Konterr
Brilliant and touching
Pacionsbo
Absolutely Fantastic
BallWubba
Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.
ilcorago-97740
I loved watching this magical program as a child. I was mesmerized by those puppets!According to the TV section of the Philadelphia Inquirer from that year, "The Spirit of Christmas" was first broadcast on December 22, 1951 and was aired 5 times that holiday season. The Wikipedia article and the blog source it quotes are wrong.
lanadavis-43758
Doing research on this special I saw there is two dates. Some people states its from 1653 others 1950. I am willing to be the real date is 1953. The Spirit of Christmas is a Christmas television special performed by marionettes. It first aired in 1953 in the United States.[1] Its half-hour showing time is divided into two segments, one dramatizing "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (AKA THE NIGHT BEFORE Christmas) and one telling the story of the Nativity.[1] The live-action part of the film features Alexander Scourby, who narrates and also plays Clement Moore in the Visit from St. Nicholas segment. The jacket of the DVD version calls it "The Philadelphia Holiday Classic," which refers to the region of the United States where it was originally broadcast. The jacket also describes it as a "50s TV Christmas classic, which has led it to being mis-dated as first being shown in 1950.After its initial 1953 showing and into the 1960s, this special was aired multiple times per Christmas season, without commercial interruptions except for opening and closing remarks by "your telephone company" (Bell Telephone). It was also available as a 16mm film licensed to schools for showings to students.It is very unusual for its time in that it was made in color at a time when there were no color TV sets in existence, so viewers of the time saw it in black-and-white.This is a very special program. Yes its done with puppets but there is depth. You can tell this was made with MAJOR TLC. Now the DVD that I have has a making of feature and its very informative. What would be nice that whoever owns this film would have is restored to its original color brilliance. This is well worth watching. On Christmas Eve you should gather everyone around and watch it with your family and close friends. The special is magic. It is the perfect way to end the night.
nodrogdrappehs55
I agree wholeheartedly with Tom' comments. This is what children suchas myself grew up on, not the sub adequate shows on TV today. The localstation here in Phila only shows the Spirit part of the marionetteprogram, but not the Nativity scene, which I guess is just a sign ofour times. However, it is a treat to see this, even if only for once ayear! Alexander Scourby, who starred and was the voice over for both the shows, was the perfect choice. As a bit of trivia, he appeared years later in a role as an older businessman on (I believe) General Hospital. His was a voice that, once heard, was never mistaken for another. My grandaughters now watch this show with me every Christmas season, so I guess this is a nice legacy to pass down
RickyLee1954
This short Film has been shown by local TV for years in the 1960's. Which it became a stable for our family at the Holiday Season. This Wonderful story of The Night before Christmas is a delight for everyone in the family. The second part is the nativity of which some call - The Greatest Story ever Told is skillfully performed beautiful by marionettes.You and your family will rediscover the warmth and charm of these family classy stories.It's only to bad this film is not available on DVD or Video tape. if the would be available I would not just buy one for myself but to make it as a Christmas gift to all my friends and family. which this film should be a collectible because of its timeless nature and a joy to all who watch it.
