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Scrooge | Year: 1970 Directed: - Ronald Neame Actors/Actresses: - Albert Finney - Alec Guinness - Albert Finney - Alec Guinness Christmas film fanatic This is by far one of the most delightful films ever with real fine performances by all, so what's taking so long to get it out on widescreen DVD? Ignore all other versions of a Christmas Carol; this is it! I, like most people, have seen an almost limitless number of interpretations of this classic tale. This version, in my opinion, ranks at the top of the heap. Unlike some reviewers, I find the tunes in this musical to be excellent. Even my husband, who in some aspects resembles the title character of this movie when it comes to the holidays and their trappings, comes running to sing along with the hysterical "I Hate People". "Thank You Very Much," a tune that is alternately a mocking slamfest and a heartfelt rendering of thanks in various parts of the movie, is a standout tune that demands you to join in. You will find yourself humming this one several days after watching "Scrooge." Albert Finney, who was still a relatively young man when this movie was made, really nails the character of Scrooge, and really captures the essence of this great literary figure in all of his painful, and sometimes laughable, humanity. It's hard to believe that an actor so young would have the empathy to deliver a realistic portrayal of a bitter, lonely, and isolated old man. The supporting cast is great, particularly Alec Guiness as Marley. The exchanges between Scrooge and Marley alone make this movie worth watching, if not owning (too bad it's not available in DVD format). Do yourself and your family a favor and check out this "Scrooge." You won't be content with any other video renditions of this tale any more. Spend a little time in an ideal Christmas setting OK, so it's not a holiday masterpiece. Some viewers might find the concept of Dickens set to music to be a little too much, but having said that, I really do love this version of "A Christmas Carol." I think the characters are perfectly cast. Albert Finney masters the miser role, down to his scraggly hair and dirt-encrusted fingernails. Sir Alec Guinness is perfect as the foreboding Jacob Marley (pay special attention to the "flight" he takes Scrooge on). Design-wise, it's one of the most visually satisfying versions made. The diehard Christmas fan will delight in the sets, which are absolutely perfect in their depiction of the "Dickens Christmas" ideal (ie, the quaint English storefronts, gaslit streets). NOTE: If you like this movie and are in the New York City area around the holidays, I HIGHLY recommend Madison Square Garden Theater's "A Christmas Carol" production. <BR>Overall, it's one of the best versions out there. If musicals make you ill, you might consider avoiding this one. But if you are a hopeless Christmas romantic, value the spirit of a movie over how true it is to the original work, and want to spend some time in that Dickens' storybook Christmas world, I highly recommend this. I've watched it faithfully every year now for 16 years. I am a regular guy from Maine, and I HATE musicals! But I love this film! First and foremost, Albert Finney played the best Scrooge ever...bar none. This character was not simply a miserable miser as seen other films, he is mean! Damn mean! Ronald Neame directed this film perfectly. Scrooge was not only mean, but he LOOKED cheap, right down to his dirty face and filthy fingernails. All of the other casting was done just as brilliantly. The ghost of Jacob Marley was played by Alec Guiness of Star Wars' Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi fame, (you would never know it...shows what a versitile actor he is!). Tiny Tim was not just some kid, he seems ill. Bob Cratchit was not some sniviling whelp, but a fun loving individual who worked under Scrooge's thumb without question, (he was so much more like the Cratchit in the book than in any other film). Old Fezziwig ACTUALLY make you feel merry. Anton Rodgers plays Tom Jenkins flawlessly, (Thank You Very Much!). Every other cast member from Isabel to the ghosts fit their parts perfectly. I am not much of a movie stats buff, but hats off to whoever did the casting. I was also impressed with the fact that you could really see how forlorn Scrooge was as he reflects on his life. Also, unlike other films, he does not change miraculously all at once. While the ghost of Christmas present shows him the party at his nephew's home, Scrooge turns slowly from angry to having the time of his life playing a game of the minister's cat with the party folk. At this time of merryment, (obviously none can see/hear him). He ridicules people and calls someone stupid while he is reveling gleely. This, unlike other films shows the true nature of his transformation. This is my favorite Christmas movie of all time... Buy Scrooge at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Scrooge Search with the Priority Search Engine on Scrooge This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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