The Spirit of Christmas (1953)

Doing research on this special I saw there is two dates. Some people states its from 1653 others 1950. I am willing to be the real date is 1953. The Spirit of Christmas is a Christmas television special performed by marionettes. It first aired in 1953 in the United States.[1] Its half-hour showing time is divided into two segments, one dramatizing "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (AKA THE NIGHT BEFORE Christmas) and one telling the story of the Nativity.[1] The live-action part of the film features Alexander Scourby, who narrates and also plays Clement Moore in the Visit from St. Nicholas segment. The jacket of the DVD version calls it "The Philadelphia Holiday Classic," which refers to the region of the United States where it was originally broadcast. The jacket also describes it as a "50s TV Christmas classic, which has led it to being mis-dated as first being shown in 1950.After its initial 1953 showing and into the 1960s, this special was aired multiple times per Christmas season, without commercial interruptions except for opening and closing remarks by "your telephone company" (Bell Telephone). It was also available as a 16mm film licensed to schools for showings to students.It is very unusual for its time in that it was made in color at a time when there were no color TV sets in existence, so viewers of the time saw it in black-and-white.This is a very special program. Yes its done with puppets but there is depth. You can tell this was made with MAJOR TLC. Now the DVD that I have has a making of feature and its very informative. What would be nice that whoever owns this film would have is restored to its original color brilliance. This is well worth watching. On Christmas Eve you should gather everyone around and watch it with your family and close friends. The special is magic. It is the perfect way to end the night.

My memories of this fantastic Christmas special are the same as most others. Christmas in the 1950's was officially here when we saw the Bell Telephone special, "The Spirit of Christmas" shown not only at our school (Ingomar Elementary), but we also got to see it again on TV.Every subsequent Christmas was missing something without being able to see this special memory from my childhood. I was so happy to find that it is now available on DVD.My question is: Does anyone know of a version of this special that includes the original introduction, intermission and ending with the Bell Telephone operator speaking? To me, this helped to make this special what it was.Thanks for any help. Bob Eich, Pittsburgh, PA

I grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Each year from 1960 to 1968, I remember all of the elementary classes being herded to the movie room in the basement of the school and watching The Spirit of Christmas. The clatter of the reel to reel projector and the slightly skipping film didn't interfere with the entertainment set before us, We all sat there silent and wide eyed as the puppets paraded before us on the screen. Amazed as the marionettes moved so smoothly, as if they had a life of their own. I knew Christmas was fast approaching when we got to see these films. Memories I will never forget. I plan on buying a copy and even though half of my children are grown, we will all watch it together. And my 2 grand-kids can see though their eyes, what I saw, as a child.

This short Film has been shown by local TV for years in the 1960's. Which it became a stable for our family at the Holiday Season. This Wonderful story of The Night before Christmas is a delight for everyone in the family. The second part is the nativity of which some call - The Greatest Story ever Told is skillfully performed beautiful by marionettes.You and your family will rediscover the warmth and charm of these family classy stories.It's only to bad this film is not available on DVD or Video tape. if the would be available I would not just buy one for myself but to make it as a Christmas gift to all my friends and family. which this film should be a collectible because of its timeless nature and a joy to all who watch it.