"Stars Over Hollywood" (December 22, 1951) - Part 2

The "Stars Over Hollywood" broadcast of December 22, 1951 starring Edmund Gwenn is another one of those fun little 20-plus minute radio adaptations.

I'm always wondering if there's going to be a little twist and this actually has a good one: (spoiler) Edmund Gwenn also plays Charles Dickens! The framing story has Dickens trying to write the story while his landlady is knocking at the door looking for the rent. That's just plain awesome!

With this additional bit added in, plus the commercials for Carnation Evaporated Milk, there's not a lot of time to tell the story, but they get the usual highlights in there.

Scrooge deals with his nephew Fred and Bob Cratchit at his office. No time for the charity guys, but that's how it goes.

Marley's Ghost comes along and warns Scrooge about the other spirits, who will come on successive nights.

With the Ghost of Christmas Past, Scrooge visits his childhood home and we're told he recalls some incidents, but we don't hear about those. We do visit Fezziwig's party (with Dick Wilkins) and Scrooge realizes he should treat Bob Cratchit better.

The Ghost of Christmas Present brings Scrooge to Bob Cratchit's house to see Christmas dinner and the spirit tells Scrooge he has the power to alter Tiny Tim's future. Tiny Tim has an odd delivery when he says his famous line.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his own grave. Scrooge catches on hat his name is on there after reading only "E-B-E-N" Dickens says the spirits replies are "only eerie sounds in the night."

Nothing surprising with any of the ghosts, as those are the highlights you most want.

Dickens talks a lot during the wrap up and adds a few details about Scrooge buying a lot of presents including a turkey for the Cratchits and food for Fred's Christmas dinner. He also mentions that he raises Bob's salary and helped Tiny Tim get well.

"Dickens" also hints that it could have been a dream! Don't go there, fake Dickens!

I think the whole thing is a lot of fun!

And that recipe in the middle for turkey hash and cream? Yes, please!