An animated, magical, musical version of Dickens' timeless classic "A Christmas Carol." The nearsighted Mr. Magoo doesn't have a ghost of a chance as Ebenezer Scrooge, unless he learns the ...
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Title: Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (TV Movie 1962)
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Cast
| Cast overview: | |||
| Jim Backus | ... | Ebenezer Scrooge / Mr. Magoo (voice) | |
| Morey Amsterdam | ... | Brady / James (voice) | |
| Jack Cassidy | ... | Bob Cratchit / Dick Wilkins (voice) | |
| Royal Dano | ... | Marley's Ghost (voice) | |
| Paul Frees | ... | Stage Director / Charity Man / Fezziwig / Old Joe / Undertaker (voice) | |
 |
Joan Gardner | ... | Tiny Tim / Ghost of Christmas Past (voice) |
| John Hart | ... | Billings / Stage Manager / Milkman (voice) | |
| Jane Kean | ... | Belle (voice) | |
|
|
Marie Matthews | ... | Young Scrooge / Cratchit Daughter (voice) |
|
|
Laura Olsher | ... | Mrs. Cratchit / Boy Who Buys Turkey / Cratchit Son (voice) |
| Les Tremayne | ... | Ghost of Christmas Present (voice) | |
Learn more
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
An animated, magical, musical version of Dickens' timeless classic "A Christmas Carol." The nearsighted Mr. Magoo doesn't have a ghost of a chance as Ebenezer Scrooge, unless he learns the true meaning of Christmas from the three spirits who haunt him one Christmas Eve. Written by alfiehitchie
Plot Keywords:
a christmas carol | ebenezer scrooge character | mr. magoo character | nearsightedness | adaptation of a christmas carol |Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
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(uncredited)
Written by Charles Wesley and Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Carolers
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Morey Amsterdam's only lines are heard when Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come overhear the three men discussing a death and funeral. Amsterdam voices the first speaker in a low register, and he also voices the man with the high register. See more »Goofs
The Cratchits repeatedly wish for a Christmas tree. In 1843, when "A Christmas Carol" was published and presumably takes place, German-style Christmas trees had just been introduced to England by the Royal Family, and were unknown to working class people such as the Cratchits. See more »Quotes
Ebenezer Scrooge: [singing] Ringle, ringle, coins when they jingle, make such a lovely sound. Give them away and nobody can rob you.See more »
Alternate Versions
Although shown in its entire 53-minute version during the 1960s, many current television prints of the "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" have been cut by as much as 10 minutes to make room for longer commercial breaks. The "Back to Broadway" framing story is often eliminated, as well as the songs "Ringle, Ringle" and "We're Despicable". See more »Soundtracks
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing(uncredited)
Written by Charles Wesley and Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Carolers
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
18 December 1962 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
A Christmas Carol See more »Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
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."