R.O. Blechman
Writing
Biography
Blechman's best-known works include the book "The Juggler of Our Lady" (1953), television commercials for Alka-Seltzer (1967) and other products, the animated PBS special "Great Performances: The Soldier's Tale"; a minute-long CBS Christmas greeting (1966); and numerous covers for The New Yorker magazine.
Known For
A collection of animated Christmas shorts: An original Maurice Sendak piece about a boy with nothing to give for Christmas -- An excerpt from the early part of Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" set in a time of extreme cold in Tudor England -- A short based on the Toonerville Trolley -- A bittersweet excerpt from Moss Hart's autobiography "Act One" narrated by Jose Ferrer -- A reading from the Christmas day entry from the diary of 11-year-old Teddy Roosevelt -- A reading of a letter by Captain Edward James Hulse describing the surprising Christmas Truce of 1914 -- An animated version by R.O. Blechman of his own book "Tutto Esaurito" (No Vacancy) about the travels of Mary and Joseph.
Simple Gifts
A soldier, returning home from war, chances upon a stranger who offers to buy his violin. The stranger is none other than the devil.
The Soldier's Tale
A Hubley stand-in instructs iconic trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie on scoring a short commercial for an instant rope ladder.
Date with Dizzy
Medieval times. A juggler has little success making a living; he puts on a hair shirt and becomes an ascetic, but attracts only other ascetics. Finally, in desperation, he becomes a monk. He visits the other monks, who all glorify the Lady with their skills: cooking, painting, sculpture, etc. He tries helping them, but botches it. A festival is held for the Lady, and each of the monks offers his gift, but the juggler has nothing. Frustrated, he juggles for her, all night, alone.
The Juggler of Our Lady
A playful, Impressionist version of the nativity of Christ. Originally included as a segment in the 1977 TV film "Simple Gifts."