Scrooge (1970) - WTF Christmas Countdown

[@destinytroll1374]

By far my favorite movie version of this story! The music, the sets, the atmosphere and that ENDING. Just.... amazing

[@Norton4577]

'Scrooge' is not only the greatest telling of 'a Christmas carol '- it is one of the greatest movies of all time

[@snausages43]

Thank you very much, WTF. This is the nicest thing that anyone’s ever done for me.

[@Philbert-s2c]

:)

[@ToxicJumperify]

It sounds a bit bizarre, but things the way they... I feel as if another life's begin for me!!!! AND IF I HAD A FLAG ID HANG ME FLAG UP... Sorry I got to in to it.

[@DomR1997]

@@ToxicJumperify that's what should happen though, innit?

[@marcwa74]

I'm in my 40s and I couldn't believe I hadn't seen this. Just finished watching Scrooge and I have admit I got a little verklempt. Thank you Dave for introducing Alonso to this and in turn you both introducing this to me and my family. This has become my favorite version of A Christmas Carol and my go to Xmas movie!!! Thank You Very Much :)!!!

[@mattsharkey8437]

Dancing joyfully on a man's coffin singing "thank you wholeheartedly for dying" might be the some of the darkest comedy you'll ever see in a musical lol. My favorite version and God bless!

[@DomR1997]

Oh wow, that's awesome. My brother is six and I just introduced him to it. He's watched it multiple times with me since then. It was also his first exposure to a Christmas Carol and I suspect it'll remain with him forever. I certainly hope it does. I'm glad you got to see it when it came out, that must've been amazing.

[@TheIlluminara]

The best version! I have been watching this since I was a kid in the 70's. I've watched every other version ever made and this shines above them all.

[@RichBiev]

Couldn't agree more! The finest adaptation of A Christmas Carol. I love it so much, I directed the stage version three times!

[@billfisher9238]

i've always wanted to see it onstage. where did you do it?

[@RichBiev]

@@billfisher9238 Here in State College, PA. 2012-2014. Magical!

[@stevedogwildman2133]

My fave Christmas movie, love it. Thank you very much!

[@Philbert-s2c]

I'm glad they are doing this one. Always loved this film.

[@paradeorange2900]

i saw this a a kid too..and finally found it as an adult(wooohooo).. i didnt realize i measured every scrooge to this guy's ( unconsciously ) brilliant performance. i love tiny tim's song. so haunting! well All the songs!

[@kevind814]

The first few times I saw this on TV, they always cut the "hell" scene. Seemed so strange once I saw the full version on tape/dvd.

[@thegsk]

Yet you can see why it was cut it had a very 70's look and vibe to it for some reason ie not Dickens.

[@lindakelly9552]

I absolutely LOVE this version. It’s better than all the others!

[@thousandisland182]

My first exposure to the Dickens story, I saw this in 1973 on tv as a 6 year old, and as such, this remains my favorite version. So many things to hook you. The set, music, and incredible performance by Finney. Amazing. I enjoyed your analysis and it was spot on about how powerful for the young and old Scrooge being played by Finney. The final 18 min were priceless as well with the different songs and choreographies coming together. The sound track should be re-released but I understand that there are legal issues. These should have become Christmas classics.

[@Stablemable2]

I first saw this version as a teen years ago and have the dvd (for years). Definitely holiday dvd-worthy. Star Wars-Alex Guiness, as another ghost, is mesmerizing. Thank you very much, thank you very much, for your review.

[@SummerOtaku]

This is the one with "Thank you very much" Right? I love that tune...needs more christmas carol rotation...

[@thomaschacko6320]

My favourite version of a classic tale! Albert Finney is magnificent, as always! Just to hear the rousing finale of “Thank You Very Much” (this time for a happier reason) makes it all worthwhile. I saw this at its New York premiere run, at Radio City Music Hall - that is, when they were still showing films, a stage show, AND The Rockettes! Good old days!

[@bonnyathome]

Albert Finny is so good, sometimes I almost don't recognise him. Almost opposite to actors like Al Pachino. Very refreshing.

[@laura7marian5]

I hadn't seen it until a couple of years ago, and that was because of you guys!

[@Guvrunner]

I've watched it every year since 1970 and it is by far(my opinion) the best version, mostly because the acting is excellent and the Soundtrack is fabulous!!!

[@echocheck]

Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol was also a musical and was done for television.

[@livingabstraction2206]

This is way better than Muppet Christmas Carol

[@kdfrk247]

Saw this in the cinema in 1970. Absolutely my favourite Christmas movie. Watch it every year on DVD now with my daughter, who loves it too.

[@eagleglen]

I have the same experience as Dave at about the same age. I had seen Oliver and when I saw Scrooge it was my first time hearing/seeing A Christmas Carol. I actually thought A Christmas Carol was a retelling of Scrooge for the longest time. Unfortunately I haven’t seen Scrooge much since the 70’s so I’ll have to rewatch it this year for a fun sentimental flashback.

[@scottmiller6495]

The greatest Christmas film of all time, Just a brilliant film Period !!!!!

[@stevedogwildman2133]

Anton Rogers was class. Just imagine if he dropped his hat whilst dancing on the coffin. "Right fellas, we gotta do it again!" Wonderful film! Finney and Guinness also amazing. In fact, the whole cast!

[@aureliaansah1462]

'Oliver' still holds its magic in the UK. It's shown every Christmas on some channel. I love this film too. These kinds of period movies make you forget how long ago they were made.

[@Philbert-s2c]

Sadly it's largely been forgotten in the US-although it won Best Picture of 1968. Can't remember the last time I saw it.

[@aureliaansah1462]

I'm glad it hasn't been forgotten over here. It's one of the best musicals with amazing songs. 'As Long As He Needs Me' - sung by Nancy about Bill after he hits her - can still move me every time.

[@Philbert-s2c]

Happily "Scrooge" is still remembered here in the US. TCM plays it every Holiday season these days.

[@The64v]

Yay, Dave White!!!

[@williamburke1731]

You guys are SO right about this movie! Usually if "A Christmas Carol" is mentioned, folks will generally think, "Oh, brother, how many times can they roast this old chestnut"? But out of all the iterations that have been done over the decades, THIS one always stands apart from the rest, thanks to Albert Finney's truly malleable and heartfelt performance, as well as the songs, sets, cinematography, etc. and kudos also to Alec Guinness, who gives his Jacob Marley that undeniable touch of somewhat effeminate gravitas. This is my favorite rendition of the age old Dickens classic!

[@ezrastardust3124]

I love this version of A Christmas Carol, it’s so endearing and funny 😂

[@timblack1304]

One of my favorite versions of the Dickens Classic. I was 12 years old when the movie came out. Remember riding my bike to the theater multiple times to see it.

[@four_girls_in_search_of_awesom]

It's a family tradition to watch this around Christmas. We like quoting things, singing along, making fun of the corny parts. It's great.

[@jonathanrodriguez4666]

Alonso hates Muppet Christmas 😭😭

[@skurge101]

I'd always go with the Alistair Sim version myself but each version has its merits!

[@paull7539]

My dad took us to see it upon it's 1970 release when I was 9. It's been a family tradition and my favorite movie every since.

[@timidsavage9490]

would really LOVE to see more classic movie reviews in general in the future! I am a huge fan of old movies & often feel disappointed by the new releases...seems like 1 out of 100 is worth watching these days

[@The_Reviewist]

My favourite version of A Christmas Carol. I grew up watching this. Although I do love the George C Scott version and Muppets, this is the best.

[@mortimerbrewster3671]

This is my favorite Christmas Carol/Scrooge adaptation. I love the music.

[@garbagefreak]

Thank you! Just after watching this review I watched Scrooge for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. This and Muppets are both so good for different reasons that they're almost incomparable for me. I would rate Scrooge's music slightly higher, but it's very much in the same vein as Muppets (I think one of the songs is actually the same melody with different words?). And the whole shopping spree number at the end was FANTASTIC and I don't know why anyone would ever cut it.

[@gj9933]

This is my favorite version also like the music

[@sumbl3b0b]

Great to see an actor from Salford in your favourite Christmas film 👍 I’m a big fan of Muppet Christmas Carol but maybe I’ll check out this version this year.

[@stefanfilipovits21]

I love watching every version of a Christmas carol around Christmas. I was sick at home once and got stuck in a TCM Christmas Carol marathon and now it’s my favorite holiday tradition. Carol For Another Christmas, Scrooge, the Patrick Stewart Version, The Kelsey Grammar Version, Alastair Sim, Michael Caine, Jim Carrey...ok, Jim Carey didn’t do it for me, but I love the rest.

[@DomR1997]

Everyone calls it "The Patrick Stewart version" lmao. Every single person, it's hilarious XD Christmas Carol: The Patrick Stewart Version lmao

[@stefanfilipovits21]

@@DomR1997 it’s true lol

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

Best Christmas Carol movie ever

[@juliell2139]

This is absolutely my favorite redemption scene. when he sings "Begin Again". Always gives me goosies.

[@stefanfilipovits21]

Any chance u guys will review Carol For Another Christmas? It’s the UN Produced, rod serling penned A Christmas Carol adaptation starring Sterling Hayden? It only started re-airing on TCM a few years ago but it’s great and deserves more attention.

[@rextrek]

I saw that when it came out originally too.....I was 10

[@53rdAndThird]

Me, too!

[@zacharysiple783]

It's my favorite Christmas Carol-and I have had my share of versions too.

[@brianrudin7880]

Christmas Present is a Brilliant Performance!

[@billfisher9238]

when it aired on NBC, they completely cut the hell sequence.

[@2009hoopy]

See Alonzo was reading the comments on a previous video. :)

[@keely_cn8924]

Husband is relevant because who you watch a movie with I think adds or takes away from how you feel about a movie. :)

[@LordBummenbachsBalls]

My absolute favourite Christmas film, and my favourite musical (that isn’t a Disney film🤣).

[@juliell2139]

Now you have Muppet's Christmas Carol and A Christmas Carol with Kelsey Grammer. Great songs

[@mrmusickhimself]

As a kid, this movie TERRIFIED me. I had it on a VHS tape that included Frosty, Night Before Xmas, and then it finished with an NBC airing of Scrooge. Everything was okay until Scrooge flew through swarms of ghosts, that was the first time I screamed. I managed to make it up until the point where the Future Ghost reveals its face -- never forgot that musical stinger. I never forgot those moments, and little did I know, the NBC version cut out the scene where Scrooge wakes up in Hell. Albert Finney was an amazing, underrated Scrooge. But holy shit, that movie was Willy Wonka levels of sneaky in terms of nightmare fuel.

[@stephennootens916]

There's a version, I think it was the 1951 one that came out on TCM and near the end I found myself crying. I have seen the both the Disney version and Muppet version at least a dozen times each and new every beat to the story, but some how the 51 version just hit me hard and out of nowhere.

[@distantandvague]

A Muppet Christmas Carol is not good

[@memorandom7484]

I like to this 6 year-old Dave already had the moustache. And deep voice.

[@nancyomalley6286]

Every network channel that aired this movie always cut out the Hell scenes, so I couldn't understand why Scrooge was strangling himself after the Future ghost visit

[@bullsfan2021]

are you guys gonna review it's a wonderful life, home alone, elf, a christmas story, bad santa, santa clause??? I hope so! those are some of my favorites

[@nancyomalley6286]

IT'S ON KZbin!

[@billfisher9238]

Tony Bennett also covers "I'll Begin Again."

[@CorbCorbin]

I like the George C Scott one. As a kid it was the darkest I can remember. He truly seemed scared shitless about Tiny Tim and then being taken by Future.

[@hectorycaza8177]

MY ALWAYS FAVORITE TOO :)

[@avenuePad]

This is also MY Christmas Carol movie. Up here in Canada, the local station ASN would play it every Christmas Eve really late. I think it didn't start until 11 or 12 at night. Anyway, I also think every rendition of The Christmas Carol is done wrong because it's not a musical. haha

[@seal3081]

Anyone ever see the Muppets Christmas Movie? I always remember loving it as a kid

[@wu-tanggenerator9711]

Time for another heads up game guys?? 👍👍

[@nancyomalley6286]

No, your just about 2 years older than me-I was 4 when this came out

[@kennethwayne6857]

I own two other fine musical versions- 'The Stingiest Man in Town', a 1950's live television version that deserves to be better known, and the one with Kelsey Grammer which many people don't like. They may have a point but I choose to see the good in it.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

While the 1970 Leslie Bricusse musical *Scrooge* starring Albert Finney is the greatest of all time, I agree that the original 1956 live-action version of *The Stingiest Man in Town* starring Basil Rathbone deserves to be better known. The Kelsey Grammer version (with songs by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens) is also substantial and worth a look.

[@jenniferschillig3768]

I've always loved this--it was one of the earliest versions I saw, after the Magoo and Reginald Owen versions. I love the music and choreography even when they try to outdo Oliver. The only problem is the Hell scene--it's over-egging the pudding. We don't need to see Scrooge in an actual hell, though we know that's what would have awaited him--all the rest is more than enough. (Though it surprises me that this is pretty much the only version that doesn't show the rag-and-bone shop and his possessions being sold off.) Besides, Marley's smug and gleeful attitude in the Hell scene contrasts with his earlier appearance. This scene was cut out of all the TV showings I saw as a kid--I didn't even know it existed until I was an adult.

[@scottkent3425]

Alister sin is the best Scrooge ever just the right person to play scrooge no one else could play the part and second best is Albert finney love the musical film and then George c Scott scrooge is the best all time Christmas movie ever made

[@Afinati]

The Patrick Stewart version is my favorite.

[@LucasMidkiff]

My favorite version, just slightly better than Alastair Simm and George C. Scott.

[@TropicalDingdong]

Better than the Muppets christmas carol? Unlikely!

[@livingabstraction2206]

Aron Boettcher Yeah it kinda is

[@LordBummenbachsBalls]

I’ve loved a muppets Christmas Carol, but this version is better, I can’t deny it.

[@robertclark8546]

The wonderful twist of this version is that Scrooge’s big conversion is due to a complete misunderstanding! The songs are hit and miss but it really has a twisted sense of humor...

[@davidpercival8231]

I like Oliver better but good adaptation not as good as the muppets version

[@jeffsmith2022]

We are not the least bit interested in your marital arrangement...Scrooge, best ever version of the novel, IMO...

[@Bryan4Hillary]

I never saw this as a kid so the nostalgia isn’t there for me. Am I the only one who flat out hates this? There is talent involved but the songs are flat and it’s over bloated and long.

[@klondike444]

Looks awful. Christmas musicals? Bah! Humbug!

[@thegsk]

Oh scrooge you !

[@klondike444]

@@thegsk Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses? :-)

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

Should have done ScroogeD. Much better film, and any Christmas Carol that doesn't have Alastair Sim playing Scrooge really isn't worth a fuck.

[@thegsk]

Oh scrooge you !