Ebenezer Scrooge is a hard-nosed, single-minded businessman in Victorian London. He has no friends, has disowned his only living relative, his nephew Fred Holywell, and generally treats everyone he meets with extreme contempt. He hates Christmas, only cares about making money and only grudgingly gives his clerk Bob Cratchit the day off. However, he is taught the true meaning and spirit of Christmas by three ghosts who show him his past, present and what the future holds for him if he doesn't improve his ways. A Christmas Carol is a story many are familiar with. It is one of the greatest aspects of the festive season that tells such an impactful tale that has been done so many times over the years in varying mediums. So with each iteration, there is a distinct difference that keeps it feeling fresh, bringing something new to the table and this version is no different. Whilst telling what might be considered the most accurate adaptation, this made-for-television movie goes the extra mile by including new additions not found in the novel. They are, however, minor inclusions like giving some characters names or surnames for those who didn't have any as well as a little more information about Scrooge's history with his father. Seeing pieces of the film rarely shown in other iterations was incredible too. From the Ghost of Christmas Past's cap, which Scrooge uses to extinguish her light, to the children's Ignorance and Want under the Ghost of Christmas Present's cloak. I personally adore this depiction and it is certainly classed as being one of the best. The atmosphere and set pieces are extraordinary, especially for a TV-made project that wouldn't nearly have the budget of big-picture production. Alongside the gorgeous setting, the actors bring this production to life. George C. Scott is brilliant as Scrooge as he delivers a stern and cruel demeanour yet one who chuckles at remarks. I found this to be a lesser-seen trait in Scrooge, having him actually laugh, even though it is still in his character with it being insincerely, but when he eventually becomes a nicer person it feels a little less impactful to hear him laughing. This is, of course, a nitpick as I know it was more snickering, but it was something that stood out to me. I loved seeing this iteration of Scrooge's redemption as he undergoes the treatment of the three spirits, watching his emotions flood back coinciding with his memories. My favourite scene from Scott's performance was when the final spirit showed him his gravestone. It was heartbreaking seeing Scrooge's reaction despite the horrible person he was you can't help but tear up at his pleading for a second chance. Other notable performances come in the form of the ghosts and spirits. Frank Finlay's Marley was quite frightening. Edward Woodward's Ghost of Christmas Present was very grand and stole every scene playing on the jolly side with a sinister edge as he snapps at Scrooge's remarks. Everyone involved was superb, not to mention David Warner as Bob Cratchit who gave a deeply felt performance. Also, I think this movie features the illest-looking Tiny Tims I've ever seen, which I guess made it more authentic being a child on the verge of death. Combined with the stellar actors and visually pleasing sets, the most important element to this film's success has to be the music. It manages to convey every emotion with its cheerful carols for the joyous occasion to the eerie screeching that lends to the dark tones, which makes the scenes so memorable. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is always a terrifying aspect of any version, but this one in imparticular stood out to me because of the music. If not for that chilling score etched into every scene I doubt it would have left as much of an impact on me proving its detrimental power in this production. Overall, I have very fond memories of this adaptation of the iconic story from watching it with my family each year-round. It is comforting, eerie and magical, all wrapped up into one. It is certainly one of the darker feeling ones but also one of the most accurate recreations including aspects left out of countless others that I really appreciated. Everyone was in full form across the board, which resulted in a perfect product.
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