Released in 1948 by Encyclopedia Britannica films, “Christmas Rhapsody” is a Christian short story about the fate of a small “no account” fir tree, which is cut down and trimmed on Christmas Eve. A sort of “ugly duckling” story that predates the plot of the “Charlie Brown Christmas”, the tree is presented as a neglected outcast, ashamed of its height, but which unexpectedly finds itself at a place of honor in a family’s home. The film’s religious theme extends to the idea of Jesus loving all mankind, regardless of condition or circumstance.
At 1:16, a small forest of trees is shown, with the small tree appearing against its taller neighbors. At 1:50 the tree grows in the snow. At 2:02, kids on a sled discover the tree and have a snowball fight. At 3:00 the children discover the tree and decide that it is perfect as a Christmas tree. At 3:23, their father approaches and the kids tell him about their discovery. At 3:56, the father reverently studies the tree. He hands his kids an axe so that they can chop the tree down. At 5:00 the children pull the tree across the snow to their home. At 5:42, the tree is brought into the family home. At 6:23, presents are placed underneath the tree and it is decorated with tinsel and ornaments. At 7:54 the star of Bethlehem is placed atop the tree, and a manger / nativity scene at the base of the tree. At 8:33, an animation of the clouds moving across the moon on Christmas Eve. At 9:24, the family sings “Silent Night” by the tree.
No credits are given in the film for writer/director, but it does indicate that the music is orchestrated by Charles Henry.
The story of the little fir tree which is cut down and trimmed on Christmas Eve is retold in a modern American setting, with an unusual background of Christmas carols.
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