BOOTLEG FILES 212: “A Christmas Carol” (1971 Oscar-winning animated short). LAST SEEN: Available on several Net sites. AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: Available on VHS video during the 1980s and early 1990s. REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: The film, for no clear reason, has been out of commercial release for many years. CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: It is possible, though one has to question why it is taking so long.
Yes, it is that time of the year for the usual round-up of holiday films to be dusted off. For my tastes, the best of the year-end flicks is Richard Williams’ 1971 animated short “A Christmas Carol.” Yes, I know what you are thinking – not Ebenezer Scrooge again! However, this version of “A Christmas Carol” is perhaps the definitive screen adaptation of the Dickens landmark.
This production eschews the icky sentimentality and lame humor that permeates too many screen versions of the tale. Instead, it plays upon the fears of emotional isolation and visceral horror, creating “A Christmas Carol” that stands out from the pack. “A Christmas Carol” was the first major triumph for the Canadian-born, British-based Williams.
Prior to this film, he was primarily known for his stylish credit sequences for such diverse films as “What’s New, Pussycat?” and “Casino Royale.” Around 1970, he came to the attention of American animation icon Chuck Jones, who was embarking on a new career phase as the vice president of children’s programming for ABC.