No humbug about it, ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol’ is fun Carrey-fest
Soon we are introduced to the story’s central character, Ebeneezer Scrooge, perfectly realized by Jim Carrey. Director-Writer Robert Zemeckis again morphs his actors via “motion capture,” a process he successfully used in The Polar Express (2004). Actors are first filmed performing their lines, and then “skinned” as their bodies are digitally transformed into cartoon-like visuals. Skeptics of The Polar Express criticized its characters’ lifeless eyes; they appear more lifelike in A Christmas Carol.
Before this review is whisked away by the movie history ghost, here is the plot synopsis for the three out of 50 million who have neither seen any stage, TV or film version nor read Dickens’ story: In 19th Century London, old Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by the specter of his late partner, Jacob Marley (Gary Oldman), who warns Scrooge that due to his miserly ways and bad temperament, he will be visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Earlier that day, Scrooge had again shown his hateful attitude toward his employee, Bob Cratchit (Oldman, in another role), his nephew Fred (Colin Firth), and two charity collectors. As Scrooge is physically taken to his past, present and dim future by each spirit, he secretly observes the Cratchit Family’s poverty along with the extreme needs of the young, crippled Tiny Tim (Oldman, voicing even again), and the disdain others have for him due to his heartlessness. This includes his one love, Belle (Robin Wright Penn). In the end, Scrooge is transformed, and at last shows–and feels–good tidings for his fellow man.
Sharing my project…MARGARET WHITING
A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK, I designed and wrote the cover and liner notes for a very special CD produced for The International Al Jolson Society, and presented to legendary pop diva MARGARET WHITING. She is best known for her mega selling Moonlight in Vermont, among dozens more hits. Whiting did not have a copy of this hour long, Lux Radio Theatre program, even though it featured her along with Al Jolson, Tyrone Power, Dick Haymes, and Dinah Shore. Broadcast April 7, 1947, ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BAND was, like all Lux Radio shows, an adaptation of a popular motion picture of the time. Margaret Whiting played the role given Ethel Merman in the 1938 hit musical. Incidentally, Dinah Shore replaced Alice Faye, and Dick Haymes did likewise for Don Ameche. Whiting graciously accepted the CD when honored at a special ceremony by the Jolson Society. I was honored to create the cover and liner notes for her.
Worth 1,000 Words: LEO CARRILLO Rides Again!
HEY, CISCO…HEY, PANCHO! LEO CARRILLO, the late and great veteran actor best known as Pancho, The Cisco Kid’s sidekick in numerous TV episodes, is decked out in western splendor during a personal appearance 52 years ago. This press photo ran in The Chicago American on Dec. 5, 1957. The caption: “Never had it so good,” whinnied Conquistador as he bore his master Leo ‘Pancho’ Carrillo, of film fame, into the Hotel Sherman. They were greeted by Sherman-Ambassador Hotels Board Chairman Frank W. Bering. He is a lifelong friend of Carrillo. Horse and rider are in Chicago for the 45th Annual Convention of the Showmen’s League of America. Always together on the silver screen, Pancho and Conquistador will be parted by many floors in the hotel. After registering, Carrillo was ushered to a suite high in the hostelry, while the horse has a stable in the garage. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
Worth 1,000 Words: LARRY PARKS as AL JOLSON
LARRY PARKS, OSCAR NOMINATED FOR THE JOLSON STORY (1946), gives out with For Me and My Gal in this dynamic scene from 1949’s JOLSON SINGS AGAIN, the sequel to THE JOLSON STORY. It was Al Jolson’s actual singing voice expertly lip synched by Parks in both movies. This vintage movie still was one of my prized possessions (I recently sold it), since it is autographed by Parks. Incidentally, there were plans for a third film about Jolie’s life, this time starring Jolson as himself, when he suddenly died in October, 1950, after entertaining troops in Korea. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
Worth 1,000 Words: ANDY DEVINE & DON WILSON Fly TWA
THE DATE ON THE BACK IS STAMPED JUNE 26, 1939 (a mere 70 years ago), and in those days, these two radio and film personalities were known for their voices and girth. In ’39, both ANDY DEVINE and DON WILSON were regulars on THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM on radio, Don being Jack’s announcer. This rarely seen press photo’s caption states: Andy Devine, he of the funny voice, and Don Wilson, he of the pleasing voice on Jack Benny’s radio program, arrived on the T.W.A. Sky Master today (Friday) from Hollywood to aid Jack Benny in the taking over of Waukegan. The world premiere of Benny’s picture, “Man About Town,” will be held Sunday in the North Shore town.–T.W.A. News Bureau [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]