The Spirit of Christmas

1953 ""

The Spirit of Christmas

8 | en | Animation

This Christmas film, created as a special for television broadcast throughout the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania viewing region, was produced by puppeteer Mabel Beaton and her husband Les for Bell Telephone Company and first aired in 1953. Following a short live-action opening portion, featured are two extended marionette segments, the first dramatizing Clement Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas", the second reverently telling the Nativity story; the two stories are staged in classic, traditional style. From 1953 onward, for several years, The Spirit of Christmas was broadcast in the intended region multiple times per holiday season. It was also available as a 16mm film licensed to schools for showings to students. This film often is misstated to have originally been broadcast in 1950.

WATCH FREEFOR 30 DAYS

All Prime Video
Cancel anytime

Watch Now

8 | en | Animation , Family | More Info

Released: December. 01,1953 | Released Producted By: Stringtime Productions , Country: United States of America Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:

Synopsis

Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Cast

Alexander Scourby

Director

Mabel Beaton

Producted By

Stringtime Productions ,

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime.

Watch Now

Trailers & Images

Cast

Alexander Scourby

as Clement Moore / 'Nativity' Narrator (uncredited)

The Stuff Jesus Uncommon Women and Others Montserrat The Executioner The Devil at 4 O'Clock Man on a String Seven Thieves The Big Fisherman

Reviews

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.

stephensanborn Growing up in Havertown,Pa in the 50's + 60's, this Christmas special was much anticipated. I do not recall it playing more than once per season and we anxiously waited for it's showing.In the 60's and 70's many animated Christmas shows were aired and this one was forgotten.I was past 40 when I finally saw it again and was shocked to see it was in color!!! What a wonderful taste of my childhood this has given me.Enjoy it's simplicity. I have purchased several copies on DVD and sent them to family and friends. If you know of anyone from the Philadelphia area in their 50's , they would probably love this as a gift.They are not expensive and are,of course, inexpensive to send by first class mail.Now I'm showing it to my grandchildren.Time marches on,Merry Christmas.

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

Mary Peterpuffer One of the Greatest all time films of Christmas. this immortal classic is a story which is in two parts. The First is - The Night Before Christmas and the second is - The Nativity. both stories are beautifully recited and are staged with a musical background in classic and traditional style. The Marionettes are created for this 1950's TV Christmas classic probably represented the cuttingedge of creativity in puppeteering.These classic Christmas tales will be enjoyed by young and old alike. A Christmas must see. this puppteering may have provied inspiration for future successes like Howdy Doody, Kukla Fran & ollie, and much later, the Jim Henson family of characters. You and your family will rediscover the warmth and charm of these classic.