Balladeer’s Blog’s 14th Annual Christmas Carol-A-Thon continues!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1973-1987) – Don Imus as Scrooge? Wolfman Jack as the Ghost of Christmas Present? Barbara Walters as Mrs. Cratchit? Murray the K as Bob Cratchit? Yes, believe it or not.
This radio play rendition of A Christmas Carol was first broadcast on WNBC-AM in New York City on Monday December 24th, 1973. The voice actors included on-air talent under contract to NBC (either radio or television) and assorted New York City political figures of the time.
In addition to the breakdown I gave above, the iconic Betty Furness played Scrooge’s sister Fan, Big Wilson was the Ghost of Christmas Past, Gordon Hammet was Marley’s Ghost, Pat Whitley portrayed the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Donna Patrone voiced Tiny Tim, Radio City Bill Rockefeller played the lone Charity Collector in this version of the story, and Bob Vernon served as the Narrator.
On the political side, New York Commissioner Eleanor Guggenheimer played Scrooge’s lost love Belle and City Council President Paul O’Dwyer voiced Nephew Fred.
Some changes to the cast were made over the years. For instance, by 1975’s broadcast, Wolfman Jack was no longer with WNBC and was replaced by Bruce Morrow (Cousin Brucie), whose son John replaced Donna Patrone as Tiny Tim.
Other changes over the years were Dick Summer taking over as Bob Cratchit and Dr. Frank Field joining as one of Scrooge’s non-mourners in the Christmas Yet to Come segment. The final airing of this WNBC version of A Christmas Carol came in 1987.
As for the production itself, archived audio can be found around the web, but sorry to say I was disappointed with it. The story is severely truncated to fit a half-hour timeslot with commercials and it’s strictly a by-the-numbers piece just barely touching upon some of the major plot points.
There’s no Fezziwig, no Old Joe, and no Ignorance & Want, so a lot of the heart is taken away. On the plus side, the carolers outside Scrooge’s window sing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, as is the custom in so many versions of the Carol.
Even though Don Imus may sound like a good fit as Scrooge, this was back before his curmudgeonly persona had taken hold, apparently, and he plays the role strangely subdued. In fact, the entire cast seems wary of throwing any real life into their performances. The overall effect is like “Jack Webb Presents A Christmas Carol.”
I wish I had better news about this adaptation given the names involved but what can ya do? This version is so unemotional in its approach and mediocre with its script that it’s possible only Christmas Carol geeks like myself would appreciate it.
FOR MORE VERSIONS OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL CLICK HERE: https://glitternight.com/category/a-christmas-carol-2/
Balladeer's Blog 
Merry Christmas,dear Ballader
Thanks, Mario! Same to you!
🖐️😊
😀
Not Jack Webb. Make that Joe Friday, sir.
You are absolutely right, sir! Pretty careless of me!
Ah, it’s all good. [Did I use that chitpiece correctly?] You are in full Christmas/Christmas Carol mode. And prolly worried to death over the upcoming national scandal.
You sure did use it correctly, and yeah, Christmas and the looming unpleasantness (as our British cousins would say) have me preoccupied! Hope all is well with you and that the grandchildren have been enjoying the season!
Prolly get back at you before then, but if not, you [and yours] have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. [Egg] Nog up!
Thank you! Same to you and yours!
❤
Thanks, Orededrum!
🧑🎄🎄❤️
Thank you, Christine! Merry Christmas!
Woah, old school!
You said it! Even Betty Furness!
Me: “That picture looks like Don Imus.”
*reads post*
Me: “Well that explains it then.”
Ha, yes it certainly does!
Great posts as always. I’m not a massive fan of “A Christmas Carol” so I’m not so sure if this is a television show which I’ll see. That being said, Christmas is one of those seasons that has always made for memorable movies. If you enjoyed this television show, I would recommend seeing the film “Arthur Christmas”. It’s very different from “A Christmas Carol” in its lighthearted tone but it celebrates the same themes.
Here’s why the animation film is worth watching:
I appreciate the kind words AND the recommendation for Arthur Christmas.