Scrooge (1970) - Classic Christmas Archive

This production is just incredible. Lots of space that brings the city to life! Probably the most under appreciated of the Scrooge adaptations. Action all over the impressive London sets as the musical numbers come to life. Below is from December 12th, 2010. Even if you don't like musicals, there is strong atmosphere and the Scrooge story is well covered. This production is quite excellent. Strong talent top to bottom. I have a review on the blog a few years ago. It didn't get much attention unfortunately.

In this musical version of Scrooge, Albert Finney, with no hint of restraint, plays Ebenezer as a grumpy misanthrope marching around London attempting to collect debts owed him on Christmas Eve, songs by various characters in the Charles Dickens' classic detailing their feelings. Every aspect, from art design, to wardrobe, to the impressive sets and camera work, is first-rate. I'm not sure any of the actors in their respected parts stand out for the exception of Finney(although the great Alec Guiness is Jacob Marley, it was said that he was very uncomfortable and in pain through the strain he was put under during the filming of his scenes)who plays his role to the hilt. I'm sure many will find Finney a bit too over the top in some respects. Still, the musical numbers have such scale and scope due to the large number of people representing the locals, many poor, impoverished folk barely eking out a living and gargantuan sets which really create a Victorian London city as the camera follows central characters as they walk about singing. My favorite musical number is "Thank you very much." It concerns an assembly of those celebrating the demise of Scrooge while Ebenezer is oblivious to the fact, believing they are praising him for his contributions to them over the years(This is during Scrooge's visit from Ghost of Christmas of Yet to Come who takes him to his work's doorstep as Ebenezer's casket is carried away). This version does address Scrooge's blunder in his young adulthood, accepting greed over love, including their courtship set to song..during this visit from Ghost of Christmas Past, Finney appears as both a young man and the older Ebenezer, sometimes together in the same scenes. This version concludes with a huge musical number which features two songs, "I Like Life" and "Thank you very much", both a response to Scrooge's metamorphosis from miser to hero, with Finney even eventually donning a Santa costume. This perhaps is the only version I can think of which actually has Scrooge descending into hell to be the Devil's clerk, with extra weighted chains!