Friday, December 24, 2010

Geraldine Page in Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory 1966

I wasn't familiar with this beautiful little story until I was researching specials for this blog, but now, I think it's one of my favorite posts this holiday week. Originally published in Mademoiselle magazine in 1957, the short story about young Buddy and his best friend - an older distant cousin named Sook - was produced for television and aired on ABC Stage 67 in 1966. It's a tender story of companionship and the joy that can be found in simple things. Directed by Frank Perry and set in the rural south in the 1930's, the largely autobiographical story finds Sook and Buddy making fruitcakes to give and send as gifts to people they feel a kinship with, and celebrating Christmas morning together. It stars Geraldine Page as Sook and she gives a delicate and touching performance. Truman Capote narrates the story himself and injects sly and distinctly southern humor into his narration.


The original production was in color, but subsequent broadcasts were in black and white as are erp65's uploads of it to YouTube. The first installment is above. It's available on DVD, however it's received some poor reviews for the quality of the print.

Obscurity factor 7 (Rarely seen on TV, poor quality print available on DVD, full version available on YouTube)

Image from Google Images

8 comments:

  1. Love this. Made a lasting impression.

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  2. It does, doesn't it? I count it as a new favorite.

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  3. The color version is available at these two sites I know some people say it is not available but these sites have it. Thanks

    http://www.vendio.com/stores/OldTimeMoviesandTV/item/lid=5822803

    http://www.dvdsentertainmentonline.com/product/1966-a-christmas-memory-dvd-tv-abc-stage-67-truman-capote-color

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  4. Thanks, that's good information!

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  5. This movie is available on DVD I found the listings below they look ok. Thanks

    www.dvdsentertainmentonline.com/product/1966-a-christmas-memory-dvd-tv-abc-stage-67-truman-capote-color

    http://www.vendio.com/stores/OldTimeMoviesandTV/item/a-christmas-memory-dvd-tv-abc-/lid=5822803

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  6. The color version is available at the site below


    http://www.classicmoviesandtvcom.com/product/1966-a-christmas-memory-dvd-tv-abc-stage-67-truman-capote-color

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  7. I have seen this movie in black and white and color, either way, the very versatile Geraldine Pages performance and Truman Capotes narration leaves a lump in my throat. I for one have had many beautiful eccentric friendships with relatives and friends along similar circumstances. I was given an original publishing on a Christmas Memory with a photograph of Truman and Sook on the cover of the book. I have had friends view this spectacular movie and by the end when the kite are flying and Truman is finishing his narration, there was not a dry eye in the house! The remake with Patty Duke can not touch this movie!

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    Replies
    1. Such a great seasonal touchstone. Happy holidays!

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