A Christmas Carol on Film
The tale of a wicked old miser who embarks on a journey of redemption after being visited by supernatural guests has enthralled audiences for generations. As such it is a story that has proved irresistible to film-makers as they attempt to capture the original spirit of Dickens tale.
Many have felt the urge to embellish upon the original story with some very mixed results. Many illustrious actors have tackled the role of Ebenezer Scrooge over the years including Patrick Stewart, Albert Finney, Jim Carey, Michael Caine, Alastair Sim and even Marcel Marceau (also with varying degrees of credibility!).
So join us as we take a gallop through some of the more memorable screen versions of A Christmas Carol.
Scrooge, or Marley’s Ghost (1901) Dir. Walter R. Booth
Beginning with the very first film adaptation of A Christmas Carol which is entitled Scrooge, or Marley’s Ghost and was
created in 1901. To modern viewers it may appear very crude and quite ropey in
places - Marley’s ghost is literally a man with a white sheet draped over him.
However, for all its shortcomings in the costume department the film-makers made good efforts with the special effects, with some impressive camera tricks (by 1901
standards of course). You can watch part of the film here and judge for yourself.
Scrooge (1951) Dir. Brian Desmond Hurst
Alastair Sim plays the titular role and for many this is one
of the most memorable adaptations. Sim imbues the character an inner complexity
never seen in any other film version. It delves deeper into Scrooge’s history
and attempts to explain why he has descended into such a cruel, uncaring man. He
feels such resentment towards his nephew, Fred because Scrooge’s beloved sister
Fan, died giving birth to him. Of all his 60 films, this is probably the Scottish
actor’s most celebrated performance.
Scrooge (1970) Dir. Ronald Neame
Albert Finney stars as Scrooge who is visited by Sir Alec
Guinness playing Jacob Marley’s ghost in this musical interpretation of
Dickens’ Classic text. Scrooge received
four Oscar nominations and still remains the only adaptation to have done so.
Finney also received a Golden Globe for The Best Motion Picture Actor in a
Musical/Comedy. Included amongst the
myriad of songs are ‘I Hate People’, ‘See the Phantoms’, ‘I like Life’ and
‘I’ll begin Again’ which essentially sums up the basic plot musically. The film
takes liberties with Dickens’ original text by not only adding contemporary music
but by including a bizarre scene where Scrooge tumbles into his own grave,
plummeting into a fiery hell scene.
Scrooged (1988) Dir. Richard Donner
Scrooged not only
departs from the original text but transposes the Victorian setting to an
American 1980s office interior of a high powered executive. It is not a direct
translation of the novella but retains the crucial redemptive and
transformational elements of Dickens’ story. Fred Cross, played by Bill Murray,
is a cruel, cynical TV Executive who is essentially a latter day Scrooge. On
one fateful Christmas Eve night he reforms his mean ways after a midnight
visitation by three ghosts. The combination of Bill Murray’s off-beat humour
and 1980s setting has ensured its cult status.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Dir. Brian Henderson
A list of memorable A
Christmas Carol adaptations wouldn’t be complete without including The Muppet Christmas Carol which for
many people is the most archetypical version of Dickens’ classic text. Michael Caine plays the mean spirited Scrooge
and he is joined on screen by the complete menagerie of much cherished Muppet
characters including the classic odd coupling of Kermit the Frog as Bob
Cratchit and Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit whose divergent demeanours account
for many laughs. The Muppet Christmas
Carol is surprisingly close to Dickens’ original tale albeit with many of
the characters being played by puppets.
A Christmas Carol (2014) Dir. Dominic Hill
This finally brings us to our very own stage production
of A Christmas Carol directed by Citizens Artistic Director Dominic Hill,
renowned for his ‘highly imaginative, transfixing productions’ (Daily
Telegraph). You can expect a magically inventive heart-warming and spine
tingling production complete with puppets, carols and lots of snow! It offers a
true festive treat for all the family that captures the original heart of
Dickens’ beloved tale. The show runs from 29 Nov 2014 – 3 Jan 2015 and is sure
to warm even the coldest of hearts and leave all rejoicing in the Christmas
spirit so don’t delay book your tickets now.
Have you got a
favourite version of A Christmas Carol?
Let us know in the comments below
A Christmas Carol
runs from 29 Nov 2014 - 3 Jan 2015 at the Citizens Theatre
runs from 29 Nov 2014 - 3 Jan 2015 at the Citizens Theatre
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