Description

Magnificent. That's the voice of Judy Garland. Magnifique. That's Gay Purr-ee, a charming animated musical featuring the great Garland in one of her final roles. She's the singing and speaking voice of Mewsette, a French country cat who runs off to Paris during the Gay '90s. Director: Abe Levitow ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Must for Garland fans
If you've seen every Judy movie but have shied away from this one because Judy doesn't even appear onscreen in it..well you're in for a sueprise!
Judy as Mewsette is so enchanting, so hysterically funny, so French and so feline! There are sad moments, happy moments..but trust me this is an exceptional effort (especially if you love gorgeou animation) and one worth having in your collection.

Here's my original rave review...

Gay Purr-ee is meowriffic!!!!

I love it!!! The animation is gorgeous, striking and technically brilliant, Walt Disney eat your heart out. I particularly love the visuals with the different artists of the 'gay 90's' in France...Cezanne, Toulouse Lautrec, Seurat, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, etc. Very 'American in Paris', feline style.

Judy's voice is purrfect. As Mewsette, she's very French, very provincial with a touch of Parisian breathlessness, when she sings it's achingly beautiful.

Janune Tom is a honey. And the Money cat is the villain..the scene where the villain is mean is classic. Judy really put on the hysterics.

Funny bits..when she tries to walk with a bowl of milk on her head. And fails. Touches of Gigi.
the buggy ride. 'What's kissing?' 'erm, it's like touching noses' how true.
Chanpagne, Champignons and Champs Elysees. Bad American French. What'll you'll have? Milk? No make it Cream! How about...bubbles? And the cats actually get drunk.

Am I the only one who appreciates this film???

Put Gay Purree up there with Wizard of Oz on the shelf. You won't be disappointed.

So sweet!
My wife saw this cartoon when she was a little girl back in the '60 and on a B/W TV. She has been talking about it for all these years and wanting to see it again.

And now it is here on DVD. And I must admit: This is a sweet cartoon. I especially like the sequence where Suzette is painted in many different styles (impressionistic and so on).

And my wife is happy!

A great movie by Chuck Jones
This movie was one of my most favorite movies to watch as a child. Once it came out on DVD I snatched it right up. I promise that you won't be disappointed with this wonderful film. It is a lot different from standard run of the mill animation, which makes the movie trully wonderful. You and your kids will love it.

What was I thinking? Was I retarded when I was younger?
When I was younger, I thought this film was ok. I saw that it came out on DVD so I bought it. Maybe my kids will like it. My God, was I wrong! Boy, I was embarrassed! The story is just, well, so-so, nothing exceptional. But, the songs are stomach-wretching! That kind of music was out-dated even in 1962. You'd have to be over 80 to find these songs entertaining. I had to apologize to my kids. Now, they're going to question me on anything else I bring home on DVD. I have to get rid of this stupid DVD quickly. But, who can I give it to? Someone under the age of 4, or someone older than 80 years old? This movie would be a great torture video, just tie your victim down and make him watch the film. He or she, will be traumatized for life! I'm looking at the DVD movie cover right now. I'm feeling flushed and ill! I hope I don't vomit on my keyboard! Believe me, think before you buy this movie. And, don't think that you're going to be doing your kids any favors with this one. This film will kill your credibility with them! Be warned!!

I absolutely love this movie!
Ever since I saw this movie I have loved it! My friend and I rented it one night and have loved it ever since. I love the plot. Basically, a cat named Mewsette(Judy Garland) leaves her devoted friend, Jeane Tom, and her home on the farm. She wants to go to Paris. When she gets there, she is tricked by the bad guy, Meowrice. Jeane Tom and his buddy Robespierre spend most of the movie looking for Mewsette. I won't tell you any more because that would spoil it. This movie is absolutely hilarious! I find myself rolling every time I watch it! The only thing I don't like about it is when Meowrice sings. Aaah! It is really wierd. I wish they would change the title, though. Well, times have changed and you don't want kids running around saying "Gay Purr-ee." Other wise, it is a great movie! ... Read more

Reviews (81)

An Extremely Enjoyable Movie
We make it a tradition in our house to watch this movie on Christmas - and we're Jewish! This is a funny cartoon version of A Christmas Carol, which has Mr. Magoo starring as Scrooge in a theatrical production (in the classic show within a show tradition). The songs are cute (yes, it's a musical) and the story remains intact, although shortened. The Tiny Tim here is the cutest one I've seen in any version of A Christmas Carol - in fact this is one of the best versions out there.

Thank you, THANK YOU!
I humbly wish to thank Good Times Video for re-releasing this holiday treasure--and I write these words well into January. I ordered this DVD in a fit of nostalgia, and as I watched it for the first time since I was a child, I felt tears streaming down my face. I soon realized I hadn't seen this wonderful program since I believed in Santa Claus! I couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 since that last time I saw it, yet it has stuck in my mind and heart ever since--the INCREDIBLE Stine/Merrill score, the wonderfully "early 60s" animation style, the faithful retelling of the Dickens classic, the adorable Tiny Tim, the terrific voice performances by Jim Backus, Jack Cassidy, and many others. "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" might not have been the most sophistically animated Christmas special ever broadcast, but its warm heart and passionate script make it one of the most truly unforgetable (and beautiful) TV experiences of my lifetime. If you have a family with small children, perhaps ages 5 and up, order this program and enjoy it with them. Perhaps they too will have a holiday memory that will last as strongly as mine. Thank you, Good Times Video and Amazon--no make that an uppercase THANK YOU--for blessing me with this cartoon classic that I feared was lost forever. And those songs..........those wonderful,loving, memorable songs!

The best "Christmas Carol" available
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol has been my favorite retelling of the classic Dickens story for years, but I was always embarrassed to admit it, given the simplistic presentation. Finally, I realized that it was that very simplicity, and brevity, that makes this version so appealing. Without benefit of Technicolor storybook pictures or breath-taking effects, these animated characters give an honest, concise telling of the story of Scrooge's redemption.

Any animated feature is only as good as the voices that speak for the characters and this one is chock-full of winners. Jim Backus moves beyond his usual Mr. Magoo voice to find new colors to fit Scrooge's character. The transformation from penny-pinching miser to good-hearted soul via a Scrooge terrified by the visitations is complete. Jack Cassidy is a sympathetic Bob Cratchit and the multi-talented June Foray (of Rocky and Bullwinkle fame) is the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Surprisingly, even in a 52-minute format this version sticks carefully to the Dickens story line and retains all the essential story elements, something that cannot be said for the majority of the filmed versions which feel compelled to "explain" Dickens with extraneous dialogue and scenes. The only addition -- other than the preliminary play-within-a-play set-up that shows Mr. Magoo arriving at the theatre to get ready to go on stage - is the songs. And what delightful songs they are! "The Winter Was Warm" is a beautiful ballad, "I'm All Alone in the World", sung as a duet between the old and young Scooge is a real tear-jerker, and the "La, La" chorus of the rag-pickers, has me laughing just as much now as it did the first time I saw this in the early '60's. What is it about those wide open mouths and visible tonsils in close-up?

Viewing Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol at least once (usually more) each year is part of my Christmas celebration.

TRULY A TREAT!!!
This is a super special. It has the warmth of Christmas and for people my age, it has a bunch of memories of the sixties. A delight to watch each year. It aired on NBC back in 1962 at 7:30 - 8:30 on Tuesday night December 18th. This is another classic holiday special that people need in their homes for the holiday. This DVD is a must.

OH, MAGOO! YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN!
Over the years adaptations of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Charles Dickens' immortal Christmas classic have become a hobby of mine. There have been some great ones but one is surprisingly good and should be a part of the collection of any serious Scrooge-a-phile.

I remember seeing MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL when it debuted on network television in 1962. Though I was a child it made an indelible mark that was never to be forgotten. It ranks right up there with the original animated HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS and is as charming, original and wonderful as it was when I first saw it. It is now a favorite of my children as well.

Additionally, MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL features a soundtrack of songs that are wonderful. Composed by Broadway legends Jule Styne and Bob Merrill of FUNNY GIRL fame, the songs will become some of your favorites for the holiday season. Add to that the vocal talents of the great Jim Backus (Gilligan's Island), Morey Amsterdam (The Dick Van Dyke Show), and Jack Cassidy and June Foray (The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle) and you have an unbeatable and classic holiday triumph.

Douglas McAllister ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1962 special marked the last hurrah of Mr. Magoo, who starred in 43 cartoon shorts, including two Oscar® winners, from the UPA Studio between 1949 and 1959. Magoo appears as Scrooge in a Broadway production of "A Christmas Carol" in this minimally animated hour. The play-within-the-show features forgettable songs by Jules Styne and Bob Merrill: Tiny Tim ("played" by the animated character Gerald McBoing-Boing) sings, oddly, of "razzle berry dressing" and "woofle jelly cake." This retelling of Dickens's holiday standard is much tamer than Richard Williams's Oscar-winning adaptation: the ghosts aren't scary, nor does Magoo confront the specters of Ignorance and Want. Small children who might be frightened by more dramatic versions of the story will enjoy this mild program. And the self-satisfied chuckles and bromides Jim Backus gives Magoo in his lighter moments remain as delightful as ever. This film is suitable for ages 6 and older. --Charles Solomon ... Read more

Reviews (81)

An Extremely Enjoyable Movie
We make it a tradition in our house to watch this movie on Christmas - and we're Jewish! This is a funny cartoon version of A Christmas Carol, which has Mr. Magoo starring as Scrooge in a theatrical production (in the classic show within a show tradition). The songs are cute (yes, it's a musical) and the story remains intact, although shortened. The Tiny Tim here is the cutest one I've seen in any version of A Christmas Carol - in fact this is one of the best versions out there.

Thank you, THANK YOU!
I humbly wish to thank Good Times Video for re-releasing this holiday treasure--and I write these words well into January. I ordered this DVD in a fit of nostalgia, and as I watched it for the first time since I was a child, I felt tears streaming down my face. I soon realized I hadn't seen this wonderful program since I believed in Santa Claus! I couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 since that last time I saw it, yet it has stuck in my mind and heart ever since--the INCREDIBLE Stine/Merrill score, the wonderfully "early 60s" animation style, the faithful retelling of the Dickens classic, the adorable Tiny Tim, the terrific voice performances by Jim Backus, Jack Cassidy, and many others. "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" might not have been the most sophistically animated Christmas special ever broadcast, but its warm heart and passionate script make it one of the most truly unforgetable (and beautiful) TV experiences of my lifetime. If you have a family with small children, perhaps ages 5 and up, order this program and enjoy it with them. Perhaps they too will have a holiday memory that will last as strongly as mine. Thank you, Good Times Video and Amazon--no make that an uppercase THANK YOU--for blessing me with this cartoon classic that I feared was lost forever. And those songs..........those wonderful,loving, memorable songs!

The best "Christmas Carol" available
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol has been my favorite retelling of the classic Dickens story for years, but I was always embarrassed to admit it, given the simplistic presentation. Finally, I realized that it was that very simplicity, and brevity, that makes this version so appealing. Without benefit of Technicolor storybook pictures or breath-taking effects, these animated characters give an honest, concise telling of the story of Scrooge's redemption.

Any animated feature is only as good as the voices that speak for the characters and this one is chock-full of winners. Jim Backus moves beyond his usual Mr. Magoo voice to find new colors to fit Scrooge's character. The transformation from penny-pinching miser to good-hearted soul via a Scrooge terrified by the visitations is complete. Jack Cassidy is a sympathetic Bob Cratchit and the multi-talented June Foray (of Rocky and Bullwinkle fame) is the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Surprisingly, even in a 52-minute format this version sticks carefully to the Dickens story line and retains all the essential story elements, something that cannot be said for the majority of the filmed versions which feel compelled to "explain" Dickens with extraneous dialogue and scenes. The only addition -- other than the preliminary play-within-a-play set-up that shows Mr. Magoo arriving at the theatre to get ready to go on stage - is the songs. And what delightful songs they are! "The Winter Was Warm" is a beautiful ballad, "I'm All Alone in the World", sung as a duet between the old and young Scooge is a real tear-jerker, and the "La, La" chorus of the rag-pickers, has me laughing just as much now as it did the first time I saw this in the early '60's. What is it about those wide open mouths and visible tonsils in close-up?

Viewing Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol at least once (usually more) each year is part of my Christmas celebration.

TRULY A TREAT!!!
This is a super special. It has the warmth of Christmas and for people my age, it has a bunch of memories of the sixties. A delight to watch each year. It aired on NBC back in 1962 at 7:30 - 8:30 on Tuesday night December 18th. This is another classic holiday special that people need in their homes for the holiday. This DVD is a must.

OH, MAGOO! YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN!
Over the years adaptations of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Charles Dickens' immortal Christmas classic have become a hobby of mine. There have been some great ones but one is surprisingly good and should be a part of the collection of any serious Scrooge-a-phile.

I remember seeing MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL when it debuted on network television in 1962. Though I was a child it made an indelible mark that was never to be forgotten. It ranks right up there with the original animated HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS and is as charming, original and wonderful as it was when I first saw it. It is now a favorite of my children as well.

Additionally, MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL features a soundtrack of songs that are wonderful. Composed by Broadway legends Jule Styne and Bob Merrill of FUNNY GIRL fame, the songs will become some of your favorites for the holiday season. Add to that the vocal talents of the great Jim Backus (Gilligan's Island), Morey Amsterdam (The Dick Van Dyke Show), and Jack Cassidy and June Foray (The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle) and you have an unbeatable and classic holiday triumph.

Douglas McAllister ... Read more