THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS (1953)

Well, this is my last Ho, Ho, Ho film of this X-Mas season, and I've got to tell you, it actually is a Saturday Night Special event, but hold on, because now comes the boring part where I tell you why!

Puppets can be pretty creepy, and this film is no exception, except these Mabel Beaton Marionettes are pretty amazing looking. Gerry Anderson could have learned a thing or two about details from Mabel Beaton. I looked around but I really couldn't find that much more info about Mabel. She was the writer and the director of "The Spirit Of Christmas" too, but that seems to be her only credit. She also was an author who wrote a book titled "The Complete Book Of Marionettes." So I guess it's time to quote Procol Harum,
"Mabel, Mabel, please get off the kitchen table!"

Look at these Bell telephone workers going to town back in the time when there was a work ethic!

They are making books in braille for the unfortunate blind children of the world!

Since it's for blind kids, they add touch and feel objects! I'm just not quite sold on the whole dead mouse thing!

"The Spirit Of Christmas" is divided into two halves! The first half is a blow by blow re-telling of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" by the author Clement Moore!

 Santa is on the way!

Mom looks like a Lucy who has been up for a while on an all-nighter!

"While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads!"

Where these freaky ginger bread men cookies fit into the deal, I have no idea!

"Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash."

Part two is all about the birth of Jesus Christ! This is Mary!

This is a beggar who tells Joseph and Mary where they can go since there's no room at the inn. So just in case you're ever wondering why the homeless population is so out of control these days, just remember there were people living on the streets over 2000 years ago, so it's no wonder it's a problem today!

Joseph and Mary arrive at the manger.

The wise men show up, and I think it's pretty cool that back in 1953, they made one of the wise men black! Think about it, and it only makes sense!

Look at Mabel's shepherd puppets! They look like real people!

Anyway, I think that in 1953, the fact that a major corporation approached Christmas from both the Santa and the Jesus angles was pretty open-minded and amazing, cause...

"What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding?" - Elvis Costello

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 I hope the spirit of Christmas shines down upon you and

"May your days be merry and bright!"