In 1843, London publishers Chapman & Hall releasedA Christmas Carol.
Despite its aversion to the upper classes,A Christmas Carolwas an immediate hit among readers and critics.
Given the books popularity, its no surprise that movie makers have picked up on the story many times.
Between its clear redemption arc and ghostly premise, the story has everything that a good movie needs.
Still, not every adaptation ofA Christmas Carolis created equal.
And if you dont like my picks, well, bah humbug I say.
Photo: TNT.
If thats not enough,Richard Donnerdirects a script bySaturday Night Lives Michael ODonoghue and Mitch Glazer.
Unfortunately,Scroogeddoesnt quite sell Crosss transformation.
Heck, even Goldthwaits grabs a shotgun and chases Frank through the studio.
Photo: ABC Television.
Even Michael Douglas arrives to chew the scenery as the movies Marley, the Robert Evans-esque Uncle Wayne.
When not dabbling in cinema, filmmaker Walter R. Booth made his living as a stage magician.
Some may raise objections aboutScrooge, or Marleys Ghostranking this high, given its short run time.
Photo: CBS Television.
Scrooge (1970)
What the dickens have they done to Scrooge?
Thanks to his dedication and the fantastic imagery of the story,Muppet Christmas Carolfeels both magical and transformative.
If the 1984A Christmas Carolhas a weakness, its in the lead, George C. Scott.
Photo: Paramount Pictures.
At least, not as well as the Scrooges of the best two adaptations.
Scrooge (1935)
1935sScroogeisnt the first time thatA Christmas Carolcame to film.
However, it is the first sound feature adaptation.
And a good thing too, because Hicks puts in an outstanding, powerful performance as Scrooge.
Even better, however, are the movies visuals.
Director Henry Edwards takes a cue from German Expressionism, filling the frame with extreme angles and heavy blacks.
Just be sure to watch the black-and-white version, not the easier-to-find colorized version.
Scrooge (1951)
Its all about the ending.
Few do it better than Alastair Sim, star of the 1951 adaptation, titled simplyScrooge.
But its all about the ending.
