Review of A Christmas Carol (1984) by Jim M — 16 Nov 2010

Based on Charles Dicken's classic story, that has become as much a part of Christmastime as anything.

George C. Scott is Ebeneezer Scrouge, the stingy miser who begrudges himself and the world any comfort and for whom profit is the bottom line even at Christmas, even at the expense of his fellow man. All the elements are here, Scrouge (Scott is probably one of the best Scrouges ever), the Ghost of Jacob Marley bond in his chains, the Ghost of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasence, a bright and warm hearted spirit), the Ghost of Christmas Present (Edward Woodward) jovial as you would expect but also stern with the horrifying secret hidden under his robe, the Ghost of Christmas' Yet to Come (Michael Carter) a hooded silent and ultimatly relentless figure.Here to is Bob Cratchet (David Warner) Scrouges loyal, long sufering yet optamistic employee struggling to provide for his family which includes of course the frail cripple Tiny Tim. Also watch for Michael Gough (Alfred from the Burton/Scheumacher Batman films) in a small supportig role.

Fair warning this Christmas Carol doesn't hold back when it comes to Scrouges transformation, his road is unrelenting, dark and desperate, though there are moments of comfort and warmth, these provide Scrouge no solace only emphasizing how alone he truly is. Scott takes Scroge from a stock character and makes him a believable human being every step of the way and Warner provides a stunning contrast as Cratchet who convey's him as a man of great character and fortidude whose strength is amplyfied a thousand fold by his family (even after the death of Tiny Tim, though their is sorrow the 3rd Spirit shows Scrouge that Cratchet is still taking strength and joy from his family).

I would be remise without mentioning one more scene. Though I can't find the actors names. The 2nd Spirit has taken Scrouge to a poor encampment under a bridge where a family roasts potatoes for Christmas, the father and mother (particularly the father) convays a conflicting mixtue of pride and desperation ("Your father's not a thief...not yet anyway", "Lok at these hands, their rough hands, they've done hard work, I want to work"). the scene sets the tone for the 3rd Spirit perfectly.

One of the best versions of the story.