A Classic Christmas - The Ed Sullivan Show

The Ed Sullivan Show is a classic program from TV's past. While this isn't an actual single program, but bits and pieces from the 23 year run from TOAST OF THE TOWN to when it became THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Back when people wished each other Merry Christmas instead of the whimpy and gutless Happy Holidays, there were entertainers the likes of Bing Crosby, Rich Little, David Frye. Below is the list of acts.[2:30] JOHNNY MATHIS - "Sleigh Bells"[2:17] THE MUPPETS as reindeer, do a "snow dance"[2:14] THE SUPREMES - "My Favorite Things"[2:00] RICH LITTLE - "A Christmas Carol" (impressions of George Burns, Jack Benny and Ed Sullivan)[3:00] JINGLE BELLS (pastiche): Bill Dana leads audience as Jose Jimenez (b&w), Paul Anka, Shari Lewis (b&w), Count Basie, Ames Brothers (b&w)[2:28] BING CROSBY discusses Irving Berlin and sings "White Christmas"[1:08] ROSS BAGDASARIAN as "David Seville" lip syncs "The Christmas Song" with Chipmunk puppets (edited-b&w)[2:00] ALAN KING - his wife's Christmas list[2:17] OBERNKIRCHEN CHILDREN'S CHOIR - "Kleine Glöcken," "O Come All Ye Faithful"[2:20] SENOR WENCAS - ventriloquist and hand puppets[_:39] CHRISTMAS NYC 1960 (song: "Jingle Bell Rock," Bobby Helms)[2:34] ED SULLIVAN SHOW AT GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA (Connie Francis sings "I'll Be Home For Christmas") (b&w)[2:18] DAVID FRYE - "The Night Before Christmas" (impressions of LBJ, Kirk Douglas, Richard Nixon and RFK)[1:50] MAHALIA JACKSON - "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" (b&w)[2:30] THE COWSILLS - "The Little Drummer Boy," "The Christmas Song" (edited)[1:56] BROOK BENTON - "This Time of Year" (b&w)[2:40] ARTHUR GODFREY & THE MUPPETS - "It's Christmas Tomorrow"[2:26] GEORGE CARLIN - Christmas '67 weather forecast, with Al Sleet, the Hippie-Dippy weatherman[2:25] ROGER WILLIAMS - "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (b&w)[1:16] JOAN RIVERS does a song that names all the holidays[1:51] TOPO GIGIO wishes all "Peace on Earth" (with Ed Sullivan)There is no way a person can watch this show and not smile, and sigh over what Christmas used to mean. This DVD, an Ed Sullivan Christmas is worth every penny, and if you're my age, the memories will be bittersweet. My wife, kids, and I totally enjoyed this little gem. Get it, share it with your family, and enjoy the memories.I would like to thank the review written by Annie Van Auken from which I lifted the contents of the DVD.

Clip shows tend to bore me, but this one is creatively edited from years of Christmas Specials. These mostly color vignettes are a delight for those who remember the performers as well as younger folks who may not have been around.True variety abounds with song, including a German children's choir that sings in English more perfect than one hears from many American choirs, and delightful comedy bits. This collection is a charmer.The brief 47 minutes flys along with not a dull moment. Included is a clip from Bing Crosby's original movie rendition of "White Christmas" disolved into a live performance. Rich Little gives a classic remembrance of George Burns, Jack Benny and Ed Sullivan himself. (Sullivan, who visually projected as very tall, was in fact not tall and we briefly see that as he stands alongside Little.)Connie Frances, who knew how to take the time to "sell" a song, is featured in a show Sullivan took to Cuba to entertain our troops. Ventriloquists, Sheri Lews and Senor Wences are there as well as a couple of classic Muppet performances and Alvin and the Chipmonks. Lots of notstalgia and chock full of legends: Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Mathis, The Supremes. Each vignette is brief but satisfying with a perfect flow from one piece to another.A genuine time capsule, delighful and uplifting. Nicely done. I'm so impressed, I'm ordering multiple copies to give as stocking stuffers next year.

I was really surprised at how good that this is. I already owned  Holiday Greetings From The Ed Sullivan Show  and was pretty disappointed in it. However, this release blows that one out of the water. Unlike the other release, which is a staged tribute to the show that is only about one third devoted to original clips (all of which are heavily abridged), "Classic Christmas" is made up basically entirely of original clips of the show. Each clip also is run nearly entirely (I would imagine that there is some rather superficial cutting done after the appearances are concluded) and there are some really great appearances, including Christmas songs by artists like Brook Benton and Connie Francis and several skits by the early Muppets.Really, really great stuff that certainly for me evoked the Christmas spirit, and actually it makes me wish that we had a show like this one again--could it work? There is such a fascination with live performing these days, seems like maybe somebody would give a new variety show a shot.

Simpler times. Less stressful. When you could really appreciate things around you and not take life for granite.

It was good if you are an Ed Sullivian fan. Needed to be a 2 hour program, especially after watching the 2 hour Sullivian Christmas tv special hosted by Bob Newhart.

This DVD packs a lot of holiday cheer into just 46 minutes; although some of the segments are edited, it flows nicely, and is mellow and entertaining, especially for Baby Boomers who remember growing up with Ed's show on Sunday nights. Lots of music and comedy bits, though nothing really rock & roll. Best of all I got this sealed, new DVD from an Amazon vendor for just over $2! This DVD is enjoyable to watch, but would be a perfect background for a Christmas Eve or party- definitely better than those Yule Log videos!

I received the dvd and watched it that evening. What a beautiful Christmas DVD, good clean laughter and awesome music. What a nostalgic look back at the GREAT YEARS of TELEVISION in mly opionion. I wish they would put out the ed sullivan shows on dvd in complete seasons. i would love to see the full hour shows. If you enjoy the days of yesterday, then this is worth the purchase, guests like Rich Little, Bing Crosby, Joan Rivers, Johnny Mathis, wow, and of course the mouse , who can no remember the famous , Good Night Eddie.... love it...

I like this DVD. It take you back many years when ED Sullivan had his on who. Ed Sullivan in this a music guest and has comedy actors who I haven't seen in years. I gave this a 4 because it would have been nice to have longer time of this show. If it had more Comedy and more groups this would have been a 5.

It's OK but it seems that they used any content that was even remotely themed to Christmas. It is nice to see some of the old actsbut it simply is not outstanding at all. I frequently purchase DVDs that I think I will watch more than once ; I don't think I willbe watching this again.

Yes, Topo Gigio has a star-spot in this Christmas show. Along with the mellow voice of Johnny Mathis, hilarious performances by Alan King and Rich Little, Senor Wencas and more. Takes you back to your living room in the 60's & 70's. Great purchase.

I remember seeing this on TV and the dvd was quite good.