An American Christmas Carol

I haven't seen it in about 15 years, but I really did like this version of A Christmas Carol. Yeah, it deviated a bit from the original story, but... so what? I could relate to it more.

Seems like ABC would have this one to broadcast annually, but I guess they tossed it when the Fonzie furor was over. Actually, I'm not sure if he was best cast as the American Scrooge, but that didn't take away from the story.

Call me delusional, but I consider it an unappreciated holiday classic.

In my attempt to watch every version of "A Christmas Carol" I came across this curiosity of 1979. Here Henry Winkler plays the unmistakable Ebeneezer Scrooge character, this time set in Depression Era America rather than rat infested DIckens England. Winkler plays Ben Slade, and in today's lingo he is a payday advanced loan jerk who has fleeced the community and lives well while others suffer. Then on Christmas Eve, he is met by ghosts who show him his past, present and future. The future ghosts amused me as it was...DECIDEDLY 1970's attire. Gold chain and all. The movie also has lighter moments. Comedy works best in this darkness. The rest is the standard: sees the errors of his life and realizes leaving a legacy means more than money. All good stuff. The problem comes with some odd casting choices. Starting with Henry Winkler. Perhaps it was too close to "Happy Days" but the poor guy couldn't shake the attitude in his voice. Even though, he's seen here in heavy poorly constructed t.v. budgeted old-dude makeup he still sounded like...the Fonz. You half expect when the ghosts to show up for him to say "Oh heeey, the G of Christmas P" Unfortunately, Winkler went this route. But I also suspected producers may have actually wanted this. I mean, why get The Fonz if you can't hear the Fonz. The guy who plays the Bob Cratchet character is sorely mis-casted. Though seen in most incarnations as a nebbish book worm, this dude just comes off as a nerd. I mean, worse, a Canadian nerd. He doesn't have the gravity of playing an adult nor presence of being one. He doesn't seem as if he could endure Slade's ways. Even as the transformations to good occur, the actor doesn't seem the bit surprised. He just goes along with the flow (which is mostly the director's blame).

The t.v. movie isn't bad. Although what appears to be pieced together by random standing sets and props, I can't imagine this movie cost much to make. The heart is DEFINITELY in the right space. And in the spirit of the holidays, it does do its job. It was a nice attempt at a novel idea on overused Christmas story. It isn't a complete waste of time. But beware of the corny within.

For a long time, I was fascinated by the make up of Henry Winkler. Better adaptations of A Christas Carol were more attractive and the story of venerable Benedict and his exploration of past, present and future, like the nice transformation was only a piece from a long chain.

But , seeing it again, I was fascinated by the nuances, tones and acting.

And more than seduced by the charming end.

Indeed, the story of a lonely old man, reduced to himself. But, in same measure, fine portrait of the selfishness as fruit of many bitter experiences and surogate of happiness. Not the make up rules but a beautiful acting, sustaining a precise, clear and touching message. And it is enough.

I have to admit that this is my personal favorite when it comes to all the "Christmas Carol" films. I try to watch it every year now. I actually really enjoyed Henry Winkler as "Scrooge" and found his portrayal memorable. I am not sure if it is noted in the credits but the majority of this film was shot on location in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. This film does break some of the traditions of the original Charles Dickens tale but it is a very good version of the original with all the same good spirit.

Exactly what the title states. A more modern version of the Charles Dickens classic takes place in New England during the Great Depression. Winkler portrays the "Scrooge" character, but does not display the harshness and cruelty as the actors did in other versions. It's a good movie to watch around the holidays, but definitely the other versions are better. Made for TV movie.