mjmarra-65406

The original music and lyrics are wonderful, charming. The casting is perfect. The direction and cinematography is skillful, so well done. The acting is humorous yet poignant, and beautiful. The script is well-written and adapted expertly. Beautiful scenic designs and period costumes. Charming claymation, stop motion animation. A Christmas favorite. The lower ratings are unjustified -- there is nothing scary whatsoever as one low reviewer mentioned, unless one is scared by the depiction of a cat chasing a mouse. I'm so happy to own a copy of this short film on DVD, it has become my favorite Christmas story to see every year, and it deserves the best recognition.

Actor Ron Moody steals the show as Kris Kringle. His comedic timing, wit, and musical abilities showcase the many sides of his character, as seen through the eyes of people all over the world. The main characters along with Benji are taken on a unique behind-the-scenes view of Santa's operation. These depictions are ahead of their time, ideas that other Santa movie franchises would borrow and extrapolate on in future decades. It's good-natured, timeless, family fun for all.

This classic, vintage 60s dramatization of the first three joyful mysteries of the holy rosary is skillfully and reverently portrayed. This is excellent family, catholic teaching and entertainment, simply yet skillfully told through light, sound, music, and dialogue. As a family prays the rosary in their home around the Christmas tree, the viewer is drawn into the meditations of their prayer, as the action segues into scriptural dramatizations of The Annunciation, The Visitation, and the Nativity of Jesus. An even balance of actual scripture and realistic, created dialogue moves the story along reverently and dramatically. The acting is solid, a testament to skilled players of the time, honing their craft. The minimal use of special effects are simply and effectively done, and the music score is beautiful and traditional as one would expect from that era. Costuming is wonderful. Set design is minimal at times but always appropriate, artistic, and believable. Perhaps most interesting is the way the film portrays ancient customs and behavior, as in the wedding scene. The Catholic teaching is solidified in the end with a priest's heartfelt summary and sending forth. This is a must see for any one of faith, if only for educational reasons, but for me it is a nostalgic, heartwarming film to enjoy during the Christmas season. I thank EWTN for broadcasting it.