A Christmas Carol (1982), Featuring the Guthrie Theater: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 Title:  A Christmas Carol

Adaptation:  Starring Richard Hilger as Ebenezer Scrooge

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

1982 U.S.A.

 

My Rating:  ****

Format Reviewed:  live-action, feature-length film of a stage play, ON VHS

 

Runtime:  87 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of February 19, 2021, copies of this film, on VHS, are available, online, for approximately $275 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

Yes, this adaptation is reverent, with carolers singing portions of "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!" and "Good King Wenceslas."

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

Yes. (See above/below.)

 

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

Yes, Tiny Tim and Mrs. Dickens say, "God bless us, everyone!"

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She refuses to watch it, because she doesn't like musicals.

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.  There are a few departures from the original novel, however.  The scene at Old Joe's pawn shop is missing; a funeral procession for Scrooge is added.  Young Scrooge proposes to Belle the day before he begins working for Mr. Fezziwig.  In a later scene, Mr. Fezziwig concludes his Christmas Ball as soon as Belle arrives, to allow her to be alone with Scrooge, an opportunity she takes to break off her engagement to Scrooge.  Previously, when Scrooge is a boy, Fan visits him at school, but she tells him that she snuck away from their father to give him a Christmas present, and has to return before he misses her.

 

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, this adaptation is framed by Charles Dickens writing and reading his novel at his desk, as his family tries to celebrate Christmas with him.

Is this adaptation a musical?  No.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

(See above.)

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The set, wardrobe, and architecture/art are adequate.  The desks are misshapen and slanted at odd angles, so it looks as if paperweights would slide off of them.

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.  This film is an odd combination of stage play and special film effects.

 

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 background extras.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, the use of a paperweight on Charles Dickens' desk, which later appears in the story when Fan gives it to young Scrooge for a Christmas present, after a scene in which old Scrooge throws it at Fred.  Fred keeps it as a memento of his hateful Uncle, and shows it to his guests on Christmas.  Scrooge mentions it when he shows up at Fred's on Christmas Day, but tells Fred to keep it.

 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD?  N/A

Review by William Mortensen Vaughan