A Christmas Carol (1984) HD | George C. Scott (As Scrooge) Charles Dickens Enduring Christmas Story!

IMDb RATING 7.8
A bitter old miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve.
A Christmas Carol is a 1984 British-American made-for-television film adaptation of Charles Dickens' famous 1843 novella of the same name. The film was directed by Clive Donner, who had been an editor of the 1951 film Scrooge, and stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. It was filmed in the historic medieval county town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire.

Cast
George C. Scott – Ebenezer Scrooge
Mark Strickson – Young Ebenezer Scrooge
Frank Finlay – Marley's Ghost
Angela Pleasence – Spirit of Christmas Past
Edward Woodward – Spirit of Christmas Present
Michael Carter – Spirit of Christmas Future
David Warner – Bob Cratchit
Susannah York – Mrs. Cratchit
Anthony Walters – Timothy "Tiny Tim" Cratchit
Louise Gasser – Martha Cratchit, daughter
Orlando Wells (Susannah York's real-life son) – Michael Cratchit
Nancy Dodds – Nancy Cratchit
Sasha Wells (Susannah York's real-life daughter) – Belinda Cratchit, daughter
Kieran Hughes – Peter Cratchit, son
Roger Rees – Fred Hollywell/Narrator
Caroline Langrishe – Janet Hollywell, Fred's wife
Lucy Gutteridge – Belle, Scrooge's fiancée
Nigel Davenport – Silas Scrooge, Ebenezer and Fan's father
Joanne Whalley – Fan Scrooge-Hollywell, Ebenezer's sister and Fred's mother
Timothy Bateson – Mr. Fezziwig
Michael Gough – Mr. Poole
John Quarmby – Mr. Hacking
Peter Woodthorpe – Joe the Fence
Liz Smith – Mrs. Dilber
John Sharp – Mr. Tipton
Derek Francis – Mr. Pemberton
Danny Davies – Forbush
Brian Pettifer – Ben (homeless father)
Catherine Hall – Meg (homeless mother)
Cathryn Harrison – Kate

Genre Drama
Family
Fantasy
Based on "A Christmas Carol"
by Charles Dickens
Screenplay by Roger O. Hirson
Directed by Clive Donner
Starring George C. Scott
Frank Finlay
David Warner
Susannah York
Edward Woodward
Roger Rees
Liz Smith
Music by Nick Bicât
Country of origin United Kingdom
United States
Original language English
Production
Executive producer Robert E. Fuisz
Producers George F. Storke
Alfred R. Kelman
Production locations Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
Cinematography Tony Imi
Editor Peter Tanner
Running time 100 minutes
Production company Entertainment Partners Ltd.
Original release
Network CBS
Release
17 December 1984

[neroidius]

Gosh I f**king love the symbolism in each of the ghosts so much.

The Ghost of Christmas past is the most attractive and tender one, because everyone is full of nostalgia and looks on the old days with warmth and longing. Everyone wants to go back, yet when Scrooge does go back there are parts he can’t face from his past because we always gloss over the bad memories like regrets we try to suppress; and so the ghost of Christmas past is the only one Scrooge forcefully pushes away, burying the past.

The ghost of Christmas Present is is dressed in colorful flamboyant beautiful robes and decorations, but his bright presence is only rivaled by his towering height and booming voice which regularly chastises and lectures Scrooge even with Scrooge’s own words, balancing the fact that the present moment is always full of stress and pressure because it’s where our focus is, but it can still be merry and enjoyed to the fullest if our focus, responsibility and attitude are positively coordinated. And he departs in a simple flash, leaving Scrooge alone in the poor alley. Just like the present moment itself, one second he’s there, the next he’s gone; and thankfully this time Scrooge actually took something from him for once.

And finally the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come has no visible features. He doesn’t talk, he can’t be seen beyond his towering silhouette covered in shadows and fog. Just like the future itself, he is shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, yet Scrooge has no choice but to trust and follow him as the ghost points him forward. Undoubtably, this ghost is the most terrifying just like everyone has any degree of fear and anxiety for the future, and his resemblance to the reaper is a key reminder that perhaps the only certainty of the future is death. And finally he’s the only ghost that doesn’t leave Scrooge. Even when Scrooge is on his knees praying for the future he sees to not come, the ghost trembles suddenly but Scrooge is still only free of him after he wakes up, showing that you can never escape the future but you can hope to change it.

Charles Dickens was a mfing artist

[EdWood]

I don’t care what anyone says, the 1984 adaptation with George C Scott is the best by far. The performances are all excellent and it’s the only one that’s really frightening. I’ve seen them all and this version is superb.

[HEIDIBrayInMaine]

Im.starting my Holidays Marathon with this gem... WHOS WATCHING IN 2024?

[kimalexander]

It's not Christmas without this story

[armyrabb]

The absolute finest portrayal of Scrooge…ever!

[blackhat]

In my eyes, this will always be the definitive film adaptation of "A Christmas Carol". No other version I've seen tops this one. George C. Scott just nails the role so well that I honestly cannot see Ebenezer Scrooge any other way. When I think of that character, I always see George C. Scott.

[RiderPale]

I watch this every Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone! 😀

[orquestrabarki]

I think Dickens would have absolutely loved this adaptation

[Sonomacats]

This is the best version of the Christmas Carol. I cry every time I see this. George C. Scott was brilliant in this part. Thank you so much for making this available.

[markfixitright]

Such a good movie and in my opinion, the best version. It isn't Christmas without watching it.

[hollowmajinbuu]

Watch this every year... Best Christmas movie ever. Nothing beats 80's movies!

[KyleTosh-zb]

I was 13 years old when this movie came out, I believe it was made for tv? Great movie, this is the one from my generation of the carol, ooh how I miss the magic of Christmas, it will never be like it was when I was a kid, don't let the kid inside of you die, remember innocence

[TheBestSelfGuide-StepSy-xovh]

Best production! Every frame, every word, every camera move. Absolute pleasure.

[dannydinosaur]

Edward Woodward was fantastic in this.
You could tell through his performance that The Ghost Of Christmas Present really despised Scrooge and who he was.

[kimberlyfaure]

I have to watch this movie every Christmas. This is by far the best version. Thank you for having it available ❤🙏🏻.

[GhostofSicklesleg]

This version holds a special spot in my heart, I love it for it reminds me of my father it was his favorite one.

[UncleAl-hu]

The Best Movie Ever... When you need to Check yourself on your own Greed and Selfishness... Christmas is for the Needy not the Greedy...Merry Christmas 🎄

[StephenDeagle]

The definitive take on Dickens' story to my judgment. The truest adaptation and most moving. A spellbinding cast, absorbing sets and costuming, and a script tight as a drum. Can't be topped.

[Elephant]

My favorite version of 'A Christmas Carol.' George C. Scott is a phenomenal actor.

[ModernBarbarian]

An excellent adaption of the classic tale and one of my favorites to look back on during the holiday season. A remarkable story of redemption and taking a new, better path in life. George C. Scott does an excellent job with the role; you can see the difference when he awakens on Christmas morning. I just wanted to say that so well done. Humanity is everyone's business.