Scrooge (1970), Starring Albert Finney: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Title:  Scrooge

Adaptation:  Starring Albert Finney as Ebenezer Scrooge

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

THU,  5 NOV 1970 U.S.A.

MON, 30 NOV 1970 U.K.

 

My Rating:  *****

Format Reviewed:  live-action film, on DVD

 

Runtime:  113 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of March 2, 2021, copies of this film, on BluRay, are available, online, for approximately $10 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

Yes, this adaptation is somewhat reverent, but also humorous.

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

Yes. (See below.)

 

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

Yes.  The Cratchits say this together on Christmas Day, in their home.

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
Even though she doesn't usually like musicals, this is one of her favorite adaptations of A Christmas Carol.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

London, England, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 1860

 
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 this adaptation takes place in 1860, about the time the British started minting its copper coins in bronze instead of copper, instead of in 1843, as some versions portray.  In the novel, the Ghost of Christmas Present indicates that he has more than 1,800 brothers, but doesn't specify more precisely how many.  In this adaptation, the year is indicated when the Ghost of Christmas Present (played by Kenneth More) asks Scrooge what year it is, and Scrooge tells him, "1860." 

Instead of beginning with a narration about Marley being dead, this film begins with a scene of children singing "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!" from door to door, until they reach Scrooge's place of business.  Scrooge threatens them with a coal shovel, so they mock him by calling him "Father Christmas," in a song that they sing about him. 

Fred (Michael Medwin) visits Scrooge in his office, but the portly gentlemen do not ask for his donation, until he has dismissed Bob Cratchit (David Collings), and is locking the door to his office from the outside.

After work, Bob Cratchit is seen with one of his daughters, and Tiny Tim (Richard Beaumont), shopping on their way home.

Scrooge is seen going about the streets interrupting various people at their places of business, to remind them how much they owe him and when.  While in the street, he sings a song, "I Hate People."  

 
Jacob Marley (Alec Guinness), visits Scrooge, and shows him the other ghosts outside his window, with their chains.

Then the Ghost of Christmas Past (Edith Evans) visits him, looking more like Mrs. Santa Claus than a Ghost of Christmas Past.

As with several other versions, this version shows Scrooge meeting "Belle" (Suzanne Neve) at Fezziwig's Christmas ball, although she is apparently Isabel Fezziwig, one of Mr. Fezziwig's daughters or nieces.  Laurence Naismith plays Mr. Fezziwig, and Kay Walsh, Mrs. Fezziwig.

This ball is very elaborate, with a fiddler playing for the dancers, who sing a unique song about Christmas:  "December the 25th!"

This is followed by a duet between old Scrooge and Isabel when he sees her curtailing their engagement to be married.

The Ghost of Christms Present is perhaps the most impudent and sarcastic Ghost, often belittling earthlings in general, and Scrooge in particular.  But he serves Scrooge his special wine, and sings a song with him about liking and enjoying life, and Scrooge finds he enjoys the wine and life more than he anticipated.

Tiny Tim sings a solo for Christmas.

Fred's wife (Mary Peach) insists that they and their guests play a game called "The Minister's Cat," which proves to be hilarious, as the clapping players try to think of adjectives for the Minister's Cat, which start with certain letters of the alphabet by the time it's their turn to say, "The Minister's Cat is a such-and-such cat!"

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Paddy Stone) shows Scrooge a parade in honor of his death, although he doesn't realize it.  Everyone sings praise and thanks to him, apparently for dying, but Scrooge, not realizing he's in his own funeral procession, keeps asking what he did to deserve such gratitude, and starts singing and dancing in the parade, in celebration of his death, "Thank You Very Much!"  This is perhaps the most hilarious musical number in the film!

Scrooge also finds himself descending into hell where he sees Jacob Marley again, and receives his own ponderous chain, in a cold cell similar to the one he keeps Bob Cratchit in.

Then he wakes up in his own bed.  He has a boy buy the prize turkey and bring it to him, but, instead of sending it to Bob's, he takes it to him personally, with an entourage of children.  He meets Fred and his wife in the street, and gives them presents, so Fred's wife invites him to dinner at their house that day. 

Then Scrooge buys or rents a Father Christmas costume, which he wears to Bob's to give him the turkey, as well as other presents for his wife and children.  All of this is done with a lot of singing, bell ringing, pipe playing and dancing in the street.  Scrooge even slides on the ice like a child.

Finally, Scrooge returns home to prepare for his dinner invitation, and bids farewell to the door knocker where he previously saw Marley's face.

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?  Yes!

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

Original score by Herbert W. Spencer... Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse... (See above!)

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

(The set/wardrobe/art is poorly done/adequate/excellent. Give examples; e.g., such-and-such a poster is historically accurate.)

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- mostly just cutting to (or fading in and out between) the next scene, as if in preparation for the insertion of commercials.

 

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

What use is made of background extras?  

Ample use is made of background extras, and many of them demonstrate the ability to sing, dance, and/or play various musical instruments. Some of the musical numbers are epic!

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is the overall sense of good humor.  It is also one of the most elaborate as far as dancers, singers, and musicians, as well as sets and wardrobe.

 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

Scene selection and English subtitles are available on the DVD.

 

Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

A mill in Elora, Ontario, Canada.

 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"?

Fifty minutes.

 3.  During the interview included on some DVD copies of this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, what does Henry Winkler say about his sexual relationship with his leading lady, Susan Hogan?

This is a trick question. Henry Winkler does not mention Susan Hogan during this interview. He was married to Stacey Weitzman on May 5, 1978, and remains married to her, as of March 2, 2021. Susan Hogan's maiden name is "King," so she was probably already married to Michael Hogan when this film was produced, including her credit as "Susan Hogan." If Henry Winkler and Susan Hogan ever had a sexual relationship, they have been discreet about it.

 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"?

Commedia dell'arte.

 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"?

Masks.

 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?

2013.

 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?

He says that it was so timeless that audiences could understand and appreciate it in 2013 as well as they did in 1979.

 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?

He says that, as with other scripts which are well written, the dialogue is easy to learn.

 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 Grease (1978), because he had already played "the Fonz." Who does he say ended up playing this role?

John Travolta.

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"?

He says that it was perhaps the hardest role he had ever accepted; and that the fifty-minute transition from "the old Scrooge" to the younger "Scrooge" was perhaps the most difficult costume change/transitions he was ever required to make for a role.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

"Alastair Sim's."

 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"?

Gary Smith (October 11, 1947 – June 7, 2016)

 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"?

"Len Hill." [Leonard Franklin Hill (October 11, 1947 – June 7, 2016)]

 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?

On Reklaw [Drive], in Studio City.

 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?

"Happy Days."

 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"?

He calls him "Gary Smith" of "Smith-Hemion."

 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"?

Greg Cannon.

 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"?

Twelve to fifteen.

 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"?

Five to five and a half hours.

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"?

3 a.m.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

Her dog, Tandy.

 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?

That her dog, which had been in an accident, had recovered four years prior.

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

Two.

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

After Jack Latham decides to invest in Benedict Slade's installment plan scheme instead of reopening Nathaniel Brewster's furniture factory.

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

Apparently, Helen Brewster blames Benedict Slade for her father's death.

 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?

He discovered that he would probably not be promoted because he wasn't one of Mr. Stapleton's nephews.

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

Installment plans, or "buying on time."

 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?

Ten percent.

 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?

One hundred fifty percent.

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?

Two hundred percent.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

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

"Deck the Halls."

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

Harry Barnes

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

In Nathaniel Brewster's furniture factory, which he, Benedict Slade, intends to reopen.

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

Five-o'-clock.

 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?

The radio, which he had recently repossessed from Mr. Reeves, started playing news from years gone by.

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

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was inaugurated approximately eleven months prior.

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

Herbert Hoover.

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

The Stock Market Crash of October, 1929, and Charles Lindberg's flight from New York City to Paris, in May, 1927.

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

He turned it off and unplugged it, in failed attempts to get it to stop playing old broadcasts.  After a change of heart, he returns the radio and other belongings to Mr. Reeves, and warns him that his radio has been acting strangely.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

Sister Elizabeth Kenny (September 20, 1880-November 30, 1952) was a real Australian Army Nurse during World War I; she attained the rank of Sister, which is equivalent to a First Lieutenant. She is known for treating polio as early as 1910.

 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?

"Several hundred."

 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?

Yes. As early as 1858, granite from Connecticut was shipped as far away as New Orleans. A 6-ton block of Connecticut granite is the corner stone of the Statue of Liberty. Smithsonian Institute buildings are made of Connecticut granite. As of 2020, there is a company in Wolcott, Connecticut, called the Aldon Corporation, which manufactures tiles made of granite and other materials.

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

A Christmas Carol.

 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?

His great grandfather was a friend of Charles Dickens, and passed this original copy of A Christmas Carol to his grandson, the current owner's father, from whom he received it.

 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?

The Kendall Bookbinding Company

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

Probably fictitious... However, as of 2021, there is a company called Kendall Press, located at 1 Main Street, East Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Also, a pair of sisters, named Mary Ellet Kendall and Sarah Ellet Kendall, studied bookbinding in England, from 1907 to 1909, and worked as bookbinders in Chicago circa 1910. Sarah died circa 1910, but her sister, Mary, married James Alden Valentine, Sr., in 1910, and continued to bind books until the 1920s. Mary was born in Kansas, and James in Chicago, but they both died in Massachusetts.

 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?

Michael Wincott, age 21.

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

429 Front Street.

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?

Lightning strikes, and the power in his home goes out; then, when he makes a phone call for help, his phone goes dead.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

$128

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

Ten U.S. Cents.

 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?

Five hundred, then one thousand U.S. Dollars.

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

$100

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

They place it on a bonfire to be burned with the rest of his belongings.

 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?

1921 and 1935

 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?

187_ and 19_ _. The fourth digit of the year of birth and the third and fourth digits of the year of death are never shown.

 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?

Five pounds.

 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?

Four hours.

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

Jonathan Thatcher's.

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan

Answers to 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?

Ellen Brewster

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

The Sheriff's - presumably, by order of the Sheriff of Merrimack County, Connecticut.

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

"Silent Night."

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

"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!"

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

"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!"

 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?

He plays it with one finger.

 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?

For forty years.

 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?

A pharmacist.

 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?

The Grandmaster of the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

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

1871

Quiz and Answers by William Mortensen Vaughan