Christmas Film Advent- Scrooge (1970)

“You said I can’t have none of them, so I might as well like them all.”

PG
2 Hr
About: 
Ebenezer Scrooge (Albert Finney) is the definition of a miser. He is rich, but completely stingy with his money, and he exploits the good nature of his employee Bob Cratchit (David Collings). On Christmas Eve, however, Scrooge is in store for a rude awakening when he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley (Alec Guinness), who informs him that he is going to be visited by three ghosts, including the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Edith Evans) and Present (Kenneth More).

First Thought

The second Christmas Carol of the advent and another I’ve not seen before. 

Naughty List

• I love Albert Finney so it pains me to say that I really didn’t enjoy his performance. He’s too much of a miser and I don’t quite believe his change of heart. His portrayal jars with the levity that the songs bring to the tale.
• Speaking of the music; I hate it. It’s very Oliver-esque and I’ve soured towards this style of musical over the years. It’s just a little to high pitched and ‘happy’ for my liking.
• The additional scenes don’t add anything to the character’s development. For example, the diversion Scrooge takes to bully the people who owe his company money. It detracts from Scrooge’s conflict and makes me struggle to see him as a redeemable character.

Nice List

• We have an adorable Tiny Tim. I feel the loss of this one a little more than the 1951 version and I can understand Bob’s turmoil a little more.
• The colours and cinematography is enjoyably psychedelic and remind me of Christmas as a child; a kitsch Christmas card and those ceiling decorations. It doesn’t really fit with the film, but it sits comfortably as the definition of Christmas and I’m sold.

Final Thoughts

It’s an inoffensive version of the film, that pales in comparison of the Simm’s delightful offering. It’s a shame because the bar was set unreasonably high with last weeks retelling.