JP10447

I have noticed that several viewers have given this film a low marking because they compare it to the special made in 1965. I say don't watch this one and compare it to A Charlie Brown Christmas. Just sit back and take a break from the other Christmas films that get played over and over again over the Holidays. Snoopy once again, as in all the Peanuts Specials, steals the show. Snoopy with the candy canes, as the Santa Claus, and putting the gloves to good use is priceless. Who can forget Sally only having to say "Hark" for her single line of the Christmas play and blowing it? Also, Pepper Mint Patty's question about Mary wearing glasses is a nice touch all because she's angry about being a sheep. In the end leave it to Linus to put the finishing touches on this treat, "Joy To The World!" Charles Shultz and Charlie Brown do not fail in this film. Watch this one and the original around the time Christmas rolls around. You'll be in for a treat for children and adults as well. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and our friend Charles Shultz make Christmas more enjoyable.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is something that brings the Christmas spirit to life. Like our friend Charlie Brown I do get disgusted with the way Christmas is so commercial now; however, this movie brings out the true meaning of Christmas. Linus reading from the Book of Luke says it all, "that's what Christmas is all about." Good Ol' Charlie Brown is the classic underdog and in this film he comes through in the end. The little tree he picks may not fit the commercial holiday spirit, no it fits the real holiday spirit of Christmastime. Snoopy and his dialog with Lucy, while rehearsing for the Christmas play, is priceless. Leave it to Charlie Brown to say his statement, "Good Grief!" Such a shame this classic is not shown very much around the holidays. Those times did happen once before and one can only hope it will again. The world misses Charles Shultz. This classic is his gift to the world at Christmas. Mr. Schultz and the Peanuts Gang I thank you for this wonderful Christmas film. One adults and children can enjoy the same.

Granted there are a lot of versions of this movie. The one made in 1999 with Patrick Stewart was a good one but I have to say this on is the best for one reason, George C. Scott was the perfect Ebeneezer Scrooge. Nobody better said "bah, humbug," better than Scott's Scrooge. George C. Scott is my favorite actor, God Rest his soul, and it is a shame he is gone. The actors of Hollywood today cannot compare to George C. Scott perhaps with the exception of Ernest Borgnine, a shame we haven't had a chance to see him as Scrooge. Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present was the icing on the cake for this film. George C. Scott and his smirk and contempt for Christmas simply made this version gel. Only he could go from the miserable old miser Scrooge was to "the good of a man as the old city knew." Roger Rees as Fred, the nephew was also a nice touch and David Warner was the perfect Bob Cratchit. Listen for Scott's Scrooge to bellow this, "Mr. Cratchit!" Scott and his voice gave Ebeneezer Scrooge a voice that was unforgettable and added a great amount of depth to the character. Stewart was believable as Scrooge but Scott better fit the role. So, if you decide to watch any version of this story at Christmas the one made in 1984 is the best. The 1999 one is also good but the one with the late and great George C. Scott is the best. George C. Scott was simply the best Ebeneezer Scrooge.

There is only one thing to say about this film, it is Christmas. I have owned this film for six years and it has become a Christmas tradition to watch it several times as Christmas gets nearer every day. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I make certain I watch this film, you don't have to be from Britain for this film to put you in the mood for Christmas. The late and great Denholm Elliot was simply amazing as Old Geraint; his words as he narrates takes the reader back to a Christmas in Wales that wasn't over commercialized. So many Christmas films today are laced with commercialism and this film being an exception makes it a Christmas gem. Any person can watch this and be swept into a truly wonderful Christmas. Denholm Elliots narration of the Dylan Thomas poem brings the story to life and allows the audience to be taken back to a time where Christmas was a magical time of year and where family represented the true meaning of Christmas. A Child's Christmas in Wales is a gift for viewers and the authentic settings in Wales contribute to making this film a Christmas film that is the best by far. Such a shame this film is no longer on television and what a relief it has finally been released on DVD. By far the best performance of the late Denholm Elliot's career, he makes this film and the story come alive. The uncles sleeping around the fire after Christmas dinner, the walking along the snow covered shore, the White Christmas in Wales, and all the way up to the singing carols in front of a darkened house. A Child's Christmas in Wales is Christmas.