A Christmas Carol (1984)

An old bitter miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits 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. 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.

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Plot Keywords:

ghost | scrooge | miser | christmas movie | male protagonist | 

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Taglines:

Rediscover the Joy of Christmas Spirit!

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Fantasy

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Certificate:

TV-G

Did You Know?

Trivia

Unlike most film versions Belle plays a slightly antagonistic role. Belle is by no means evil but she confronts young Scrooge in a slight angry voice rather than a broken voice implying she now sick of young Scrooge no longer having time over her.

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Goofs

When Bob Cratchit finishes work on Christmas Eve and picks up Tiny Tim it is still light as the sky is blue. But England is in the north hemisphere meaning it should be dark at that time of year. It would only be light at night in summer not winter.

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Quotes

Ebenezer Scrooge: [after seeing the memory of Belle walk out on him] I almost went after her.
Ghost of Christmas Past: "Almost" carries no weight. Especially in matters of the heart.

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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.

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Connections

Version of An American Christmas Carol (1979)

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Soundtracks

Sussex Carol
(uncredited)
Written by Luke Wadding

User Reviews

Classic, a Christmas Jem of a must see for the season

Exceptional acting. George C. Scott's center stage personality wasn't overcoming nor weak. Rarely does a TV movie get so many points of movie artistry correct. Some camera movements were wobbly, however they were not objectionable. Family safe, some of the graveside scenes are a little dark, but not in visual or any language, just in a screeching sound with the last sprit. This story flows with the excellent editing and support actors. It is on my 5 movie list for the Christmas season. I have not seen this movie in the blue ray section, would consider the superior picture versus a typical DVD. Somehow I couldn't place the actress playing Mrs. Cratchet, her voice was familiar, Susannah York. Read in the IMDb she died of cancer, a real loss.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English Portuguese

Release Date:

17 December 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Christmas Carol

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Entertainment Partners Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1