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Title: A Christmas Carol (TV Movie 1984)
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| 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 | |
Made for television version of the Charles Dickens classic of the same name. Ebenezer Scrooge is a hard-nosed, single-minded businessman in Victorian London. He has no friends, has disowned his only living relative - his nephew Fred Holywell - and generally treats everyone he meets with extreme contempt. He hates Christmas, only cares about making money and only gives his clerk, Bob Cratchit, the day off. However, he is taught the true meaning and spirit of Christmas by three ghosts who show him his own past and present. He is also shown what the future holds for him after his death if he doesn't change his behavior for the better. Written by Jason Ihle <jrihl@conncoll.edu>
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Flawless adaptation of the Dickens classic with George C. Scott ideally cast as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The production, a TV event in its day, is of the highest quality and could easily be mistaken as a theatrical film to those who didn't know better. Aside from Scott's award worthy performance the supporting cast is peppered with marvelous work. David Warner is a terrific Bob Cratchit, timid and kindly but strong with Susannah York as nice counterpoint as a scrappy Mrs. Cratchit. At first Anthony Walters is a disconcerting Tiny Tim with his breathy, somewhat dreamy take on the character until you take into account that Tim is ill and would be fey.
Angela Pleasance is a delightful and somewhat punk, with her ultra white hair, Ghost of Christmas Past. Unbowed by the blustery Scrooge and especially notable is Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. He's full of brio and swagger with booming voice and resplendent in his velvet robes. That's one thing that makes this production stand out from others, often the spirits are just guides for Scrooge and recede into the woodwork once he begins his journey with them. Here they add an extra layer of enjoyment onto the tale.
Equally fine is Roger Rees as Scrooge's nephew Fred, keeping his jaunty humor and outlook even when confronted with his uncle's bitter and miserly ways. Lucy Gutteridge also makes a lovely and gentle Belle, Scrooge's lost love. In fact every role no matter how incidental is played expertly and contributes a piece of texture to the film.
As marvelous as the other players and the costume and set design are, and they are truly wonderful, Christmas Carol rises or falls on its Scrooge. That's where this production truly excels. There have been many fine actors who have essayed the role but once seeing George C. in the part it's hard to imagine a better interpretation. Playing off his natural crusty disposition and ability to fly into volcanic outburst at a moment's notice the Scrooge of the early going is a thoroughly hard and distasteful man but thanks to the actor's inherent warmth when he does an about face at the film's conclusion it is once again completely believable.
A holiday treasure not to be missed!!