25 Greatest Christmas Films: #9 — ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1984)
by John NolteThere are two television movies in my top ten, here’s the first of them. Best known as George C. Scott’s A Christmas Carol, this is, thus far, the most emotionally satisfying adaptation of the Dickens’ classic yet, thanks to an exceptionally well-written script and, of course, The Mighty George C. Scott, who offers up my favorite portrayal of Scrooge.
Scott’s characterization of Ole’ Ebeneezer is more grounded and less theatrical than the others, especially after the three ghostly visits where the Oscar-winning actor chooses not to transform his character into a completely different person, at least not on the outside. Instead, Scott’s post-visitation Scrooge retains the gruff booming voice and regal presence, with the only visible proof that something’s changed and softened and different found in the old man’s eyes; a bittersweet mix of joy and love, and most touchingly, regret.
As with every other adaptation, we’re left with no doubt that Ebeneezer will forever hold Christmas in his heart and live out the rest of his life a generous man and employer. But in the film’s closing moments the quiet power of Scott’s performance tells us something inexpressibly moving about Scrooge’s future as he gazes upon his nephew’s young wife and briefly speaks of the girl he loved and lost forever so many years ago to his own greed and ambition. With just a few words and that otherworldly “thing” only great actors possess, Scott reminds us that there’s a lonely last mile on the road to redemption, and that Scrooge’s journey towards forgiving himself has only just begun.
“God forgive me for the time I’ve wasted.”
Even for an actor as accomplished as Scott, this is an impressive and unforgettable performance.
With Scott commanding every moment, it’s easy to miss just how good David Warner’s Bob Crachit is — a wonderful and understated portrait of devotion and melencholy, and as his loving wife, Susannah York’s strong but quiet dignity provides a nice contrast. Most impressive is a wonderful actor we lost just a few weeks ago. Going toe to toe with Scott in the charisma department as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Edward Woodward more than holds his own with a larger-than-life performance mixed perfectly with equal parts bare-chested gusto, and contempt and compassion for the prideful old man in his charge.
Veteran English director Clive Donner’s attention to atmosphere and detail (Marley’s jaw dropping open, anyone?) transports us back centuries, and it’s hard to imagine how differently things might have turned out had the production not been shot on-location in Shrewsbury, England. Everything from the interiors to the wardrobe to the sound design and musical score have held up remarkably well over the last quarter century (there’s a depressing thought). With the exception of a hairstyle or two, thankfully, nothing about one of the finest television films ever broadcast screams 80s…
So with the authority given to me by no one, I hereby declare George C. Scott’s 1984 version of “A Christmas Carol” a timeless Christmas classic.
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84 Comments
Is it incredible to anyone else how many time the Christmas Carol themed movies have shown up on this list. I'm not complaining mind you or blaming Nolte for some fetish. Rather, I think it speaks to how brilliant a writer Dickens was and how unoriginal Hollywood can be.
I did comic riff on Christmas Carol movies earlier this month, at a Dickensian gig that I headlined. To my estimation, there were about 80+ Christmas Carol adaptations in the hundred years of cinema, including TV shows and animated shorts, and HBO specials. Not to mention the vast number of "Scrooge"-type characters that show up in non-Christmas Carol adaptations (Mr. Potter, the Grinch, etc). Not as many Nativity Story adaptations, sad to say… the only good one being Linus' two minute reading from Luke.
I haven't seen it since it first aired but was impressed. I'd certainly rather re-watch this than they latest Hollywood Conservative/Christian bash.
I was always impressed with Scott's English accents, which one can also savor in The List of Adrian Messenger and They Might Be Giants, both EXCELLENT films. And you can't go wrong with the scores (Jerry Goldsmith and John Barry / Ken Thorne, respectively).
A year or two ago, my friend said he was watching the Charlie Brown special on TV for the first time in a long time. He said when it got to the Bible quote (which he had forgotten) he was so shocked to see it on network TV that he fully expected a disclaimer to pop up any minute.
we'll still go with the UK- Alistair Sim version of the early 50's…
But, as the man says, 'it's all good'. Hard to go wrong with one of the greatest morality plays ever written.
Even the 3-D extravaganza with Jim Carrey is ok fine. So, watch them all, we say!
I wondered when this one would show up. Mr. Scott's portrayal of Scrooge is my favorite, Edward Woodward embodies the Ghost of Christmas Present, and David Warner is etched forever in my mind's eye as Bob Cratchit. This is my "must see" Christmas movie each year.
I think most people pick their favorite Scrooge a little like they pick their favorite Bond. For my money, Scott is definitely my favorite Scrooge (and Connery, my favorite Bond).
George C. Scott, had to love him in Patton. I think I was about 10 years old when my dad took us to see Patton at the Drive Inn theater.
I learned how to cuss watching that movie. 
George C. Scott was my favorite Scrooge as well.
This version of Christmas Carol is my all time favorite. It is so amazing to watch, thanks in part to George C Scott.
They've tried hard to top this one over the last two decades, using two actors I like very much as Scrooge – Patrick Stewart and Kelsey Grammer, but neither one comes close.
Is "Santa Claus – The Movie" with Dudley Moore or "Jingle all the Way" with Arnold Schwarzenegger listed?
Just curious and I hope not.
Thanks.
Oh the great David Warner, who could sludge between Dickens and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequels without missing a beat. One of the great English talents, though not recognized as such. Keep on keeping on.
This version of Carol is my favorite and became that way mainly through repetition. AMC pumped repeated airings for the last several years (it's been strangely missing this year). This is my favorite performance by Scott next to Patton.
That he could be such a sweet Crachit and then also play such vicious villains such as Jack the Ripper. And don't forget his bat hunter in the underr-rated grinder "Nightwing!"
A truly superb actor. Great Klingon, as well.
Amen to that. David Warner is the epitomy of "range". Anyone strong enough to be opposite George C. Scott and Gregory Peck (The Omen) deserves all the accolades they get.
Yeah, this is the "Christmas Carol"I grew up with, so it always . Scott's work is masterful.
Good call, Mr. Nolte.
Not only that, but he psychologically tortures Patrick Stewart brilliantly in ST:Next Gen… "Chain of Command" part 2.
His performances in Horatio Hornblower and Time Bandits (a favorite of mine) are likewise most enjoyable. Pity he was wasted in "That Damn Boat Movie".
This is a superb version of Dickens' story, but I've always wondered whether some of the dialogue wasn't influenced by 80s concerns. "It's not right that there's no work" (I believe that this was right before the scene with Ignorance and Want) sounded to me at the time of original airing like a comment on the high unemployment rate in the early Reagan years.
George C. Scott is without question the best version of Scrooge I've ever seen. He eschewed the theatrical "bah-humbugginess" and portrayed the pre-reformation Scrooge as cold and distant, rather than a cartoony miser.
Was going to just use a thumbs up, until Carrey came up. He's just too over the top for me with this.
GC Scott is so good in this it makes you pity other actors. I have this on DVD and watch it every years. Man, I miss this guy being on stage or film.
PS-the rest of the cast was also top notch!
Yeah, the guy can do it all and do it better than most.
but did you see it? It's wild in 3-D and pretty darn faithful…
This is my favorite "Christmas Carol" movie. I watch this movie every Christmas, and really enjoy the actors in this movie. What I enjoy about it most is the way Ebenezeer's character changes. It reminds me of how a person changes when they become a born-again Christian, the old things pass away, and all things become new. Ebenezeer kept his promise to be a different person.
Thanks for the background info. on this movie too!!
I'm with you on all counts. George C. Scott's performance is quite good, but Sim's version will always be my favorite.
My favorite re-telling of the story. George C. Scott is excellent.
Or wasted in 'bot-fodder like "Quest of the Delta Knights".
But he made a great Klingon (Star Trek VI), and the voice of one of my favorite super villians – The Lobe (Freakazoid).
Yes, this is still my favorite of A Christmas Carol – probably the most human and less "cartoony" interpretation of all of the characters.
Wow I'm a n00b I know, but gee whiz, I'd never realized that this was made for TV! It's just too danged good… Or that's my way of thinking about things I guess, maybe I shouldn't have that prejudice. Anyway, yah no doubt this is a classic! Which doesn't at all knock the others, nor my desire to see several versions this year, they all stand on their own and have their own strengths, yippee!
I agree with you on both counts.
Thanks for including this version on your list John. With George C Scott, a movie can do no wrong!
Wow….I had forgotten about, "Time After Time". He did indeed create a truly disturbing JtR.
I was fairly disappointed in the Patrick Stewart version… and I was truly looking forward to it for Stewart and Richard E. Grant.
It was apparently released in theaters in England… which would have been a wonderful way to see this movie.
Couldn't agree more. A beutiful version of the story with excellent acting and dead-perfect sets. George C. Scott has become so associated with his larger-than-life portrayal of Patton that we forget what a fine craftsman he was. His Scrooge is one of the best with depth, intelligence and insight. The English supporting cast was without exception wonderful with my favorite being the Ghost of Christmas Present played by Angela Pleasence.. This "Christmas Carol" carries off the difficult trick of being properly sentimental but never treacly. NOt seen nearly enough during the holiday season.
Scott is my second favorite Scrooge because the Alistair Sim version is closest to the book. Better too in my view. But I do agree with you on Connery and his Bond. Nobody does it better.
Agreed. Scott's Scrooge dispenses with the usual "miserly old man" cliches and gives us a big, imposing business tycoon who's used to throwing his weight around. He has a presence that intimidates people – not just unpleasant to be around at Christmas time, but actually a bit scary. Of course, he uses his power mainly to keep people at bay. And Scott and the rest of the cast bring all their acting abilities to their roles, making the characters seem more human and less like cliche figures from a well-known story. And Frank Finlay as Marley's ghost – hell, he looked like a dead guy. Nicely done.
scott also played rochester in a tv version of jane eyre with susannah york. that is my favorite version of that oft repeated classic, although it's almost impossible to find now.
Hands down, this is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol. That scene where Marley's jaw drops open is wonderfully creepy.
For a more subversive and hysterical telling of this story, I do love Blackadder's Christmas Carol.
Daniel Craig is certainly making a good effort.
But for Mr. Scrooge, Alistair Simm leads with a close second by the talented George C. Scott.
This is my favorite version, too. I miss George C. He was so good and never disappointed in his performences, comic and dramatic.
George C. Scott portrayed the best Scrooge ever. Instead of a cartoonishly evil and bitter miser, he is here portrayed as a merely coldhearted and aloof man who jests at Christmas. Imagine the difference between saying "Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons? Well, then let them die and decrease the surplus population" in a tone of ringing hatred, and saying the same line with a smile and a twinkle in the eye, as if the whole matter is a joke, not something to concern a serious businessman.
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Don't forget, Warner tried to drown Leo DiCaprio, which is another ace in his sleeve. Talk about a wishful vicarious cinematic experience …
Odd – the best Klingons were Warner and the great Christopher Lloyd. Who would have figured.
Quest of the Delta Knights!!!!!! great reference.
To be honest, I could not make it past the previews, with the rockets and his screaming. I'll rent it. Who knows, I might eat crow next year
It's not really Christmas until I sit and Watch my DVD of Scrooge with A. Sim.
you gotta watch it in 3-D. It was designed for it, and it is amazing both for the thrill ride and the trip down nostalgia lane.
You'll reach for the smowflakes!
This was my dad's favorite and mine, too, as we watched it together every year. It means more now that he is gone because it reminds me of watching it with him, curled up beside him in the TV room on the couch.
Excellent choice! Excellent version!
Geez John, you must really love "A Christmas Carol". This is your sixth version.
The Alistair Sim version is my personal favorite, too. It is the most faithful to the novel and has a certain cache that others, no matter how good, just don't have.
I've seen two silent "A CHRISTMAS CAROL", but I think that there are more than just those two, from the silent era.Anyone know, for sure?
I never miss seeing a film based on this novel, but will take a pass on the new Disney one, because from what I've seen of the preview, I would just keep on yelling at it.
What a great face Scott has. I love this version too. The scene in the past where we see him take the wrong path was done so well by Scott. I have to watch this every year.
I see lots of folks really liked this version, but I found it flat. Perhaps my mistake was watching it the night after I watched the 1951 version with Alastair Sim. Either way, I though Scott's performance was uneven. At times he was very good, but at others it seemed as if he was trying too hard to make the role his own. I really like David Warner, but for me he didn't seem a good fit for Bob Cratchit. At times he seemed a bit snarky, something I wouldn't expect from Cratchit. (Again, my problem may be comparing the performance to that of Mervyn Johns in the 1951 version.) Aside from the actors, I also thought the music was distracting and the whole film had the distinct look of a TV movie (which it was, of course, but still).
Maybe I'll give this version another shot next year, but right now I just can't see the attraction.
When the Ghost of Christmas Present scolds Scrooge for his "surplus population" comment… it almost sends a chill down the spine. This is by far the best version of the story I've seen
"It may very well be that in the eyes of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than MILLIONS like this poor man's child!" (referring to Tiny Tim)
It immediately became a ritual in our home to watch "A Christmas Carol" on Christmas Eve once we saw this version. George C. Scott put as much into the character of Scrooge as he did into that of George Patton.
Hear, Hear…best of the lot. Family tradition growing up…one I hope to pass on to my daughters eventually (if they will humor me). Having a pint or two with my father next week when we finally get to watch it will be a highlight. Merry Christmas…and God bless us, everyone!
This is a nice version of A Christmas Carol, but the '50s version with Alistair Sim will always be my favorite, even above the '70s Scrooge which I love.
This production of "A Christmas Carol" is #1 on my list of favorite Christmas movies. Scott's performance as Scrooge actually made him to be a real living human being rather than some cartoon character and as such, made his redemption all the more miraculous and wonderful. Detail? Not only did Marley's jaw drop, his eyes never blinked either! Aside from Woodward's portrayal as Christmas Present, the daring use of a puppet for Christmas Yet To Come and the haunting squeal actually made that particular ghost frightening. I have this film on VHS. I watch it every Christmas Eve.
Kimba, no offense but if you think such dialogue and themes were due to this being produced in the Reagan years, you *really* need to read more Dickens.
I haven't seen this one yet – but I own it. I just keep going back to Alastair, with an occasioanl Reginald Owens.
Haven't seen Patrick Stewart's tv Christmas Carol, but did see his 1 man Broadway version. It was excellant. When his Scrooge woke up Christmas am, Stewart played his laugh like he was choking on a cough – it seemed all of us in the audience thought he was having a heart attack.
As for the Jim Carrey 'Carol' I was pleasantly surprised. Outside of a superflous chase scene in the future, he did a very good job. He seemed to pattern himself after Sims.
There was one shot, though, that made it for me. During the present, people were walking into church, with either Joy to the World or Hark, the Herald Angels being sung and a long shot of a cross on top of the church. Wonderful
I remember when this was first shown. George C. Scott and Edwrad Woodward together! This is a great, great adaptation of a true Christmas classic.
Also have to go with the early 50`s version with Alastair Sim. The Scott version was great, but in particular the London street scenes just looked, well, too clean, too sterile. Watching the London scenes in the 50`s version made me fell as if it was shot in the 1840`s, when the book was written.
According to AMC (when they showed their movies uncut and uninterrupted), the 1951 Alastair Sim version was visited by Dickens' grandaughter just prior to shooting, and she told the cast and crew, decked out in their Victorian attire, that she believed their production was exactly as her grandfather had envisioned his story to look. Also, when Sim was shooting a scene coming down from the financial exchange (where he refuses to extend a debtor's note) a truck driver had just arrived on the set, and the driver exclaimed that it was Scrooge himself come to life.
It's hard to argue with that as a benchmark; it really is. :]
Could not agree more with Mr. Nolte's review. Have always loved this one, and just showed parts of it to my World History classes to illustrate Victorian England the early industrial age. Dickens was an amazing writer!
This is my favorite version of the classic Dickens tale. George C. Scott was great in the role of Scrooge. Sadly I have not seen it in several years.
This is probably my #1 or #2 favorite Christmas movie.
My favorite part of the movie was when Scott's 'Scrooge' yelled out: "Dickens, you magnificent bastard, I read your book !!!
The copyright appears to be expired on that version of Jane Eyre. It frequents turns up in the baragin $1.00 bins! Aside from the first rate acting, that version has a haunting musical score. The only thing that bothered me about it is in Bronte's book, Jane is described as having black hair.
Now THAT is funny…well done.
I did like the conversion scene of Patrick Stewart's Scrooge.
He laughed as a man who suddenly remembered how to laugh.
Very memorable,
such great joy rose up inside him.
I didn't know it existed, thank you!
Found it on YouTube , here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0xMc7gbfbk
Hugh Laurie is hilarious in THIS series,
I wonder if he will ever play 'Ebeneezer' House?
And let's not forget he made a great baddie in Tron! Master Control Program!
Well, after all what would you aspect from an actor who played every thing from pool sharks to a Flim Flam Man to General Buck Turgidson to George Smith Patton, He was a good Scrooge, A fine actor, maybe the greatest of his generation.
Superb choice. Will be watching this a week from tonight with the family as we do every year.
As Scrooge's nephew Fred says when his uncle shows up to Christmas dinner and asks forgiveness:
"Hoo-Rah!"
Every year, my good friend Chris and I get together to eat pizza and watch this movie, usually right after Thanksgiving. It's the best version of the story that I've ever seen. Others have pointed out, and I agree, Scott's Scrooge is a coldly powerful businessman, not a fretful and silly old miser, and he's simply magnificent in the role. There's not a weak spot in the supporting cast, either. As Bob Cratchit says about the Christmas pudding: "A triumph, my dear!"
I'm plugging this one again for when your eyes are tired and you just wish to hear voices
How about – RONALD COLMAN in A CHRISTMAS CAROL
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Mr-Pickwick... samples, too.
Never a movie, but an in studio recording production done for Decca Records in 1941. It runs about a half hour and Colman is marvelous – that voice! Plus, you'll hear the voices of several recognizable character actors like Hans Conried and Gale Gordon. (And they have a 2nd piece on the CD – Charles Laughton in MR. PICKWICK'S CHRISTMAS.)
Most people are not familiar with this Colman version and it is quite inexpensive with used copies at 5 dollars.
Downside – as few moments that were in the original 78 rpm album of three 12" discs were not included on the LP reissue nor the CD reissue. Dreadful oversight to miss such as this:
Charityman in street speaking to Scrooge about a donation :
Charity – "What shall I put down?"
Scrooge – "Nothing!"
Charityman – "You wish to remain anonymous?"
Scrooge – "I wish to be left alone!"
Go for it!
While I enjoy almost all the versions of A Christmas Carol including many of the sillier adaptions from Scrooged to Susan Lucci's, Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams' scroogess versions to Mr. Magoo and Mickey Mouse, my favorite has been the George C. Scott version. He just embodied the character. I watch several times each season. (Then I have to watch the musical version with Albert Finney for some of the wonderful songs–i.e. Thank You Very Much…)
But when I want to watch the best, GC Scott is the version I pull out and the one I recommend!
Warner was SARK, the MCP's henchaman and enforcer.
Scott's performance allowed you to actually start to feel sorry for Scrooge. As you watched the story unfold, you could see what caused him to change, and the pain that you saw when he faced these turning points and realized what he had done.
Absolutely! This has always been my very favorite version of A Christmas Carol. Scott is just wonderful in this.
Oh yeah, that's right! It's been a few years on this one.
Too many actors concentrate on making Scrooge's miserly ways believable and real and gloss over his conversion (Patrick Stewart, for example). It's like they believe that miserly Scrooge is the exception and generous Scrooge is the rule, when the truth is, in our fallen world, it's the other way around.
What makes George C. Scott so good in this movie is that we believe BOTH parts: He's mean, cold and vicious as a miser and yet touching, warm and wistful after his conversion. If we are to condemn the depravity of the miser, we must rejoice in the grace of the redeemed, and George C. Scott just shines in showing that in this movie.
*chokes on coffee*
Ok, that was frickin' hilarious.
Oh the scene where Marley's jaw drops down is grusome. But it so works. THe whole feeling of the film and depth is just extrodinary. The opening scene, the foggy dark streets of London on Christmas Eve is just utterly gorgeous. And the performances. I just watched it today and it never fails to impress me as one of the greatest films ever made…as far as I am concerned. Its my number three alltime.
This would be one of my three favorite versions….
Thanks to Netflix it is not one I miss the most…. but it is one of my three favorite versions…
I have yet to complete the Patrick Stewart version but already it fails to compare favorably…
The 1984 version of a Chrismas Carol is the finest adaptation of Dickens novel. George C. Scott's gruff and imposing Scrooge actually puts Patrick Stewart's more recent portrayal to shame.
Oh how right you are. This is hands down the best version of this classic tale. George C Scott is superb , a classic, the tale is heartwarming that it brings a tear to the eye. The visuals are stunning. I always admired Mr scott I miss him so much. A rare quality actor. This movie goes down as a true classic.
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