Which version of that wonderful story, A Christmas Carol, is your favorite?
Book, movie, televsion episode, cartoon-all versions are welcome.
My favorite is A Blackadder Christmas Carol, by the way!
Oh… the best Scrooge of them all was definitely Alistair Sim. But the best overall production of “A Christmas Carol” was the TV version with George C. Scott (loved Edward “Equalizer” Woodward as the Ghost of Xmas past).
As soon as I submitted the previous post, I saw my error- Woodward was the Ghost of CHristmas PRESENT!
The George C. Scott version was wonderful, in large part because Scott seemed to LIKE Scrooge, even before he started to mellow and get sentimental. Unlike most Scrooges, Scott’s seemed to ENJOY being a crusty, irascible, contrarian old grouch. When Scott says "Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled in his own pudding,’ he’s obviously pleased with himself for such a cleverly turned phrase.
Even when travelling with the ghosts, Scott’s Scrooge gives as good as he gets. Scott’s Scrooge isn’t ENTIRELY miserable and pathetic. Scrooge is a very successful and rich man, after all, and has every reason to be proud of that. Scott’s Scrooge is unafraid to tell the ghosts defiantly that he’s proud of what he made of himself. But most actors who play Scrooge don’t instill him with any real pride or defiance. MOST Scrooges go to pieces at once.
What’s truly impressive about the Scott version is this: I must have seen 20 different renditions of “A Christmas Carol” (featuring everyone from Reginald Owen to Mr. Magoo) before seeing the Scott version. So I was skeptical- how could they POSSIBLY do anything fresh or original with it?
Scott made a story I’d seen again and again seem fresh and new.
My mother loves the Alistair Sim version. She tries to make sure to catch it every year when it’s on TV. The scene on Christmas morning when he scares the maid cracks her up every time.
I liked the George C. Scott one myself. Didn’t Patrick Stewart do one, or was that a play?
astorian points out the reasons that George C. Scott’s version of A Christmas Carol is the best one. The central character of the story is Scrooge. George C. Scott made Scrooge human. And Edward Woodward as The Ghost of Christmas Present was great.
I saw Patrick Stewart’s version. Although I think Stewart is a very good actor, I didn’t think his performance was as good as Scott’s.
Well as someone who has tried very hard to like Dickens (and failed) I must admit that I don’t care for A Christmas Carol very much. It is, when you get down to it, the kind of crappy sentimental story that we make fun of Disney for producing today.
But if I have to pick one I am going to say that it was the version done as an episode of Highway to Heaven. That is my favorite because it is only an hour long and I am not likely to accidentally see it (I don’t get PAX TV).
George C. Scott–purely for his performance.
The supporting roles, special effects, etc. are peripheral; Scrooge is the pivot.
Sensibilites change–and nuthin’s more mutable than performing arts–so maybe Scott’s Scrooge just expands on others. But his portrayal is less mannered and more human to my eyes.
His bluff, hearty nephew will remain somewhat annoying in real life (and his bland wife boring), but Scrooge sees worth behind it all–far beyond Christmas.
Veb
Sorry. I meant I didn’t think Stewart’s interpretation was as good as Scott’s.
For sentimental reasons (hey, that’s how the Oscars [tm] are chosen, right?) Alistair Sim.
On technical acting points, George C. Scott…
"Dickens! You magnificent bastard! I read your book!" [slaps a cringing Tiny Tim for being a malingerer]
Best line in an adaptation of A Christmas Carol:
"It would be a sad look-out for Christians the world over, if all the baby Jesus had said was: “woof!” (paraphrased slightly) Ebenezer Blackadder.