One of the most memorable characters around the Christmas season is that of Ebenezer Scrooge. He was introduced to us in 1843 in a novella, A Christmas Carol. Written by Charles Dickens, Scrooge is quickly defined in the first stave:
“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind- stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice.“[1]
There have been over 35 theatrical adaptations of the novella, as well as 22 films (does not include films based on the novella), 12 radio broadcasts, and 2 operas.[2]
Some of the most memorable Scrooges are:
George C. Scott in the 1984 TV movie A Christmas Carol
Bill Murray in Scrooged
Michael Caine in The Muppet Christmas Carol
Audiences seemed drawn to this character as he displays many qualities we can see within ourselves at some point in life. It gives us hope that we too can transform and overcome these obstacles and become more caring, thoughtful individuals. What are some of your favorite Scrooge films? What have you learned from them? What character do you most associate with?
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As these Muppet movies go; (the Muppet character cast moved in different environments with different celebrities), I understand the use of Caine but feel sad that Oscar the Grouch did not get his opportunity to shine as Ebenezer.
This is a great topic LB 🙂
Obviously, I wasn’t the first person to make that association.
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol
CR!
Oscar would have been great! However, I don’t know how any of us would have felt if we saw him get all chummy and sweet at the end. hahahahahahaha!!! We’d wonder how he ended back up on SEsame Street living back in the garbage can!
When you watch ACC, which version do you tend to pick?
I’m torn (or extremely indecisive). I’ll work on this.
I like all versions of ACC but if I had to choose one it would be the one with Jim Carrey. I think he did a great job of bringing ES to life. My runner up would be A Muppet Christmas Carol. I love Rizzo the Rat.
The reason why ACC is a hit every year is because it has a great lesson behind it. Always treat people with kindness because Karma will get you. We are all human and we all are not our best selves some times. I don’t know if I would want to go back and watch parts of my life over again because it wouldn’t be productive.
What happens to us and how we handle the situations that arise is our experience here on Earth.
Hi Paris
I haven’t seen Jim Carrey’s version yet and hope to see it this holiday. I only heard good things about it.
I definitely agree about treating people with kindness. My mom raised me to always be kind because you never know when you might run into someone and need their assistance in something. You want them to have good memories of you. I definitely believe in karma.
I don’t think I would mind watching parts of my past because I really have no regrets and if anything, I could make them better for the future. As for seeing my future…nah. I don’t want to find out it sucks and then be depressed because I know what’s coming. HAHAHA! I guess there would be some pretty awesome things, but I think I’d rather ask the ghost of Christmas Future yes and no questions. 🙂
its not that I have regrets but I would think watching it would be counter productive to where I am today. Why bring it all back up? Hope that made sense.
completely! 🙂
Yes! It’s nice to see a different spin on things as long as its better than the original. I like the JC version because it has it’s own unique qualities to it. There not trying to re-create the GC version which I like.
I never saw this one. Sorry, LB!
Hello!
I’m here. What a great topic LB! Let me read and get caught up.
Hi OB!
Hi LB.
Sorry, I’m late to the party.
Here’s the George C. Scott version.
GCS was a fantastic actor. He brought a lot to the role of ES.
ITA!
Hi Everyone!
Hi Paris!
Hi all!
Did I finally get the right day and time? I’ve been a day ahead in my mind all week and didn’t realise it until last night. Doh!
What a fun article! I have three favourite version of it. The first is an early movie of it but I can’t remember what year it was released but it was in black and white. I like that one for sentimental reasons. The second one is The Muppet Christmas Carol, which I like for a different sentimental reasons again . The third is the one with Patrick Stewart playing Scrooge. I like this one because I’m a massive fan of Patrick and I’m in love with his voice, LOL! I would like to see the Jim Carey. Hopefully it will be on TV this year.
Hi Oz!
How are u?
Hi OB!
Still tired, lol! How about you?
Cold but I just had some beet juice so I’m better now.
Awww! *hugs*
Ok, now I have to see it AND read it!
I like both ACC for different reasons. Jim Carey was excellent and the animation was wonderful. Not too over the top. George C. Scott ACC overall film was much more compelling to me. However, u can’t really compare the two they both have their good attributes. If I really had to choose I say Jim Carey because it’s new. Gosh! I’m all over the place tonight. LOL!!
Hi Ozzie! You got the right day!
I wonder if I can stream the JC version on netflix…hmmm…I will have to check that out.
Has anyone actually read the novella?
Yes! I’m pretty sure. I read a script so I had to have read the book. Oh! it was so long ago.
Yay, I got it right even though my brain is trying it’s hardest to convince me it’s tomorrow, lol!
I did have the story on my kindle but I hadn’t got around to reading it. Then my grandparents stole it months ago and haven’t given it back so I can’t read it now either!
I haven’t read it but on the JC version of ACC they say that’s its practically like the book down to the smallest detail. When they were working with the cameras and computer technology they were able to put more things from the book in the movie that couldn’t be done with a “live” actor.
Hmm! That’s interesting.
like what? That’s really neat!
Wow, I want to see it right now!
I like this scene from Scrooge with Bill Murray.
I like Scrooge too because Bill Murray is another one of my favourite actors.
I love BM’s sarcasm. He’s become another favorite actor. I love his early work, but I’ve really enjoyed his transition to dramatic work. I’m looking for to seeing him as FDR.
Like when the horse carrying the hearse chases him down the street. Fear and Pain trembling at the Ghost of Christmas Future’s legs.
Ah! I like that. I also like the overall character design of JC’s version too.
Everyone!
I have to go but I will check back tomorrow. Now I want to watch all these films again. Great job LB.
Bye OB!
I’m going to go as well. Massive migraine just set in and I want to rip off my skull. Ozzie, you are my hero. 🙂
bye ob!
LOL, cheers LB! I’m calling it a night too. I’m falling asleep at the computer! Night all! 🙂
Night!
LB,
I’m going to go as well. Great Article!