A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | **MOVIE REACTION**

[@IrishGuyReacts]

What is your favourite adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

[@oaf-77]

I think it's this one,it's the one I grew up with. Scott's Scrooge is gruff and proud, and his softening feels genuine, and not mawkish, there's also the extra scene that establishes him as a shrewd trader. Definitely one of the best ever made.

[@michaelwalsh2498]

The 1951 version with Alistair Sim. His performance is definitive. But what puts it over the top is the way it brings out the Dickensian aura. Also, the Cockney influence is brought out by the veteran supporting actors who came from British music hall and stage. Those kind of actors just can't be duplicated in later versions.

[@robertjewell9727]

This one although I've not seen the Patrick Stewart version, but George C. Scott is so convincing in the way he uses his voice and his gaze and even his body language, but again particularly his voice from its gravelly condescensing tone that even if he said something as simple as Turn right at the light, it would sound demeaning to the driver. But then his spirit changes when he weeps at his own grave and then of course as in the last scenes when reborn, Ebenezer's voice sounds is full of quiet compassion and boisterous celebration. There's also a television opera of a Christmas Carol with music composed by Bernard Herrmann starring Fredric March as Scrooge that I enjoy although it's recording technique is early videotape so it's not of the same visual clarity as film, But the acting and music are great. Merry Christmas! Oh, one more thing!..my other favorite Christmas movie is Donovan's Reef with John Wayne directed by John Ford, which for me has a wonderfully memorable Christmas scene. Cheers.

[@tc8443]

There was one called Ebenezer and it starred Jack Palance. Honestly, I don't remember that much of it because it's been so long since I've seen it. I love to see it again. It was my goal this year to watch as many versions of A Christmas Carol as I could! The one with George C. Scott is one of my favorites And I also liked the one with Patrick Stewart. And who could forget the Muppet Christmas Carol. The Flinstones? Mr. Magoo? The list is endless! Even Fonzie/Henry Winkler played Scrooge!!

[@oaf-77]

@@tc8443 I remember the Henry Winkler one, that was ‘An American Christmas Carol’ I remember it being good though the changed all the characters names

[@willwozniak2826]

The 1970 Scrooge with Albert Finney was first movie to use the Phantom Hearse before Marleys ghost...the screeching sound effect used was off an old cemetery gate opening and closing very slowly..

[@Randy-r4e]

This version is my favorite of my favorite Christmas story. George C. Scott plays the part very convincingly. I appreciate your choice of this version. Good reaction. We all need the reminder at least every 12 months. For the past 10 years we have needed it much more often.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Well said indeed. A really good adaptation of the story.

[@JC-rb3hj]

There are three versions I watch every year, Sim, Scott, Stewart and I am moved to tears by each one. There is a moment in the Scott version that I found very powerful. Scrooge's disgust at the sale of his "things." He lives in a world of things not people. Excellent reaction. Happy Birthday and a very Merry Christmas.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Agreed, all three are excellent in the role of the miserly Scrooge. Thanks for the Birthday wishes and Happy Christmas to you too.

[@JustMe-um8zp]

Part of what I love of this version is how Scott wasn't going along with everything the spirits told him (not looking a t the body), and when he's reformed how he plays into his prior miserly ways to Cratchet for a minute, before turning on the smile and doubling his wage. The Scrooge character shouldn't just turn around on a dime, but he can still change in his heart. The versions where he's suddenly a radically different person sound like the authorities would come in with a nice coat with extra long arms! But this version is one of the best. Scrooge is still a bit gruff and stern, but now filled with a kindness and generosity, but it wasn't such a radical change to think he'd had a full mental break.

[@stephenmerrill6728]

This one is my all time favorite. Beautifully told in a beautifully believable setting. Acting was superb and you dont find the over acting, like you do in so many versions. Thanks for reacting.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Glad you enjoyed. Excellent adaptation indeed.

[@JustMe-um8zp]

The scene of him looking down....... Scott did it beautifully. He starts to understand what he missed out on.

[@lulu63]

I really must compliment you on your excellent editing. Most reaction editing is so chunky and the cuts tend to speed up towards the end as they run out of minutes. I've watched reactions where the ending is often just cut short. Aaaargh! But you managed to edit dialogue so smoothly and so well that you managed to fit almost all important dialogue. And then fit in the whole ending. Well done. This has always been my favorite, mostly because of George C Scott's performance.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. It's a great rendition of a great story.

[@BigGator5]

"God bless us, everyone." Merry Christmas! ✝️ 🙏 🎄 🎁 Fun Fact: Only released theatrically in the UK. Extra Extra Fact: More than 450 people from the town of Shrewsbury were used as extras during the filming. Casting Notes Fact: David Warner was initially approached to play another role altogether, but lobbied hard to play Bob Cratchit instead. Final Bow Fact: This was Derek Francis' final acting role before his death on March 27, 1984 at the age of 60. He died eight months before the film was first broadcast. Location Location Fact: Scrooge's (George C. Scott) headstone prop can still be visited at Saint Chad's Churchyard in Shrewsbury, where the cemetery sequence was shot. The production team found the stone, apparently blank, and gained permission to have it inscribed. This was left in place at the end of the shoot. Lost In Translation Fact: The word "humbug" is misunderstood by many people, which is a pity since the word provides a key insight into Scrooge's (George C. Scott) hatred of Christmas. The word "humbug" describes deceitful efforts to fool people by assuming a fake loftiness or false sincerity. So when Scrooge calls Christmas a humbug, he is claiming that people only feign charity and kindness in a scoundrel effort to delude him, each other, and themselves. In Scrooge's eyes, he is the one man honest enough to admit that no one really cares about anyone else, so for him, every wish for a Merry Christmas is one more deceitful effort to fool or take advantage of him. This is a man who has turned to profit because he honestly believes that everyone else will someday betray him or abandon him the moment he trusts them.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Would be very cool to visit the headstone. Interesting that it was only released theatrically, in the UK. Happy Christmas Gator. Thanks as always for the great trivia.

[@BigGator5]

And have a Happy New Year! Go with God and Be Safe from Evil. 😎 👍

[@j.woodbury412]

I liked Roger Rees' performance as Fred, especially when Scrooge showed up at his house and he was a bit skeptical and reminded Scrooge of his words earlier about rejecting his invitation. I thought that was very unique

[@brianrunyon266]

Try to watch the Scott, Stewart and Jim Carry version every holiday. Also love the musical score in this version. Quite the surprise from Bob's actor, as he often played villains.

[@jimmyaye4204]

The 1951 production starring Alastair Sim remains my favorite, followed by the 1984 movie with George C. Scott, then ... surprise! - Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), an animated musical TV special with terrific songs, a nostalgic favorite, and finally, the 1938 film starring Reginald Owen. They are all wonderful and I never tire of watching them. Have a very Merry Christmas!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

The 1938 version is next on the list. I had seen the 1951 last year. Was a great watch.

[@chrishornbostel9831]

Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol is a gajillion times better than it has any right to be! That's because the music and songs were all done by Jule Styne, who was the Oscar-winning composer of some of the best scores and songs in Hollywood. The music in that one is just spectacular.

[@jkhristian9603]

I love that this version keeps the economic and political message of the Dicken's story. Most versions these days shy away from that.

[@mattlehigh8560]

Always loved this version. Teary-eyed every time 😢

[@IrishGuyReacts]

A terrific version

[@williamburnham3659]

The 1951 version Scrooge, with the incomparable Alistair Sim is the best version 😊😊😊

[@anrun]

+1 to that, though this version is also excellent.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I watched that version last year. Very good film.

[@johnmulvey5121]

The 1950 ? with Alistair Simm is a good one too

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Indeed, watched it last year. Really liked that version too.

[@johnmulvey5121]

Great review. Good insights Merry Christmas!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Glad you enjoyed it and many happy returns.

[@marlasotherchannel9847]

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas. I love all the film versions of Dicken' story as each one shows a different aspect of the tale, some in the book and a few not.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thanks so much for the Birthday wishes and Merry Christmas to you too. Agreed, there are so many great versions of this fabulous story.

[@jacobdehaan4114]

George C. Scott is the best Scrooge. This adaptation is my favorite!

[@tarahoughton1370]

This is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol. The fact that it was a television production is astounding to me. They did a fantastic job with sound, sets and , my goodness... that music! It's the only version ( that I've seen) where Scrooge's sister is an older sibling. His father holds Ebenezer accountable for his wife's death. Even in the book it's not so clear as to why Ebenezer's father is so distant and callous. Even still Ebenezer calls her "Little Fan" . ( who also died in childbirth) I always enjoy your reactions and I must try the Patrick Stewart version. I've heard of it but never had the opportunity to see it. Thanks again for a great reaction!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Glad you enjoyed the reaction. This one is definitely up there with the best adaptations I've seen.

[@TherealRNOwwfpooh]

Well, Ebeneezer as an adult likely still called his older sister "Little Fan" because he was tall & lanky, whilst she remained average height but still considerably shorter than himself, plus the fact that Fan died young during childbirth -- even with the lack of modern medical convenience -- would still strongly infer that, as big as Fan's heart was for her brother despite their father, there was probably something tragically wrong with her, health-wise, which is another parallel linking the Scrooge & Cratchit families (Scrooge's father holding a grudge because his own wife died giving life to her son, Fan dying giving life to nephew Fred, and Tiny Tim's chronic illness).

[@karlmortoniv2951]

I remember hearing about Patrick Stewart’s one man “Christmas Carol” happening through the ‘90s but tickets were beyond my reach, and it always seemed to sell out. I’m rather gutted that I never saw it. 😔 Growing up in Tucson the Invisible Theater (they presented stuff on a bare stage and mimed all the props and set dressings) had an annual production of “Christmas Carol” with the same local actor as Scrooge whose name escapes me. His was my favorite performance until George C. Scott had a go. The man from Tucson did this thing that I’ve never seen before where at the end before he goes out to do nice things he practices wishing someone a Merry Christmas with his handstand - it stuck with me as one of the quirkiest, most endearing thing I’ve seen on stage. 🥰

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Would love to have seen him perform it on the stage!

[@chrishornbostel9831]

A couple of years ago I read a fully annotated version of Dickens' original story (and even there -- there are multiple versions since Dickens used to do live readings and would edit bits out for timeliness). Then I watched all the major filmed versions and reviewed 'em. This one is the one that hews closest to the original novella. It adds more Christmas Day stuff at the end of the film, but that actually helps -- Dickens really was up against a publisher deadline and the end of the original story feels a bit...rushed. Finally, since you asked: this was commissioned by CBS for an American television movie event (and George C. Scott is very American, but has a lovely trans-atlantic accent so it's no biggie). When the TV network got to see the finished cut of the film in the early fall of 1984, they realized they had something special, something WAY better than they expected, and WAY better than typical made-for-TV movies. It ended up getting a full theatrical release in the UK that holiday season, and in America it aired on CBS in prime time with only two short commercials at the beginning and end -- IBM sponsored it and used this film to unveil their PCjr home computer in those two commercials. Other than the TV network (CBS) who put up the money, and the lead character, this entire production is VERY British. It was shot on the lot at Shepperton Studios, with British director Clive Donner at the helm, and with an all-English cast besides Scott.

[@anrun]

Happy Birthday. Since you mentioned Edward Woodward by name, I'll recommend Breaker Morant. Along with The Wicker Man, it is one of his highest points as a film actor.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thanks for the Birthday wishes and appreciate the film suggestion.

[@johnnehrich9601]

The book is SO short, ~31,000 words, 66 pages, so every adaptation tries to flesh it out with extra content in different ways, such as in this case, the scene with Tiny Tim meeting Scrooge or the hearse passing Scrooge. The book is also an easy read, a couple of hours at most. (In other words, you can read it in about as much time as watching any version. Since it is in the public domain, it is available on Google books, with the original 8 illustrations that Dickens himself selected, so you can see exactly how he envisioned it. PS - many pages are "fluff" like the preface, the table of contents, blank pages. ---- Here is the start: MARLEY was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge’s name was good upon ‘Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail. Mind! I don’t mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country’s done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

[@tapoemt3995]

Born in 72, I grew up with this one as my favorite. Just one TINY complaint and it's almost nothing. When Scrooge whispers the pledge to the poor to man 1, he then whispers it to man 2 but man 2 already had his mouth drop open before he had a chance to whisper it to him. 😂 That's all. Love this one to death.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I suppose that underlines how much you enjoy this film that you really had to search to find a minor criticism. Great film indeed!

[@TTM9691]

Firstly: Happy Birthday! Definitely take some time off! You've earned it! THANK YOU for all the great reactions this year! Love this version of "Christmas Carol" and I was very intrigued to see your reaction as it's the only Scrooge I can think of that is played by an American actor! I really appreciated your remarks about his performance. I think that's great that you want to be in a production of this story one day! I think I'd want to be the Ghost of Christmas Present! That looks like a fun part. I believe either the 1938 or 1950s version had a female Ghost of Xmas Past, and it's been a bit of a tradition ever since. I believe this one is the most (or one of the most) faithful adaptations. My fave version is still the Reginald Owen version, but this is a close second. One is a film and this one is.a television production (you can even see the fade-outs where commercials were inserted) so I don't even like to compare the two! PS: This is actually the only role I can think of where David Warner isn't a villain; he would have made a great Freddie Kruger!

[@TTM9691]

PS: I'll give the Patrick Stewart version a viewing! I have him reading the audiobook and he's magnificent! I agree: watching the great Xmas films is part of the lead-up for me. Laurel and Hardy's "March Of The Wooden Soliders"......next year, you HAVE to watch that one, you'll LOVE it.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I definitely intend to watch the Riginald Owen version next year. Ghost of Christmas Present would be an interesting character to take on. The most layered character of the three Spirits. Thank you for the Birthday wishes and the continued support. Really appreciated TicToc. Have a great and happy Christmas

[@IrishGuyReacts]

@@TTM9691 Highly recommend the Patrick Stewart version. "March of The Wooden Soldiers" could be another one for Christmas next year 👍

[@laurab68707]

A Christmas Carol is my favorite Christmas story also. I like this version , but is 2nd to my first pick with Alastair Sim, (1951). Alastair Sim does a phenomenal job of playing Scrooge.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

The Alastair Sim version is a great watch too. High praise for that adaptation also

[@mikecaetano]

Patton Scrooge! This dropped when I was in high school. I remember watching it on television as a holiday special or somesuch. It closely adheres to the text of the story, iirc, but it's been a long while since I've read it. The Patrick Stewart adaptation is great too. I also remember watching an older black and white version of the tale on television too, but which one I'm not sure, probably A Christmas Carol (1938) with Reginald Owen as Scrooge, possibly A Christmas Carol (1954) with Fredric March as Scrooge, but also possibly Scrooge (1951) with Alastair Sim as Scrooge, but probably not Scrooge (1935) with Seymour Hicks as Scrooge. Definitely not Scrooged (1988) with Bill Murray as Frank Cross, er Scrooge.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

There are so many great versions. I like "Scrooged" but not on the same level as "A Christmas Carol"

[@tarahoughton1370]

Oh, yes.... Happy birthday!!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thank you very much.

[@JustMe-um8zp]

Ever seen the Muppet Christmas Carol? Also quite good. Another recommendation is Three Kings. It was a TV movie about 3 folks in a mental hospital who play the parts of the 3 kings' visit to jesus, and escape on camels (yes) travel to LA. It's the only christmas movie or show I've ever seen that actually talks about jesus (not just "good feelings", "be kind", "family"). It can be hard to find, but it's worth it.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Yes! The Muppet Christmas is also really good. Many good adaptations to this classic story! I'll have to look up the film, 'Three Kings'

[@shawnbrent1165]

great reaction to a great story and movie

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@elisabethn.16]

There's something i really like in every single version. Like you, its one of my favorite stories and i recite lines along with the actors. The cast in this one is terrific but the standout for me is Frank Finlay's ghostly Marley. He was terrifying! By the way, did you notice who was young Jacob Marley in the 1951 version? Patrick Macnee, later John Steed in the '60s tv series "The Avengers". I only recognized him by his voice!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Agree, he was fantastic as Marley. Even his entrance as you hear his footsteps was very effective and creepy. I can't say I've seen "The Avengers" TV series so I'm not sure if I encountered Patrick Macnee before.

[@HuntingViolets]

I am big on the 1951 version, but this version with George C. Scott is one I also like a lot.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

1951 version is really good too.

[@toodlescae]

My favorite story too. The 1951 version with Alistair Sim is my favorite version but I own or have seen just about every version. Have you seen An American Christmas Carol with Henry Winkler?

[@IrishGuyReacts]

There are many great versions. I haven't seen An American Christmas Carol with Henry Winkler but I recently heard about it.

[@bookwoman53]

If you perform in A Christmas Carol which role would you like to play?

[@IrishGuyReacts]

@@bookwoman53 Probably a bit young for the role but I'd love to play Scrooge. For now, perhaps Fred

[@oaf-77]

Hey Happy Birthday

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thanks very much

[@erikdolnack2737]

Irish-Guy, was this your very first time watching the 1984 made-for-TV "Christmas Carol?" It is my favorite adaptation of all.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

It was indeed. I specifically searched for adaptations I had not seen before

[@oaf-77]

If youre looking for a New Years movie, i can recommend " The Poseidon Adventure" -1972

[@IrishGuyReacts]

That's one I really want to see. Those old disaster movies are fun.

[@oaf-77]

@@IrishGuyReacts its one of the best in the disaster movie genre, I highly recommend it as a disaster movie and a new years movie

[@HuntingViolets]

The first ghost is male in the book. The book is great, by the way.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I just started the audiobook.

[@TD-mg6cd]

Too bad you didn't react o SCROOGE (1970) with Albert Finney.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Perhaps a future watch.

[@MichaelHill-we7vt]

I would also say the Albert Finney version is well worth a watch.....with Kenneth More as the ghost of Christmas Present...it's a musical, but that's genuinely doesnt detract from it, the songs are actually pretty good......

[@innercircle341]

This is my least favourite adaptation. I love the story and watch it multiple times each Xmas and listen to the audiobook. The reason I dislike it is George C Scott's interpretation of the Scrooge character. He is a million miles from what Dicken's wrote. Scrooge is a thin, miserable lonely miser. He lives on the cheapest food and lives in a dusty, cob web filled set of rooms. Scrooge is not a powerful orator, a domineering thunderbolt of energy like Scott portrays. And he certainly isnt American. Watch the Alastair Sim version it is way better.

[@michaelwalsh2498]

Spot on. Both George C. Scott and Albert Finney in the musical version, are among the greatest actors of all time, but they don't do it for me as Scrooge. Alistair Sim embodies the role and can't be touched.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

True, he's not English but I loved his performance and was sucked into thinking he was English. Interesting to get a contrasting viewpoint though