You order these films and the box arrives, and inside is a video titled The Night Before Christmas. You think "This is not what I ordered". However, under the guise of this "bargain" Holiday video appear two extremely rare puppet archival films.

First, there is The First Christmas, narrated in English, with the beautiful Richard Teschner rod puppets. Although there are no credits in this film, the final shot pulls back to reveal Teschner's signature round Zodiac puppet stage proscenium arch (see Bil Baird's Art of the Puppet, page 165). Probably shot right after the Second World War, this 11 minute black and white re-telling of the Nativity story is a must any puppet film collection.

The second surprise on this reel is an eight minute black and white film called Santa Claus' Punch and Judy. This raucous and delightful version features the legendary artistry of George Prentice, who also merited a description in Bil Baird's book on page 113. This is probably the most accurate record of a traditional, fast paced and violent Punch and Judy show (complete with an odor spewing skunk) one is ever going to find.

Also included in this half hour tape is The Night Before Christmas with live action mixed with cell animation, and also The Christmas Visitor, a color cartoon.

Please note that both the Richard Teschner First Christmas and the George Prentice Punch and Judy also are included in our DVD compilation of Pioneers of Puppetry.

The Night Before Christmas (VHS) - ITEM: BV025
Price: $9.95
Shipping weight: 1 pound