A CHRISTMAS CAROL WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO BE SUNG!
On Christmas Eve, a greedy old miser (Albert Finney) is suddenly visited by the ghost of his former partner (Alec Guinness) who tells him that three other spirits will haunt him during the night. A musical version of the Charles Dickens tale that stays close to the original story. Lavishly produced, with entertaining musical numbers and performances by Finney and the chain-rattling Guinness. Unfortunately, none of the songs stand out except for the deliciously macabre “Thank You Very Much”, and the bombastic finale (stuffed with reprises) is a tad overcooked.Ā
1970-Britain. 118 min. Color. Widescreen.Ā Directed byĀ Ronald Neame.Ā Screenplay, Songs:Ā Leslie Bricusse (“Thank You Very Much”).Ā Story:Ā Charles Dickens (“A Christmas Carol”).Ā Production Design:Ā Terence Marsh.Ā Cast:Ā Albert Finney (Ebenezer Scrooge), Alec Guinness (Jacob Marley), Edith Evans (Ghost of Christmas Past), Kenneth More (Ghost of Christmas Present), Laurence Naismith, Michael Medwin.
Trivia:Ā Rex Harrison and Richard Harris were allegedly considered for the lead.
Golden Globe: Best Actor (Finney).