A NEW POWERFUL PRESENTATION OF THE MOST LOVED GHOST STORY OF ALL TIME!
Charles Dickensās ghost story would probably survive even the most slapdash filmization, but this TV movie is not one of those. It is a distinguished version where the filmmakers succeed in creating an atmosphere soaked in the emotions of Christmases past. The darkness interrupting the carols is provided by the greedy businessman Scrooge who loathes Christmas (as well as himself, obviously) but is visited at night by three spirits who try to change him. George C. Scott is so convincing as the sulking, penny-pinching miser that it becomes almost hard to believe in the ghostsā āsalvationā of his soul. He is nicely supported by a fine cast of British actors.
1984-Britain-U.S. Made for TV. 100 min. Color. Produced byĀ Alfred R. Kelman, William F. Storke. Directed byĀ Clive Donner. Teleplay: Roger O. Hirson. Novel: Charles Dickens. Cast: George C. Scott (Ebeneezer Scrooge), Nigel Davenport (Silas Scrooge), Frank Finlay (Jacob Marley), Edward Woodward, Lucy Gutteridge, Angela Pleasenceā¦ David Warner, Susannah York.
ABOVE AVERAGE
A Christmas Carol is my favorite story, & needless to say, I’ve viewed close to all filmed versions of this story. This is in no way a bad interpretation, but I do not understand it’s enduring popularity. After three viewings, I still find it dryer than burnt toast.