Customer Reviews

A Christmas Memory

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I saw this film several years ago when it originally aired on television, and I loved it. I was so excited to get it on DVD. What a wonderful, heartwarming tale.

I will say that I never saw the original with Geraldine Page. That being said, I believe Patty Duke's performance was unbelievable. She was amazing in a very understated way. She makes the audience fall in love with Sook after only a few minutes. The relationship between her and Buddy (played nicely by Eric Lloyd) is evident from the beginning.

Piper Laurie also turns in a very fine performance, but it is really Patty Duke who shines in this wonderful film.

It took a lot of guts for Patty Duke to take over this role that won Geraldine Page two Emmys back in the 1960s. Duke does an excellent job in making the viewer care and understand Sook and Buddy's relationship. I believe this movie has been put down because people feel it should have been left alone, but why not have a whole new generation enjoy one of the most-loved Christmas tales ever written? I also prefer not having Capote's voice-over narration in this one. As much as I am a fan of his work, his voice in the original was very obnoxious and I feel distracted from the story.

Besides Duke, Piper Laurie and Eric Lloyd (Buddy) also turn in top-rate performances. I was in shock this received not a single Emmy nomination, especially not for Duke or Laurie. I am very happy to see this one coming out on DVD and plan on ordering several for Christmas gifts this year.

My first introduction to this story was a version offered up by National Public Radio (NPR) and narrated by Richard Thomas (John Boy Walton). When I finally saw the Geraldine Page version I was enchanted, especially by the sincerity in the narration by Truman Capote. After seeing the version featuring Patty Duke I became convinced that all of the versions have something special to add to the Holiday Season. The genius is in the story itself as well as how it it interpreted. Moreover, it provides us one of the most sensitive insights into America's Southern Culture that I have seen since "To Kill A Mockingbird."
If you ever get the chance to hear the NPR version of this classic, I think it provides an added enjoyment that the television versions try to do but somehow miss.

Capote's Christmas Memory is my favorite Christmas story. I was thrilled to see this movie last year....I loved it. All though I have to confess that Pattie Duke was not the Sook I had imagined, her portrayal was true to the writings of Capote and her relationship with Buddy is very believable. I have read this story every year for the past 8 years during the holiday season. Infact, it is one of my favorite gifts to give. This year I am treating myself to the DVD.
For those of you who love this story, you must read it out loud. Did you know there is a Children's Picture book as well? Fun Fun Fun

Patty Duke tried awfully hard to bring Capote's classic character Cousin Suk to life in this newer screen adaptation of his famous short story. As wonderful as Duke is, she cannot erase the memory of Geraldine Page's performance in the 1966 ABC Television production with Mr. Capote narrating. This newer version is about a half-hour longer and introduces a number of additional characters and expands on the story. About the only thing that is missing is the charm and simplicity of Capote's original.

Patty Duke's amazing performance in a movie version of a famous book
took me to a time that I often heard my parents speak of. The Great Depression brought a way of life that seemed minimal in material but a realization in what was more important. That was friendship, caring, and loving each and every person in our lives. Each day was a new adventure basing decisions on anything that money couldn't buy because so few had any. Yet it seemed the generosity and the teamwork built by that generation to make it through was the foundation on which America was built. Alas today's generations have forgotten or have no connection to this time and have missed what being American is all about. This movie brought the stories I heard all back to me. Such a special gift at Christmas all year round

I absolutely love this movie. It's a warm and fuzzy movie. I have searched 2 years to find the DVD format. I have the book, but the movie is much, much better. Patty Duke and Eric Lloyd are perfect for their parts. It was tear jerker for me. I'm waiting for a sequel to this movie.??? I would recommend this movie. It's very heartwarming story between 2 best friends Sook and Buddy. I adore them both.

I love this movie and of course Patty Duke done a great acting job.I'm a Christmas movie fanatic!!!!

I have to say I enjoyed this version so much more than the original. Patty Duke gives a flawless performance. Piper Laurie was great too, as were the child actors. Heck, the dog that plays Queenie even was brilliant. The last scene at the bus stop really rips your heart out. I know she's won about 4 or 5 Emmys, but Patty really deserved another for this performance. Definitely add this version to your holiday playlist - it is a treasure!

Lacks charm of the one staring G. Page. Destroys the "universe of two" feel of the relationship between the boy and the old woman. Brings in too many charecters to explain things easily covered by the Truman Capote narraration in the first one!