Classics Not Only For Children

DIE MUPPETS-WEIHNACHTSGESCHICHTE (A Muppet Christmas Carol, Brian Henson, USA 1992/93, Dec. 5, 12 & 19) The Christmas tale after Charles Dickens, narrated freely and yet close to the original by the Muppets. The heartless old miser Ebenezer Scrooge is feared and hated by his fellow men. In the night before Christmas, three ghosts appear and demonstrate his mistakes of the past, present and future. Rueful, Scrooge now recognizes the true meaning of Christmas and turns into a good-hearted person. Michael Caine plays the role of Scrooge, and his nephew Fred, his wife and Scrooge's old early love are also played by human actors. All other figures are played by the Muppet puppets. Director Brian Henson (son of the Muppets inventor Jim Henson) tones down the sentimentality of the original through the Muppets' mischievousness and humor.