“An Old Fashioned Christmas:” Rankin/Bass’ “The Stingiest Man in Town”

By Michael Lyons

In the long list of Hollywood’s inspired casting, Walter Matthau as Ebenezer Scrooge should rank up near the top.

The world’s most lovable curmudgeon did indeed play this role once, however it was in a seldom seen animated Christmas special, “The Stingiest Man in Town.”

Produced by Rankin/Bass, the Studio that’s ubiquitous with Christmas specials, the re-telling of “A Christmas Carol” was not only based on Charles Dickens’ classic, but was also a remake of a live-action, musical special that had aired on NBC in 1956.

“The Stingiest Man in Town” is not as well remembered as “Rudolph,” “Frosty” and other Rankin/Bass juggernauts, but it’s a solid re-telling of a familiar tale, told with some memorable songs throughout and worthy additions to “watch lists” at this time of year.

Told in 2D animation (a rarity for Rankin/Bass) that may not be as full as a theatrical film, but still lends itself perfectly to the story, “The Stingiest Man in town” not only features Matthau as the voice of Scrooge, but he is caricatured as the miserable miser as well (a nice touch).

In a VERY ‘70’s animated trope, the story is narrated by a bug who lives in Scrooge’s office.  His name is B.A.H. Humbug (get it!), who is voiced by Tom Bodley, one of a number of solid supporting voices in the special.

The ebullient Dennis Day is Nephew Fred, Theodore Bikel plays Marley, Robert Morse is young Scrooge and Rankin/Bass stock player Paul Frees is the Ghost of both Christmas Past and Present.

Adding to the proceedings are songs by Fred Spielman and Janice Torre that stay with the viewer after the special ends.  Of note is “An Old Fashioned Christmas,” one of the opening songs that sets the perfect tone, “The Stingiest Man in Town,” which is a perfect “tribute” to Scrooge and “Birthday Party for a King, “ a moving ballad that speaks to the true meaning of  Christmas.  One note, while Matthau is a wonderful voice, they should have NEVER let him sing!

With the familiar, comforting look of Rankin/Bass feeling right at home in this Dickensian world, “The Stingiest Man in Town” makes one wonder why the two never came together more often.

The special originally aired on NBC on December 23, 1978.  With it’s fortieth anniversary this Christmas season, it’s the perfect time to discover, or even re-discover, this hidden Rankin/Bass gem.

“The Stingiest Man in Town,” through its efficient, musical story telling is also a perfect way to introduce younger audiences to Dickens’ work.  The same timeless messages shine through, as evidenced by the finale song “Mankind Should Be My Business.”

What could speak to the season more perfectly? And, if that’s not enough for you, it’s got Walter Matthau...as Scrooge! 

Sources: 

“The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass: A Portfolio” by Rick Goldschmidt

Wikipedia