Adaptation: Starring Jeremy Kerridge as Ebenezer Scrooge, and featuring the Northern Ballet
Dates and Places of Earliest Release:
THU, 8 DEC 1994 U.S.A
(NOTE: The film indicates that it was produced in 1992.)
Format Reviewed: live-action film, on DVD
Runtime: 131 minutes
Availability:
As of February 9, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $35 U.S. Dollars.
Is this adaptation reverent?
Yes, this adaptation is reverent; it includes the hymn "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!"
Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?
Yes. (See above.)
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?" No.
What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She refuses to watch it.
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, but with obvious changes:
The opening scene is Marley's funeral procession.
Instead of two portly gentlemen entering Scrooge's office to ask him for a donation, a crowd of picketers appear outside his office, where Bob Cratchit joins them in asking for "Christmas Comfort for the Poor," and for people to "Feed the Hungry."
Fred apparently brings a woman (presumably, his wife) to visit Scrooge at his office.
An odd musical number is inserted, in which a line of dirty children, dressed in rags, file past a stern-looking man, while a variation of the song "Four Pence a Day" is heard in the background.
Instead of sliding on his feet across ice, Bob Cratchit (Rocco Vitalia) slides on his bottom, down a slippery slide used to lower burlap bags full of some product from an upper level to a lower level, on the stage.
Fred's residence is never shown. Bob plays Blind Man's Buff with his family after Tiny Tim's death.
Only four children appear at Bob's residence.
When the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his bedroom in the future, after his death, four hags fight over his belongings.
On Christmas Day, Scrooge throws a block party in front of his office, to which Fred, Fred's wife, and Bob come to celebrate.
The grand finale, at Scrooge's office, features an encore appearance by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
The opening scene is Marley's funeral procession.
Instead of two portly gentlemen entering Scrooge's office to ask him for a donation, a crowd of picketers appear outside his office, where Bob Cratchit joins them in asking for "Christmas Comfort for the Poor," and for people to "Feed the Hungry."
Fred apparently brings a woman (presumably, his wife) to visit Scrooge at his office.
An odd musical number is inserted, in which a line of dirty children, dressed in rags, file past a stern-looking man, while a variation of the song "Four Pence a Day" is heard in the background.
Instead of sliding on his feet across ice, Bob Cratchit (Rocco Vitalia) slides on his bottom, down a slippery slide used to lower burlap bags full of some product from an upper level to a lower level, on the stage.
Fred's residence is never shown. Bob plays Blind Man's Buff with his family after Tiny Tim's death.
Only four children appear at Bob's residence.
When the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his bedroom in the future, after his death, four hags fight over his belongings.
On Christmas Day, Scrooge throws a block party in front of his office, to which Fred, Fred's wife, and Bob come to celebrate.
The grand finale, at Scrooge's office, features an encore appearance by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel? No.
Is this adaptation supernatural?
Is this adaptation supernatural?
Yes, this film features ghosts and time travel.
Is this adaptation "framed"? No.
Is this adaptation a musical? Yes.
Is this adaptation "framed"? No.
Is this adaptation a musical? Yes.
What songs and/or dances are included?
There is a unique version of "Four Pence a Day," and various other songs, including one which contains the phrase "Marley is dead!"
How attractive and effective is the visual art?
How attractive and effective is the visual art?
The set, wardrobe, and art are excellent. Although the action obviously takes place on a stage, it makes me feel as if I'm in a fantastic version of London, England, during Queen Victoria's reign.
How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
The transitions are excellent; they do not use special film effects which detract from the play, although different camera angles and zooming in and out help keep the viewer's interest.
What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included? N/A
What use is made of background extras?
Excellent use is made of background extras, most of whom seem to be healthy, young dancers and acrobats.
What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation?
The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, the inclusion of the song "Four Pence a Day."
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD?
Scene selection and subtitles in English, French, German, and Spanish are available on the DVD. An excellent program, in the form of a twenty-page booklet is included with the disc, in the jewel case.
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