La alegre historia de Scrooge

Are you interested in seeing A Christmas Carol as a musical? You've got several options (since the Public Domain makes it easy for budding songwriters to write music without securing any exclusive rights). I've seen at least four musicals, and I recommend the Albert Finney version. Leslie Bricusse's songs are delightful, the production values are surprisingly good, and Albert Finney is the lead! In a wonderful treat (and the only version I can remember that does this), Albert plays both the main Scrooge and the younger version in the past flashbacks. Usually, it's a role sought out in an actor's middle-age, but since Albert was so young in 1970, he merely covered himself up in unrecognizable makeup during the main meat of the movie. For a few minutes, we get to see him in his true handsome glory, and it's a lot of fun. In either case, young or old, he's a great actor believable in hero or villain roles, which makes him a wonderful Ebenezer Scrooge.

And did you know that he could sing? You'll get to hear a variety of original songs in this movie, from the sweet to the sad, the heartwarming to the funny. Alec Guinness, Kenneth More, Laurence Naismith, Suzanne Neve, Richard Beaumont, and David Collings join in on the musical fun; and Anton Rodgers leads the chorus in the most memorable "Thank You Very Much." It's a very sad scene (the entire town is thanking Scrooge for dying), but the song itself is adorable and will keep you singing it for years to come.

This version might not be the one you watch every year on Christmas Eve, but if it's been a while since you saw it, rent it again this December. There are many little touches that will continue to impress you whenever you do watch it. Details remind you that the writers clearly studied the original text, the production design and costumes make you feel as though you're experiencing the bitter cold alongside them, and Albert Finney makes you want to wrap him up in a hug. No, not because of his twinkling eyes and sparkling smile. Just as he completely transformed himself as Hercule Poirot, you'll forget there's a young, handsome man underneath the makeup of Ebenezer Scrooge. He's a lonely, crotchety old man you'll feel sorry for, and when you see the Ghost of Christmas Past flashbacks, you'll practically forget it's the same actor!

In response to the other comment posted, I can agree. This version is not suitable for ALL ages. Parents should be advised to monitor their small children and perhaps omit the more dramatic scenes involving the Ghost of Christmas Future. When I share this movie with little friends under 12, I take care to either distract them from those sections, or omit them, thanks to the power of the fast-forward button. (But really, today's kids 8-9 and up see way more violent & scary stuff these days!)

However, having said that, I own a copy and have watched it faithfully every Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for nigh onto 20 years. It renews my spirit and reminds me of my responsibilities as a human being.

At the tender age of 12, my Dad took me to see "Scrooge" in the theater when it was released for Christmas. At only 12 years of age, the scenes of the Ghost of Christmas Future were quite vivid.

However, the movie made such an impression on me that it influenced my entire Life philosophy. "Mankind is our business" says Dickens through the Ghost of Christmas Present. This joyful movie filled with wonderful songs that bring me the Christmas Spirit every year. It also imparts the value of staying connected to matters of the spirit and heart, and illustrates the difficulties that arise when ones focus becomes only the material or the monetary. That is a valuable lesson to us all, not just at Christmas, but the whole year through.

I recommend this movie to everyone. Personally, I find it much more engaging and inspiring, not to mention, colorful, than any other version. The performances of all the actors are very entertaining. If you're the sentimental type, keep a hankie close by when Tiny Tim sings for his family at Christmas. What an angel!

Just my 2 cents worth!

Special . This, I suppose, is the fair term about this adaptation , offering to Albert Finney the privilege to craft a great Scrooge , to Sir John Gielgud to impress as Marley and to viewer to feel a great state of spirit.

All is seductive in this musical . Maybe because it represents more than a real inspired adaptation but a pure energetic dialogue with viewer. The huge goblets, the Santa costume, the dances in spirit of old fashion musicals - just few admirable good points, provocative in same measure.

Sure, some innovations, so smart made than are more than good reflection of book spirit.

Delightful sounds reasonable for a film admirable for honesty and clever remind of the heart of Christmas.

So, spectacular in same measure.

And, no doubts, one of films fair to see time by time.

Christmas films, like Christmas songs, are a hugely personal choice, and depend so much on childhood experience. But this is one film which does not lose it's charm, no matter how often I see it. The songs, sets and costumes are fantastic, the acting is inspired, and the musical scenes are beautifully choreographed. In fact, there is no other Christmas film, which has contributed so many songs to my Christmas repertoire! The fact that this version is an English production also helps considerably in the credibility department - the accents are authentic.

Aside from the scene in "hell", this film is admirably true to the spirit and content of Dicken's text, with some inevitable cuts which frankly, I didn't miss. More importantly, I have seen no other version which manages to combine the miserable qualities of Scrooge with the touches of wit and humour which Dickens so skillfully wrote with. Other versions of the film so often succeed at being dour, while failing to capture the joyous aspects of the story, and the humour Scrooge himself sometimes provides. Happily, this version Succeeds at both.

The 1951 version of the film, with Alastair Sim as Scrooge, is often touted as being the best. This may be where my age betrays me, but when I saw it recently, it left me feeling rather flat. Sim did a good job of appearing afraid of the ghosts, but where was his bitterness, skepticism and sarcastic wit? By contrast, Albert Finney's portrayal is a joy to watch - you cannot help but both love and hate the miserable old creature, which makes his transformation at the end all the more joyous.

Highlights...

The clever use of songs like "Father Christmas" and "Thank You Very Much" to convey very different sentiments at the end of the film than they do when first introduced in eaarlier scenes - marvelous!

Albert Finney, as the hilariously miserable Scrooge, singing "I hate People"

Alec Guinness as a truly original ghost of Jacob Marley - fantastic!

Kenneth More's Ghost of Christmas Present - what presence, what a costume!

Laurence Naismith as the exuberant Fezziwig - exactly as he should be, and a good dancer too!

Edith Evans (Elderly Ghost of Christmas Past), in response to Scrooge's "You don't look like a ghost", primly replying "Thank You!".

Mrs. Cratchhit's scream of shock when she realises who is delivering the enormous turkey to her door! I could watch it a hundred times!

...and too many others to mention. This movie was released on DVD this year - by all means see it!

This film is an underrated classic family musical. In the spirit and tradition of Oliver! and My Fair Lady, with an energetic memorable score and an eclectic cast all on top form. Sir Alec Guinness, Dame Edith Evans and the wonderful Kenneth Moore support magnificently. Moore in one of the last roles before his untimely death, clearly enjoying hamming it up as the ghost of Christmas present carrying the miserable scrooge along for the ride of his life whilst singing `I like life!' is a joy to see.

But Finney's performance is the standout. At a time when he was making films like Charlie Bubbles and Gumshoe, and with a reputation of being one of Britain's foremost angry young men this role was as unexpected as it was wonderful.

As a side note I was lucky enough to be able to see Anthony Newley as the miser in Bricusse's early nineties theatrical revival, and although good was no where near as cutting or humorous as Finney.

A must see at Christmas time, you too will be singing `I like life' and `thank you very much' for days afterwards!