Heart of the City by Steenz for December 11, 2014

Mr. Magoo’s Scrooge was great.

It’s a shame how those whippersnappers don’t know about the classics.

…And razzleberry dressing!…..

Now, if you really want to get obscure, look up The Muppets’ “Great Santa Clause Switch”, with Art Carney. For decades, it was unseen, as it was an Ed Sullivan piece and tied up over copyrights. It’s on YouTube now, of course.

“Mr. Magoo’s Scrooge was great.”-As a kid I remembered the TV series about him (voiced by the late Jim Backus) being with historical characters, both real and fictional. It was the only series in which hewasn’t always nearsighted.

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol was the first animated Christmas special..(“Ringle,jingle, coins when they mingle make such a lovely sound.” Great song)

Oh Magoo…you’ve done it again!!

http://www.hark.com/clips/dwjhhzkrdz-oh-magoo

Mr. Magoo had some great lines for adults only.

Mr. Magoo Heart.

It’s a real shame that Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol is not one of the regular specials shown at this time of year. At least, I have not seen it on the schedules.

Some people have complained that Mr. Magoo is a negative stereotype of handicapped/physically challenged people. Maybe that’s why we don’t see him so much anymore.

Pop essay question: If Superman is a symbol of “white supremacy,” then what is Elmer Fudd?

With my dad it’s never Christmas until we watch Santa Clause Conquers The Martians.

Mr. Magoo is starting to experience something of a comeback. There are DVD sets for all the theatrical cartoons (including the movie “1001 Arabian Nights”) and all the syndicated cartoons. “The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo” is about the only Magoo series that ISN’T on DVD now. There was also a special where he played Uncle Sam.

“Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” is going to be on the CW this year. It’s a great introduction to the story for kids.

And that special had some of the best songs of any special on TV. They were composed by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, who, after this, would compose the songs for “Funny Girl.” In fact, there’s a story that one of the producers of the Magoo “Carol” walked into the studio as Styne was playing what would become “People” and asked if it was for Magoo. And “Winter Was Warm” — I don’t understand why that isn’t a standard today every much as “Christmastime Is Here” and “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Ethel Merman reportedly cried upon hearing it for the first time.

The source of Magoo’s humor wasn’t his problem seeing things — it was his refusal to admit he HAD a problem. Looking at the old Magoo cartoons, you realize he truly lived in a world of his own, thinking a racetrack is a bank or not realizing that he’s driven the car he’s going to give to his nephew underwater.

Above all, what made Magoo work was Jim Backus. In 1996, when Leslie Nielsen starred in the live action “Mr. Magoo” movie, I knew it was going to be a flop. Leslie Nielsen could be funny, but he wasn’t Jim Backus. The same thing happened 11 years later with “Underdog,” because the producers didn’t realize that much of the success of the “Underdog” cartoons was due to the vocal talents of Wally Cox.

Anyway, if you’ve never seen “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” try to catch it. But beware if it doesn’t have the framing sequence showing “Carol” being Magoo’s big return to Broadway.

Don’t forget the Grinch (the original) Dean! And “The Santa Clause” and best of all Christmas movies: “A Christmas Story”!!!

I never did like Mr Magoo, it was way too dumb for me even as a child

I’m 48 and have never managed to get through Mr. Magoo. The Grinch and Peanuts are my Xmas must-sees.

Mr. Magoo?! Drop dead, Dean.

You’re sleeping on the Grinch, as well as the best special of them all: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!