A Christmas Carol [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Charles Dickens (Author), Jonathan Winters (Performer), Mimi Kennedy (Performer), Susan Stamberg (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2007

The enchanting NPR holiday favorite is finally on CD.

"Old Marley was as dead as a doornail"—and so, nearly, was Christmas itself when Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol" in 1843. Most traditions had been forgotten, and few if any employees got time off to celebrate. Dickens' story captured the imagination of a generation and transformed December 25 into a major holiday.

For many National Public Radio listeners, it just wouldn't be Christmas without hearing Jonathan Winters perform "A Christmas Carol." The master comedian brilliantly re-creates Dickens' cast of colorful characters: Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit, and the three Christmas ghosts, Past, Present, and Future. His distinctive and charming reading uses a special version of the story prepared by Dickens for his own performances. The liner notes are by Winters, who clearly revels in the story's language and message: "Merry Christmas, every one!"

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Dickens's classic holiday tale, like many cultural touchstones, often falls into the trap of perennial reinterpretation. First aired in 1990 but only now available on CD, NPR's presentation serves to place the familiar story back in its historical context. NPR News anchor Susan Stamberg's introduction, along with background information in the liner notes, offers valuable insights regarding both Dickens's gritty backdrop and his role in reviving Christmas traditions otherwise forgotten amid rapid urban industrialization. The script being performed is the same one Dickens used to use at readings. Comedy legend Winters, who serves as narrator while also performing all of the male roles, juggles his duties seamlessly and demonstrates remarkable dramatic range. His portrayal of Scrooge before the ghostly visitations evokes discernable pain and loss beyond the over-the-top antics of an ogre figure. Veteran actress Mimi Kennedy voices the female parts with gusto. With its quality production, attractive price and one-hour length, this release offers the perfect gift and establishes a festive new annual ritual for families to share. (Sept.)
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Review

Comedy legend Winters, who serves as narrator while also performing all of the male roles, juggles his duties seamlessly and demonstrates remarkable dramatic range. His portrayal of Scrooge before the ghostly visitations evokes discernable pain and loss beyond the over-the-top antics of an ogre figure. Veteran actress Mimi Kennedy voices the female parts with gusto. With its quality production, attractive price and one-hour length, this release offers the perfect gift and establishes a festive new annual ritual for families to share. [starred review]
—Publishers Weekly

Any fan of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol will want to get the Jonathan Winters CD interpretation of this Christmas classic. It doesn't and never will get better than this.
—The Serious Comedy Site

. . . nothing can beat this Jonathan Winters performance.
—The Reviews Page

Comedy legend Winters, who serves as narrator while also performing all of the male roles, juggles his duties seamlessly and demonstrates remarkable dramatic range. His portrayal of Scrooge before the ghostly visitations evokes discernable pain and loss beyond the over-the-top antics of an ogre figure. Veteran actress Mimi Kennedy voices the female parts with gusto. With its quality production, attractive price and one-hour length, this release offers the perfect gift and establishes a festive new annual ritual for families to share. - Publishers Weekly starred review (Publishers Weekly )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: HighBridge Company; Fully Dramatized; 1 hour on 1 CD edition (September 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598875329
• ISBN-13: 978-1598875324
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Books on CD > Authors, A-Z > ( D ) > Dickens, Charles
  • #63 in Books > Books on CD > Radio Shows

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT WOULDN'T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT........, October 31, 2007

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (Audio CD)

Some songs, customs, and stories are so beloved, so familiar that they have become an integral part of our holiday celebrations. It wouldn't be the 4th of July without a parade; it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without a heart shaped box; and it wouldn't be Christmas without hearing "Silent Night" and a reading of "A Christmas Carol."

Every once in a while another version or recording comes along that makes the familiar seem new, we hear it as though for the first time. That is certainly the case with this performance of "A Christmas Carol" by the irrepressible Jonathan Winters. He inhabits every character from Scrooge to his housekeeper to Tiny Tim, offering in his own incomparable manner the way he thinks each character would sound.

Never has a Scrooge been meaner, a ghost more menacing or Tiny Tim more winning. Mr. Winters has been called "a one-man theatrical troupe" - indeed, he is as he not only presents amazingly different voices but sound effects as well. This is a one-of-a-kind version of "A Christmas Carol."

Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jonathan Winters plays it straight., December 24, 2007

By 

REDin (LIncoln, Nebraska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (Audio CD)

I've been a huge fan of Jonathan Winters all of my life. What is surprising in this CD is that Winters remains faithful to Dicken's text. I had fully expected him to get carried away and go off on his fantastic tangents like he usually does with his own characters like Maudy Frickert or Elwood P Suggins. He doesn't.
So, for those looking for a wild and crazy version of A Christmas Carol you COULD be disapointed. However, as a dedicated Winters fan, I enjoy this recording.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic!, December 20, 2007

By 

Mike Rophone (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (Audio CD)

Jonathan Winters reads from Dicken's own version written for public readings, so it moves along nicely, never dragging or labored.

You'll want to pick up several copies of this CD for friends as a welcomed Christmas surprise.