Scrooged (1988)

A selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

Director:

Richard Donner

Writers:

Mitch Glazer, Michael O'Donoghue

Stars:

Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Murray	...	Frank Cross
Karen Allen	...	Claire Phillips
John Forsythe	...	Lew Hayward
John Glover	...	Brice Cummings
Bobcat Goldthwait	...	Eliot Loudermilk
David Johansen	...	Ghost of Christmas Past
Carol Kane	...	Ghost of Christmas Present
Robert Mitchum	...	Preston Rhinelander
Nicholas Phillips	...	Calvin Cooley
Michael J. Pollard	...	Herman
Alfre Woodard	...	Grace Cooley
Mabel King	...	Gramma
John Murray	...	James Cross
Jamie Farr	...	Jacob Marley
Robert Goulet	...	Robert Goulet

Storyline

Francis Xavier Cross is a cynical, mean spirited television executive, he treats his loyal assistant with contempt. He just sacked a member of staff on Christmas Eve for simply disagreeing with him, and he's alienated himself from his brother who still insists on inviting Frank to Christmas dinner despite him refusing to go every year. However, Frank is forced to learn the true meaning of Christmas when he's visited by three ghosts.

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Plot Keywords:

ghost | compassion | greed | redemption | christmas | 

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Taglines:

Bill Murray is back among the ghosts. Only this time, it's three against one.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

The thirteenth highest grossing film of 1988 at the American box office, with a total of just over $60 million.

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Goofs

After the Ghost of Christmas Past asks if he can smoke, he takes a puff of a cigar and it is supposed to look like smoke comes out of his ears. However among closer examination you can see that smoke comes out of a tube attached to his upper ear and not the actual ear itself.

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Quotes

Claire Phillips: Taxi! Can you get me to the IBC building in three minutes?
Ghost of Christmas Past: Which floor?

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Crazy Credits

Dedicated with Love and Affection to Anne Ramsey Roger M. Rothstein Robert Scaife We miss you...

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Alternate Versions

TBS runs an "edited for content" version of this film, that deletes or changes profanity and questionable dialog.

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Connections

References The Six Million Dollar Man (1973)

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Soundtracks

The Toy Parade (Leave It to Beaver Theme)
Written by David Kahn, Mort Greene and Melvyn Lenard

User Reviews

A great Bill Murray Christmas comedy

Scrooged must be watched every Christmas. Bill Murray is in top form in this movie. He makes a great Scrooge in his selfish TV exec Frank Cross. This movie manages to never be boring and instead keeps you laughing throughout. The classic story of A Christmas Carol is well updated for these modern times and turned into a well thought out comedy. The supporting cast makes for a memorable and funny cast of characters, especially the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Murray is the jewel of this film and he never fails to turn in a great performance. Bottom Line: You need to watch this at least every Christmas. It's a nice family comedy.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 November 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

Filming Locations:

Woodside, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,027,842, 27 November 1988

Gross USA:

$60,328,558

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$60,329,001

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Mirage Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1