A Christmas Carol (II) (TV 1982)

Writers:

Alexander Buzo (adaptation), Charles Dickens (novel)

Stars:

Ron Haddrick, Robin Stewart, Barbara Frawley

Cast

Cast overview:
Ron Haddrick	...	(voice)
Robin Stewart	...	(voice)
Barbara Frawley	...	(voice)
Sean Hinton	...	(voice)
Phillip Hinton	...	(voice)
Liz Horne	...	(voice)
Bill Conn	...	(voice)
Derani Scarr	...	(voice)
Anne Haddy	...	(voice)

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

christmas | redemption | ghost | greed | 19th century | 

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Genres:

Animation

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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

1982 (Australia)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Burbank Films Australia

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001)

User Reviews

Memorable despite low production values

I have seen other animated versions of the story, including one directed by Richard Williams in 1971, and "Mickey's Christmas Carol" from 1983. Both of those were more consistent in visual style and obviously had a larger budget.

The beginning of this cartoon seemed cheaply done, with unconvincing low angles and street scenes where only a couple people in the foreground are moving. Also, some of these opening street scenes are reused in a later flashback. The animation quality is comparable to that of a Scooby Doo episode.

Despite evidence of cheapness, I still found this to be a charming adaptation. The musical score is pretty good, as in the scene where Scrooge is flown over the rooftops of London. The characterizations are distinguishable from other versions. The ghost of Marley, in particular, is well-drawn, and we are shown a flashback to Marley before he died, which is unique (at least out of all the other versions I've seen). Some of the backgrounds are effectively somber and atmospheric, particularly in the dark chambers of Scrooge's home.

This is not my favorite filmed version of the story (that would probably be the one from 1984 starring George C. Scott), but it is charming and definitely watchable. I saw it on TV in the mid-80s and was happy to find it on DVD recently.