'A Christmas Carol' is so well-known and oft-told a tale (we found nearly 70 versions listed!) that the TV spots for the new film with Jim Carrey need only hit the highlights: Marley's ghost! Fezziwig's party! We know them all by heart and the fun is in finding out how this Ghost of Christmas Past compares to that one. And, of course, seeing our favorite actors step into the role of the curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge. He's been embodied by everyone from Walter Matthau to Vanessa Williams (as "Ebony" Scrooge) but here we give you the versions dearest to our heart. God bless these adaptations, one and all!
Reginald Owen in 'A Christmas Carol' (1938)It's not the first 'Christmas Carol' on film (that was in 1901) and it's definitely not the most accurate. British character actor Reginald Owen (you may remember him as Admiral Boom in 'Mary Poppins') makes a suitably crotchety Scrooge. But wow, did they get it wrong with Bob Cratchit: Instead of the poverty-stricken, starving clerk we expect, he and his whole family are amply housed, well-dressed and even -- dare we say -- plump!
Alastair Sim in 'A Christmas Carol' (1951) On any movie message board, this adaptation gets comments like, "Absolutely the best version ever!" (Although you may find it listed under the more-Googled title 'Scrooge.') Alastair Sim is the quintessential Scrooge, the one you probably picture without realizing it. You'd have to be a pretty devoted movie buff to recognize the rest of the cast, but if you're looking for the most faithful, most Dickensian 'Carol,' this is it. Just be sure you avoid the colorized version!
Albert Finney in 'Scrooge' (1970)Albert Finney as a singing and dancing Scrooge? Maybe that's why this was the last big-screen version to hit theaters for at least a decade! The story hasn't changed much, but by 1970, special effects had improved to the point where the lost souls Marley points out to Scrooge are truly frightening! Marley, by the way, is none other than future Jedi master Alec Guinness. Who, mercifully, does not sing. Or dance.
Animated Alastair Sim in 'A Christmas Carol' (1971)This faithful animated version was modeled on the book's original illustrations, features the voice of iconic Scrooge Alastair Sim, and comes from Chuck Jones, the man who created Wile E. Coyote and brought us the original 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas.' Why then, isn't it shown every Christmas, like 'The Grinch?' Because it's really damn dark, that's why! Many a young child was scared out of their wits when Jacob Marley (easily the most terrifying one we've ever seen) removes the cloth from around his head and his jaw drops all the way to the floor! Sadly, it's not on DVD, but it is on Youtube.
Scrooge McDuck in 'Mickey's Christmas Carol' (1983)Of course Scrooge McDuck is the only Disney character to play Scrooge! And that leaves Mickey Mouse as a stuttering Bob Cratchit, who's so meek, he even does Scrooge's laundry for him. Jiminy Cricket is the Ghost of Christmas Past and Goofy is his usual clumsy self (and not at all scary) as the ghost of Marley. The only scary bit, really, is a brief glimpse of the fire and brimstone awaiting Scrooge if he doesn't change his ways. Scrooge's redemption takes place in a brisk 30 minutes, ending with Tiny Tim happily tearing into a bag of toys.
George C. Scott in 'A Christmas Carol' (1984)George C. Scott "Bah, humbugs" better than any other Scrooge we've seen; after all, he perfected his intimidating scowl in his Oscar-winning role as General Patton. His transformation from an embittered old man into a kindly, benevolent soul is among the most convincing. We particularly love the scene where he surprises the Cratchits with a goose so big it dwarfs Tiny Tim; his delight in their utter confusion and the mischievous twinkle in his eye are the only remainders of his former self.
Rowan Atkinson in 'Blackadder's Christmas Carol' (1988)If you enjoy the delicious reversal of a Scrooge who transforms from the "kindest and loveliest man in all of England" into the meanest, this is the Christmas special for you. Rowan Atkinson stars as Ebenezer Blackadder, who, thanks to glimpses of his witty, wicked ancestors, turns rotten to the core. Look for an incredibly young and silly Hugh Laurie as the dimwitted Prince Regent and Robbie Coltrane ('Harry Potter''s Hagrid) as a booze-swilling Christmas Spirit.
Bill Murray in 'Scrooged' (1988)No one does selfish cynicism better than Bill Murray. In this underrated update, he's a TV executive trying to mount a production of 'A Christmas Carol' with Buddy Hackett as Scrooge. Of course, he's the real Scrooge and is shown the error of his ways by three spirits: A cigar-smoking taxi driver as Christmas Past and Carole Kane as a a literally ball-busting Ghost of Christmas Present. And when Murray meets the grim Ghost of Christmas Future in the elevator, he mistakes him for a lost extra!
Michael Caine in 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)It goes without saying that Michael Caine makes an excellent Scrooge. We just wonder how he got talked into starring with singing fruits and vegetables! Here we get not just one Marley but two (Balcony critics Statler and Waldorf) and a Mrs. Cratchit (Miss Piggy) who harumphs more than Scrooge does. If this one doesn't make you feel as warm and fuzzy as Fozzie Bear (who shows up as Fozziwig!), you may be due for some ghostly browbeating yourself!
Patrick Stewart in 'A Christmas Carol' (1999)For many years, Patrick Stewart put on a one-man stage show in which he played every character, from Fezziwig to Tiny Tim. In this TV movie, he only takes on the title role, but he does it with his usual authority and panache. We love the scene on Christmas morning, where Scrooge tries to embrace his newfound humanity by laughing ... and can't remember how! Richard E. Grant, so adept at playing villains himself, makes an endearingly soft-spoken Cratchit.
Reader Comments (13)
Ken at 7:52PM on Nov 8th 2009
Went to the IMAX Cinemark17 in Dallas, TX. to see the first showing of Jim Carrey's A Christmas Carol. It was an excellent movie along with the Polar Express type movies that Zemezkis does so well. The ghost's which were all voiced by Jim Carrey were all different characters and you had to listen very closely to realize they were all done by the same actor. A tribute to Jim Carrey's versablilty to get in and out of characters so well. They followed the Charles Dickens book well but took some real sci fi scenes to the max like shrinking old Ebenizer Scrooge down to the size of a mouse and letting him escape the Coffin Hearse and the two black stallions from Hell. Then had The ghost of christmas present make the floor of Scrooges house disappear to show him where he was and where Fred and the Crachets was in his time line. Then had the ghost of Christmas present die in front of Ebenezer so the ghost of christmas future could take over. They also had the two children under the ghost of christmas present come out and attack Ebenizer with a knife by the boy who was immediately caged and the girl morph into a hooker and dance around Ebenizer to tant him before the ghost of christmas future made them go away. Other than that, It was a very magnificant movie to watch in 3D IMAX. The viewing really did stand out well and you thought it was actually snowing in the theater. A most excellent made and produced movie for all to see this christmas. Can't wait to buy it on Blue Ray. Go see it then put your comments here after you have seen it.
Chris at 9:31AM on Nov 7th 2009
Albert Finney's version is my favorite! He is wonderful as Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas present is perfect. There is plenty of clever wit in this version which makes it a delight to watch. I can't understand for the life of me why this isn't a TV classic.
Susan at 12:04PM on Nov 7th 2009
I couldn't agree more Chris! The Albert Finney version is my absolutel favorite as well. With all Brittish actors and the singing and dancing aside this version really depicted the poverty and downtrodden lives of many people during that time period in London. Albert was definately spot on with his portrayal of the mizer Ebeneezer Scrooge.
My second favorite version is Bill Murray's Scrooge; which is so hilarious and genius in it's own right.
Alice Porter-Flagg at 2:38PM on Nov 15th 2009
Forgotten versions...American Christmas Carol with Henry Winkler(70's), Mr. Magoo, and a British version, can't remember the actor. There are over 150 versions worldwide including TV episodes and some in University libraries and other collections not readily available to public. I currently have 17 different ones.
Lisa De Bari at 6:35PM on Nov 7th 2009
George C. Scott's Scrooge is to me the most realistic and believable. We learn enough about his childhood and his cold,distant father to understand his reticence to embrace love and his fear based stinginess. Yet his wry sense of humor and businessman's view of charity("Are there no workhouses?" Sounds like many modern day Republicans.
His transformation is altogether credulous ;he is a man capable of learning;we see him questioning the ghosts and defending himeslf at first then later coming around and amending his selfish ways. His heart grows, much like the Grinches, and he embraces life at Last. Great actor doing a masterful job!
Doug at 4:44PM on Nov 7th 2009
Looking forward to seeing a new version. Many great remakes of a great story. Mr. Magoo is a favorite I haven't seen in years. And don't forget the Griswald's this year. Another classic we watch on thanksgiving to start our holiday season.
Holly at 7:28PM on Nov 7th 2009
Just saw the MUppet Christmas Carol for the first time last Christmas. As if I didn't love Michael Caine enough?!
Mitchell at 9:24PM on Nov 7th 2009
I love the Alastair Sim, and really enjoyed the George C Scott and the Patrick Stewart. But let us not forget the best of the female incarnations of Scrooge, Susan Lucci's superb contemporary take in "Ebbie," shown on "Lifetime" back in 1995.
Kerry at 5:46AM on Nov 9th 2009
A Muppet Christmas Carol is one of my favorite movies of all time!!! I cry everytime I see it.
Todd at 6:55PM on Nov 8th 2009
Rich Little did a great comedy tv special as Scrooge back in the 80's. He did all the characters.
Kirstin at 8:20PM on Nov 9th 2009
Thanks for dragging politics into this discussion, Lisa. I think that you meant "credible" instead of "credulous."
Actually, when I think of Scrooge, I'm reminded of Joe Biden's paltry charitable contributions. : )
Samuel at 3:10AM on Dec 25th 2009
Am I the only one who can not stand the Patrick Stewart version. I thought the performances, including Stewart, were terrible, and the fact that he had performed it as a one-man show either did not help the performance or may have actually hindered it. Richard E. Grant as Cratchit was unremarkable. About the only part of that adaptation that I enjoyed was Stewart as Scrooge finding his laugh. I love the Alistair Sim version. His glee at still being alive after being left by the Ghost of Christmas Past feels genuine and always puts a smile on my face. George C. Scott would be a distant second on my list. The fact that someone even mentioned Susan Lucci is a joke. A bad joke.
Jack at 11:37PM on Dec 24th 2009
No, you're not the only one who dislikes the Patrick Stewart version. Although he, himself, was quite good, and the sets & costumes were superb, it's my least favorite of them all. I don't know if the creators were gay or just a bunch of sick misogynists, but this movie is one of many almost-fine productions that are so loaded with contempt for heterosexual women it's hard to believe. The men were heroic and hauntingly beautiful, and the women were stupid, ugly, buck-toothed, flat chested, morbidly obese, or some combination thereof. The Fezziwigs were particularly hideous. For all its promise, this one falls on its face.