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A Christmas Carol

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Christmas just isn't Christmas unless you watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol, and this is by far my favorite. George C. Scott gives one of the greatest performances I have ever seen an actor give; he truly becomes Ebenezer Scrooge to the fullest degree possible. Scott can say more with just the slightest hint of a facial movement than many actors can say during the course of an entire movie. All of the performers here are excellent, bringing to life adored characters such as Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge's nephew Fred. All four spirits are remarkable, none more so than Scrooge's old partner Jacob Marley; having Marley's jaw drop after untying the burial cloth holding his mouth closed is an important aspect of the story and certainly does make an impression on the viewer. This is just one example of the moviemakers' faithfulness to Charles Dickens' original story; another would be the inclusion of the two miserable children, Ignorance and Want, beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present.

This timeless tale works extremely well on its own, but the unsurpassed acting skills of Scott make it almost more than real. The change wrought in him during the course of the night, as he changes from a man of crass materialism and unkindness to a repentant soul pleading for a chance to change his ways, is powerfully presented and really touches the viewer emotionally. The simple happiness revealed in the lives of Bob Cratchit and others are as heart-warming as the forgotten mistakes and pains of a younger Scrooge are agonizing. If there is any heart out there that is not touched by the goodness and courage of Tiny Tim, I don't even want to know about it. No matter how many times you watch this movie, it proves itself capable of bringing a tear to your eye, a lump in your throat, and ultimately the very spirit of true holiday cheer and Christian charity that Dickens intended it to convey.

I cannot say I have seen every adaptation of A Christmas Carol, but I really cannot believe any other version could exceed the quality and emotional impact of this one. No matter how many times I read the story or watch the movie, it remains a source of eternal joy to me. This is more than a movie for me; it is an important and necessary part of each and every Christmas holiday season.

The celebrated version of "A Christmas Carol" is the one starring Alastair Sim, who gives the definitive version of the traditional, crabbed miser performance of Scrooge. It indeed is very fine, but this version is better. It is probably the most faithful of all the screen "Christmas Carols" to the original Dickens story. It pulses with color and life, and the ancient Midlands town of Shrewsbury makes a delightful stand-in for 19th-century London. But what really makes this version unforgettable is the superb, surprising casting, beginning with George C. Scott as Scrooge. Scott plays Scrooge not as a crabbed old coot, but as a man whose imposing, smug facade masks enormous sorrow and insecurity--a man who suffered greatly, lost his way because of it, and needs to find that way again. It is a brilliant performance, and the supporting players shine like rubies: Frank Finlay as a truly terrifying Marley's Ghost; "Tom Jones" co-stars David Warner and Susannah York as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit; Edward Woodward, taking time out from "The Equalizer" to make a delightful Ghost of Christmas Present. This version of "A Christmas Carol" remembers that the story is, first and foremost, a ghost story; when the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals Ignorance and Want to Scrooge, every viewer will be thoroughly unnerved, and thoroughly moved. The terror, of course, is all the better to appreciate the abundant joy with which the story ends. Once you see this version of "A Christmas Carol," you will settle for no other.

George C. Scott makes an outstanding Scrooge in this 1984 TV production of the Christmas classic. The story is once again told of a miser, miserable and alone. He shuns Christmas and helping others, only doing things that will increase his personal wealth. But then one fateful Christmas Eve, he's visited by four spirits who try to show him another way. Will it be enough to redeem him?

I love this story, usually enjoying it in a couple forms over the course of December. This particular film version is my favorite. Probably helps that I've watched it almost every year since it came out. The acting is superb, especially from Scott. The costumes, scenery, and effects are wonderful as well, and they stick very close to the original story. Just watching a few minutes, I get... in and want to watch the whole thing all over again.

This DVD is the perfect way to watch the film. The picture and sound are remarkably clear for an almost 20 year old made for TV film. Definitely better then my old recorded from TV tape. The film is presented in its original ratio - full frame. While it would have been nice to have an extra or two, the quality of the movie makes up for this absence in my opinion.

If you're looking for a film version of this classic story for the holidays, look no further. This movie is sure to become a tradition in your family.

Every winter, I enjoy watching A Christmas Carol on TV whenever I can, and the 1984 version is my favorite. The production and performances add up to a moody, realistic and touching adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic.

Director Clive Donner (editor of the much celebrated 1951 Alastair Sim version of Scrooge) presents a stunningly authentic recreation of Dickens' London. From effectively foggy streets to Ebenezer's own cobwebbed-infested manor, Donner provides a gritty, appropriately dark atmosphere, enhanced by the wonderful score.

The film's pacing is exquisite. In showing Ebenezer the error of his ways, the filmmakers give equal time to his past, present and future, never once lingering to the point of boredom. Thus the story seems to fly by compared to the other adaptations.

George C. Scott is excellent as Scrooge. Like all of those who've portrayed the character, his old miser starts out mean and bitter and ends up joyous and thankful! But throughout his performance, true sadness runs deep. Scott makes his emotional transformation subtle, painting a realistic portrait of a man haunted by the mistakes of his past, taking his pain out on the world.

But what separates the 1984 production of Christmas Carol from all others is the terrific supporting cast. David Warner may give the warmest performance of his career as Bob Cratchet (all the more poignant considering the many villains he's played over the years). Frank Finlay is the most compelling Jacob Marley I've ever seen. You can almost feel this man's torture just by gazing upon his unblinking expression. Edward Woodward brings great depth to the Ghost of Christmas Present, communicating tremendous power, yet just the right touch of humor. Finally, this adaptation of the Dickens' tale features the scariest, most intimidating Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come you'll find anywhere!

Most of us look forward to a healthy dose of A Christmas Carol at the end of each year and we all have our favorite version. Thanks to the handsome production values, expert pacing and perfect cast, led by the magnificent George C. Scott, I believe they truly got it right in 1984!

It would be an understatement to say that there have been many filmed versions of "A Christmas Carol." They run the gamut from somewhat scary to lighthearted, from straight drama to musical, and everything in between.

Myself, I tend to dislike the musical versions and prefer the story to be straight drama, with a touch of scariness. As such, this version is my favorite. While it is not a completely faithful adaptation of the book, it is true to the spirit of the book and to Dickens's firm sense of social justice.

George C. Scott as Scrooge is one of those rare examples of absolutely perfect casting. With his jowly, scowly face and gravelly voice, he is completely believable as the miserly, miserable Scrooge, yet at the same time, he shows the humanity that is buried beneath, especially when the Ghost of Christmas Past is showing him the path he took that led to his lonely, bitter existence.

The Ghost of Christmas Present is a harsher, more judgemental spirit. As played by Edward Woodward, he laughs a lot, but at the same time is oddly humorless. There are times when he is actually rather frightening, which of course sets the stage for the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

The supporting cast is extremely good (save for maybe Susannah York as Mrs. Cratchit), and the production values are much higher than one would expect from a TV movie. In fact, one could easily mistake it for a theatrical release; I was surprised to learn that it wasn't.

Nana: My grandmother, Anne Gillis

The star: George C. Scott was an icon; legendary American stage and film actor, director, and producer, perhaps best known for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of General George S. Patton Jr. in the film Patton. He was, quite simply, one of the finest actors of his (or any other) generation. An actor who often played gruff and harsh roles, Scott was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal in A Christmas Carol.

Scott's interpretation of Scrooge is spot-on. His Scrooge is a complex human being and as the story unfolds the viewer sees WHY he became so bitter and cynical in his old age, and for (perhaps) the first time an actor playing Scrooge successfully portrays the REGRETS the character has. His Scrooge feels REAL. He takes familiar dialogue and makes it seem spontaneous and fresh. He face, his movements, his words, all convey the emotion the man feels - and he does feel. His ultimate transformation seems believable: This is a man who has closed his heart to love to feeling, and finally realizes what he's lost. Scott is brilliant as Scrooge.

Ebenezer Scrooge: [Sitting under the bridge after the Ghost of Christmas Present leaves] "What have I done... to be abandoned like this? What?"

The Cast: The entire cast is wonderful. No role is miscast. In addition, many of the actors are British, so the mannerisms and accents and use of language seem natural. The acting is believable, making characters in an all-too familiar story seem REAL and full of life.

David Warner's Bob plays just the right balance of timid clerk and loving husband/father. Susanna York (who will always be "Lara" to me), is pitch-perfect as Mrs. Cratchit. There's a nice scene where Bob Cratchit and his wife kiss under the mistletoe and hug lovingly. This version shows that that are not just parents but a couple who love each other very much.

The Cratchit children are not overly sugary but just seem like nice kids. I like when Mrs. Cratchit tells one of the children to go butter the brad and she adds, "Thinly." Tiny Tim is sickly looking, but not overplayed as the over-the-top doomed child.


Roger Rees as Fred is very good, and the casting directors actually made an effort to cast Scrooge's sister Fan and Fred resembling each other. Rees's Fred is just a little too reserved for me, but that may be a directorial choice to contrast him with his Uncle Ebenezer.

Frank Finlay (Marley's Ghost), performance is incredible; you really believe he is filled with regret for his lot. Finlay plays the role as just a bit crazy, just a bit over the top emotional; which is perfect for Jacob Marley.

The Ghost of Christmas past is wonderful; Angela Pleasence conveys just the right balance of teacher/reminder and clear contempt for Ebenezer. What's interesting in this version is that the ghosts have obvious disdain for Scrooge - and aren't afraid to show it. When Christmas Past is departing as Scrooge insanely screams, "Leave me," she smiles wickedly. But she also prods him, sometimes gently:

[Christmas past and Scrooge are watching his past self dance with his great love, Belle:]
Christmas Past: "How long since you danced, Ebenezer?"
Scrooge: "Waste of time."
Christmas Past: "You didn't think so then."
Scrooge: "The was a REASON then."

GREAT writing. GREAT characterization. Honest regret over choices made and not made.

Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present is exceptional. He is full of life and humor, sarcastic when he needs to be, and he also doesn't hide his disapproval of Scrooge. He is bombastic at times, commanding, powerful, and a man (ghost) on a mission. He is enjoying his torment of Scrooge. I get the feeling he really doesn't care whether Scrooge repents or not.

[Scrooge, observing the Cratchit's meal:]
Scrooge: "It's a very small goose."
Christmas Present: "It's all Bob Cratchit can afford."

And when the ghost reminds Scrooge of his "decrease the surplus population" comment he is positively venomous as he snarls, ""It may be that in the sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!" It's familiar dialogue but man, this ghost is seething when he says it.

Throughout the film, many of the actors communicate with facial expressions rather than words. A good actor can pull this off brilliantly. There are many such examples in this film: Scrooge's look of confusion when he sees Marley. Young Ebenezer's look of sadness and regret when he knows he'll never please his father. And so much more.


The film itself:

Thee entire movie is VERY faithful to the original story. It was filmed on location in Shrewsbury, England, giving it an authenticity not found in other adaptations. The costumes are perfect. The attention to detail is meticulous. Nothing looks like a "set," All the places - the homes, the markets, the offices, look real. The scenes of commerce at the exchange, the frenzied shopping at the market on Christmas morning, the bustling city - it looks and sounds very real.

The foggy, dreary London described in the Dickens story is very well created here. The streets where Scrooge walks to his home are dark and creepy.

The majority of the special effects are conveyed by traditional stage effects with smoke, and lighting. It's all very effective.

The scene at the when the horses and Marley's funeral carriage pass by - we see it but Scrooge doesn't - creepy.

Marley's makeup, lighting and clothing -- all a deathly blue - is well done.

The transitions from one scene to the next during the time-travel are unique to each ghost - the cap Christmas Past holds reflects each scene as we transition from one time to the next. Christmas Present's torch bridges one sequence to the next scene, and Christmas future transitions each scene with a loud crash and brilliant flash of lightning.

And in each of Scrooge's visions of the future, after he witnesses the scene the lights dim and only a spotlight effect remains on him - almost like standing alone on a stage. It's a very effective presentation. The Ghost of Christmas yet to come first appears as spotlight shines on him in the distance, and it is conveyed mostly through shadows of hands and hoods. It's all very well done.

Liberties with the story (all good):

As Scrooge takes his cold gruel by the unlit fireplace, he sniffles, a reminder that (in the story) Scrooge had a head cold.

I love it when Scrooge adds his own "Amen" to the Cratchit's Christmas prayer.

We see several scenes of Scrooge conducting his commodity trading business at the exchange. Scrooge is clearly recognized as a man of business and is deferred to as such, but a hard businessman with no compassion or room for negotiation.

The Ghost of Christmas present doesn't age and fade away in this version - he laughs at Scrooge and abandons him outside in unknown territory.

We finally meet Scrooge's father in this version - he's a cold man, a mean spirited old bastard. He does not love his son -We learn that Scrooge's mother died giving birth to him and Silus Scrooge holds a grudge against his son because of it. This makes the characters seem much more real. Also, I think this is one of the few versions where Fan is older than Ebenezer.

There are dozens upon dozens of memorable scenes in this film, but my favorite is the end -- in this version, it's clear that Scrooge is a man whose newfound joy is tempered by remorse. Not only is his intention to make things right in the present and future, but to apologize for his past behaviors. His apology to his nephew is here an integral part of the story--it is heartfelt. And it works.

Scrooge: "Well, I've come for three reasons. The first is to beg your pardon. [What I said about Christmas] THAT was a humbug, Fred."

He goes on to meet Fred's wife Janet and says, "I, uh, I was in love once. Can you believe that?"

Janet: "Yes."

Scrooge: "But I had neither the courage nor the conviction that you two share."

He then reminds Fred how much he resembles his sister Fan and adds, "I loved your mother, Fred. For a time I'd forgotten how much."

And finally Scrooge says, "My God forgive me for the time I've wasted."

Summary: An outstanding adaptation of the story with a perfect cast, believable, flesh and blood characters and meticulously detailed sets and streets. A perfect Scrooge and a larger-than-life stage, an adapt ion that takes a very familiar story and makes it feel fresh, and real. I HIGHLY recommend this Christmas classic.

We taped this movie of the air when it first aired on CBS in 1984. We have watched it as a family on Christmas Eve every year since. When our home-taped version wore out, we bought the video. I have since bought the DVD version for myself and whatever family I have in the future.

This version is simply the best I've seen. The late George C. Scott gets beyond the characiture of Scrooge that is engrained in our cultural memory and he brilliantly inhabits the humanity of the character. The other actors (Susannah York as Mrs. Cratchit, David Warner as Bob Cratchit, Roger Rees as Fred Hollywell, Angela Pleasance as Christmas Past and Edward Woodward as Christmas Present) are all the equal of Mr. Scott.

Dickensian London is brought to life vividly in the town of Shrewsbury. The costuming and cimematography are first class, especially for a television film.

The video version of this movie is slightly different from the televised version shown in 1984, but the difference are extremely minor, amounting to small changes in the scene where Marley's Ghost rides past Scrooge in the hearse.

There are many film versions of Charles Dickens' classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the tale of how miserly Scrooge was redeemed with the help of the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. But few of them seem to have the care and attention paid to it as this version directed by Clive Donner and starring George C. Scott as Scrooge. The details in this production are amazing. For example, Tiny Tim actually looks ill and is not the overly-healthy looking lad of previous versions. Scott anchors this film with an amazingly well-rounded portrayal of Scrooge. He shows wit, fear, insight, and even humor in his portrayal, while fleshing out the character. Scrooge is seen as a fully realized character, and not the stereotype we often think of. Scott is also supported by top notch talent, with Edward Woodward's Ghost of Christmas Present, David Warner's Bob Cratchit, Susannah York's Mrs. Cratchit, and Frank Finlay's Marley especially praised. But there is NOT ONE weak portrayal in the entire film, and that is a rare thing indeed. If you have to get only one version of this time-honored story, I would heartily recommend this one above all. It reminds us that Dickens' story is a classic for our time...and all time as well. A must have for your video or DVD collection.

If you watch only one version of A Christmas Carol, this should be it. The fact that it was shot entirely on location in England gives a great sense of realism. Also, the characters are superbly cast. George C. Scott will remain, at least for me, the actor I think of when I think of Ebeneezer Scrooge.

The faithfulness to the text is also evident. Scrooge becomes less a man to be feared than one to be pitied. It isn't that he is angry with the world as in other versions, is is more that he is missing so much. When he puts his arms around his nephew and his wife and says, "God forgive me for the time I've wasted," tears come to my eyes, even after 22 seasons of watching.

The interplay between Scrooge and Belle are interesting. You get the impression that they should have been married and would have been very happy except that Scrooge was in love with money and not her. When she walks away, I want to scream at him.

You can watch other movies at Christmas, but if you want to be moved, watch this version of A Christmas Carol.

George C. Scott gave many unforgettable performances, but perhaps his most memorable is that of Ebenezer Scrooge in this 1984 TV movie. At the time of its release, Scott openly admitted that, when he began work on the film, he knew he was operating in the shadow of Alastair Sim, who had made the role of Scrooge his own in the 1951 British film classic. Sim was the first film actor to seriously approach the character and to play him as a real, multi-dimensional human being whom we find detestable in the beginning, but likable and somewhat tragic in the end. Because Sim's version had been considered definitive for more than 30 years, Scott was facing not only a challenging acting assignment, but also Sim's well-deserved reputation and recognition as Scrooge. Thus, Scott's magnificent performance is all the more remarkable. He too breathes life into the character and arouses the audience's interest in him. Few actors could have seduced audiences into temporarily forgetting Sim and viewing Scrooge as a new character, but Scott did it. In his hands Scrooge's life becomes real and meaningful - sad, tragic and, in the end, joyful. The film itself is easily the most beautiful production of the story ever preserved on film and it boasts the best supporting cast, led by David Warner, Edward Woodward, Frank Finlay, Roger Rees, and Susannah York. Sim and Scott left two indelible portraits of Dickens' wonderful character in two stellar film adaptations. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy both of them.