Starring George C. Scott, David Warner, Edward Woodward, Susannah York
There are many different versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and while I believe none of them can be called “definitive” for all of them have some flaw or another in exactly following the author’s story, I believe the best version is the version with George C. Scott.
Everyone should know this story, but just in case…
A Christmas Carol tells of an elderly miser named Ebenezer Scrooge, who cares only of profit and couldn’t care less for the poor and needy of the world. He is visited one night by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who informs him that he will be visited by three spirits - the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come - in order to give him a chance to set his ways right. Scrooge dismisses it as “humbug,” but is indeed visited by spirits, as Jacob foretold. The visions the spirits present to him change his outlook on Christmas - and life.
Now, why the George C. Scott version? Four words: acting at its best. Everyone in this movie was so perfectly cast, and the direction was amazing. George C. Scott, an excellent actor in any film, fleshes out the character of Scrooge. He makes him unfeeling, yes, but not entirely unlikable and without hope. A great actor can say something profound without every opening his mouth, and that’s George C. Scott. Every little movement of his eyes, his facial expressions, conveys what speech cannot - pride, compassion, regret, fear.
And David Warner, who plays Bob Cratchit? Now, this is the first movie I ever saw David Warner in, so how was I to know that he was usually cast as a villain? He plays a truly heart-warming father, sincere and compassionate in all respects, even towards his miserly employer.
Another casting choice I particularly like is that of Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. A great booming, laughing voice and character that could be turned in an instant to that of cynical despise just makes the role. One of my favorite scenes is when he and Scrooge are in Bob Cratchit’s house, and Scrooge makes a comment on the size of the Cratchit’s goose. Woodward comes swooping down out of the top left corner and says, very dryly and matter of factly, “It’s all Bob Cratchit can afford.” And then he gives this very slight nod of the head as if to say, “So there.”
Oh, and I forgot to mention that this movie has the creepiest version of the Ghost of Christmas Future...I think in part due to the sound effects written into the soundtrack by composer Nick Bicat. The music adds to and enhances the atmosphere of each scene and is quite diverse. Like all good soundtracks, it never detracts and only adds to the mood of every scene.
It’s amazing that this was a made-for-TV film…the direction was excellent, the actors superb, the feel and authenticity of it all was just astounding. So if you’re in the mood for a good Christmas film, I recommend this version of the classic Dickens story.
Favorite Quotes:
"This is a most foul part of town."
"May you be happy in the life you have chosen."
"Are you in love, Ebeneezer?"
"Just testing the cooking, mother."
"A triumph, my dear..."
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