The Annotated Christmas Carol, Edited by Michael Patrick Hearn: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 The Annotated Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was edited by Michael Patrick Hearn. The edition I'm reviewing was published in 2004. It is illustrated by the original illustrator of A Christmas Carol, John Leech, et al. It consists of four major sections: 

1. Introduction to The Annotated Christmas Carol
2. The Annotated Christmas Carol
3. Introduction to A Christmas Carol. In Four Staves
4. A Christmas Carol. In Four Staves
   

The pages before the second section are numbered with lower case, Roman numerals. The Introduction to The Annotated Christmas Carol spans pages from xiii to cxiv (13 to 114, for those of you unfamiliar with Roman numerals); the previous pages include cover pages, Contents, Acknowledgments, et cetera. The introductions contain, essentially, information about three topics:

1. A history of Christmas
2. The life of Charles Dickens
3. A history of the original and early editions of A Christmas Carol
   

A Christmas Carol. In Four StavesI is a copy of the 1867 edition, which was an abridged adaptation that Charles Dickens referred to while giving public readings of the novel. Included among the pages of The Annotated Christmas Carol and the abridged version are annotations, or footnotes, with explanations of archaic terms, and historical insights.

Test your knowledge of these topics by taking the following quizzes:

U N D E R  C O N S T R U C T I O N ! ! !

Test your knowledge of Christmas by taking these quizzes:

Quiz  1 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  2 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  3 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  4 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  5 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  6 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  7 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  8 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  9 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Quiz  10 of [T.B.D.] on Christmas

Test your knowledge of Charles Dickens by taking these quizzes:

Quiz 1  of [T.B.D.] on The Life of Charles Dickens

Quiz 2 of [T.B.D.] on The Life of Charles Dickens

Test your knowledge of A Christmas Carol by taking these quizzes:

Quiz 1 of [T.B.D.] on A Christmas Carol

Quiz 2 of [T.B.D.] on A Christmas Carol

Quiz 3 of [T.B.D.] on A Christmas Carol

Quiz 4 of [T.B.D.] on A Christmas Carol

Quiz 5 of [T.B.D.] on A Christmas Carol

Review and Quizzes by William Mortensen Vaughan

The Mistletoe Promise: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 Title(s):  The Mistletoe Promise, a.k.a. Mein Fake Date

Adaptation:  Starring Jaime King as Elise Donnor, and Luke Macfarlane as Nick (the Scrooge)

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

SAT, 5 NOV 2016 U.S.A.

 

My Rating:  *****(Favorite)

Format Reviewed:  live-action film, on DVD

 

Runtime:  1 hour and 24 minutes 

 

Availability:  

As of December 4, 2021, a few, secondhand and/or perhaps pirated copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $20 U.S. Dollars.

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

No.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

No, this adaptation is not particularly reverent.

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

No.

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She thinks it's "cute" and "unobjectionable," and she "really like[s] it."

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

The northeastern U.S.A., circa 2015... There is no indication, in this film, which city or State is the primary location. However, four of the principal characters go to a "local" television broadcasting station identified as a fictitious WKJS (not to be confused with WKJX, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina), which indicates that their location is in the U.S.A., and east of the Mississippi River, because stations west of the Mississippi River begin with the letter "K." For example, KSL is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. These and other  characters participate in an annual snowman-making contest outside in the snow, and heavy snowfall seems to be common in the area, so it is probably a northeastern State, such as New York, but not New York City, since some of the characters fly, from the primary location, to New York City, for an annual, company Christmas party.

 
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. It could be argued that there are two "Scrooges," in this adaptation:  Elise Donnor and Nick. They form a club of two for "Christmas phobes." However, Elise is not really a "Scrooge"; she loves Christmas, and identifies herself as "one hundred percent Tiny Tim," but Christmas has been painful for her since her divorce four years "ago." Her ex-husband, Dan (played by Lochlyn Munro) was her partner in a travel agency which she founded before their marriage, and he remains her partner, but Dan is constantly trying to persuade her to sell him her stock in their company so that he can own and operate it by himself. It could be argued that he is a "Scrooge," which he is, but, in my opinion, he is not "the Scrooge."

I consider Nick to be "the Scrooge." He, like Elise, finds Christmas painful, but he is the one who mentions three "ghosts" of Christmas in his past, and he seems to have given up on Christmas altogether, whereas Elise is the one who shows him how to enjoy it again.

None of the "ghosts" of Christmas in this film are ghosts or people; instead, they are all past experiences in Nick's life, which, understandably, led him to dread Christmas. He reveals these "ghosts" to Elise one at a time throughout the film.  
 
The first and most recent "ghost," which he reveals, is that he was fired near Christmas, and blackballed by his previous employer (a law firm), because he questioned a senior partner's practice of illegally overlooking conflicts of interests.

The second and earliest "ghost," which Nick reveals, is the occasion, near Christmas, when his father abandoned him and his mother, when he was six years old. This occasion was followed up with a stepfather who put him in a boarding school, like Scrooge's father put Scrooge in a boarding school.

The third "ghost," which Nick reveals, which occurred between being abandoned by his father, and being fired and blackballed by his previous employer, was on what would have been his wedding day, if his bride hadn't "stood him up at the altar," to flee with her father, instead of saying "I do."

Although she identifies herself as "one hundred percent Tiny Tim," Elise is more like Marley - a business partner who dreads Christmas like Nick, but who shows him the error of his ways.

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  

No.

Is this adaptation supernatural? 

No.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  

No.

Is this adaptation a musical?  

No.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

Music by Russ Howard III... Carolers at a food court, in the mall where Elise goes to eat wonton soup, go from table to table, singing for the guests, accompanied by a guitar. Their repertoire includes "Jingle Bells," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and "Deck the Halls."

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The set, wardrobe, and art are adequate. Wherever I'm "at," in the film, I feel as if I were there.

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. I would have liked to see more flashbacks, especially to Nick's negative, Christmas experiences.

 

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

There is some excellent stock footage of New York City, as seen from above, which is presented as if it were the view from Elise's hotel room.  

What use is made of background extras?  

Adequate use is made of background extras. There are plenty of people at the offices where Elise and Nick work, as well as at the parties they attend.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, that the "ghosts" of Christmas are experiences, rather than individual ghosts or people. Furthermore, I am a fan of Jaime King, especially since I almost met her in San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I was delighted to find an adaptation of A Christmas Carol in which she played a starring role. As far as I'm concerned, this is the "James King Adaptation."
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

No bonus material is included on my DVD copy of this film - not even subtitles.

Test your knowledge of this adaptation by taking these quizzes:

Quiz 1 of T.B.D.

Quiz 2 of T.B.D.

 

Quiz 3 of T.B.D.

 

Quiz 4 of T.B.D.

    

Quiz 5 of T.B.D.

    

Quiz 6 of T.B.D.

    

Quiz 7 of T.B.D.

    

Quiz 8 of T.B.D.

    

Review and quizzes by William Mortensen Vaughan

The Jetsons: A Jetson Christmas Carol: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 Title(s):  "A Jetson Christmas Carol"

Adaptation:  Featuring the voice of George O'Hanlon as George Jetson

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

FRI, 13 DEC 1985 U.S.A.

 

My Rating:  *****(Favorite)

Format Reviewed:  animated film, on VHS

 

Runtime:  22 minutes 

 

Availability:  

As of November 27, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $10 U.S. Dollars.

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

No.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

No, this adaptation is not particularly reverent.

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

No.

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She thinks it's "cute" and "nostalgic."

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

A science fictional Orbit City, circa 2060.

 
What language and/or dialects are used?  

American English

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

In this adaptation, "the Scrooge" is Mr. George Jetson's boss, Mr. Cosmo Spacely, the owner of Spacely Space Sprockets, Inc., and George is the "Bob Cratchit." The "Tiny Tim" is the Jeston's dog, Astro, who  opens his Christmas present early, on Christmas Eve; it's a robotic cat, so he chases it until he breaks it, and accidentally swallows one of its Spacely Sprockets. (All toys, in this film, are made with Spacely Sprockets.) 

 

Mr. Spacely has visions of four ghosts:  Mr. Marsley, his former partner, and the usual Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, although two of them look more like computers than people, and the Ghost of Christmas Present looks like a large, gift-wrapped box, or "Christmas present."

Spacely remains unimpressed or unintimidated by the Ghosts of Christmas, until the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows him that George will be wealthy and he, Cosmo, will be penniless, after George sues him because of the death of his dog, due to swallowing the sprocket.

Spacely wakes up on Christmas morning, and drags his personal veterinarian out of bed, and takes him to the Jetson residence, where they are unable to get a veterinarian to attend their dog because of the Christmas holiday.

Spacely's veterinarian simply has Astro open wide, then reaches down his throat and pulls the sprocket out, after which Astro recovers completely.

Mr. Spacely leaves Christmas presents for various members of the Jetson family, including a "rocket roll guitar" for Elroy, nuclear roller skates for Judy, Moon Gold perfume for Mrs. Jetson, a Sterling silver apron for their robotic maid, and edible aliens the approximate size of gummy bears, for one of their other pets. 

Then he departs as the Jetsons sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

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?  

The Jetson theme song is included, as with every episode of "The Jetsons," and, as mentioned above, the Jetsons sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," for the grand finale.

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The art work for this animated film 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. They include kaleidoscopes and explosions, as well as the usual "cuts."

 

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

Several flight scenes are included, since this story takes place in a future in which people usually fly instead of driving wheeled vehicles over the terrain, but none of the flight scenes are particularly impressive.  

 

What use is made of background extras?  

Animated background extras appear where appropriate; for example, at Mr. Jetson's office party.

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, that it's a futuristic cartoon.
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

The VHS tape has ads at the end.

Test your knowledge of this adaptation by taking these quizzes:

Quiz  1 of 4

Quiz  2 of 4

 

Quiz  3 of 4

 

Quiz  4 of 4

    

Review and quizzes by William Mortensen Vaughan

An All Dogs Christmas Carol: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

 

Title:  An All Dogs Christmas Carol

Adaptation:  Featuring the voice of Ernest Borgnine as Carface (the Scrooge)

Dates and Places of Earliest Release:  

TUE, 17 NOV 1998

 

My Rating:  ***** (Favorite)

Format Reviewed:  animated film, on DVD

 

Runtime:  1 hour 13 minutes

 

Availability:  

As of November 8, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD/VHS, are available, online, for approximately $5 U.S. Dollars.

Is this adaptation reverent? 

Yes.  It's about angel dogs in dog heaven.

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

Yes. (See below.)

 

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

Yes, Timmy says, "God bless us everyone!"

What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She enjoyed it, and thinks it's one of the most unique versions of A Christmas Carol she has ever seen.

Where and when does this adaptation take place?

San Francisco, California, circa 2000.

 
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.  It is based on characters in the animated, feature-length films All Dogs Go to Heaven and its sequel.

A dog named Carface (voice of Ernest Borgnine) is the equivalent of Scrooge.  Timmy (Taylor Emerson), a puppy with a splint on one of its hind legs, is the equivalent of Tiny Tim, but is not the offspring of any of Carface's employees.  Carface has a sidekick, Killer (Lidsville's Charles Nelson Reilly), but his sidekick doesn't seem to have a family, other than Carface's crime family.

Carface has a boss, a flying dog named Belladonna (Bebe Neuwirth).  Belladonna is the evil cousin of Anabelle (also Bebe Neuwirth).  Belladonna and Anabelle have bodies like greyhounds, but feminine hairstyles on their heads, and wings like Pegasus.  Anabelle is apparently an archangel in dog heaven, and Belladonna, a witch, on Earth.  Belladonna devises an evil plan to take over all the dogs in San Francisco on Christmas Eve.  This evil plan involves a gargantuan dog whistle, which will hypnotize all of the dogs in the city, and will influence them to take their masters' Christmas presents to a certain location, where Belladonna intends to let Carface take possession of them.  She's not interested in the loot, just the satisfaction of ruining Christmas.

There are also two or three guardian angels, in the form of mutts Charlie Barkin (Steven Weber) and Itchy Itchiford (Dom DeLuise) (perhaps a Basset Hound), and another greyhound with a feminine hairdo, Sasha (Sheena Easton).  They throw a Christmas charity party to raise money for the operation Timmy needs.

Carface and Killer show up, and, using a magical dog whistle, rob them of their presents, bones, and the few coins they've collected for Timmy.

Charlie, trying to impress Sasha, takes Itchy to get the stolen goods back, but Carface outsmarts them repeatedly, and, after over-confidently revealing her evil plan, Belladonna sics her firy minions on them, so, when they are trying to decide what to do next, Anabelle intervenes, giving Charlie a magic amulet, which he discovers will allow him, Itchy, and Sasha to portray the Ghosts of Christmas Future, Past, and Present, respectively, but in chronological order, in Carface's dreams, on Christmas Eve, after Carface's alarm is set to wake him up in time to play his role in Belladonna's diabolical plot to ruin Christmas in San Francisco.

Carface, after seeing visions of Timmy, is so touched by how similar Timmy is to himself, that he has a change of heart, and betrays Belladonna.  Then Anabelle steps in to save Carface from Belladonna.  Then Carface gives back the presents he stole, as well as more presents, and enough money to cover Timmy's operation.

Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?  No.

(If so, explain; e.g., A Christmas Carol II:  The Sequel, shows Scrooge and Cratchit during a Christmastime at least a year after the original story took place.)

Is this adaptation supernatural? 

Yes.  It includes angels and witchcraft, as well as magical ghosts.

Is this adaptation "framed"?  

Yes, this story is told to angel puppies in dog heaven by an angel named Anabelle.

Is this adaptation a musical?  

Yes.

 

What songs and/or dances are included?  

Music by Mark Watters. At least three original musical numbers are included:  A Christmas duet by a Chihuahua with a Hispanic accent, and, I believe, a Scotty dog; an autobiographical ballad by Carface; and a diabolical duet by Killer and Belladonna.

How attractive and effective is the visual art?  

The art is 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?  

N/A

What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation? 

The most remarkable thing about this adaptation is, perhaps, how "far out" it is from the original novel, while still incorporating a Scrooge, a Timmy, and three Ghosts of Christmas.  There's even a Martha, in the human form of Timmy's owner.
 
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD? 

Scene Selection, and a Sing Along section are available; audio and subtitles are available in French and English.

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

Maxine's Christmas Carol (2000), Featuring the Voice of Tress MacNeille as Maxine: Review by William Mortensen Vaughan

Title:  Maxine'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)

 

Adaptation:  Featuring 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.