An old bitter miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve.
Check out our editors' picks for the movies and shows we're excited about this month, like Mortal Kombat, "Them," and Stowaway.
Related News
-
George C. Scott movies: 15 greatest films, ranked worst to best, include ‘Patton,’ ‘Dr. Strangelove,’ ‘The Hospital’
18 October 2019 | Gold Derby -
Patrick Stewart's Reddit Ama confirmed he's awesome
20 August 2015 | Hitfix -
8 Highlights From Sir Patrick Stewart's Reddit Ama
20 August 2015 | Indiewire
Check out our gallery of the 2021 Oscar nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories, as the characters they so brilliantly played and in real life.
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
Share this Rating
Title: A Christmas Carol (TV Movie 1984)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
Nominated for
1
Primetime Emmy.
See more awards »
Edit
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 | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
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>
Taglines:
Rediscover the Joy of Christmas Spirit! See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
Edit
Ghost of Christmas Present: I see an empty place at this table. I see a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.
Ebenezer Scrooge: No. Say he'll be spared.
Ghost of Christmas Present: If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, none other of my species will find him here. But if he is to die, then let him die...! "AND DECREASE THE SURPLUS POPULATION!"
Ebenezer Scrooge: You use my own words against me?
Ghost of Christmas Present: Yes! So perhaps, in the future, you will hold your tongue until ...
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
George C. Scott's son, Campbell Scott, has also played Scrooge in a theatrical production. See more »Goofs
When Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present visit the Cratchet home Bob Cratchet hangs Tiny Tim's crutch on pegs by the fireplace. When the children go to the table Tim is using his crutch yet, when the Ghost tells Scrooge that none other of his race will see Tim, the crutch is back on the fireplace. See more »Quotes
Ebenezer Scrooge: [on Tiny Tim] Tell me, Spirit... Will he live?Ghost of Christmas Present: I see an empty place at this table. I see a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.
Ebenezer Scrooge: No. Say he'll be spared.
Ghost of Christmas Present: If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, none other of my species will find him here. But if he is to die, then let him die...! "AND DECREASE THE SURPLUS POPULATION!"
Ebenezer Scrooge: You use my own words against me?
Ghost of Christmas Present: Yes! So perhaps, in the future, you will hold your tongue until ...
See more »
Alternate Versions
Some VHS and DVD releases (but not all) edited out Marley's voice calling Scrooge in the apparitional hearse, and then again just before appearing in the knocker. See more »
Edit
See full technical specs »
Details
Release Date:
17 December 1984 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
A Christmas Carol See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
"Telefilms" tend to fall under the pitfalls of a low budget and a hasty shooting schedule, which is why this film always tends to buck the trend.
George C. Scott embodies Ebenezer Scrooge perfectly, fully encompassing all of his cold tendencies, and still makes him a simpathetic character. The production value for this film was exceptional, never relying on boffo special effects or soundstage set-ups, yet relying on the depth and clarity of on-site shooting and strong backdrops. A movie that certainly stands alone.