Simple Gifts

How sad that this title is not on DVD, and that PBS stopped airing it before VCRs were common. An anthology of six stories, including an excerpt from Virginia Woolf's Orlando, one from Theodore Roosevelt's diary, and a World War I Christmas tale, apparently true.

All are set at Christmas time. In fact, I remember it airing as "Six Simple Gifts for Christmas." The animation is minimalist, and what little dialog there is, is of the "'I know what to do,' she said" variety, as if we are being read to. A true charmer, each segment is a small masterpiece.

This collection of six tales of the Christmas season is a jewel. Each story is told with beautifully animated illustrations. Artists such as R.O. Blechman, Jame McMullen, Seymour Chwast and others give each tale a unique look and feel. The stories themselves are imaginative. The viewer travels the world and travels through time to Russia, World War l, the Manger. I do not understand why PBS has never made Simple Gifts available on Video or DVD. At the very least, perhaps they might broadcast it again. I think if this "Gift" was seen on a regular basis at the Holiday season, it would quickly become a Christmas classic. Appropriate and enjoyable for adults and children.

Great collection of animated Christmas shorts which was issued on VHS in 1993 (used copies show up for sale online from time to time).

Simple Gifts includes: -- An original Maurice Sendak piece about a boy with nothing to give for Christmas -- An excerpt from the early part of Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" set in a time of extreme cold in Tudor-esquire England -- A short based on the Toonerville Trolley -- A bittersweet excerpt from Hart Crane's autobiography "Act One" narrated by Jose Ferrer -- A reading from the Christmas day entry from the diary of 11 year old Teddy Roosevelt -- A reading a letter by Captain Edward James Hulse describing the surprising Christmas Truce of 1914 -- An animated version by R.O. Blechmann's of his own book "Tutto Esaurito" (No Vacancy) about the travels of Mary and Joseph.

Each piece is good to great, but as a collection they are superb. The only downside is Colleen Dewhurst's live introduction, which comes across too harshly and theatrical for the quieter, more reflective pieces that follow, and her words don't add anything overall.

Still, her role is over in a few minutes and Simple Gifts is something to see every Christmas. Much is probably not interesting for kids under 8 to 10, but doesn't have anything parents might find objectionable with the possible exception of scenes of wartime.

I hope there's a good reason why PBS never airs this special, which IS truly special, unlike most contemporary seasonal offerings. It should be aired regularly, and certainly should be available on DVD. This is a true gem, and each segment has a beautiful individual style. There's some terrific vocal talent here, too, and I have never forgotten this program. I remember it great fondness, and I'm terribly saddened by its absence from the general holiday lineup. It deserves better treatment. At least if it was shown again, that would seem fair. But for it to seemingly disappear is just not right. My favorite segment is probably the autobiographical Moss Hart piece, narrated by Jose Ferrer. Hermione Gingold does wonderful work in her segment, as well. Please bring it back!