A Christmas Carol (1984)
Growing up, it was a family tradition to watch five or six versions of A Christmas Carol around the holiday. We never got sick of it, and we enjoyed singling out our favorite bits and actors from each version. When I got older and learned how to edit on my laptop, I created a linear montage showcasing our favorite scenes from the different films. The 1984 tv movie is very prominently featured. Roger Rees is a wonderful Nephew Fred with warmth and compassion, reminding the audience of how much Scrooge loved his sister and could pass that love along to her son if he chooses to. Anthony Walters is the most adorable Tiny Tim ever, and almost overpowering enough to blot out the fact that Bob Cratchit is played by Jack the Ripper (David Warner). The production values are top-notch, immersing the audience in the splendor or the Dickens Christmas spirit, and the lovely song “God Bless Us Everyone” brings inspiration (and, for the sentimental types, a tear).
George C. Scott, known for his gruff persona, is very convincing as a pre-changed Scrooge. One of my favorite parts of this version is Roger O. Hirson’s teleplay, which fleshes out Scrooge’s background. There’s a wonderful scene that shows three generations of Scrooges, with the young Scrooge played by Mark Strickson, Scrooge’s father played by Nigel Davenport, and George C. Scott looking on in observation with the Ghost of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasance). Because of the extra scenes Hirson wrote, we really see the hardening of Ebenezer’s heart and why he found it safer not to love anyone and concentrate on business. We see more of present-day Scrooge’s business transactions, as well as a fun “similes” game at Nephew Fred’s party. Every part of the teleplay is devoted to character development and Christmas spirit, which is the entire point of A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens would have been pleased.
Even the not-so-good parts of this movie are still enjoyable. While Susannah York looks depressed and resentful that she’s old enough to play a mother type, her delivery of a certain line always puts my family in stitches. “I can’t wait!” one of her children exclaims upon smelling the goose cooking before dinner. “You’ll just have to,” Susannah quips. When George sees the meager Cratchit feast, he remarks upon the small size. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Edward Woodward) pops his head into the frame and barks into George’s ear, “It’s all Bob Cratchit can afford!” Once again, our stomachs need stitching up after all the giggles.
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the George C. Scott version, make sure you watch it this Christmas. It’s very lovely, and it’s guaranteed to make you laugh, smile, and get a little lump in your throat. As George says while jumping up and down on his bed, “A happy New Year to the world!”
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More George C. Scott movies here!
More Susannah York movies here!
More Christmas movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1954's A Christmas Carol here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of The Muppet Christmas Carol here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2001's A Christmas Caro0l here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2004's A Christmas Carol here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of All American Christmas Carol here!
George C. Scott, known for his gruff persona, is very convincing as a pre-changed Scrooge. One of my favorite parts of this version is Roger O. Hirson’s teleplay, which fleshes out Scrooge’s background. There’s a wonderful scene that shows three generations of Scrooges, with the young Scrooge played by Mark Strickson, Scrooge’s father played by Nigel Davenport, and George C. Scott looking on in observation with the Ghost of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasance). Because of the extra scenes Hirson wrote, we really see the hardening of Ebenezer’s heart and why he found it safer not to love anyone and concentrate on business. We see more of present-day Scrooge’s business transactions, as well as a fun “similes” game at Nephew Fred’s party. Every part of the teleplay is devoted to character development and Christmas spirit, which is the entire point of A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens would have been pleased.
Even the not-so-good parts of this movie are still enjoyable. While Susannah York looks depressed and resentful that she’s old enough to play a mother type, her delivery of a certain line always puts my family in stitches. “I can’t wait!” one of her children exclaims upon smelling the goose cooking before dinner. “You’ll just have to,” Susannah quips. When George sees the meager Cratchit feast, he remarks upon the small size. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Edward Woodward) pops his head into the frame and barks into George’s ear, “It’s all Bob Cratchit can afford!” Once again, our stomachs need stitching up after all the giggles.
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the George C. Scott version, make sure you watch it this Christmas. It’s very lovely, and it’s guaranteed to make you laugh, smile, and get a little lump in your throat. As George says while jumping up and down on his bed, “A happy New Year to the world!”
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More George C. Scott movies here!
More Susannah York movies here!
More Christmas movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1954's A Christmas Carol here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of The Muppet Christmas Carol here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2001's A Christmas Caro0l here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2004's A Christmas Carol here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of All American Christmas Carol here!