The First Animated Christmas Special

Revisiting Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol

Dec 1, 2009
6:00 PM ET
New York

Join us for a screening of the first animated Christmas special, which premiered on NBC in 1962. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and the voices of Jim Backus, Jack Cassidy, Jane Kean and Morey Amsterdam, this 52-minute adaptation of Dickens—cleverly presented as a play within a play (with the nearsighted Magoo playing Scrooge on Broadway)—paved the way for a slew of animated holiday specials. Following the screening, a panel including animator Darrell Van Citters, author of a new book on Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol; and Judy Levitow, daughter of Magoo's director Abe Levitow, will examine the making of the program and its place in television history. Jack Doulin, casting director of the New York Theatre Workshop, will moderate the conversation. In addition, surprise guests will be on-hand to ring in the holidays. Children ages 6 and up are welcome.

Paley Center Gift
All guests will receive a complimentary DVD of Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol. Many thanks to Classic Media for their generous donation.

This event is FREE for Dual/Family Members!
Dual/Family Members make reservations by emailing membership@paleycenter.org or by calling 212.621.6780. If you are not already a Member, support the Paley Center and become a Member today.

This event is presented with the support of the family of Jule Styne and Mrs. Bob Merrill, with additional funding from the children of Russell W. Johnston. Special thanks to Classic Media.

Darrell Van Citters, Animator and Author, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol: The Making of the First Animated Christmas Special
Judy Levitow, Daughter of Magoo Director Abe Levitow
Marie Matthews, Voice of "Young Scrooge"
Moderator: Jack Doulin, New York Theatre Workshop
 

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