A Christmas Carol (1984)

An old miser who makes excuses for his uncaring nature learns real compassion when 3 ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve.

Director:

Clive Donner

Writers:

Charles Dickens (novel), Roger O. Hirson (screenplay)

Stars:

George C. Scott, Frank Finlay, Angela Pleasence

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George C. Scott	...	Ebenezer Scrooge
Frank Finlay	...	Jacob Marley
Angela Pleasence	...	Ghost of Christmas Past
Edward Woodward	...	Ghost of Christmas Present
Michael Carter	...	Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
David Warner	...	Bob Cratchit
Susannah York	...	Mrs. Cratchit
Anthony Walters	...	Tiny Tim
Roger Rees	...	Fred Holywell / Narrator
Caroline Langrishe	...	Janet Holywell
Lucy Gutteridge	...	Belle
Nigel Davenport	...	Silas Scrooge
Mark Strickson	...	Young Scrooge
Joanne Whalley	...	Fan
Timothy Bateson	...	Mr. Fezziwig

Storyline

Made for television version of the Charles Dickens classic of the same name. An old man who hates Christmas is taught the true meaning and spirit of Christmas by ghosts who show him his own past and present. He is also shown what the future holds for him if he doesn't change his behavior.

---

Plot Keywords:

christmas | ghost | miser | christmas eve | compassion | 

---

Taglines:

Rediscover the Joy of Christmas Spirit!

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Fantasy

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English Portuguese

Release Date:

17 December 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Charles Dickens Weihnachtsgeschichte

Filming Locations:

Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Entertainment Partners Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Pat Keen, Rebecca Saire, Basil Henson and Richard Huw were interviewed for parts.

---

Goofs

The dome of St Paul's Cathedral is visible just a few streets away from the Cratchits' house. Near the end of the film, however, Scrooge tells the poulterer to deliver a goose to the Cratchits' house in Camden Town (as named in the book) - over four miles away from St Paul's.

---

Quotes

Mr. Pemberton: [at the exchange] ... Ah, Ebenezer. We were afraid you wouldn't come.
Mr. Tipton: It's about to close, Sir.
Ebenezer Scrooge: Well, I'm here, aren't I?
Mr. Pemberton: Good. You'll take our bid, then?
Mr. Tipton: I take it you've changed your mind.
Ebenezer Scrooge: Yes, I have changed my mind. The price has gone up.
Mr. Pemberton: Gone up? But that's impossible!
Ebenezer Scrooge: If you want my corn, gentlemen, you'll meet the price I quoted yesterday... plus five percent interest for the delay.
Mr. Tipton: That's outrageous, Scrooge. You'll be left with a warehouse stuffed full of corn!
Ebenezer Scrooge: Well, that's my affair, ...
[...]

---

Connections

Version of Scrooge and Marley (2001)

User Reviews

The Definitive "Christmas Carol"

This 1984 version of the Dickens' classic `A Christmas Carol,' directed by Clive Donner, stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. By this time around, the challenge for the filmmaker was to take such familiar material and make it seem fresh and new again; and, happily to say, with this film Donner not only met the challenge but surpassed any expectations anyone might have had for it. He tells the story with precision and an eye to detail, and extracts performances from his actors that are nothing less than superlative, especially Scott. One could argue that the definitive portrayal of Scrooge-- one of the best known characters in literary fiction, ever-- was created by Alastair Sim in the 1951 film; but I think with his performance here, Scott has now achieved that distinction. There is such a purity and honesty in his Scrooge that it becomes difficult to even consider anyone else in the role once you've seen Scott do it; simply put, he IS Scrooge. And what a tribute it is to such a gifted actor; to be able to take such a well known figure and make it so uniquely his own is quite miraculous. It is truly a joy to see an actor ply his trade so well, to be able to make a character so real, from every word he utters down to the finest expression of his face, and to make it all ring so true. It's a study in perfection.

The other members of the cast are splendid as well, but then again they have to be in order to maintain the integrity of Scott's performance; and they do. Frank Finlay is the Ghost of Jacob Marley; a notable turn, though not as memorable, perhaps, as the one by Alec Guinness (as Marley) in the film, `Scrooge.' Angela Pleasence is a welcome visage as the Spirit of Christmas Past; Edward Woodward, grand and boisterous, and altogether convincing as the Spirit of Christmas Present; and Michael Carter, grim and menacing as the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come.

David Warner hits just the right mark with his Bob Cratchit, bringing a sincerity to the role that measures up well to the standard of quality set by Scott's Scrooge, and Susannah York fares just as well as Mrs. Cratchit. The real gem to be found here, though, is the performance of young Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim; it's heartfelt without ever becoming maudlin, and simply one of the best interpretations-- and the most real-- ever presented on film.

The excellent supporting cast includes Roger Rees (Fred Holywell, and also the narrator of the film), Caroline Langrishe (Janet Holywell), Lucy Gutteridge (Belle), Michael Gough (Mr. Poole) and Joanne Whalley (Fan). A flawless presentation, this version of `A Christmas Carol' sets the standard against which all others must be gauged; no matter how many versions you may have seen, watching this one is like seeing it for the first time ever. And forever after, whenever you think of Scrooge, the image your mind will conjure up will be that of George C. Scott. A thoroughly entertaining and satisfying experience, this film demands a place in the annual schedule of the holiday festivities of every home. I rate this one 10/10.