A Christmas Carol, Starring Anthony D.P. Mann: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 Title:  A Christmas Carol

Adaptation:  (Starring Anthony D.P. Mann as Ebenezer Scrooge

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

FRI, 20 NOV 2015 U.S.A.

 

My Rating:  **(Substandard)

Format Reviewed:  live-action film, on DVD

 

Runtime:  59 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of November 8, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $15 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

Yes.

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?

T.B.D.

 

Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" 

T.B.D.

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She thinks that the Director, Anthony D. P. Mann, looks too young and fat to play Scrooge.  She also thinks it's perhaps the worst musical she's ever seen.  Furthermore, she dislikes the way some of the footage is shot up the actors' noses.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

Victorian England.

 
What language and/or dialects are used?  

British English.

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?

This adaptation follows the original novel fairly well.  There are some modifications to the original story.  For example, the scene in which Scrooge's door knocker resembles Marley's face, is missing.  Also, Scrooge, played by Anthony D.P. Mann, doesn't go home from work on Christmas Eve; instead, he stays at his office.  He sings a song to a portrait of his partner, Marley, played by Terry Wade.  Later, he notices that Marley is missing from the portrait, and suddenly discovers that Marley's ghost is seated in his office.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Pamela Prendergast) is a tall woman dressed in black, like a widow at a funeral, showing her face, speaking, and singing!  The Ghost of Christmas Present (Andrea Hiltz) is a fat woman.  The Ghost of Christmas Past (Sherri Paterson) is a blonde woman.)

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  

No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 

Yes, this film features ghosts and time travel.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  

Yes, by a narrator, Charles Dickens, played by Colin Baker.

Is this adaptation a musical?  

Yes.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

Various original songs are included.

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The period costumes look well made and believable; the architecture and sets are adequate, but unimpressive.

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?

The transitions are acceptable.

 

What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?  

N/A 

 

What use is made of background extras?  

Little use, if any, is made of background extras.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

I found the original songs very moving and/or entertaining.
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

The DVD includes a behind the scenes featurette, starring Colin Baker.