Films/DVD Asylum

"A Christmas Carol"

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rico

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The best is, of course, the 1951 version with Alistair Sim. It is actually called "Scrooge" and iy delves deeply into the darker sides of Dickens' classic tale. Heretical I know, but I actually prefer the colorized version (though using my black and white setting), the only colorized film I will ever tolerate. Somewhat lighter in approach is the 1938 MGM version, whiuch is not bad except in direct comparison with "Scrooge". And I always watch "Mickey's Christmas Carol", with its creative use of vintage Disney characters. Others, anyone?

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There is an animated version from the '70s that I would love to see again... - C.B. 04:28:33 12/04/06 (2)
It wasn't "cartoony" at all, but rather true to the costumes and surroundings of the period, albeit in a very sketchy style. It reminded me of a pen-and-ink or etching from the period brought to life. Notably, Alastair Sim was the voice of Scrooge, probably the last thing he ever did.
What set this version apart, I think, is the "realism" of some the scarier moments. For example, when the Ghost of Christmas Future lifts up his robe to reveal the two children ("Hunger" and "Ignorance", I believe), their appearance is truly frightening, much more so than in any of the live action films. And when Scrooge is flying through the air with the spirits, the aerial views of London are enough to give you vertigo. Of course, in this day and age of gratuitous computer effects that would hardly register, but back then it looked impressive.
Anyone remember seeing this one?
- Re: I remember seeing it! - Gee LP 20:58:36 12/05/06 (1)
  As I recall, it aired on network TV in the mid 70s. I can't remember it airing more than one or two years...its "look" definitely did not fit in with the contemporary Christmas offerings!
  I believe it was produced in Great Britain in the early 70s, with the purpose being, as you pointed out, to "animate" the pen and ink drawings used to illustrate Dickens back in the day.
  Thanks for bringing back a great memory! I'll try and find out more about the program.
  - Thanks for replying... - C.B. 04:00:08 12/06/06 (0)
    and let us know if you find out anything more.
There are really only three versions of this story worth talking about... - TWB 00:51:24 12/03/06 (1)
one is the 1951 Alistair Sim film which is a classic. Then, the previously mentioned Albert Finney version. Finney played the part of the elderly miser when he was in his mid-30's!!!! IMO Finney is one of the greatest working actors today and FAR over-looked when it comes to recognition...That musical version was directed by Ronald Neame who gave us some great films... The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, The Chalk Garden and one of my favorite Judy Garland films...I Could Go On Singing. Finally the 1984 TV version with George C. Scott who also does a great job in the role...The 1984 film was directed by Clive Donner who coincidentally was the editor on the 1951 Sim film. He also directed my favorite version of The Scarlet Pimpernel for TV with the ever beautiful Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews as The Pimpernel with a great villian played by Ian McKellan.
- Re: Wrong--- - patrickU 02:06:19 12/03/06 (0)
  There is also a wonderful version, the one with Seymour Hicks ( Peter Ustinov must have seen him...the similitude is...strong )
  Directed from Henry Edwards, in 1935 it is the most realistic one from the many versions I have seen. It has the touch and the feel of what one may understand about realism of the time.
  The script is maybe under develloped, maybe more than maybe, but very " Dickens ".
  A must for the one who love the allegory and beyond.
Scrooge 1970 with Albert Finney - WinthorpeIII 14:17:25 12/02/06 (0)
I'm generally not much for musicals, but this movie is easily head and shoulders above all other Cristmas Carol movies I have seen and one of the best musicals ever. As a matter of fact, I watched it virtually back to back with the 1951 Alistair Sim version with my girlfriend. Not too similar of course and really no comparison. She had been a fan of the 1951 version but found the Albert Finney version in another league. It includes nice work from Alec Guinness as well.

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