George C. Scott is commanding as Ebenezer Scrooge in this contender for best adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel (1843.)
The dialogue is mostly great but occasionally it takes a turn for the melodramatic and the hammy, with over-sentimental wording.
This version is more religious than most (which is fine.)
The ghosts are memorable (especially Edward Woodward's jovial Ghost of Christmas Present) and the sets and costume design are exemplary.
Scott is great throughout but his change of heart can't compete with Alastair Sim (Scrooge, 1951.) No one could.
A great cast includes: Frank Finlay as Marley's Ghost, David Warner as Bob Cratchit, Joanne Whalley as Fan (Ebenezer's sister) and Roger Rees as Fred Hollywell / the Narrator.
For a made for TV movie it is far, far better than it had any right to be. Credit to the great cast, Director Donner, and the superb screenplay. Excellent.
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DIRECTED BY: Clive Donner. SCREENPLAY BY: Roger O. Hirson. RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes. CERTIFICATE: U / G. UK / USA.
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