Scrooge

Rating:
Summary: A must every Christmas..!
Review: The best version of A Christmas Carol. Albert Finney is brilliant as Scrooge. The poignient scenes are very touching. It never gets old, watched it five times already this year. My kids love it too. Not too many songs for a "sort of" musical. Don't listen to the editorial snob this one's the best. Great sets and scenery. It's a very uplifting film about how it's never too late to live a better life. A lot of folks could learn from this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Ignore The Editorial Snob
Review: Don't pay any attention to Tom Keogh's above Editorial Review. He has never been more wrong. Not only is Albert Finney's performance perhaps the best ever video presentation of Mr. Scrooge, but the entire cast, including Alex Guiness, is FIRST RATE! The songs are wonderful; the set is perfect; the story line is respectful of the original, but creative with it's adaptation. I am so thankful that SCROOGE is finally out on DVD!

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: From the time I was able to remember watching Television, we have watched this film! A tradition in our own home since the movie was released, we watch this film at least 5 times during the season, and always on Christmas Eve. Now I will be married, and will pass this tradition on to my own family. I could not imagine a year with out this movie. Albert Finney's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge is perfect. Put this movie on the list along with "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life"!!!

Rating:
Summary: The second best musical version of "A Christmas Carol"
Review: I thought that it would be the songs that would make me think less of this 1970 version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," but actually it is the performance by Albert Finney that I failed to warm up to. It is certainly a competent enough performance, and has its moments, but when the title character is upstaged by Marley's Ghost that is not going to be a good sign. But to be fair, Marley's Ghost in "Scrooge" is played by Alec Guinness, who puts an interesting read on the man who in life was Scrooge's partner. Apparently this Marley is a bit ticked off that Scrooge is being given a second chance; the implication is that nobody did anything like that for him. Consequently, Guinness plays Marley with a bit of an attitude and a lot more energy than we have seen in previous productions (where Leo G. Carroll in the 1938 version with Reginald Owen as Scrooge stands out).

The songs for "Scrooge" were written by Leslie Bricusse, who did "Dr. Doolittle," and those who remember that overlooked Rex Harrison musical will pick up on the similarities. Actually, "Dr. Doolittle" is the much better score, because besides the Oscar nominated song, "Thank You Very Much," nothing here is particularly memorable. I have no inherent bias against a musical version of Dickens--it sure worked for "Oliver Twist"--but if you want to hear the best musical version of "A Christmas Carol" the winner hands down is "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol." If anything, there are too many songs in "Scrooge," and less would have been more (for example, check out the screen version of "1776," where the number of songs in the second act is greatly reduced as the drama takes over).

Michael Medwin, who plays Scrooge's nephew Fred, also did the screenplay, which is not that difficult because the rule is to stick as close to the sacred text as possible. But there are some rather creative additions that add to the length of the film without improving the story (the exception is the epilogue, which I rather like). The production is suitably lavish, and there is something about seeing characters decked out in Victorian garb that seems particularly appropriate for the Christmas season. In terms of familiar faces in the supporting cast that would be Kenneth More as a rather jolly Ghost of Christmas Present and Laurence Naismith as Fezziwig. The new face that steals the show is Anton Rodgers, who sings "Thank You Very Much" atop Scrooge's coffin.

All things considered, "Scrooge" is not as good as it could have been, which is a rather stinging indictment when you are dealing with this classic Christmas story. It is enjoyable and has its moments, but I would not think this one is going to end up being many people's favorite version of "A Christmas Carol." However, it is a lot better than the various animated musical versions out there (except for the aforementioned Mr. Magoo version).

Rating:
Summary: WOW Its about time!!!
Review: I have been a huge fan of this movie since its release. Right up there in my ten best list. I own the VHS version and our family watches it together each holiday season. I have been wating for the DVD release for years and could not believe it when I saw it at Amazon. Ordered it right away. The best Scrooge ever. THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: "Sing a Song of Gladness and CHEER", for "Scrooge" is HERE!
Review: Well, IT'S FINALLY HERE! "Thank You Very Much". The critics hated it, said it was too corny, too sweet. Well, when I first saw it in 1970, I loved "SCROOGE". I figured that the critics were only frustrated out of work actors, writers, composers, and directors. Full of sour grapes. I saw "Scrooge" that year well over 45 times. Let's see, I would have been, 15 years old, and my admission to the theatre then would have been, .25¢, a huge popcorn, .25¢ and a 22 oz. Coke, .10¢ and a big nestles chocolate bar, .05¢. Boy have times changed! Now to the film. GREAT score by an accomplished and AWARD winning musical genius, Leslie Bricusse, who also gave us, Willy Wonka, and others. The Cast, Albert Finney as SCROOGE, what a great entertaining performance. He is supported by a great cast, Sir Alec Guinness, as the late, Jacob MARLEY, Dame Edith Evans as Ghost of Christmas Past, and Kenneth More as the Ghost of Christmas Present. The ever favourite retelling of Charles Dickens', "A Christmas Carol" set to music and dance. A great compliment to that other Dickens' hit, "Oliver". "Scrooge" is full of life, love, music, & dance. This is a beautifully updated, yet authentic to the period, TREASURE. The critics are probably still mixed, but, I for one would like to say, "THANK YOU VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH, THANK YOU VERY, VERY, V-E-R-Y MUCH!" This Christmas is starting out on a Big Bright Note! Thank You Paramount Home Entertainment! You brought "Scrooge" out on dvd before another Christmas Passed! So, ADD some Holiday Cheer to your Christmas this year and Now everyone can, "Sing a Song of Gladness and Cheer!" The BEST Ebeneezer SCROOGE is FINALLY HERE! I have performed in the Milwaukee Rep. Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" over the years, completeing well over 2000 performances, if you like the Story, take it from me, this is the BEST!

Rating:
Summary: "Thank you very much!"
Review: Charles Dickens' 1843 short story entitled "A Christmas Carol" has provided a lot of inspirational material for film producers since the beginning of the film industry in the early twentieth century. Probably more than a dozen films have been based upon this short story with varying degrees of poetic license. In 1970, director Ronald Neame (who co-adapted Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations" to film in 1946, for which he received a shared Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay Writing) presented one of the more unique versions of classic story as a musical, entitled simply as "Scrooge". Not everyone who has watched this musical version has liked it as much as versions that have less poetic license, but the music and singing in "Scrooge" did not diminish the original story. Instead, it provided a unique way for the characters to express their emotions in each scene. Further, the Academy Awards recognized the film with four Oscar nominations for Best Original Music, Best Song (for "Thank You Very Much"), Best Costume Design and Best Set Decoration.

Playing the infamous, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge in this musical version was Albert Finney, who received a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for the role. Joining him were Alec Guiness as the ghost of Jacob Marley, David Collings as Bob Cratchit, Edith Evans as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Kenneth More (1914-1982) as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Paddy Stone as the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, Michael Medwin as Ebenezer's nephew Fred, Mary Peach as Fred's wife, Richard Beaumont as Tiny Tim Cratchit, Frances Cuka as Mrs. Cratchit, Karen Scargill as Ebenezer's sister Kathy, Laurence Naismith as Mr. Fezziwig and Suzanne Neve as Isabel Fezziwig. The songs that were sung in the film, including my rating for each, are listed below:

* "A Christmas Carol" (4.5, sung by Chorus).
* "Christmas Children" (4.5, sung by David Collings, Richard Beaumont and Karen Scargill).
* "I Hate People" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "Father Christmas" (4, sung by 'Street Urchins').
* "See The Phantoms" (4.5, sung by Alec Guiness).
* "December the 25th" (4, sung by Laurence Naismith & Chorus).
* "Happiness" (4.5, sung by Suzanne Neve).
* "You...You" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "I Like Life" (5+, sung by Kenneth More & Albert Finney).
* "The Beautiful Day" (4, sung by Richard Beaumont).
* "Happiness (reprise)" (4.5, sung by Suzanne Neve & Albert Finney).
* "Thank You Very Much" (5+, sung by Anton Rodgers (playing Tom Jenkins), Albert Finney & Chorus).
* "I'll Begin Again" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "I Like Life (reprise)" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "Father Christmas (reprise)/Thank You Very Much (reprise)" (5, sung by Albert Finney, children & Chorus).
* "A Christmas Carol (reprise)" (5, sung by Albert Finney & Chorus.)

Overall, for being engaging and entertaining, as well as having good music, I rate the 1970 musical "Scrooge" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Moving, Funny and Beautiful
Review: I cannot disagree more strongly with the critics who have called this mediocre and forgettable: This is perfection. Albert Finney delivers an absolutely accurate portrayal of a loathsome old carcass who slowly and painfully thaws. How old could he have been when he played this part...? You really believe he is ancient! The songs are excellent, particularly the song that follows his courtship, engagement and ultimate loss of the love of his life. That scene, and the lyrics, are absolutely tear-jerking. Costumes, sets and huge cast are visually luscious and colorful. Scrooge's house is like a Halloween haunted house; His nephew's plush digs make you feel like bursting into a verse of Deck the Halls. The peripheral characters are great: Bob Cratchit, Ghost of Christmas Present, the street urchins, the shopkeepers, all grand! My favorite is Jacob Marley: What a toothy little gem of a part for Alec Guiness. What a weird and haunting interpretation. His body language is just plain spooky. My little brother dressed up as him for Halloween for YEARS, so taken was he with the freakiness of the character. I watch this several times during the holiday season. It is beautiful. I think Charles Dickens would approve.

Rating:
Summary: It's About Time!!
Review: I came to this site today (13 Nov. 03) after coming from TCM requesting this movie (I know they would show it in the widescreen format). No showing for next month. I left their site with the same yearly disappointment.
I did my yearly check on dvd for this title and my jaw dropped when I saw it was available!

I ordered it right away and I can't wait to get it! I have never seen this movie in the widescreen format and it will be a pleasure to finally see the whole picture!

Many people I knew use to complain about not having the screen on the tv filled, until they finally realized that 1/4 to 1/3 of the picture is missing. I recall how upset I would get because VHS rarely offer movies in it's original theatrical format. I was in heaven when dvd's came out and offer widescreen on 98% of the movies.

I don't know what the author of the editorial was smoking, but it could not have been very good, because he/she (from reading the other reviews)is all wrong about this movie. It is a great musical and the songs are indeed memorable. My favorites were "Father Christmas" "December the 25th", the title song at the beginning, and a few other songs.

I for one am very happy to finally have this movie in my dvd library. Many thanks to the forces that brought this movie to dvd!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely a Christmas Must
Review: When I first saw this movie at about 8 years old, I fell in love with it. Christmas isn't christmas without it. My father and I often watch it at other times of year too. The review on this homepage which states that the music isn't all that good is sorely wrong. The whole movie is put together with the music to tell a tale that captivates even an 8 year old. Now at 31 I am ecstatic to know I can now get it on dvd!!!!!! Thank You Very Much!!!!!!!!!