Thursday, February 25, 2021

Quiz 12 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, where does Henry Winkler say he lived, while working on this film?



 2.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, how long does Henry Winkler say it took to remove the prosthetics and make-up used applied to his face, to make him look significantly older, in his role as "the Scrooge"?



 3.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which other producer does Henry Winkler say asked him to star as "the Scrooge"?



 4.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what technique does Henry Winkler say he used to help him portray "the Scrooge"?



 5.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what device does Henry Winkler say was required in the technique that he used to help him portray "the Scrooge"?



 6.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what year does Henry Winkler mention, implying that the interview was filmed then?



 7.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what does Henry Winkler say about this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with regard to its setting?



 8.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what does Henry Winkler say about this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with regard to how well it was written?



 9.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Henry Winkler says he turned down a role for a film, because he had already played "the Fonz." Who does he say ended up playing this role?



10.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what two things does Henry Winkler say about the difficulty of this role as "the Scrooge"?

Answers were published on March 2, 2021.

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan




Quiz 11 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which adaptation of A Christmas Carol does Henry Winkler say he watched as a child?



 2.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which producer does Henry Winkler say went to his house to persuade him to star as "the Scrooge"?



 3.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which other producer does Henry Winkler say asked him to star as "the Scrooge"?



 4.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, where does Henry Winkler say that the first house he ever bought was?



 5.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, on what television show does Henry Winkler say he was working when he was asked to star as "the Scrooge" in this film?



 6.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, how does Henry Winkler identify the Gary Smith who talked him into starring as "the Scrooge"?



 7.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, who does Henry Winkler say applied his prosthetic make-up, to make him look significantly older, in his role as "the Scrooge"?



 8.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, how many pieces of rubber does Henry Winkler say were applied to his face, to make him look significantly older, in his role as "the Scrooge"?



 9.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, how long does Henry Winkler say it took to apply make-up to his face, to make him look significantly older, in his role as "the Scrooge"?



10.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, at what time does Henry Winkler say he began having pieces of rubber applied to his face, to make him look significantly older, in his role as "the Scrooge"?

Answers were published on March 2, 2021.

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan





Quiz 10 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what does "the Scrooge" ask "the Belle" about, during World War I, after he hasn't seen her for years?



 2.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what did "the Belle" tell "the Scrooge" in response to the inquiry mentioned in Question 1, above?



 3.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, how many heart attacks does "the Fezziwig" tell "the Scrooge" that he had?



 4.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when does "the Fezziwig" presumably have his third and final heart attack?



 5.  Why do "the Scrooge" and "the Belle" not get married, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 6.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, why does "the Scrooge" leave the Stapleton Furniture Company in Michigan, and return to his home town to look for work?



 7.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what new way of selling does "the Scrooge" persuade "the Marley" to invest in?



 8.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what percent of a purchase does "the Scrooge" tell "the Marley" that he should require as a down payment?



 9.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what percent of a purchase price does "the Scrooge" tell "the Marley" that he should expect to be paid, if a buyer makes all of his payments on time?



10.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what percent of a purchase price does "the Scrooge" tell "the Marley" that he could be paid, if a buyer fails to make all of his payments on time?

Answers were published on March 2, 2021.
 

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan




Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Quiz 9 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what is the first song the orphans sing when "the Scrooge" returns their piano?



 2.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what is the second song the orphans sing when "the Scrooge" returns their piano?



 3.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, "the Scrooge" adopts a boy from the orphanage; what are his first and last names?



 4.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, where does "the Scrooge" intend to put the orphan he adopts, to work?



 5.  According to his wife, at what time is dinner served at "the Fezziwig's" home, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 6.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, after "the Marley" visits "the Scrooge," what was "the Scrooge's" first clue that he was going back in time?



 7.  Who was the President of the United States during the opening scene of this film?



 8.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, who does Mr. Reeves' radio identify as the President of the United States?



 9.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,  what two historic events does "the Scrooge" hear about, on Mr. Reeves' radio?



10.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,  what did "the Scrooge" do to Mr. Reeves' radio?

Answers were published March 2, 2021.

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan


Quiz 8 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, "the Scrooge" sends "the Tiny Tim" to a clinic in Australia, and names a woman who works there; is she a real person, or was she merely fictitious?



 2.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, "the Scrooge" decides to re-open a granite quarry; how many people are to be employed there?



 3.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, "the Scrooge" decides to re-open a granite quarry; is granite an important part of Connecticut's history?



 4.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, "the Scrooge" personally destroys leather bound books he repossesses, including an original copy of what book?



 5.  According to the person from whom "the Scrooge" takes the books mentioned in Question 4, above, what was the progeny of the book he most wanted to keep?



 6.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,  "the Scrooge" claims that he is having the books he destroyed rebound, by what company, in what city?



 7.  Is the company mentioned in Question 6 above a real company, or merely fictitious?



 8.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,  the leader of the orphan boys choir is played by a young man who later played the role of Moxica, in 1492:  Conquest of Paradise (1992); Rochefort, in The Three Musketeers (1993); Top Dollar, in The Crow (1994); and Dorleac, in The Count of Montecristo (2002). What is his name, and how old was he when this adaptation of A Christmas Carol was released?



 9.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,  what address does "the Scrooge" give when the lights in his home go out?



10.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol,  what happens when "the Scrooge" rips the pages out of an original copy of A Christmas Carol?

Answers were published on March 2, 2021.

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan

Quiz 7 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, how much money does "the Bob" indicate that he owns?



 2.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge's" belongings are auctioned off, what is the highest bid?



 3.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge's" belongings are auctioned off, what two quantities of money does "the Scrooge" try to bid?



 4.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge's" portrait is auctioned off, what is the highest bid??



 5.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge's" portrait is auctioned off, what does the winning bidder do with it?



 6.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what years are listed on "the Tiny Tim's" tombstone, as the years of his birth and death?



 7.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what years are listed on "the Scrooge's" tombstone, as the years of his birth and death?



 8.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" asks "the Bob's" wife how much her Christmas chicken weighs, how much does she tell him that it weighs?



 9.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" tells "the Bob's" wife how long to cook their Christmas turkey, how long does he tell her to cook it?



10.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" gives "the Cratchits" a bag of Christmas presents, whose present is missing?

Answers were published on March 2, 201.

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Quiz 6 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

 1.  What are the first and last name of "the Belle," in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 2.  "The Scrooge's," belongings, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, are auctioned off, by whose orders?



 3.  What song does "the Scrooge" first hear children singing in his home, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 4.  What is the second song that the children sing to "the Scrooge," in his home, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 5.  What song does "the Scrooge" play on the piano, in his home, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 6.  What is unusual about the way that "the Scrooge" plays a song on the piano, in his home, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?



 7.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Marley" is trying to decide whether to invest in "the Scrooge's" idea, or in repairing "the Fezziwig's" factory, for how long does "the Scrooge" tell "the Marley" that "the Fezziwig" has been doing things the same way?



 8.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when the Ghost of Christmas Present shows "the Belle's" daughter to "the Scrooge," whom does the Ghost of Christmas Present say that "the Belle" married?



 9.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, after "the Scrooge" fires him, "the Bob" facetiously tells his children that he has received a job offer to be what for whom?



10.  In reality, in what year was the company mentioned in Question 9, above, founded?

Answers were published on March 2, 2021.

Quiz by William Mortensen Vaughan

 

Monday, February 22, 2021

Answers to Quiz 5 on An American Christmas Carol (1979), Starring Henry Winkler

  1.  What is the first and last name of the person who is injured in a fire at the factory where "the Scrooge" worked as a boy, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

Sam Perkins

 2.  Why did the owner of the factory where "the Scrooge" worked as a boy, go out of business, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

He neglected to keep his insurance current, so the damages were not covered when there was fire at his factory.

 3.  Approximately how much time elapsed between the time "the Scrooge" left his home town, and the time he returned, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

Ten years.  Sam Perkins commented when he saw Benedict Slade again, that it must have been at least ten years...

 4.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what probably caused the fire at the factory where "the Scrooge" worked as a boy?

A cigar. Sam Perkins leaves a lit cigar on a table or counter in the factory in a scene before the fire.

 5.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" didn't believe that "the Marley" was "the Marley," what did "the Marley" tell him that only the two of them knew?

That "the Scrooge" had told the Reverend Williams that his antique deacon's bench was only a cheap imitation so that he could "snatch it up as collateral."

 6.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" didn't believe that "the Marley" was "the Marley," what type of weapon did "the Scrooge" brandish?

A double-barrelled shotgun.

 7.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" didn't believe that "the Marley" was "the Marley," what film character did "the Scrooge" mention, to "the Marley," as an example of what can be accomplished with make-up?

Dr. Frankenstein's monster.

 8.  In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, when "the Scrooge" didn't believe that "the Marley" was "the Marley," "the Scrooge" tells "the Marley" about a film; what film must that have been?

Frankenstein (1931), starring Boris Karloff as "The Monster."

 9.  What are the first and last names of "the Fezziwig," in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

Nathaniel Brewster

10.  What did "the Scrooge" give "the Fezziwig" for Christmas, in this adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

A cheap chair made by the Stapleton Furniture Company, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

 

 

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Maxine's Christmas Carol 92000), Featuring the Voice of Tress MacNeille as Maxine: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

TitleMaxine's Christmas Carol

 
At left: (L-R) Maxine look-alike and William Mortensen Vaughan, I.V.O. Tun Tavern, Atlantic City, New Jersey, September, 2019 (photo by Libertad Green)
 

AdaptationFeaturing the voice of Tress MacNeille as Maxine, "the Scrooge"

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

TUE, 12 SEP 2000 U.S.A.
 
My Rating****

Format Reviewed
animated film, on VHS
 
Runtime:  30 minutes
 
Availability:  
As of February 20, 2021, copies of this film, in the form of a hard copy book, are available, online, for approximately $10 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 
No, this adaptation in not particularly reverent!

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?  No.
 
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?"  No.

What does my wife think of
this adaptation?
She thinks it's odd but funny.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?
A small town in 1999.
 
What language and/or dialects are used?  
American English

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?
This adaptation does not follow the original novel very closely.  A boy named Billy invites Maxine to Christmas dinner and a party at his house, but Maxine, a crabby, elderly lady, declines the invitation.  After Christmas shopping and pulling a few pranks, she settles down in her home to watch television on Christmas Eve, and to eat microwaved burritos on stick with her dog, Floyd.  She doses off, but is awakened by the ghost of Marlene, an office manager she used to work with.  Then she is visited by Tiffani, a valley girl, who plays the role of Christmas Past; then, a new age guru on a magic carpet; and, finally, three extraterrestrials in a spaceship/time machine who take her to 2025, to show her how much Billy will hate Christmas if she doesn't go to his Christmas party.  They drop her off at Billy's in time for his Christmas party, where she and the boy exchange gifts.  Then Maxine leaves, promising viewers she will remain crabby the rest of the year, right before she throws a snowball at the "camera"!

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 
Yes, this film features ghosts, and time travel, as well as extra-terrestrials.

Is this adaptation "framed"?
  No.

Is this adaptation a musical?  No.
 
What songs and/or dances are included?  
Music by Jim Latham... Music does not seem to be the focus of this adaptation, although the opening scene is accompanied by a vocal version of "Jingle Bell Rock"; a monster truck is featured with a set of horns that plays an instrumental version of "Deck the Halls"; several elderly ladies sing "Deck the Halls" in exchange for donations; and the final credits roll through an instrumental version of "Good King Wenceslas." 

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  
The art is adequate.

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
The transitions are adequate.
 
What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?  N/A  
 
What use is made of background extras?  
Adequate use of animated background extras is made, at Billy's Christmas party, and in the streets, for examples.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 
This is perhaps the funniest and most sarcastic adaptation of A Christmas Carol I've ever seen.
 

What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 
My copy of this adaptation is on VHS, but it has a behind the scenes featurette after the feature, starring Maxine creator John Wagner and his mother, upon whom he based the comic strip character, Maxine.

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), Featuring the Voice of Jim Backus: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

TitleMr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

Adaptation:  Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Mr. Magoo

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  
TUE, 18 DEC 1962 U.S.A.
FRI, 31 DEC 1965 Finland
 
My Rating*****

Format Reviewed
animated film, on DVD
 
Runtime:  53 minutes
 
Availability:  
As of February 20, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $10 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 
Yes.

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?
Yes.
 
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" 
Yes, Tiny Tim says, "God bless us, everyone!"

What does my wife think of
this adaptation?
She likes the hymns in it, and thinks that it's "pretty cute."

Where and when does this adaptation take place?
Victorian England, depicted on a Broadway stage circa 1960
 
What language and/or dialects are used?  
American English

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?
This adaptation follows the original novel fairly closely, with some changes and exclusions, within a "frame."

Mr. Magoo plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge on Broadway.

After Jacob Marley's ghost appears to Scrooge, the next ghost to appear is that of Christmas Present, at 2 a.m., in a pink robe, instead of at 1 a.m., in green, with white trim.  The next ghost to appear, is the Ghost of Christmas Past, who arrives at 1 a.m.

Scrooge appears as a boy in school, but the scene with Fan is missing.  He then meets Belle at Fezziwig's ball, and she breaks off their engagement in the next scene.

Fred and his wife and friends are missing.  Scrooge celebrates Christmas with Bob Cratchit and his family instead.

Mr. Magoo's performance receives a standing ovation.

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 
The frame is not supernatural, but the play is, since it features ghosts and time travel. Some of the animations of events and effects on stage appear supernatural; for example, the ghosts are translucent.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  
Yes, Mr. Magoo plays the role of Scrooge in play on Broadway.

Is this adaptation a musical?  No.
 
What songs and/or dances are included?  
(Music by Jule Styne... Mr. Magoo sings "Great to Be Back on Broadway."  Scrooge and Cratchit sing "Ringle, Ringle." A child sings "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!" Belle sings "Winter Was Warm." Cratchit sings "The Lord's Bright Blessing."  Scrooge sings "Alone in the World." The people in Old Joe's pawn shop sing "We're Despicable."

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  
The animated art is simple and two-dimensional, but excellent!

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
The transitions are adequate.
 
What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?  N/A

What use is made of background extras?  
Adequate use is made of animated background extras in the theater, and in New York City traffic, for example.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 
It seems to be the perfect combination of humor, drama, tragedy, music, and nostalgia.
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 
The DVD includes:
  • Scene Index
  • "History of Mr. Magoo in Film and Television"
  • "Biographies of the Voice Talents, With Jim Backus"
  • "Career Retrospective of Composer Jule Styne and Lyicist Bob Merrill"
  • original movie poster
  • a classic Bonus Mr. Magoo short
Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Friday, February 19, 2021

"Bewitched": "Humbug Not to Be Spoken Here" (1967): Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Title"Bewitched":  "Humbug Not to Be Spoken Here"

AdaptationStarring Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stevens, and Charles Lane as Jessie Mortimer, "the Scrooge."

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  
TUE, 21 DEC 1967 U.S.A.
 
My Rating** (Substandard)

Format Reviewed
live-action T.V. episode, on VHS
 
Runtime:  30 minutes
 
Availability:  
As of February 19, 2021, copies of Season 4 of this series, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $15 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 
No, this adaptation is not particularly reverent.  It includes Santa Claus, and panders to commercialism.

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?  No.
 
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?"  No.

What does my wife think of
this adaptation?
She think it's one of the "dumbest shows" she has ever seen.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?
The U.S.A., circa 1970.
 
What language and/or dialects are used?  
American English

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?
This adaptation does not follow the original novel very closelyThe scene is set when Darrin's boss (Dick York and David White, respectively) tries to impress Jessie Mortimer (Charles Lane) enough to win a $500,000 contract by having Darrin work late on Christmas Eve.  Darrin refuses, and loses the contract.

Darrin's wife, who puts the "witch" in "Bewitched," pays Mr. Mortimer a visit in his bedroom on Christmas Eve, identifying herself to him as a witch, and taking him, on a broomstick decorated for Christmas, to visit her friend in the North Pole, Santa Claus (Don Beddoe).

Then Santa takes them for a ride in his sleigh, as he delivers Christmas presents.  He shows Mr. Mortimer how happy his employee, Hawkins (Martin Ashe) is, even though he's poor.

The next day, Mr. Mortimer appears at Darrin's front door with a Christmas present and an apology.
   
Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 
Yes, this film features witchcraft, magic, and Santa Claus.

Is this adaptation "framed"? 
No.
 
Is this adaptation a musical?  No.
 
What songs and/or dances are included?  
Music by Warren Barker...

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  
The set, wardrobe, and art are adequate.

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
The transitions are poorly doneThe characters look stiff during the broomstick and sleigh flights, as if sitting still while snow is blown past them with a fan.
 
What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included? 
Yes. (See above.)   
 
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? 
The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, how much emphasis is placed on Santa Claus, and how little emphasis is placed on Mortimer and Hawkins.  Mortimer's cold heart is turned, just by seeing Hawkins playing happily with his wife and child, even though he's poor.
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD?  N/A

A Christmas Carol (1984), Starring George C. Scott: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

TitleA Christmas Carol

AdaptationStarring George C. Scott as "the Scrooge"

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  
FRI, 23 NOV 1984, U.K.
MON, 17 DEC 1984, U.S.A.
 
My Rating****

Format Reviewed
live-action, feature-length film, on DVD
 
Runtime:  100 minutes
 
Availability:  
As of February 19, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $10 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 
Yes, this adaptation is reverent, starting with a rendition of the hymn "On Christmas Night All Angels Sing." 

Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?
Yes. (See above/below.)
 
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" 
Yes, Tim Cratchit says, "God bless us, everyone!"

What does my wife think of
this adaptation?
She
likes it.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?
Victorian England
 
What language and/or dialects are used?  
English.

How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?
This adaptation follows the original novel fairly well. It begins with a narrator (Roger Rees) stating that Marley (Frank Finlay) is dead.  Fred (also played by Roger Rees) visits Scrooge in his office on Christmas Eve.  The portly gentlemen seeking a donation do not.  Scrooge leaves Bob Cratchit (David Warner) working in his office, while he goes to the Exchange.  En route, he discovers Tiny Tim Cratchit (Anthony Walters) waiting for his father.

At the exchange, in a scene not included in the original novel, Scrooge sells his corn to some businessmen.


After closing the corn deal, Misters Poole and Hacking (Michael Gough and John Quarmby, respectively) introduce themselves to Mr. Scrooge, seeking a donation.

Bob closes shop without Scrooge, and takes Tiny Tim to Cornhill to watch the other boys play in the snow and slide on the ice.

Meanwhile, Scrooge returns home, where he sees Marley's face on his door knocker. Jacob Marley appears, but does not show Scrooge the other ghosts, although Scrooge hears them as Marley departs through his window.

The Ghost of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasance) appears, and takes Ebenezer back to one of his lonely Christmases at a boarding school, where old Scrooge tells the Ghost that his father held a grudge against him because his wife (Scrooge's mother) died giving birth to him.

Then Fan (Joanne Whalley) appears to Scrooge after he has become a young man (Mark Strickson), and takes Scrooge outside the school, where their father (Nigel Davenport) is waiting for them, and where he informs Scrooge that he will begin working for Mr. Fezziwig (Timothy Bateson) as an apprentice three days later.

As their carriage departs, old Scrooge and the Ghost remain, discussing Fan and her son, whom Scrooge identifies as Fred Holywell, although his surname was never given in the original novel.

Then the Ghost takes Scrooge to Mr. Fezziwig's place of business, where his young self and Dick Wilkins (Spencer Banks) celebrate Christmas with their old boss, his wife (Pat Rose) and their three daughters, their suitors, and Belle (Lucy Gutteridge).

Then the Ghost shows Ebenezer the day Belle broke off their engagement to be married, and another day, when she is playing outside in the snow with her children as her husband (Peter Settelen) approaches, and informs her that he saw Ebenezer, whose partner was about to die.

Then Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Present (Edward Woodard) who takes him into the streets on Christmas Day, and to the home of Bob Cratchit, where Bob informs his son, Peter (Kieran Hughes) that Fred has offered him (Peter) a job as an apprentice for three Shillings and six Pence a week.

Then the Ghost takes Scrooge to his nephew's Christmas Party, where one of the guests mocks him.

Afterward, the Ghost takes Scrooge to the streets, where he hears a homeless family discussing their limited options.  

The Ghost also shows Scrooge the wretched children under his robe.

Then the Ghost leaves Scrooge in the street, cold and alone in the dark, in a place unfamiliar to him, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appears to him.

First, this Ghost shows him the Exchange, where three businessmen discuss his death.

Secondly, the Ghost takes him into his own home, where his corpse apparently lies under a sheet.

Thirdly, the Ghost takes him to old Joe (Peter Woodthorpe's) pawn shop, where's Mrs. Dilber (Liz Smith) sells Scrooge's belongings.

Finally, the Ghost takes Scrooge to his tombstone.

Back in his room, Scrooge discovers it's Christmas Day.  After having a boy fetch the poulterer, Scrooge takes a walk, dropping money in the can of some carolers, and pledging a donation to the portly gentlemen whom he happens to pass on the street.

Another scene shows the poulterer delivering the prize turkey to Bob Cratchit's house, where he explains that it was paid for by an anonymous benefactor.  The poulterer doesn't take a cab; he drives his own carriage. 

Finally, Scrooge visits his nephew for Christmas Dinner.

The next morning, he waits for Bob to arrive late, only to double his salary, and promise to help him ensure that Tim's health would improve.
 
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"?
  No. 

Is this adaptation a musical?  No.
 
What songs and/or dances are included?  
Music by Nick Bicât... In addition to "On Christmas Night All Christians Sing," carolers sing "I Saw Three Ships," as well as "Peace on Earth/God Bless Us Everyone," which was apparently written specifically for this adaptation.

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  
The sets, wardrobe, and architecture are excellent.

How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
The transitions are adequate.  The Ghost of Christmas Past shows scenes from the past in the reflection of her cap.  The Ghost of Christmas Present shows scenes in the flames of his torch.  The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come changes scenes with bolts of lightning and claps of thunder.
 
What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?  
T.B.D.
 
What use is made of background extras?  
(Give specific examples of scenes with adequate or inadequate numbers of background extras.)

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 
The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, the song "Peace on Earth/God Bless Us Everyone," which is played repeatedly throughout the film.
 
Of course, it is also remarkable that George C. Scott stars in this adaptation, but this is part of why it doesn't "work" for me; he will always be General George S. Patton to me.
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 
T.B.D.