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ABC Stage 67: A Christmas Memory (1966)
Perfection itself!
How typical of our crass, brash world that this quiet, enchanting film is all but forgotten. The Christmas Memory referred to is Truman Capote's own backward glance at a depression-era Christmas in small-town America. Based on his short story of the same name, Capote's holiday memory has been filmed twice but for many of us, this 1966 version is the classic, indispensable telling of the tale. Sparely told-it runs under an hour--the effect is entirely un-Hollywood, instead it feels charmingly handmade, and homespun. Sadly, this version is all but forgotten except by the fervent few. Sadder still, it's impossible to even find a copy for purchase except for the poor black and white print roaming around the internet.
Still, when you've played through Alistair Sim's Christmas Carol, Jimmy Stewart's It's A Wonderful LIfe, and all the other holiday perennials and you long for something a little gentler, where the baking of fruit cakes and the choosing of a Christmas tree are not incidental but climactic events, this tender-hearted film is waiting for you. Exquisite performing led by the incomparable Geraldine Page, sensitive direction by Frank Perry, with a heart-tugging score by composer, Meyer Kupferman. Truly in this era when Capote has been rediscovered a resurrection of this little holiday confection would be most welcome. Help us out ABC if you're the entity to help! And what other ABC Stage 67 treasures may be mouldering away in some vault? Best wishes, Peter