Holiday Gifts #10: Christmas Silents
Here’s a great gift for that certain person who has everything! This DVD from reelclassicdvd.com of obscure but extremely charming-looking Christmas themed silent films. The line-up includes:
SCROOGE (1913)
THE STORY OF SANTA CLAUS (c. 1925)
and THE TOY SHOP (1928)
SCROOGE starring Seymour Hicks, Leedham Bantock and William Lugg. Seymour (later “Sir Seymour”) Hicks made a career of portraying Ebenezer Scrooge, possibly Dickens’ most memorable character, in “A Christmas Carol”. He made the first sound film version of the story in 1935 but, twenty-two years earlier, he made this nearly forgotten silent version. Compact and utilizing some primitive but effective special effects, this is a fascinating presentation of the enduring, classic tale.
THE STORY OF SANTA CLAUS Produced by Cine Art Productions for the home movie market in the mid 1920s. Loosely based upon Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas”, this delightful little film features scenes of Santa at the North Pole and his journey (through clever animation) to deliver gifts to the good children. He visits one family where dad lends a helping hand. Presented with its original color tints, “The Story of Santa Claus” is enchanting.
THE TOY SHOP Starring Virginia Marshall and Josef Swickard. Directed by Martin Justice. On Christmas Eve in a French village, a little beggar girl, abused by passers-by, is taken in and cared for by the kindly toy maker. Finally safe and warm, she dreams of adorable dancing dolls and toy soldiers. She awakens to a sumptuous Christmas dinner! Presented in its original two-color Technicolor process with the original score.
Original music scores composed and performed by John Mucci!
To order this and lots more from ReelClassics, go here.
