How The Muppets made the most accurate Christmas Carol adaptation ever

A video essay on one of the greatest Christmas films.
It's one of the most widely adapted stories. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has been a novel, an opera, a theatre production, a radio play, a graphic novel and has appeared on-screen multiple times in various forms.
But the Muppet's version still persists as the one that stays most true to the themes of the original 19th-century novel.
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[@DanJackson1977]

"Donald Duck has been Scrooge".. No, he was Scrooge's Nephew. Scrooge McDuck has been Scrooge.

[@matthwe3468]

To quote another famous duck Daffy, "You're absolutely correct."

[@rebelbelle1388]

Came down in the comments to say this. I will not have my favorite Disney character snubbed.

[@alexlella8771]

I know... How sad!

[@glamazon6172]

The Scrooge McDuck version is also a favorite of mine!

[@sinnsage]

an important distinction!

[@knibscratch]

I was a puppeteer on this film so it’s always interesting to see an analysis of it offering thoughts they hadn’t accred to me … Thank you.

[@elgatonegro1703]

Of course a lot of times it's hard to see the magnitude of something you help create when you're in the trenches, as it were. Thank **you** for giving us the best and most rewatchable version of the story :)

[@daytonapeanut]

Really? That's amazing!

[@MrsYasha1984]

Amazing! Thank you for for helping create this masterpiece! It's a wonderful adaption and one of my favorit christmas movies!

[@playgroundchooser]

That's so cool! Did you folks understand that you were creating the greatest Christmas movie of all time while working on it? Or was it just another job to you at the time?

[@downeastboy84]

That is so cool

[@Jasonwolf1495]

Another detail that Muppets get right that others usually don't. Scrooge is rich, but he doesn't spend it. He hoards money out of his fear. That fear of lose and suffering made him hoard money in case he may need it. But that made him lose everything life was worth living for. "Darkness was cheap, and scrooge liked it", his house is empty and worn. He has no servants. He just sits on his money. It's all the more sad. Modern setting versions often are affluent and living in luxary, when they should actually be living in a small house with little else.

[@joelwillems4081]

He uses his money. He invests to get even more of it. In this case he's a moneylender and real estate owner. He gives people loans and housing. Now it might be at high interest rates and slumlord buildings, true. I believe the book does mention his renting buildings as being subpar even for London at that time, and many adaptions talk about him evicting people without any leniency.

[@Spottedfeather]

literally every version of the story shows that Scrooge is rich and doesn't spend his money.

[@KarumaJiusetu]

You've both got the right of it here. Spending is not investing. Scrooge's money is all invested in his business or hoarded up in savings, not a cent more than necessary to live is ever spent upon himself.

[@mattfinleylive]

​@@joelwillems4081 There is a term, he is a 'miser'.

[@HilaryB.]

No version I've ever seen shows him living in luxury, they show it same as the muppet version.

[@MrRugbylane]

Kermit's "Meetings and Partings" speech makes me cry every time.

[@noisyrhysling]

I watch this movie every Christmas. The narration from Dickens and the commentary from Rizzo the Rat is the best part for me.

[@kevinlee7678]

Light the lamp, not the rat!

[@Nic1700]

I think there's 2 other aspects that really solidify it's place. As far as speaking roles go the only humans are Scrooge, his nephew's family, and his ex-fiancee. Everyone else is a muppet and it conveys how Scrooge feels about other people and their humanity. The other is how authentic, positive, and likeable the Bob Cratchit character must me. You just can't have anyone better suited for it than Kermit the Frog.

[@gingerbob14]

I never knew penguin books have started making actual content and it’s surprisingly decent. Keep it up people who are doing it!

[@MossyMozart]

@ginger bob - I love the Penguin Books editions of literary classics. They have the best, most informative introductions of any series, in my opinion.

[@taylorgreen9929]

I was very upset this evening when I watched the film on Disney+ and discovered that "The Love Is Gone" was missing-- It was included in the DVD version I watched every year. In my opinion, it really sets the tone for Scrooge's transformation and add emotional weight to the scene.

[@AC-rj1cq]

I totally agree! As a kid I did not like that scene at all, but as an adult I genuinely miss it. It adds a much needed realm of sorrow and regret. Powerful

[@dreambakes6007]

So when they start singing 'the love we've found' at the feast at the end, it must seem to come out of nowhere, if the 'The Love is Gone' is cut, surely? As that's the same melody

[@delinarandoma1053]

@@dreambakes6007 exactly! That's how I feel about it as well.

[@dukedoll1]

Hey I know it’s been almost a year but they are supposed to add it. Back this year Dec. 11 is when they are releasing the remastered one on Disney + but double check the date I don’t want to tell you wrong

[@LadyBeyondTheWall]

@@dukedoll1 It's there now, but I THINK you have to go to the "Extras" to watch the full version with the song added back. I don't know why they didn't just make the full one the version that you'd automatically watch instead of making it one you have to look for under the extras. 🤷🏻‍♀

[@nickclark4599]

So glad to see the line about meetings and partings picked out. This could have been a difficult part of the book to portray. Instead, with that simple piece of writing, it becomes the most relevant and accurate of all the film versions - the more so because of the death of Jim Henson that must have been on everyone's mind whilst it was being filmed.Absolutely brilliant.

[@bobbyterrito8011]

The fact that they cut “The Love is Gone” really upsets me. It’s a beautiful song and Michael Caine’s acting was incredible!!! How Scrooge breaks down to tears, it’s the first true moment of honest reflection that Scrooge has on his life in the movie. And it was absolutely brilliant!!! To me, it was the scene that took it from being a Muppets movie to being a brilliant film!!! I still adore the entire movie, but I feel like that scene is pivotal in really setting the tone for Scrooge on the rest of his journey through the night. But still, it’s by far one of, if not, the best adaptations of the original story ever put to film and one of my favorite films, period!!! I watch it all year long!!! Because I remember what Scrooge promised the 3rd Ghost : “I will learn to cherish Christmas and keep it the whole year round!!!” So it’s a year round favorite for me!!! I also revisit the book frequently!!! This story will always pleasantly haunt my home!!! Thank you Mr. Dickens!!! 🙏🏻 🎄 ❤️

[@tomsautocadstudio6446]

the netflix adaptation has a similar song called later never comes.

[@MossyMozart]

Dress historian Abby Cox here on KZbin also loves this film - "The Costumes in The Muppet Christmas Carol Deserved an Oscar | A Dress Historian Analysis" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4DCnn9njZmIg6s I think that the choice of Michael Caine, the Swiss Army Knife of actors, was excellent. He provides the bedrock center of the film around which the Muppets bounce.

[@ghostofguy]

Best Christmas film with excellent Christmas songs!!! So underappreciated. Needs a re-release with the love is gone song re-introduced to the final version.

[@donaldblake2883]

They released a version with the song on DVD. I love it. You're able to empathize with Scrooge more, and the song makes "When Love is Found" considerably more emotional.

[@forrestdupre9916]

Actually the Jim Carey is most accurate as it includes scenes from the book that other versions don't.

[@veggiet2009]

Yes! The versions with the song a formatted for the more square TV format, and not the actual film aspect ratio or quality.

[@MDAnimationStudios]

The original VHS release did have "When Love is Gone," and it was my favorite song of the entire movie growing up. Honestly without it, the whole scene with Belle leaving Scrooge makes no sense. I also understand that the DVD release has both the theatrical and full versions on it.

[@sinnsage]

@@MDAnimationStudios my dvd didn’t :( and it was a total shocker to me when i got it because i had grown up with the vhs and love is gone is one of my favorite songs!

[@mevb]

Technically it was Scrooge McDuck who played Ebenizer Scrooge, which is appropiate as Scrooge was McDuck's namesake as they have a lot of common (rich old man who is occassionally stingy and a cheapsake).

[@keiichimorisato98]

Well, the character was created for that film, then reused in Duck Tales.

[@FM4ever]

@@keiichimorisato98 The character was created by comic book legend Carl Barks. He had many classic comic book adventures, before ever appearing on screen.

[@tedsowards]

I reread this book every year, it is my favorite book. Muppet's is my favorite version because it's able to capture the writing so well. I'll share your video every time I tell to convince someone of it.

[@pleasantnezumi4909]

My family watches this film every Christmas Eve without fail. After all..."There's only one more sleep till Christmas."

[@kristentaylor5359]

I've always thought the Muppet version was not only the most entertaining but the absolute best adaptation

[@topsyturvy1097]

Scrooge was in part based on Thomas Malthus- he believed that there were more resources than people, so if the poor people died it was good because it meant there would be more food and other resources. Scrooge's line of 'Then let them, and decrease the surplus population!' is a reference to this.

[@iLikeTheUDK]

Hmm, I wonder what Dickens thought about another known man who lived around that time who talked about an abundance of resources, economic inequality and the word "surplus"

[@joelwillems4081]

@@iLikeTheUDK None of these guys were talking about an abundance of resources. They claimed not enough to go around because their societies weren't creating wealth on the scale today. You are referring to Karl Marx. Marx was a philosopher and neither an economist nor a businessman. He did not know about practicality of his musings. The Ivory Tower Marx never did any manual labor in his life and therefore cannot be trusting speaking about the working class. Marx's wife was of the privileged class and Marx's upbringing and his own lifestyle was very much a bourgeoisie one. The very people he so vilified.

[@jamesscanlan6240]

I love this version but the one with Alistair Sim will always be my favorite. His reconciliation with his nephew, whom he's always hated because his sister died bringing him into the world, his reaction upon learning he is still alive and hasn't missed Christmas ("I must stand on my head.") always make me laugh and cry. But not saying the Muppet version isn't brilliant, and I've always loved Michael Caine. His decision not to wink and play the part seriously is what makes it work.

[@annieoakley2925]

Best line from Alistair Sim: Can you forgive a foolish old man with no eyes to see with or ears to hear with, all these years? sniff

[@joelwillems4081]

Sim's version is overall the most accurate and far more than the muppets. Muppets had fun with it but this title is inaccurate.

[@Sirharryflash82]

@@joelwillems4081 Yeah, I don't know where they get to make the claim that the muppets version is "the most accurate"?

[@maazkalim]

Because they're not just-another 'Anonymous Coward #_____', for starters. Duh..., Mr "@@Sirharryflash82"!

[@Sirharryflash82]

@@maazkalim Oh go fuck yourself, calling others cowards.

[@travissmith2848]

In my opinion that (then) young actress was done a serious disservice in cutting that song. The way her mannerisms and face set shift over the course of it from hurt and unsure to firm in what must be with no dialog to lean on is quite something.

[@shard7549]

My family was lucky enough to grow up with a version of the movie where the song wasn’t cut. It’s a beautiful song and is despise the fact that most people have no idea it exists. The scene flows so poorly without it.

[@PecanSandees23]

The anniversary DVD has two versions of the movie; one version has the song. It's a beautiful song and she sang it wonderfully.

[@Jane-yg3vz]

It was my favorite song in the movie and was heartbroken to see the new version.

[@carolineworkinprogress4911]

@@PecanSandees23 I’ll look for the anniversary DVD!

[@MrJohnffrey87]

The only thing that’s missing is the characters of Ignorance and Want, two skinny emaciated children who live under the Ghost of Christmas Present’s robe, they represent evil and human nature, only a handful of adaptations have them.

[@hunterlawrence3573]

To be fair that could be a kind of difficult thing to adapt to screen.

[@UKMikey]

Disney's own animated 2009 version with Jim Carrey features Want and Ignorance and even expands on the children (having them grow before our eyes into a thief and a prostitute) but on the whole is a joyless and dispiriting adaptation (spirit pun not intended). Gonzo and Rizzo provide much needed balance and levity to this one.

[@justineberlein5916]

@@UKMikey Yep. The book may be serious, but it very much includes moments of levity, like when the narration gets distracted by the phrase "dead as a doornail". A blue furry Charles Dickens who hangs out with a rat is actually on-brand for the book

[@LaurenRichardi]

This is honestly my favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Something about The Muppet Christmas Carol is not only it's dark, but it also has a cozy and comedic twist. I love the songs in the movie beautifully written by Paul Williams who also wrote songs for other Muppet films like The Muppet Movie and Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas . It's the very first adaptation I have seen in my life, especially because I was born in the 90s. Mickey's Christmas Carol is my second favorite adaptation.

[@TheRadical42]

Nice review! I agree, the Muppet Christmas Carol is a superb version, one of the best. I'm partial to Alastair Sim's portrayal too though. Having Gonzo as Dickens and quoting the book word for word at times was a stroke of genius. I love how the movie ends. "Nice story Mister Dickens," Rizzo says. "Thanks!" Gonzo replies. "If you liked that you should try reading the book!" Great advice. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@haitolawrence5986]

Agreed. My family has watched the Alastair Sim version every Christmas eve for as long as I can remember. This year was no exception. It never fails to deliver the Christmas spirit.

[@geography_guy335]

It truly is the most faithful adaptation. I read the book every Christmas season and I have not found another adaptation as straight. I wish they had never removed Belle's song. I'm glad I have tht DVD.

[@missymotors]

Finally someone remembers the sad break up song! I used to sing along to the vhs as a kid. I just watched it on Disney+ and it’s not there. Gone forever

[@TheDragonsong12]

I know this comment is a couple of months old, but I want to share my joy with a fellow fan. They weren't able to re-include it after cutting it because the masters had been misplaced, so the only version that existed was the 4:3 version included on VHS. But in this past December, the masters were rediscovered! Henson broke the news himself along with a promise of a 4k release with the scene included! We're getting it back!

[@ElectroTherapyFTSoul]

@@TheDragonsong12 The 4:3 version is on the DVD as well (at least on mine, there might be more than one release). There's an option for both Fullscreen and Widescreen, and it affects whether or not that scene is included. For those who prefer the complete film, you would choose Fullscreen.

[@TheDragonsong12]

@@ElectroTherapyFTSoul Oh yeah, I have that DVD too. But the reason it was that way was because they had lost the master and so couldn't include the scene in the widescreen version. It has since been rediscovered, so we should be getting a 4K re-release that includes it widescreen. I was hoping it'd be for this December, but it hasn't released yet, sadly. Keep a lookout for the next time it gets released, it should be fully restored!

[@jamesbrice3267]

You can now find it in the Extras section. It may be fully included next year.

[@johnholt9399]

We as a family watch it every Christmas Eve - it is a masterpiece. Michael Cane is outstanding, but the whole thing is done with great sincerity and charm. It is and I think always will be my favourite Christmas Film.

[@martintakeheart9903]

where can we buy that jumper? :o

[@drsch]

Best Christmas movie ever.

[@MsLoperK]

This is my favorite Christmas movie, hands down.

[@kittycattt93]

My fave adaptation I always watch it at Xmas. LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT!!

[@VgnRaj]

That song that was cut out emotionally binds the movie together.

[@neonatalpenguin]

Wait, I thought the Alistair Sim version was the most beloved one.

[@PadraigTomas]

It is.

[@kestag2110]

We got the DVD years ago that had “when love is gone”, it is such an important and beautiful part of the film. I was surprised when when we saw the release versions without it, I wish they would put it back. It’s one of my favourite Christmas movies, so well done all round

[@EpoRose1]

Yes, I remembered that song from when it was originally released, and was sad when they took it out. I always watch the version that has it. After all, “The Love We’ve Found” is the counter to it.

[@adde9506]

That song is one of the big missteps of the movie. It's thematically better with it, but the actual execution is TORTUROUS. Neither of them can sing and it goes on forever. I'd be quite happy to see the song rerecorded by a pair of good singers who sound like they belong to those faces, CAREFULLY cut into the scene, and have it added back into the movie. As it is, it's truly better without, but that doesn't give Disney a reason for not making it a playable option. They pull this all the time, though usually the other way around, and it isn't okay. I don't want to watch Beauty and the Beast with an extra song shoehorned in. And mismatched updated special effects in Star Wars aren't better. There just isn't any excuse for not being able to choose.

[@catherinecarter3465]

Scrooge is nothing like Dickens' father. John Dickens was a genial spendthrift not a hoarding miser

[@jmckendry84]

Straw man argument. The video never argued that they were very similar, only that it's likely that Dickens took some inspiration for Scrooge from his father.

[@EmilyCarrollCello]

I highly recommend The Man Who Invented Christmas. The real-life Charles Dickens claimed he often hallucinated his characters and had conversations with them while writing his novels. This movie is about him trying to meet deadlines for A Christmas Carol while trying to keep his frivolous father in line, all while getting verbally harangued by an apparition of Scrooge. The movie portrays Charles as being more lile Scrooge, while his father is like Fezziwig. It gives a balanced critique/appreciation of both their attitudes.

[@PadraigTomas]

@@jmckendry84 The narrator stated that Dickens "likely took direct inspiration" for the character of Scrooge from his father. The only evidence of that being that Dickens was forced to work in a factory because of his father's debt. That is not evidence of his father being a cold hearted man like Scrooge. It is merely an assertion. Not a straw man at all.

[@RetroMinnie87]

This is my favorite Christmas movie and I must watch it every year since I was a child. So many good parts that just get better as I age. Thank you for this movie, Muppets!

[@bookssongsandothermagic]

This is a great reflection on an absolute classic. The Henson guys really can create magic, quite often. Dickens' novel will never grow old. Amazing, and timeless.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

I just watched this version for the first time and it’s wonderful. I think Dickens would be very pleased with it.

[@labelledamedumanor4876]

Another good version of the Christmas Carol story has Patrick Stewart playing Scrooge. The movie begins with Jacob Marley's funeral procession.

[@liliesandbuttercups]

That is my very favorite one!

[@jennicasalyards6277]

Such a masterpiece!

[@veggiet2009]

I'm still snippy that they cut the best song from the theatrical release, and that you can't watch it in widescreen with that song in the film.

[@Joy4everM0RE]

That is NOT Donald Duck. It’s Scrooge McDuck, Donald’s uncle.

[@lbjcb5]

Great video!

[@spacemissing]

Yes, it is a great version, and even if it is "about death" it is still a lot of fun.

[@cdreyes81]

My favorite Christmas movie

[@marycanary]

Definitely my favorite adaptation of this timeless Christmas classic!

[@charlesharris6697]

Muppets Christmas Carol is my favorite Christmas movie of all time

[@SuperScopeRawks]

The George C Scott version is the best christmas carol.

[@karenryder6317]

I wish you had said why. Someone above said that the Sims version is very similar to the Scott version, so I guess that would give the Scott version the edge as it is in color.

[@OUTSIDER40]

I agree,thank you for making this video 👍

[@helixsol7171]

Donald wasn't Scrooge, Scrooge was Scrooge

[@eddvcr598]

As muppets are amazing, so is his Penguin Publishing sweater. Where can I get one?

[@5MinutePsychology]

This is actually my very favourite adaptation!

[@TheDreadfulCurtain]

I love Muppets Christmas Carol. It is by far my favourite Christmas movie and has got me through some tough Christmases over the years, it is such a warm life affirming movie. IMO it is a masterpiece and watching it can be a truly transformative experience. It not only shows us the issues we still struggle with from a Christmas Carol. It does it in such a profound, tender, moving and humorous way. The colour and joy brought to the story by the Muppets works so well in contrast to the bleakness of Scrooge’s loveless existence. I think the depiction of the spirits is totally fitting to their message . I also agree the soundtrack is absolutely beautiful and is the best Christmas soundtrack .

[@ForViewingOnly]

4:00 I thought the song had been cut because it interrupted the pace of the film and that younger viewers' interest would wane. Still to this day I'm annoyed that this important scene and song were removed. Anyway, this is an excellent upload. Thank you Penguin!

[@stillmagic714]

That sad song was my FAVORITE as a child. It's in the vhs release and my little sister and I used to sob and sob, we loved it.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

The Alistair Sim version is my favourite, and this is my second favourite.

[@Helpful_Corn]

I am quite partial to the Flintstones adaptation of A Christmas Carol. It is thoroughly faithful, apart from the setting change.

[@scordeteyla]

I like Scrootched too (Die Geister, die ich rief in German). Haven't seen the Muppet's version, but here we are ;.)

[@framymuyu]

That song they cut is my favorite song in the whole movie! I have to watch it on the widescreen version to see it!

[@garykirby5381]

I'm 76. I love the Muppet's Christmas Carol, but it is not "The Most Accurate Version"..Alastair Sim as Scrooge will always be my favorite version, but it's 1951, black and white, so it's probably not even considered.by young critics. George C. Scott's version is a close second (they used basically the same script). Both were more accurate than the Muppet Version.

[@EspressoLaine]

I’ve just reread the book and was surprised by how much was added to the 1951 Sim adaptation that wasn’t in the book. No shade - I love Sim’s AND Caine’s adaptations almost equally, I grew up with both of them and I’m not even a fan of the other Muppet films. But both films took some creative license. I think people’s preference may also be whichever was their most meaningful experience with the story. For us 30-somethings, it was the Muppet version, but my 83yo grandmother would tell you Sim’s because she saw it as a young person.

[@22espec]

4:05 that song has been restored in the new disney + release

[@jerseyforhawks]

easily , our family's favorite.

[@zacharysiple783]

0:25 Donald Duck has been Scrooge? I've seen Von Drake be Scrooge, but I never saw the Donald Duck as Scrooge one...? I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[@gingerbob14]

It’s Scrooge mcduck.

[@al007italia]

While I like the Muppets version, my favorite is the 1951 version with Alistair Sim.

[@Kingdom_Of_Dreams]

I am so sad that "When Love Is Gone" was cut, but the reasoning behind it being cut was not because it was "too sad", but because it made children bored and fidgety during test screenings. There are no Muppets during the entirety of the song, and yes, it is a somber tune that does not appeal to the interest of children. The director tried to return the scene to the digital version of the film, but the negatives of that scene were lost for several years. They have recently been recovered, resorting the film to its original cut, but Disney+ has yet to use the updated and complete version. Hopefully soon! The song is really powerful because it is a strong contrast to the final song of the film "When Love is Found". It shows the depth of Scrooge's transformation, and you can see it as a reprise of sorts that relieves Scrooge's internal conflict. In the book, he was embittered by the death of his sister, and Christmas ceased to be a source of joy for him. When he later lost a potential marriage because of his greed for wealth, the Ghost of Christmas Past showed him how happy Belle had become in her new marriage, with a husband that valued and loved her. Seeing her so happy with another and hearing how despicable he had become tormented Scrooge. He had truly lost all love, and seeing what he had lost, from his sister to his first love, was hard for him to face. That's why that song is so important. He is seeing the loss before his very eyes, and it is extremely impactful to him as he sees the consequences of his greed, consequences that he will eventually see lead to his bitter and lonely death.

[@daytonapeanut]

I was led to believe the reason why they cut "The Love is Gone" is because Jeffery Katzenburg noticed kids were getting antsy during this scene and had the film makers cut it. Either way, it was a moronic decision.

[@knightsintodreams]

As a kid we would fast forward the song every time. It’s so funny that it’s cut now

[@rudevoices9204]

This is the genius who wanted to remove Part of Your World too, so honestly I don't think he should've gotten what he wanted

[@billcook4768]

I love the commenters pointing out minor “inaccuracies” (ie differences from Dickens’ original) while ignoring the fact the Cratchits are frogs and pigs.

[@paulklee5790]

Are they? Never noticed....

[@maazkalim]

Yep, that's what happens the cushy-comfort of "Anonymous Cowardice" makes one think they've equivalent authority as those who aren't. It is predicated to result in unearned-hubris, Mr "@@paulklee5790".

[@Sirharryflash82]

@@maazkalim Accuses others of "anonymous cowardice" while doing EXACTLY the same thing.

[@paulklee5790]

Sorry...I have absolutely no idea what that is meant to mean... seems to be vaguely critical gibberish...

[@maazkalim]

Uh-huh?!? Wish to elaborate, deffo-not-sock-puppet in Mr "@@Sirharryflash82"?

[@wewentblues]

1951. Alistair Sim. It’s not even a discussion.

[@darthcarnage12]

I do quite like the 1951 film and think saying the Muppet rendition being more accurate is an exaggeration. Still a nice video though. Merry Christmas!

[@kindnessfirst9670]

The Muppet version was fun but the best is still Alister Sims' from 1951.

[@samuelbarber6177]

I love Micheal Caine in this film. My favourite element to his performance is probably how he progresses through the story. Most Scrooges are either nasty to the end or good right from the off, but Caine really does develop. I also love the ending moments when he comes across the grave. You can tell he’s just stalling for time so he doesn’t have to face up to the name that he knows full well is on that tomb. This is my favourite Christmas film ever made. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. It truly inspires that Spirit of Christmas in me that Dickens himself wanted to nourish. I love how it tries to be an actual adaptation that happens to star the Muppets instead of a Muppet movie.

[@sinnsage]

it’s THE BEST!!! but, the version you mentioned at the beginning with Guy Pearce is also a really great version too. very dark.

[@Sirharryflash82]

Sorry, but my favorite A Christmas Carol is the 1951 version with Alastair Sim.

[@Lobsterwithinternet]

2:48 ...Hey!!!

[@inkyguy]

One of the best - perhaps the best Ebenezer Scrooge - that I’ve seen was that performed by George C. Scott (1984). His acting is so good and convincing that I have to consciously remind myself that he is performing the role without a requisite English accent. By the time I saw Scott in the role of that version of _A Christmas Carol_ I had grown weary of what felt like an overplayed and overly dark Ebenezer Scrooge that was melodramatic and therefore unrealistic. (Though it being Victorian literature, perhaps melodramatic performances were perfectly justifiable. Dickens wasn’t known for his subtlety.) I found and continue to find Scott’s portrayal to be the most convincing. However, as the years have gone by I have come to appreciate the skills and talent that each actor has brought to the Scrooge role in the various major screen performances, including that of Alistair Sims, who is for many the original and quintessential screen version of Ebenezer Scrooge.

[@annehathaway2107]

It's very true to the book

[@Amm1ttai]

We watch it every year, it's my favorite Christmas movie of all time. I only watch the extended version with Belle's song in it though.

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

That sad song was originally cut? I had no idea, it was on the vhs i had. And was my favorite song in the film.

[@schizoidboy]

One of the best scenes in the movie is when Kermit's family hover around the seat where Tiny Tim sat, it's just so heartbreaking, and it's the Muppets who are making us feel that way. As for Michael Caine, he's one of the best actors of all time.

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

That's why the Muppets version came either top, or second to Scrooge starring Alistair Sim. I can never decide which.

[@seanmoran6510]

Alistair Sim is the best followed by the muppets

[@OSUvsM]

Where can I buy the penguin sweater?

[@annawan2518]

I watch the 'Muppets Christmas Carol' every Christmas, grew up watching Jim Henson's Muppets.

[@scottbrooks4255]

My wife and I saw this film in the theater, so we missed "The Love is Gone" (our favorite song in the movie) when it wasn't on the home release. A later disc iteration with two versions of the movie saw the song restored on a 4:3 aspect ratio version, but missing from the proper 16:9 version. I had a friend with editing skills add the song back in and burn a disc for us. But it's still not as it should be. With this movie's popularity, it is unbelievable to me that a Blu-Ray hasn't been released with the song included, at the proper aspect ratio. Among all of Paul Williams' wonderful songs in this movie, "The Love Is Gone" is arguably the best; a beautiful meditation on the death of love. Caine's performance in that sequence is heartbreaking. It deserves to be restored to this excellent film.

[@mmf356]

I love this movie!!!!!

[@andarted]

The most interesting version imho is the Comic _'Batman: Noël'._ Here a poor low level criminal tells his son a version of the Christmas Carol with Batman as Scrooge. This parent (full of shame) telling its child a story about how even the most worst person is capable of change under the right circumstance, adds a larger meaning to the story. It's not just a retelling of the Christmas Carol itself, but also a reflection about how the act of telling a story can impact the lives of the people who listen to it.

[@jessicaelliott9857]

The Alistair Sim version is the best one

[@mantunes339]

i want that sweater

[@BrettWMcCoy]

I don't think it's the most accurate (I think the George C Scott one is), but it's still pretty damn good!

[@danielwilliamson6180]

Muppet's Christmas Carol is a classic. It has just occurred to me, the poem Dante's Inferno by Dante Ahigheri could had been Charles Dicken's inspiration behind the story as both Christmas Carol and Dante's Inferno are very similar stories.

[@mybooksandthings]

Patrick Stewart starred in a made-for-TV adaptation of A Christmas Carol, and I've always considered that one to be the most accurate to Dicken's original work--I personally could only find one major difference, which was cutting the scene of Belle with her husband and children, but I haven't found any adaptation to include that. It had the advantage of being for adults, though, so it could take time and linger on concepts like Want and Ignorance. I watched the Muppets for the first time this Christmas, and while it was very good, it felt a bit rushed compared to Stewart's version, probably as it was a musical made to entertain families. I will say in that category, of A Christmas Carol for families, it is the most accurate on top of being entertaining no matter who you are.

[@dunstvangeet1500]

I believe that the George C. Scott version had the scene of Belle with her husband and children in it.

[@liliesandbuttercups]

The Patrick Stewart one is my favorite. I watch it every year ❤️

[@joleharding5148]

Ahhhhh, life before auto-tune. Miss it.

[@TheCFKane1982]

I have to say, I kind of clocked out on this when you didn't know the difference between Donald Duck and SCROOGE MCDUCK.

[@Jabberstax]

👍

[@The_Butler_Did_It]

At the end of the story he is portrayed as a reformed character.....but he's still a slum landlord and a loan shark.

[@jamesbrice3267]

Dickens always left it to the reader's imaginations of how scrooge improved things for himself and others around him. Just accept that things got better.

[@grammaticalchainsaw7318]

Lmao i just watched a video on this and now im watching another. Im becoming an expert in the historical accuracy if this film, it will help me later.

[@punawelewele]

I try and continually fail to achieve a copy of the movie where the song "when love is gone" is kept in. I used to have it on DVD but it magically disappeared. I love this movie.

[@user-cv8qe9ru8c]

Scrooged is also a great answer

[@Agaettis]

To be fair, Scrooged IS a very good version

[@apollion888]

cool video, the musical Scrooge is my fave though

[@angienarbaitz]

Also Jim Henson died of pneumonia 😢

[@PadraigTomas]

Read the book.

[@CarlosIsDown]

Uh is Mickey's Christmas Carol really Donald as scrooge or is it just Scrooge McDuck?

[@david_walker_esq]

For me, any critic that labels The Muppets, Walt Disney Feature Animation or even Pixar Animation as media "for kids" loses credibility. I don't know if it's snobbery or sheer ignorance, but how could a publisher like Penguin Books UK dismiss the Muppets Christmas Carol as a kids movie? How does Penguin not know the difference between content for a general audience/families and content for kids? No one can watch the original Muppets Show, an evening television program and say, "it's a kids show." It's like trying to argue that Family Guy is for kids just because it's animated. Animation (classical, CGI, stop motion and even puppetry) is not exclusively for children's entertainment. Animation is a medium, not a genre. If it were a genre, it would not be exclusive to children and the same goes for puppetry. Muppet Babies is for kids. Bear in the Big Blue House is for kids. PAW Patrol: The Movie is for kids. The Muppets movies and TV shows are for families. I expect better content from Penguin Books.