As someone who grew up watching this delightful film every Christmas, I can confidently say that “Scrooge” is a timeless classic that deserves more recognition than it gets. Having spent countless holidays curled up by the fireplace with my family, watching this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale feels like coming home – even when I’m far from it physically.
It’s quite probable that families who celebrate Christmas have a handful of holiday movies they watch annually without fail. Perhaps you seek to revive your faith in humanity with the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Maybe you prefer the nostalgic feelings brought on by “White Christmas.” Or, perhaps you lean towards more contemporary choices like “Elf.” In my family, we have our own movie traditions, but there’s only one we’ve managed to watch consistently each year, and it might not be what you’d expect.
That movie is Scrooge, the 1970 musical film adaptation of A Christmas Carol. It might not carry the prestige of the ’50s version or the nostalgia factor of the Muppets’ take on the story, but for my family and I, it’s as close to a must-watch as we get. As I’ve grown and holiday celebrations have changed over the years, it’s been one of the few constants I’ve been able to rely on. Our VHS copy has gotten pretty worn, but thankfully, the movie is streaming on several services right now. And beyond my personal connection to it, I think it’s a severely underrated take on the classic story. Here’s why.
Why ‘Scrooge’ Deserves More Love
In essence, the film “Scrooge” served as a sequel to the hit Dickens movie-musical “Oliver!”, sharing the same cinematographer and repurposing some of its Victorian London sets. Directed by Ronald Neame, a seasoned filmmaker who had established himself as a go-to for Dickens adaptations by 1970, he had previously garnered Oscar nominations for his work on David Lean’s versions of “Oliver Twist” and “Great Expectations”. With a directing style that is minimally invasive, Neame opted for straightforward camera movements, giving the film a feel reminiscent of a stage play being filmed.
Fortunately, if it were a theatrical production, some of the most distinguished British actors from the 20th Century might have taken the lead roles. Among them, Albert Finney, a multifaceted performer who made his mark in both theater and cinema, portrays Scrooge. Known for breaking through as a young talent in the early ’60s with films like Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, he continued his career spanning nearly six decades, appearing in projects such as Erin Brockovich, Big Fish, and Skyfall later on. Remarkably, Finney was just 33 when he played Scrooge, yet he delivers a convincing performance as an elderly man, with the help of subtle makeup and a transformation in his physicality.
Apart from Finney, Scrooge also boasts a standout performance by Sir Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley. Guinness was yet to wield a lightsaber and captivate millions as Obi Wan Kenobi, but he had been acting in films since the mid-40s. Despite having only a few scenes, Guinness delved deeply into the character of Marley, adopting a hushed whisper and a peculiar, floating stride, reveling in tormenting his former partner. Watching these two legends act together in their shared scenes is one of the film’s most enjoyable aspects.
Apart from these familiar faces, there are many others who had successful careers in their native lands but may not be as recognized in the U.S. Dame Edith Evans, a renowned British stage actress, lends a charming air of primness and sternness to her role as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Kenneth More, a popular British character actor, brings a boisterous energy to the Ghost of Christmas Present, earning some of the film’s biggest laughs. David Collings exudes warmth and integrity as Bob Cratchit, while Frances Cuka portrays Mrs. Cratchit with a blend of gentleness and resilience. As Tom Jenkins, a hot soup vendor and one of Scrooge’s debtors, Anton Rodgers delivers perhaps the movie’s most memorable tune, the Academy Award-nominated “Thank You Very Much.
‘Scrooge’s Underrated Music
To clarify, Scrooge is a musical production, and it excels in this area as well. The melodies were penned by Leslie Bricusse, an accomplished songwriter who has contributed to various projects. He co-created themes for Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice from the James Bond series, and handled music arrangements for films like Doctor Doolittle and Goodbye Mr. Chips before moving on to Scrooge. Soon after, he collaborated with Anthony Newley, who wrote lyrics for Goldfinger, to compose songs for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971. This means that Bricusse might have significantly impacted your childhood tunes as well.
In the musical Scrooge, while the tunes might not be as iconic as those in Willy Wonka, there are still some melodies that will leave an impression on you. The most memorable among them is undoubtedly “Thank You Very Much,” a lively number sung by a group of celebrators who are unbeknownst to Scrooge, rejoicing over his change of heart, as he stands there unaware with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Additionally, Scrooge has a comical solo song titled “I Hate People,” which speaks for itself, and the Ghost of Christmas Present offers a cheerful ode called “I Like Life,” praising enjoyment and gratitude. Lastly, “Happiness,” sung by Scrooge’s former fiancé Isabel (Suzanne Neve), has a soothing, melodious tune.
The musical adaptation of Scrooge received generally positive feedback upon its release, but it faced some criticism regarding its music, with certain critics labeling it as forgettable, which I find borders on irresponsible journalism. Its most debatable aspect is an extended sequence where Scrooge tumbles into his own grave and finds himself in Hell (you read that correctly), where he’s warmly welcomed by a jubilant Jacob Marley, eager to show him his dreadful quarters and the horrific chain he’ll be compelled to wear. This scene was even removed when the film was broadcast on television due to its contentious nature.
Despite not boasting singing Muppets or advanced motion-capture animation that today’s CGI-focused world might find a bit dated, Scrooge possesses an enchanting uniqueness of its own. This Christmas marks the first one I won’t be going back to my childhood home, which was sold in April. However, when my family and I watch Scrooge, it will surely transport me back there once more.
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2024-12-23 03:35