The Nutcracker (1965 TV Special)

I REMEMBER WATCHING THIS ON TV IN 1965 AND IF MY MEMORY IS RIGHT IT WAS SHOWN FOR THREE CHRISTMAS SEASONS. I WAS VERY HAPPY TO SEE THIS RELEASED ON DVD, FOR THIS WAS A GREAT MILESTONE IN 1965. I REALIZE THE COMPLETE BALLET WASN,T PERFORMED ON THIS PRODUCTION. BUT IT BROUGHT A GOOD SAMPLE OF THIS BALLET TO THE 1965 AUDIENCE. SO DON,T BE CRITICAL TO COMPARE THIS VERSION TO THE ONES THAT WAS BROADCAST LATEREVEN THOUGH THE PICTURE QUALITY IN NOT LIKE TODAYS STANDARDS , THIS IS A MUST HAVE.JIM

I have been looking for this version of the Nutcracker for nearly 20 years. I remember watching this as a child and it was this production that introduced me to this wonderful work. I cannot give this 5 stars because honestly it was 1965 and we have all become spoiled in the years since and expect too much. This still has the charm I remember, and the narration makes it a presentation of the Nutcracker that even very young children can understand. Delivery was as promised and the product fully met my expectations.

I was thrilled when I found a copy of this 1965 version of The Nutcracker with Edward Villella and Patricia McBride. The picture isn't all that great, but who cares. I felt that the dancers had never danced in front of TV cameras before and were uncomfortable. But for me, being able to see The Nutcracker for the first time because of television was a thrill. If you are a collector, this is a must-have.

This is the nutcracker I saw as a child and I am excited to have it. It does not follow the standard storyline, but it is a wonderful visit to a childhood memory. I am glad to have this in my collection.

I was disappointed because David Anderson and Cynthia Gregory were listed among the cast members. I knew both Cynthia and David and was excited to purchase something with them performing. They were not on the disc. So, yeah, big disappointment. It was a hokey, but well danced, TV ballet.

I remember watching this version of The Nutcracker every year on our old black and white tv. I loved watching it then and was thrilled to find it on Amazon this past year. My daughter and I both watched it this year and it was just as charming as I remember it. Eddie Albert's narration is wonderful.

Very enjoyable ballet. It's great to see Edward Villella in his prime. Patricia McBride and Melissa Hayden are wonderful too.

Although the dvd is worth viewing because of villella and McBride, the entire ballet is not preformed. The battle with the mouse king has been eliminated. Still the ballet is charming and so is Eddie albert.