Virtual Fools

I have hijacked the title of Bobby’s series for this one posting only. Think of it as a worthwhile public service announcement.

Richard Williams is one of those under-appreciated talents of animation.  He has worked in a variety of contexts, but is probably best known for his animation of film titles in the 1960s and for his animation duties on Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988).

Among his best work is his contribution for Tony Richardson’s Charge of the Light Brigade (1968). Williams contributed satirical opening credit animation and some other highly imaginative, period-inspired work for later in the film. Above is the opening credit animation.

However, Williams was at his seasonal best with his TV version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843). Using the voice talent of whimsical British actor Alistair Sim and famous thespian Michael Redgrave, Williams made a version that was both deeply of the 19th century–many of the images of London are based on engravings and drawings of Victorian vintage–and also wholly accommodating of the television format restrictions. At a lean 25 minutes, it tells a somewhat condensed version of the story, but the images are so evocative that it doesn’t matter in the end.

The film is usually pretty hard to see, but thanks to the internet and the spirit of goodwill towards men, it was posted for easy viewing a few years ago. Enjoy Williams’ A Christmas Carol!!!