I agree. This version is my personal favorite. George C. Scott plays Scrooge with a subtlety and nuance that is unmatched. He plays the vulnerability and sadness in the character and fleshes him out beautifully. A masterpiece.
I still like “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol”. Made in 1962, it was the 1st animated Christmas special to air on T.V. It featured the voices of Jim Backus, Morey Amsterdam, Paul Frees, Jack Cassidy, and Royal Dano, and had songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill.
The 1970 musical “Scrooge,” starring Albert Finney, deserves a place on anyone’s list. It was shown in New York at Radio City Music Hall, and audience members came out singing “Thank You Very Much,” the big show-stopper. The versions with Alastair Sim and George C Scott were also fabulous!
Another vote for Alister Sim's version. The scene with Michael Hordern (Marley) alone is superb. I appreciate the movie's extension beyond the novella that explains how Scrooge's background led to his cynicism.
I've never seen or known about the Hordern "Christmas Carol", but will be hunting that down. Hordern was one of that treasure trove of supporting actors who could do just about anything, and it's nice to know he took the lead in a production.
Alastair Sim 1951 winner hands down, while George C. Scott gave a terrific performance, Sim is unbeatable in his portrayal and the Sim version gives you the most detail about Ebenezers past. I own a collectors edition DVD. Reginald Owen in 1938 is my runner up, however it is too short and much information is lacking. One must remember that this role was met for Lionel Barrymore, who had been playing Scrooge on the radio since the early 1930's he turned it over to his colleague after he broke his hip.
@@LoveinCarolina Don't forget Albert Finney from Scrooge in 1970 it was a terrific film and a close resemblance to Oliver from 1968, some of the same cast were in the film !
@@LoveinCarolina I think Owen is the only one who captured Dickens' hilarious portrait of a furious man at war with the world. Sim, Scott and the rest do a great job with all the tragedy and morality, but they miss all the fun of miserable, miserly Scrooge, whom Dickens and Owen merrily show as a gaping wound. It also makes him sympathetic: any one that disregulated and paranoid--that aggressively DEFENSIVE--has to be deeply hurt. Only Owen makes us laugh, like Dickens does, at every awful, childish, nasty thing Scrooge does and says. None of the others do. They wring out all the fun. The forget it's still a fairy tale.
@@jeffrey8881 It is definitely but Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970 is Fantastic and is in 2nd place, not many people mention it these days, but what a great film !!!!!
You just saved me watching the video. I make a point of watching as many versions as possible every year. They each have their highs and lows, but Alastair Sim is the best. He just is. I also like the Reginald Owens, Jim Carrey, Patrick Stewart, and Albert Finney versions. Those are all great. But there can be only one best. Alastair Sim made the definitive version.
@@protorhinocerator142 Yep Alistair Sim was the best version of this classic story, but my favorite is Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970, should have been nominated for Best Picture of the year but it had stiff competition from Airport and Patton( which won), however the song Thank you very much should have won Best song of 1970 !!!!!
I believe the Alistair Sim version is the best, his acting for the redemption arc is unmatched in any of the adaptations so far.. especially for the emotional level at the end. I can never stop myself from tearing up on that one. And the joy is so very palpable, it's infectious! So fun to watch. I also like the George C Scott one, mostly for the viciousness of his character BEFORE redemption. He falls a little flat to me after the change in spirit, and I like the more brooding atmosphere, especially with the ghost of Christmas Future. He was so COOL and spooky! I also liked the extended dialogue between the spirits and Scrooge; they were brutal, reasonable and honest. They pulled NO punches at all, and gave him no wriggle room to escape the Truth. Both of these are MUST watches for the Christmas season! Thanks for this!
Albert Finney for me. It is a musical! And normally I don't even like that sort of stuff. But it fits. Grand sets.. It has a heart. The scene with Tiny Tim in the graveyard gives a lump in the throat every time I see it. Cold as ice if you don't care for this one
@@mclarsj It's The greatest musical of Scrooge of all time! If it wasn't for Airport and Patton being slightly better, Scrooge would have won Best Picture of 1970 ! And also this must be mentioned: George C. Scott refused his Oscar for Best Actor for Patton, if the Academy would have taken this seriously, then Albert Finney deserved the award for Scrooge, hands down, PERIOD!!!!!
Totally agree. The 1984 version has been my favorite since I watched it in 1984. I see it every year and heed the lessons it shows. George C Scott is brilliant in it.
I’m surprised Mr Magoo’s Christmas Carol and the 1970 musical Scrooge didn’t get mention. Those were the 1st 2 I remember seeing. Still a good list and I will need to check some of these other adaptations.
I feel like it's the 1951 Alastair Simm version that "adds" more to the narrative than the Scott one, with the whole thing about Scrooge's sister's death.
Since you have already mentioned it, I won’t. This is definitely one of my favorite versions. As one of your replies mentioned, this version has one of the best musical scores, “All Alone In Tye World” one of the saddest songs ever written. Muppets’ Christmas Carol ranks right up there, and the musical score is excellent. I know this is on movie adaptations of Dickens’ classic novel, but one version I enjoy is the audio adaptation read by Patrick Stewart.
Every version has its strengths with my sentimental favorite being the animated short that graced our televisions every December in the 1970s. As for atmosphere and feeling the cold and bleakness of the times, I felt it most in the Disney movie with Jim Carrey. I greatly appreciate the Sim movie showing the "melancholy" tavern that Scrooge eats his "melancholy" meal before retiring to his house and his bowl of gruel. Three years ago I watched most (if not all) the versions along with a ballet from the two silent movies to one made in one of the Scandinavian countries and it was an interesting experience.
My favorite version is the one with Sir Alastair Sims. My 2nd is and becoming up there with the 1951 version is Guy Pearce's version. I love it! I'm mesmerized by it.
There’s another animated version of “A Christmas Carol,” from 1982. Its voice actors aren’t necessarily well known today, and it was not released by a major company. Its distribution during the 1980’s was handled by “Vestron Video.” It pops up frequently on free streaming services as well as paid ones. It is excellent!!
@@kevingiven3463 you can actually currently find the movie here on TH-cam, in entirety and high quality. I would suggest you type “A Christmas Carol 1982 cartoon “ into the TH-cam search engine. You will probably find several hits for it.
The very best part of the 1951 “A Christmas Carol “(Scrooge) is Noel Langley’s monumental writing adaptation. Sim is fine, to me. But, the movie soars mostly because of Langley’s writing.
5) Scrooge (1970) 4) The Muppet Christmas Carol 3) A Christmas Carol '71 2) A Christmas Carol '99 1) TIE: A Christmas Carol '84 & A Christmas Carol '51 aka Scrooge in the UK. Honorable Mentions: Scrooged A Flintstones Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol '18 (it's a one man version starring british character actor and Dickens aficionado Simon Callow).
When I was growing up the favorite version was the animated one with Mr. Magoo (Jim Backus) as Scrooge - kind of a look forward to event every year (like The Wizard of Oz and The Ten Commandments and Mary Martin as Peter Pan). I'd also consider Rod Serling's "Carol for Another Christmas".
While I don't heartily agree with the top choice, I must admit that it is faithful to the original source. What is more remarkable is that the location shots were done in Shrewsbury, a town in which I'm quite familiar with, and half the fun when watching this version is recognising the various buildings.
Giving an accurate assessment of Alistair Sim's great performance and acknowledging how it's considered to be the best then making George C Scott's version number 1 has more than a hint of contradiction in it.
It's also based partially on my personal liking, not just the overall consensus. The George C. Scott version slightly outranks Alister Sim for me, I watch both versions every year and both have their own unique ways to tell the tale.
@@kevingiven3463 well said! I prefer Alistair Sim largely because I just love his incredible performance. Plus music is cool! Both versions are awesome!
For me, personally: 1: Black & white 1951 version starring Alastair Sim 2: _Mickey's Christmas Carol_ from 1983 3: _Scrooged_ from 1988 starring Bill Murray 4: _A Christmas Carol_ from 1984 starring George C. Scott 5: _Scrooge_ from 1970 starring Albert Finney
The Finney version is the #1 version for me during the holidays, with The Muppets & Mickey's Christmas Carol tying for 2nd. To amend one of the songs for this Top Ten List, "I hate people....on TH-cam"...😂
George C. Scott and Alastair Sim do the part justice-but Mister Magoo does a great job as well in Mr Magoo’s Christmas Carol, 1962. (He’s not classically trained, however, nor an academy award winner as are others on the list.)
personally I always thought Stewart did a superior job to Scott. Scott fell into the classic blunder of not truly understanding to character. His portrayal seemed to enjoy others misery. Whereas Stewart was lifted practically straight from the book. Honest to the point where he felt he was the only one that was honest around Christmas. Charitable within reason. Crachette was paid twice the average salary for his position and would of been comfortably middle class. Remember as a money lender Scrooge was using his own money his business thrived because he was honest and fair. Scott just never seemed to get that across.
I think it often gets left off as it's kinda odd. Not in bad way, but it's kinda it's own unique thing, good, but difficult to compare to anything else, which is true of animated versions as well, such as Mr Magoo's Christmas, good, but far more unique than the live versions.
The entire list is justified by the placement of the George C. Scott 1984 version at no. 1. It is great in virtually every conceivable way: story fidelity, acting, locations/sets, atmosphere, emotional depth, music. Watching it feels like being IN Victorian England at Christmas. Thanks for recognizing *Scrooged* as well.
While I agree that the George C. Scott version is the definitive version I feel like they could've left out the fact that Scrooge's mother died giving birth to him because then it creates a continuity error when you remember that his sister Fan was very obviously his younger sister.
I agree with your list, which shocked me. However, I am surprised that you did not expand it just a smidge or have honorary mentions to include the muppets christmas carol since you had included animated versions in your list.
George C. Scott is magnificent as Ebenezer Scrooge, and supported by a tremendous group of co-stars. I love FX’s A Christmas Carol, too, but Scott’s 1984 movie is the one I rewatch regularly. Scott’s film was a TV movie, first airing on CBS on December 17, 1984. It was sponsored by IBM.
I think the 'mod' serial version at No.8 doesn't really work (like the same team's later shake-up of Great Expectations); it makes Scrooge too nasty and directly involved in the unkind businesses in which he invests, so redemption shouldn't be on the cards.
One of my favorite versions! The talk with the orphan at the end mirroring his own with Brewster was great! Also, the musical with Kelsey Grammer is high on my list! Most of the songs I could live without haha but the acting, story and Marley's song with the other ghosts was impressive!
The Muppet's Christmas Carol is far better than the 70's animated short. For a Muppet movie, it went hard getting details right and capturing the spirit of the book. Michael Caine's Scrooge was nearly flawless. It and the Patrick Stewart version should have been in the top five. They're my personal favorites, especially since the Muppets is so shockingly faithful to Dicken's original work.
BBC 2019 version is a wonderfully creative addition to the Christmas Carol Canon.. so dark but beautifully done.. provides a real insight into the human condition. This might have become my favourite version of all.
@@lenhindle1108 yes!! The 2019 production kind of shocked me with its high quality. The Dickens Scrooge of “…a squeezing, wrenching, grasping covetous old sinner “ is right there in the film. That movie just shows it instead of tells it. It is intense, particularly in its depiction of some ghosts, but Charles Dickens himself called A Christmas Carol a “…ghostly little book…”
@@slipstick985 and his production of it streams right here on TH-cam. It’s excellent, but loses something if the cultural references are misunderstood. Some potential for humor could be lost.
You could almost put the 1951 & 1984 versions as 1a & 1b. They're almost neck and neck, and that probably shouldn't be a surprise, as the director of the 1984 version, Clive Donner, was the editor of the 1951 version. The 1951 version is the more faithful adaptation and really goes deep into what turned Scrooge into how he was, while the 1984 version has the better atmosphere that makes you feel you're right there in 1850s London. The 1984 version also has an incredible supporting cast that includes Edward Woodard as the Ghost of Christmas Present, David Warner as Bob Cratchit, Susannah York as Emily Cratchit, and Michael Gough. I can't believe you didn't put A Muppet Christmas Carol on the list. It's a wonderful adaptation that includes the classic Muppet humor, yet still stays true to the story, and is a great version to introduce children to the story. Making Gonzo play Dickens and narrate the story was a stroke of genius, and Michael Caine ties it all together by playing Scrooge completely serious ("like I'm performing for the Royal Shakespeare Company", as he put it). Granted, it doesn't go too deep into the backstory of Scrooge like other versions, but it's still very wonderful to watch. Plus, the song "When Love is Gone" is still a tearjerker.
I think “The Muppet Christmas Carol” gave Mrs. Cratchit the proper name of “Emily.” But, I don’t think Charles Dickens ever gives the character’s first name. I don’t know why; I would have given the character a proper name. But, Charles Dickens never did.
Nice selection, but you left out my two favorites: mr magoo's Christmas carol and the Muppets Christmas carol. The Christmas Carol is one of my two favorite stories with to kill a mockingbird being first in my opinion
My favorite is the 1984 version with George C. Scott. I watch it everybm Christmas! I had never seen the 1954 Alistair Sim. When I finally watched it, I still prefer the George C. Scott version!
My favorite is the irreverent take in Scrooged (#10). I grew up with Mr Magoo’s and I find elements that remind me of that which was very faithful to the original. I was also impressed by the 2000 BBC production with Scrooge (Ross Kemp) as a modern day loan shark in London. It included a Groundhog day recurrence that created a interesting dynamic. (Finally saw the whole thing this year after only catching bits and pieces before.)
I just finished playing Scrooge in a new adaptation of the script by Paul Barnes. It's even closer to the original text than Sir Patrick Stewart's, though I did play the character much more theatrically. I watched a LOT of these because I rarely, if ever, steal ideas from other actors. (Honestly, some just helped me learn my lines. I could listen to them at work, and when their's were different, that actually helped the "that's not right. It's actually this," part of my brain.) I spent two months altering my appearance and hand sewed my costumes so they could be changed quicker. I've been on stage since I was six, and I'm 54 now. All that said, I think Patrick Stewart 's version is the best. It's very dry, at times, but it's the best. George C. Scott seems to only have a character change when he faces his own mortality, and I felt it should be more progressive. I actually don't like Scott's version. He always seemed to be a good actor who only saw one side of his character. Scrooge changes gradually. I got angry out of heartbreak, shame and frustration. I also cried on stage and got scared. I'll take on actors like George C. Scott any day of the week. Jim Carrey too. Patrick Stewart could wipe the floor with me. We packed the house every night, especially--and including--open dress. My vote, Sir Patrick Stewart's is the best. I will offer that I was better at a couple of things than he was, but he is still the best overall.
I was thoroughly sick of this story and had sworn off reading or watching it ever again - until someone talked me into watching the Muppet version. Michael Caine is the best Scrooge. Yes, I will die on this hill.
Personally, I find the Scott version is OK but I still like the Albert Finney the best. The rest are kind of locked into the times they were filmed either by popular actors like Patrick Stewart or Scott or they are kind of dry and linear. Sad that Hitchcock never adapted the story to film. His approach would have been interesting.
@@midnightwind8067 that’s fascinating. As an Englishman who was master of suspenseful and/or horror filmmaking, Hitchcock probably would have adapted it beautifully.
My Top 3 Scott Sims Muppets Stewart does a great job as Scrooge as well and if they had left out the slapstick, Carrey’s version could have been one of the best. I could not even sit through the 2019 version. In that one, I thought they lost so much of the character of Scrooge. In the book and every other version I’ve seen, you could feel some sympathy for Scrooge, but in that one he was being cruel just for the sake of being cruel.
Great presentation you forgot two of my favorites. Yes, I know Mickey is being exactly Charles Dickens but I love scrooge McDuck and if anybody understood the screen character it’s Scrooge McDuck cause if you ever watched DuckTales after a Christmas Carol, he was a manly. I ended up, loving his nephews and went on great adventure with them so if that’s not somebody who keeps Christmas throughout the year then I don’t know what what is also another children’s related to Christmas Carol Muppets Christmas Carol, Michael Caine Michael Caine plays a great Scrooge and to play straight to the Muppets that was very difficult because all their sickliness he kept up the character never broke that just shows the greatness that is Michael Caine. You did mention Patrick Stewart version which one of my favorites. Thank you for the great presentation. I’m sure there’s appreciated too on this fine Christmas Day. I hope you and your family had a happy happy Christmas a great new year to come and have a happy and safe holiday for you and your entire family and friends. Thank you again thanks for the fun till next time.
Gtfoh! Alistair Sim should have been number one on this list! His depiction shows an emotional depth that the others lack. As much as I like Scott, he can’t hold a candle to Sim.
My favorite version of the story is the 1970 adaptation "Scrooge" that stars Albert Finney. As a kid in the 70s it was on every year unlike the others. I never thought of it as a musical, but I watched it last year for the first time in quite a while. It most definitely is a musical, but I still really loved it.
I really dislike when the story has reformed Scrooge going to Bob's house to celebrate. Also, the Jim Carey version is really good until Yet To Come shows up. Scrooge zooming around the city on ice is useless. Yet to Come is supposed to instill fear not nonsense. Happy X-Mess people!
@@Mazvec I think a Christmas Carol has getting a record breaker for the most amount of times adapted to the screen for a novel that had a record that broke for them most amount of times it has ever been adapted to television but what about the other literary classic like the jungle book Heidi treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
@@jamessparkman6604you’re not wrong. CC probably has been adapted more than any other literary work, except MAYBE some of Shakespeare’s works, though CC is more accessible.
A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott is definitely my favorite! I watch it every Christmas Eve.
@@roseriker3311 definitely a great one, the best ghost of Marley, and Christmas present too.
The 1951 version is not only the finest version, its one of the best movies ever made. A Christmas night must see every year without fail.
I agree. This version is my personal favorite. George C. Scott plays Scrooge with a subtlety and nuance that is unmatched. He plays the vulnerability and sadness in the character and fleshes him out beautifully. A masterpiece.
Scott plays it more as a cynical narcissist than as "mean" and cranky. It's the best version.
I still like “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol”. Made in 1962, it was the 1st animated Christmas special to air on T.V. It featured the voices of Jim Backus, Morey Amsterdam, Paul Frees, Jack Cassidy, and Royal Dano, and had songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill.
The 1970 musical “Scrooge,” starring Albert Finney, deserves a place on anyone’s list. It was shown in New York at Radio City Music Hall, and audience members came out singing “Thank You Very Much,” the big show-stopper.
The versions with Alastair Sim and George C Scott were also fabulous!
@@thomaschacko6320 Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970 is the best version right behind Alistair Sim!
Another vote for Alister Sim's version. The scene with Michael Hordern (Marley) alone is superb. I appreciate the movie's extension beyond the novella that explains how Scrooge's background led to his cynicism.
I've never seen or known about the Hordern "Christmas Carol", but will be hunting that down. Hordern was one of that treasure trove of supporting actors who could do just about anything, and it's nice to know he took the lead in a production.
Alister Sims is the No 1 for me, no contest, one of the all time great actors.
Agreed. Alister Sim (1951) and runner up Patrick Stewart. Bin the rest.
@@tonykajl9966 I'll put Albert Finney as the runner up. That one was pretty amazing too.
Sim still rules.
Dotto.
@@protorhinocerator142 Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970 is no 2 by far!!!!!
Alastair Sim 1951 winner hands down, while George C. Scott gave a terrific performance, Sim is unbeatable in his portrayal and the Sim version gives you the most detail about Ebenezers past. I own a collectors edition DVD. Reginald Owen in 1938 is my runner up, however it is too short and much information is lacking. One must remember that this role was met for Lionel Barrymore, who had been playing Scrooge on the radio since the early 1930's he turned it over to his colleague after he broke his hip.
And I think that Barrymore suggested Owen.
@@LoveinCarolina Don't forget Albert Finney from Scrooge in 1970 it was a terrific film and a close resemblance to Oliver from 1968, some of the same cast were in the film !
@@LoveinCarolina I think Owen is the only one who captured Dickens' hilarious portrait of a furious man at war with the world. Sim, Scott and the rest do a great job with all the tragedy and morality, but they miss all the fun of miserable, miserly Scrooge, whom Dickens and Owen merrily show as a gaping wound. It also makes him sympathetic: any one that disregulated and paranoid--that aggressively DEFENSIVE--has to be deeply hurt. Only Owen makes us laugh, like Dickens does, at every awful, childish, nasty thing Scrooge does and says. None of the others do. They wring out all the fun. The forget it's still a fairy tale.
George C. Scotts version is my go to Christmas Eve movie every year. Absolutely love this one ❤❤❤
1951 version, hands down and by a mile.
Alistair Sim number one for me by far😊
No way!!!! The Alastair Sim version is the best version ever. Period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@jeffrey8881 It is definitely but Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970 is Fantastic and is in 2nd place, not many people mention it these days, but what a great film !!!!!
You just saved me watching the video.
I make a point of watching as many versions as possible every year. They each have their highs and lows, but Alastair Sim is the best. He just is.
I also like the Reginald Owens, Jim Carrey, Patrick Stewart, and Albert Finney versions. Those are all great.
But there can be only one best. Alastair Sim made the definitive version.
@@protorhinocerator142 Yep Alistair Sim was the best version of this classic story, but my favorite is Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970, should have been nominated for Best Picture of the year but it had stiff competition from Airport and Patton( which won), however the song Thank you very much should have won Best song of 1970 !!!!!
@@scottmiller6495 Definitely. Especially since they sang it twice in two completely different contexts.
@@protorhinocerator142 That song still resonates in my mind even now!
I believe the Alistair Sim version is the best, his acting for the redemption arc is unmatched in any of the adaptations so far.. especially for the emotional level at the end. I can never stop myself from tearing up on that one. And the joy is so very palpable, it's infectious! So fun to watch.
I also like the George C Scott one, mostly for the viciousness of his character BEFORE redemption. He falls a little flat to me after the change in spirit, and I like the more brooding atmosphere, especially with the ghost of Christmas Future. He was so COOL and spooky! I also liked the extended dialogue between the spirits and Scrooge; they were brutal, reasonable and honest. They pulled NO punches at all, and gave him no wriggle room to escape the Truth.
Both of these are MUST watches for the Christmas season! Thanks for this!
Albert Finney for me. It is a musical! And normally I don't even like that sort of stuff. But it fits. Grand sets.. It has a heart. The scene with Tiny Tim in the graveyard gives a lump in the throat every time I see it. Cold as ice if you don't care for this one
@@mclarsj It's The greatest musical of Scrooge of all time! If it wasn't for Airport and Patton being slightly better, Scrooge would have won Best Picture of 1970 ! And also this must be mentioned: George C. Scott refused his Oscar for Best Actor for Patton, if the Academy would have taken this seriously, then Albert Finney deserved the award for Scrooge, hands down, PERIOD!!!!!
The ghosts were great, in particular ghost of christmas present, who is usually so jolly, is much harsher in this one, which i appreciate.
Totally agree. The 1984 version has been my favorite since I watched it in 1984. I see it every year and heed the lessons it shows. George C Scott is brilliant in it.
Gabriel Scott is probably my favorite version, he did a great Scrooge, the ghost of Christmas present, by Woodward, was also incredible.
I’m surprised Mr Magoo’s Christmas Carol and the 1970 musical Scrooge didn’t get mention. Those were the 1st 2 I remember seeing. Still a good list and I will need to check some of these other adaptations.
I feel like it's the 1951 Alastair Simm version that "adds" more to the narrative than the Scott one, with the whole thing about Scrooge's sister's death.
Leaving the Muppets off this list is unacceptable
@@colleenross8752 it was to good for the list
@@colleenross8752 Agreed 👍
@@colleenross8752 I clicked on it to see if The Muppets Christmas Carol was there! Best one ever!
Michael Caine made that version, he was a truly great Scrooge.
Criminal
You missed he only version I knew growing up as a child. "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol"
The musical score for Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol is fantastic
“All Alone in the World” is possibly the saddest song ever written.
Since you have already mentioned it, I won’t. This is definitely one of my favorite versions. As one of your replies mentioned, this version has one of the best musical scores, “All Alone In Tye World” one of the saddest songs ever written. Muppets’ Christmas Carol ranks right up there, and the musical score is excellent. I know this is on movie adaptations of Dickens’ classic novel, but one version I enjoy is the audio adaptation read by Patrick Stewart.
Great, skip it.
No. 1 A Christmas Carol with Alistair Sim, No. 2 Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney, PERIOD!!!!!
Every version has its strengths with my sentimental favorite being the animated short that graced our televisions every December in the 1970s. As for atmosphere and feeling the cold and bleakness of the times, I felt it most in the Disney movie with Jim Carrey. I greatly appreciate the Sim movie showing the "melancholy" tavern that Scrooge eats his "melancholy" meal before retiring to his house and his bowl of gruel. Three years ago I watched most (if not all) the versions along with a ballet from the two silent movies to one made in one of the Scandinavian countries and it was an interesting experience.
My favorite version is the one with Sir Alastair Sims. My 2nd is and becoming up there with the 1951 version is Guy Pearce's version. I love it! I'm mesmerized by it.
I beg to disagree, but, for me, The Best Version was The 1951 Version of A Christmas Carol, with Alastair Sims as Ebenezer Scrooge.
There’s another animated version of “A Christmas Carol,” from 1982. Its voice actors aren’t necessarily well known today, and it was not released by a major company. Its distribution during the 1980’s was handled by “Vestron Video.” It pops up frequently on free streaming services as well as paid ones. It is excellent!!
I'll have to look it up, maybe for next year's video.
@@kevingiven3463 you can actually currently find the movie here on TH-cam, in entirety and high quality. I would suggest you type “A Christmas Carol 1982 cartoon “ into the TH-cam search engine. You will probably find several hits for it.
1938 Reginald Owens
Albert Finney’s adaptation with his demise with his heavy chains was different to the other versions of the Christmas Carols .
My favorite! Alec Guinness is a master class in physical acting!
Albert Finney's was my favorite, not for adaptation but for its emotional storytelling in a music format.
Yes I grew up with the TV version and only saw the scenes that took place in Hell after the DVD came out. My favorite version as well.
The very best part of the 1951 “A Christmas Carol “(Scrooge) is Noel Langley’s monumental writing adaptation. Sim is fine, to me. But, the movie soars mostly because of Langley’s writing.
5) Scrooge (1970)
4) The Muppet Christmas Carol
3) A Christmas Carol '71
2) A Christmas Carol '99
1) TIE: A Christmas Carol '84 & A Christmas Carol '51 aka Scrooge in the UK.
Honorable Mentions:
Scrooged
A Flintstones Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol '18 (it's a one man version starring british character actor and Dickens aficionado Simon Callow).
for most delightful, Muppet Christmas Carol
Who wants delightful? I want it darker.
I always enjoyed the Albert Finney version. The Guy Pearce version has become a new tradition, I watch it every year.
@@brigscott5202 I agree. This by far was my favorite version of a Christmas Carol. I guess that's because I saw this version as a little girl.
You left out Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol which is top 5 to me. Great music written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill. So touching!
When I was growing up the favorite version was the animated one with Mr. Magoo (Jim Backus) as Scrooge - kind of a look forward to event every year (like The Wizard of Oz and The Ten Commandments and Mary Martin as Peter Pan). I'd also consider Rod Serling's "Carol for Another Christmas".
George C Scott, although a great actor, does not even come close to the portrayal of Scrooge as Alistair Sim. Sim’s portrayal is the best by far..
I loved the Mr. Magoo version best. Maybe it was the songs.
While I don't heartily agree with the top choice, I must admit that it is faithful to the original source. What is more remarkable is that the location shots were done in Shrewsbury, a town in which I'm quite familiar with, and half the fun when watching this version is recognising the various buildings.
My #1 is George C. Scott 1984, #2 Patrick Stewart, #3 Allister Sims.
Mister MaGoo was an excellent Scrooge.
Mr magoos animated
Giving an accurate assessment of Alistair Sim's great performance and acknowledging how it's considered to be the best then making George C Scott's version number 1 has more than a hint of contradiction in it.
@@2011littlejohn1 I mean it’s his opinion. He is entitled to it. Both versions are great. Alistair Sim is my personal favorite.
It's also based partially on my personal liking, not just the overall consensus. The George C. Scott version slightly outranks Alister Sim for me, I watch both versions every year and both have their own unique ways to tell the tale.
@@kevingiven3463 well said! I prefer Alistair Sim largely because I just love his incredible performance. Plus music is cool! Both versions are awesome!
My favorite is "Mr Magoo's Christmas Carol".
[1951] Alistair Sim i like the most.
Alister Sims is my favorite!
Great video. The Patrick Stewart and the 1931 versions are my favorites, but i will watch the George C Scott version, great actor!
For me, personally:
1: Black & white 1951 version starring Alastair Sim
2: _Mickey's Christmas Carol_ from 1983
3: _Scrooged_ from 1988 starring Bill Murray
4: _A Christmas Carol_ from 1984 starring George C. Scott
5: _Scrooge_ from 1970 starring Albert Finney
Mickey is nostalgic to me, thoufh, its a bit too short.
There a lot of versions I seen many but for some reason my favourite Scrooge was Alistair Simm
You should of omitted the 2019 version and included the 1962 animated Mr Magoo Christmas Carol.
My personal favorite is Alister Simm, but I loved Scrooged with Bill Murry and thought it should be higher!
The 197O version Scrooge the musical with Albert Finney Is my Favorite. It’s a shame that It’s not on this listst.
Mine too. ❤❤😂
The Finney version is the #1 version for me during the holidays, with The Muppets & Mickey's Christmas Carol tying for 2nd. To amend one of the songs for this Top Ten List, "I hate people....on TH-cam"...😂
Mr. Magoo.
George C. Scott and Alastair Sim do the part justice-but Mister Magoo does a great job as well in Mr Magoo’s Christmas Carol, 1962. (He’s not classically trained, however, nor an academy award winner as are others on the list.)
The Patrick Stewart version is by far my favorite one. I have to watch it several times over the Christmas season
I was afraid of the thieves in the Mr. McGoo version.
personally I always thought Stewart did a superior job to Scott. Scott fell into the classic blunder of not truly understanding to character. His portrayal seemed to enjoy others misery. Whereas Stewart was lifted practically straight from the book. Honest to the point where he felt he was the only one that was honest around Christmas. Charitable within reason. Crachette was paid twice the average salary for his position and would of been comfortably middle class. Remember as a money lender Scrooge was using his own money his business thrived because he was honest and fair. Scott just never seemed to get that across.
What! No Muppets! 😡
All my kids protest too.
I think it often gets left off as it's kinda odd. Not in bad way, but it's kinda it's own unique thing, good, but difficult to compare to anything else, which is true of animated versions as well, such as Mr Magoo's Christmas, good, but far more unique than the live versions.
The entire list is justified by the placement of the George C. Scott 1984 version at no. 1. It is great in virtually every conceivable way: story fidelity, acting, locations/sets, atmosphere, emotional depth, music. Watching it feels like being IN Victorian England at Christmas.
Thanks for recognizing *Scrooged* as well.
While I agree that the George C. Scott version is the definitive version I feel like they could've left out the fact that Scrooge's mother died giving birth to him because then it creates a continuity error when you remember that his sister Fan was very obviously his younger sister.
I agree with your list, which shocked me. However, I am surprised that you did not expand it just a smidge or have honorary mentions to include the muppets christmas carol since you had included animated versions in your list.
I loved the 1971 animated version when I was a kid and it has stayed with me ever since
You say that Alistair Sim's portrayal is "unrivaled" and yet it's number 2? Strange.
For me Alastair Sim and Patrick Stewart
George C. Scott is magnificent as Ebenezer Scrooge, and supported by a tremendous group of co-stars. I love FX’s A Christmas Carol, too, but Scott’s 1984 movie is the one I rewatch regularly. Scott’s film was a TV movie, first airing on CBS on December 17, 1984. It was sponsored by IBM.
Alastair Sim 'IS' Scrooge. There are no others.
Are you kidding me? Without a doubt, Alistair said, but you left off Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
The Mister MacGoo version deserved an honorable mention. 8:16
You're right, I forgot to do honorable mentions with this one.
Sorry, but I will tell you that Sim was and is Scrooge. The cast of the 1951 presentation is superb, and present the spirit of Dickens writing.
Where is the Albert Finney version of 'Scrooge' ? It also had Sir Alec Guiness and was a musical!
My favourite is the one with Alistair Sim. My seconf choice is with Patrick Stewart - with the best
Cratchits!
George C Scott is my favorite version. He wears the mantle of the changed Scrooge as well as he carried the wicked miser.
I think the 'mod' serial version at No.8 doesn't really work (like the same team's later shake-up of Great Expectations); it makes Scrooge too nasty and directly involved in the unkind businesses in which he invests, so redemption shouldn't be on the cards.
So the top 10 that aren't The Muppet Christmas Carol... because that's obviously the best adaptation... ok Sir... 😊🎄🧑🏻🎄🤶🎅☃️💙
I'd recommend An American Christmas Carol (1979) with Henry Winkler. Great little adaptation.
One of my favorite versions! The talk with the orphan at the end mirroring his own with Brewster was great!
Also, the musical with Kelsey Grammer is high on my list! Most of the songs I could live without haha but the acting, story and Marley's song with the other ghosts was impressive!
I forgot that one... I agree with you
Also, Cicely Tyson played Ebenita Scrooge... She was outstanding ( as always ) in this clever adaptation...
You left out the best version, 1970's "Scrooge" starring Albert Finney.
The Muppet's Christmas Carol is far better than the 70's animated short. For a Muppet movie, it went hard getting details right and capturing the spirit of the book. Michael Caine's Scrooge was nearly flawless. It and the Patrick Stewart version should have been in the top five. They're my personal favorites, especially since the Muppets is so shockingly faithful to Dicken's original work.
I have always preferred Alastair Sim as Scrooge.
BBC 2019 version is a wonderfully creative addition to the Christmas Carol Canon.. so dark but beautifully done.. provides a real insight into the human condition.
This might have become my favourite version of all.
@@lenhindle1108 yes!! The 2019 production kind of shocked me with its high quality. The Dickens Scrooge of “…a squeezing, wrenching, grasping covetous old sinner “ is right there in the film. That movie just shows it instead of tells it. It is intense, particularly in its depiction of some ghosts, but Charles Dickens himself called A Christmas Carol a “…ghostly little book…”
I love the 2000 BBC version with Scrooge as s modern day loan shark.
@@ktrimbach5771 I don’t think I have ever seen that one.
I have to disagree. Switch your #1 & #2 and it’s perfect. As a boomer I was raised on Alastair Sims portrayal thus there in lies my bias.
FX’s A Christmas Carol is marvelous. It takes the “Show. Don’t Tell.” dictum of the screen beautifully.
Rich Little did it & put more work into the story than anyone on this list.
@@slipstick985 and his production of it streams right here on TH-cam. It’s excellent, but loses something if the cultural references are misunderstood. Some potential for humor could be lost.
You got it right! That has been my favorite version since it was first shown. I watch it several times each Christmas.
You could almost put the 1951 & 1984 versions as 1a & 1b. They're almost neck and neck, and that probably shouldn't be a surprise, as the director of the 1984 version, Clive Donner, was the editor of the 1951 version.
The 1951 version is the more faithful adaptation and really goes deep into what turned Scrooge into how he was, while the 1984 version has the better atmosphere that makes you feel you're right there in 1850s London. The 1984 version also has an incredible supporting cast that includes Edward Woodard as the Ghost of Christmas Present, David Warner as Bob Cratchit, Susannah York as Emily Cratchit, and Michael Gough.
I can't believe you didn't put A Muppet Christmas Carol on the list. It's a wonderful adaptation that includes the classic Muppet humor, yet still stays true to the story, and is a great version to introduce children to the story. Making Gonzo play Dickens and narrate the story was a stroke of genius, and Michael Caine ties it all together by playing Scrooge completely serious ("like I'm performing for the Royal Shakespeare Company", as he put it). Granted, it doesn't go too deep into the backstory of Scrooge like other versions, but it's still very wonderful to watch. Plus, the song "When Love is Gone" is still a tearjerker.
I think “The Muppet Christmas Carol” gave Mrs. Cratchit the proper name of “Emily.” But, I don’t think Charles Dickens ever gives the character’s first name. I don’t know why; I would have given the character a proper name. But, Charles Dickens never did.
Nice selection, but you left out my two favorites: mr magoo's Christmas carol and the Muppets Christmas carol. The Christmas Carol is one of my two favorite stories with to kill a mockingbird being first in my opinion
My favorite is the 1984 version with George C. Scott. I watch it everybm Christmas! I had never seen the 1954 Alistair Sim. When I finally watched it, I still prefer the George C. Scott version!
Every Christmas I read the novella and watch at least the top two versions of the movie.
My favorite is the irreverent take in Scrooged (#10). I grew up with Mr Magoo’s and I find elements that remind me of that which was very faithful to the original.
I was also impressed by the 2000 BBC production with Scrooge (Ross Kemp) as a modern day loan shark in London. It included a Groundhog day recurrence that created a interesting dynamic.
(Finally saw the whole thing this year after only catching bits and pieces before.)
Bold choice leaving the Muppets version out of the top 10 - cannot say it was the right choice, but it was certainly bold.
I just finished playing Scrooge in a new adaptation of the script by Paul Barnes. It's even closer to the original text than Sir Patrick Stewart's, though I did play the character much more theatrically. I watched a LOT of these because I rarely, if ever, steal ideas from other actors. (Honestly, some just helped me learn my lines. I could listen to them at work, and when their's were different, that actually helped the "that's not right. It's actually this," part of my brain.) I spent two months altering my appearance and hand sewed my costumes so they could be changed quicker. I've been on stage since I was six, and I'm 54 now.
All that said, I think Patrick Stewart 's version is the best. It's very dry, at times, but it's the best. George C. Scott seems to only have a character change when he faces his own mortality, and I felt it should be more progressive. I actually don't like Scott's version. He always seemed to be a good actor who only saw one side of his character. Scrooge changes gradually. I got angry out of heartbreak, shame and frustration. I also cried on stage and got scared. I'll take on actors like George C. Scott any day of the week. Jim Carrey too. Patrick Stewart could wipe the floor with me.
We packed the house every night, especially--and including--open dress. My vote, Sir Patrick Stewart's is the best. I will offer that I was better at a couple of things than he was, but he is still the best overall.
well-presented critique
@@kevingiven3463 Thank you kindly.
Buy Mr. Magoo Christmas carol on blue ray ,it's beautiful colors and sound is highly recommend.
I was thoroughly sick of this story and had sworn off reading or watching it ever again - until someone talked me into watching the Muppet version. Michael Caine is the best Scrooge. Yes, I will die on this hill.
Ya know, I've never seen that version, which is why I didn't include it, but I had several say it's the best version, so I will check it out!
I would have included the musical version from the 60s. That is my favorite version.
You mean Scrooge the Musical with Albert Finney from 1970, it's Superb!!!!!
Personally, I find the Scott version is OK but I still like the Albert Finney the best. The rest are kind of locked into the times they were filmed either by popular actors like Patrick Stewart or Scott or they are kind of dry and linear. Sad that Hitchcock never adapted the story to film. His approach would have been interesting.
@@midnightwind8067 that’s fascinating. As an Englishman who was master of suspenseful and/or horror filmmaking, Hitchcock probably would have adapted it beautifully.
My Top 3
Scott
Sims
Muppets
Stewart does a great job as Scrooge as well and if they had left out the slapstick, Carrey’s version could have been one of the best. I could not even sit through the 2019 version. In that one, I thought they lost so much of the character of Scrooge. In the book and every other version I’ve seen, you could feel some sympathy for Scrooge, but in that one he was being cruel just for the sake of being cruel.
Great presentation you forgot two of my favorites. Yes, I know Mickey is being exactly Charles Dickens but I love scrooge McDuck and if anybody understood the screen character it’s Scrooge McDuck cause if you ever watched DuckTales after a Christmas Carol, he was a manly. I ended up, loving his nephews and went on great adventure with them so if that’s not somebody who keeps Christmas throughout the year then I don’t know what what is also another children’s related to Christmas Carol Muppets Christmas Carol, Michael Caine Michael Caine plays a great Scrooge and to play straight to the Muppets that was very difficult because all their sickliness he kept up the character never broke that just shows the greatness that is Michael Caine. You did mention Patrick Stewart version which one of my favorites. Thank you for the great presentation. I’m sure there’s appreciated too on this fine Christmas Day. I hope you and your family had a happy happy Christmas a great new year to come and have a happy and safe holiday for you and your entire family and friends. Thank you again thanks for the fun till next time.
Gtfoh! Alistair Sim should have been number one on this list! His depiction shows an emotional depth that the others lack. As much as I like Scott, he can’t hold a candle to Sim.
There is only one version...Alister Sims IS Scrooge. The other are only playing the role of Scrooge.
My favorite version of the story is the 1970 adaptation "Scrooge" that stars Albert Finney. As a kid in the 70s it was on every year unlike the others. I never thought of it as a musical, but I watched it last year for the first time in quite a while. It most definitely is a musical, but I still really loved it.
If you really respect his work then stop misspelling his name. It's ALASTAIR SIM.
@@kevincallaghan326 yes!!!!! I was just thinking that!!!
The Muppet Christmas Carol and Christmas Carol the Musical (featuring Kelsey Grammer) are my favourite versions.
I really dislike when the story has reformed Scrooge going to Bob's house to celebrate. Also, the Jim Carey version is really good until Yet To Come shows up. Scrooge zooming around the city on ice is useless. Yet to Come is supposed to instill fear not nonsense. Happy X-Mess people!
No Muppets???
No Albert Finney???
No Disney???
No melodramatic Patrick Stewart either, thank God.
@@Mazvec I think a Christmas Carol has getting a record breaker for the most amount of times adapted to the screen for a novel that had a record that broke for them most amount of times it has ever been adapted to television but what about the other literary classic like the jungle book Heidi treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
@@jamessparkman6604you’re not wrong. CC probably has been adapted more than any other literary work, except MAYBE some of Shakespeare’s works, though CC is more accessible.
Yes, none of those.
Jim Carrey’s “A Christmas Carol “ movie is a Disney movie.
Just came to check if you got the correct answer for No.1
And you did.