"Hazel" Hazel's Christmas Shopping (TV Episode 1961) Poster

(TV Series)

(1961)

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8/10
Charming
richard.fuller112 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
When Hazel moonlights at the department store to make Christmas money, she inadvertently ends up helping a shoplifter, by helping him carry out stolen materials (from skiis to canoe paddles?) She proceeds to offend snooty customers with refusal to send items to gift-wrapping (orange and pink wrapping paper? you don't want that) and stress out the floor-walker and then stands accused of assisting the shoplifter and is on the verge of losing her second job, UNTIL . . . !

Almost like a Christmas adventure, this episode is fun and light with 'Hazel, what have you done now?' to 'hooray, Hazel, you saved the day!'

Other charming aspects of this episode consist of Hazel and Mrs. Baxter trying to figure out what to get each other for Christmas and if they can afford it. Watch this episode with the later color episode and enjoy the delightful contrast.
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10/10
Classic TV Xmas Countdown Episode #1
kgraovac20 December 2023
Hazel ends up taking a part-time job at Masterson's department store when the mother of pearl dresser set she wants to buy for Dorothy ends up costing twice as much as she expected.

This is it - my all time favorite Xmas episode. Filmed in glorious black and white, it boasts a wonderful, well-written script that lets Shirley Booth show us why she was awarded all those Oscars, Tonys and Emmys. All the guest players are on their game, too.

Every scene flows perfectly, from Hazel and Rosie's idle chitchat about wrapping paper, to the running gag about Mr. B's affinity for giving handbags as gifts, to Hazel dissuading the other female shopper from buy the last dresser set. Only Hazel could turn a bad interview around by giving the boss a massage - without making it seem sleazy. Will Hazel make enough $ to buy Dorothy's gift, or will she get fired first?

Byron Foulger is a hoot as the friendly shoplifter whom Hazel keeps unwittingly assisting. Eleanor Audley steals her scene as the snooty customer who is irritated by saleslady Hazel.

This is a Must-See - fun, festive, and wonderfully nostalgic with fantastic performances by all. 10/10.
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