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"Surprisingly Wonderful"
December 25, 2005
Clip shows tend to bore me, but this one is creatively edited from years of Christmas Specials. These mostly color vignettes are a delight for those who remember the performers as well as younger folks who may not have been around.
True variety abounds with song, including a German children's choir that sings in English more perfect than one hears from many American choirs, and delightful comedy bits. This collection is a charmer.
The brief 47 minutes flys along with not a dull moment. Included is a clip from Bing Crosby's original movie rendition of "White Christmas" dissolved into a live performance. Rich Little gives a classic remembrance of George Burns, Jack Benny and Ed Sullivan himself. (Sullivan, who visually projected as very tall, was in fact not tall and we briefly see that as he stands alongside Little.)
Connie Frances, who knew how to take the time to "sell" a song, is featured in a show Sullivan took to Cuba to entertain our troops. Ventriloquists, Sheri Lewis and Senor Wences are there as well as a couple of classic Muppet performances and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Lots of nostalgia and chock full of legends: Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Mathis, and The Supremes. Each vignette is brief but satisfying with a perfect flow from one piece to another.
A genuine time capsule, delightful and uplifting. Nicely done. I'm so impressed, I'm ordering multiple copies to give as stocking stuffers next year.
-Robert L. Edwards
(Amazon.com)
Rating:  [4 of 5 Stars!] |
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