzilla's Revenge.

A Christmas special with heart.

[toddholmes-88883 · 10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Unlike most Christmas specials, animated or not, Very few Have heart and meaning. One of my fondest memories of Christmas growing up was watching Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol. Like the memory of Christmas trees, snow, the smell of candle wax, the nervous expectation of Santa Clause. The sheer joy of the songs, and the pathos are rare in a live-action film. But a cartoon? Amazing. From the songs "It's great to back on Broadway" to "A Lord's bright Christmas" This cartoon shows what an obvious love of labor this was. A Christmas more glorious than grand! Indeed.

And on the tree a star of shining Christmas gold....The best Christmas Carol ever!

[middleburg · 25 December 2008]

I just recently saw again this old beloved (for us baby boomer generation) Mr. Magoo cartoon version of "A Christmas Carol". The moment when Mr. Magoo sings "and on the tree a star of shining Christmas gold...", well I just felt this lump in my throat, and the tears well up....what a beautiful, beautiful version of this fable....improbable as it seems...it is the best version of "A Christmas Carol" ever made! The Alisdair Sim version is also great, dark and chilling, the early MGM version a treacly joyful delight--and this version combines the best elements of both--with the added bonus of one of the best original television scores ever written. There are even some acting and dramatic details that outshine the previous classic versions...This is the only Scrooge that in the beginning shows his rapturous love of money- -in the very catchy song celebrating the jingle/jangle of coins. Mr. Scrooge is still a miserable miser--but that glee is positively revelatory, positively addicting--and the viewer even has a little bit of affection for this Scrooge right away--and this doesn't show up in the other versions where Scrooge is simply a Scrooge until the end. So many others have commented on the poignancy of the heartbreaking song of loneliness sung by the young Scrooge left alone at the boarding school. The simple touch of the old Scrooge turning the song into a duet is simply masterful...showing Scrooge's turn-around simply, effectively and powerfully. "Winter was Warm" deserves to be a standard song (as other commentators have aptly described it!) It is quite simply, haunting. Used as an instrumental interlude--sometimes full and rich, as it appears during the opening titles, sometimes hauntingly mysterious as it appears between acts setting up the ghostly encounters on that mysterious Christmas Eve, it is always beautiful, always so very memorable. And that glorious song celebrating the joy of Christmas, sung by the Cratchit family at the beginning and end of the show--what a perfect song! It resonates long after the show has ended. This all adds up to an adaptation of the Dickens story that is joyful, heartbreaking and surprising real: the cartoon characters--including the simple/poignant depiction of the Cratchit family seems somehow more real and affecting than the other adaptations portrayed by Real people!!) In the versions with real people portraying these Dickens characters--they often come across as cartoonish, artificial and over-the-top. On the other hand, in this Mr. Magoo version, because they are already cartoon figures, they come across as almost more human, which makes their situations all the more poignant, all the more powerful. How cool is that? This film is one to treasure. If you have never seen it, you will immediately take it to your heart. If you have already seen it, I'm sure it has become a staple of your holiday viewing and will remain so forever!

a treasure of Christmas to be remembered and shared

[rszudy · 26 December 2002]

I join the many other writers who remember and treasure "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" with great fondness. Like others, I remember seeing it on its first night 40 years ago. Indeed, a time that seems simpler and nostalgic now. This week,I viewed a VHS tape copy I received and was really charmed and impressed by its quality. The animation is sweet, gentle and from an earlier time. The story adaptation from Dickens is excellent. The concept of Magoo on Broadway performing the "Carol" is really inventive and works well. What I strongly recommend to all is the outstanding and, at times, poignant music There is music and lyric here to equal and surpass much more famous shows. I hope that this wonderful treasure can be re-discovered and enjoyed by a new generation in the years to come. It deserves to be remembered and appreciated.

An incredible adaptation, really

[ndunsmo · 8/10 · 2 May 2011]

When I started watching this, I expected it to be more like how The Simpsons portrayed it, with Magoo missing up his parts due to his blindness. Surprisingly, that is not the case. This is a very heartfelt adaptation with Magoo himself making a great Scrooge. The songs are very touching, sweet and memorable and while the animations aren't that great, hey, it's old-school Hanna-Barbera. What can one expect, Disney quality? The only thing that's a little off-putting (This may be a spoiler) is that the Ghost of Christmas Present appears before Christmas Past, but that's a minor detail and they made it work.

Anyway, this is a very good adaptation of A Christmas Carol and I highly recommend it, especially now that it's finally on DVD.

Disney Was Scrooge

[johnstonjames · 8/10 · 24 December 2011]

UPA was pretty much formed by the animators group that went on strike at Disney in the early forties. Disney called them everything in the book and swore they were a communist plot. he even tried to get even during McCarthyism later in the fifties. well you can assume that UPA wasn't all that enamored with Disney and you would be right.

Disney might have tried to get even, but UPA was vindicated so often with priceless material like this Christmas show.

it certainly is delightful and makes good use of limited animation as opposed to Disney's full animation style. hand drawing is my favorite kind of animation and limited animation in my opinion, epitomizes it.

this also has a winning musical score by Broadway's 'Peter Pan' song writer Jules Styne.Jules Styne is one of my personal favorites and this musical score goes beyond the call for a animated film of this kind.

good message too. don't be a blind Magoo and be a scrooge. understand the importance of giving and sharing, especially at Christmastime.

One of my favourite versions!

[AlAnn · 10 December 2000]

I saw this version when it was presented new, as a part of the "Mr. Magoo" TV series (which were all, by and large, excellent). In many ways, it's my favourite version of this classic. One reason is because the special effects work so well in animation; it's difficult for the spirits to be convincing in live-action, but they can do all sorts of magical things in animation. Another reason is that emotions are conveyed so well through dialogue and music. If you think you wouldn't like it because Mr. Magoo isn't one of your favourite animated characters, please think again and give it at least one viewing. You may be surprised!

Magical Magoo!

[NativeTexan · 10/10 · 18 December 2003]

The BEST musical version of Dickens' classic! Jule Styne's music is brilliant, and Walter Scharf deserves applause too, although Mr. Styne is responsible for most of the wonderful songs and music. Sweet Mr. Magoo takes on a dramatic role and, unusual for him, plays the Villain! This is a sweet treat for everyone; it should be required viewing. You'll want to see it again and again!

A true classic

[stormfront-97408 · 10/10 · 20 December 2019]

In the 60's and 70's there were a burst of holiday specials, Rankin Bass, Warner Bros, Mr. Magoo stands the test of time as one of the beloved Christmas cartoons the Christmas Carol is by far a staple to watch every season no matter what the age group, it is that nostalgic cartoons watched during the holidays with Toy's R Us commercials and Mc Donald's Christmas gift certificates in between The music is catchy and the story in its simpler form sweet making this one of the holidays favorites.

Mr. Magoo is in his element as that mean old miser...

[Doylenf · 7/10 · 10 December 2007]

Another delightful animated rendering of the famous Ghost story with a Christmas message for everyone, especially the young in heart. It's JIM BACKUS behind the voice of Scrooge, having fun with his Mr. Magoo characterization despite the lack of "blind as a bat" jokes. He plays the role fairly straight and is still amusing as that old skinflint who develops a love for mankind after visited by three spirits.

JACK CASSIDY makes a fine Bob Cratchet, especially since he's gets to lift his splendid voice in song in tunes that have a definite Broadway sound to them. Surprisingly, no one has thought of turning this into a stage show for Christmas presentations. The material and the songs are there for the asking. There's a wistful sound to some of the ballads.

Worth watching for the good blend of story, animation and music, although the George C. Scott version of '84 cannot be topped for bringing the Dickens story to the screen in the most faithful fashion.

Grand adaptation of the Dickens classic

[AlabamaWorley1971 · 8/10 · 13 December 2003]

The old (roasted) chestnut A CHRISTMAS CAROL gets a musical treatment. I'm not entirely sure why it's Magoo playing Scrooge, because he plays the character straight (none of the typical blind gags), but it works well! The music is excellent and such a welcome change from regular Christmas hits. I love it!