Despite a few details (like the Ghost of Christmas Present's hair-style) this adaptation has aged like fine wine to me. In my opinion, most made-for-television productions from this era (early 80s) never age well. This seemed like such a high caliber production. Does anyone know if this was originally intended for a theatrical release?
Anyway, this is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol by far. I love it!
I could have sworn it was theatrical until I visited the IMDb page yesterday, but it was before my time. I enjoy watching this version the most, it never gets old.
This is my story. This is the sacrifice my father made. This was his gift to me.
I never get tired of it, it's a classic!
shareWhen I originally saw this as a kid I thought it was made in the 90s. To my surprise it was made the same year as Ghostbusters and Terminator 1.
"You want me to roll 6,000 of these!? What? Should I quit my job!?" George Costanza, Seinfeld
This is by far my favorite version of A Christmas Carol. George C. Scott is wonderful in this roll. Hell, everyone is wonderful in every roll. Even the child actors. Some of the subtly in the performances is wonderful and just not seen in a lot of other versions I've seen, such as Mrs. Cratchet's humoring of her husband when he says that he thinks Tiny Tim is getting stronger. You can tell she doesn't believe it herself. But there is nothing she can do but not dampen his spirits.
Then there's the Ghosts. Newer versions can give them better effects. But not better performances. The way Christmas Present goes from jovial to sinister in some scenes, as he shows his contempt for Scrooge. And the creepiness of Yet To Come is something I've not seen repeated. The slowness of its movements, the way its never really focused on by the camera, just seen sort of in the foreground or in the distance. The eerie sound it makes instead of talking.
I tend to watch this version at least once a year. Other versions are good and worth watching. But this is the one I will always come back to and think of as the definitive version.
Wow. I started this thread so long ago, I'm surprised it still exists. I'm pleased that this movie still ignites discussion and has not been forgotten. I'm actually watching it right now. This will always be my favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol, followed by the '51 version and the Albert Finney version. Anyway, hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.
shareI was on the verge of tears throughout watching this back in '84 when it first aired. By the time in ended it was awash in sentimental, happy sobs. I've watched it every years since, even those years when it hasn't been broadcast. I still have my trusty old VHS recording, taped that first night, and a few years ago I purchased a DVD.
It has never lost its power to move me. I've seen every other version--I am well into middle age. But this to me, is the definitive offering. I cherish it. And I still cry.
@denis-38
Yep...the version that stands head and shoulders above all others for *me*. The 1951 Alistair Sim version is more revered by the critics(and I love it too), but this one hits with an emotional wallop.
When I was a little boy, I saw an animated TV special called "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol". That was my first experience with this story and I absolutely loved it. Imagine my surprise as a kid when I found out that this story had been done repeatedly over the years.
I remember seeing glimpses and pieces of the older movies. But sometime in the 80's, I saw this version and since then, it is the only version that I watch. I adore it. I watch it every year and always love every minute of it.
Life ain't easy when you're a Froot Loop in a world full of Cheerios.
I collect versions of "A Christmas Carol" or "Scrooge" and "Jane Eyre", so I like most versions, for different reasons. The point is to notice the differences. I don't mind black and white. One can tell a good black and white movie as they use shadows well. Also, Alistair Sims is terrific. I love it when he scares the maid on Christmas Day...he does act crazy.
However, one thing that struck me about this version was that it looked theatrical and not made-for-TV. The acting was superb, and I liked that Scott chose to wear the clothing from the book and not a nightshirt when he was on his travels with the ghosts.
I do love the scene from "Scrooge" 1970 when Scrooge falls to Hell. That isn't in very many versions, so it makes it unique.
So, any version anyone loves is fine with me...I like them all.
This version has weathered well.
Its that man again!!
I so believe it continues every year to further establish itself as a definitive version of the Dickens novel. The talent in front of and behind the camera made this a treat. Indeed, it seems ageless
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