Scrooge

Scrooge


Waterbury Films / National General (UK), 1970, Color, 118 minutes, ***½

Released November, 1970



The spirit of Christmas becomes a musical celebration of life in this rousing adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved family classic, "A Christmas Carol."



Mean-spirited and stingy, Ebeneezer Scrooge (Albert Finney) has a sour face and "humbug" for anyone who crosses his path. But on this Christmas Eve, he will learn the horrible fate that awaits him if he continues his miserly ways. One by one, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future take the startled Ebeneezer on an incredible journey through time - showing him in one magical night what takes most people a lifetime to learn.



Filled with eleven joyous songs and a supporting cast that includes Sir Alec Guinness, Dame Edith Evans and Kenneth More, this delightful tale is sure to enrich the lives of young and old alike for many more generations.

Produced by: Robert H. Solo

Associate Producer: David W. Orton

Executive Producer: Leslie Bricusse

Production Manager: Ed Harper

Directed by: Ronald Neame

Assistant Director: Ted Sturgis

Screenplay by: Leslie Bricusse

Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Production Design: Terry Marsh

Music Conducted and Supervised by: Ian Fraser

Associate Musical Supervisor: Herbert W. Spencer

Music and Lyrics by: Leslie Bricusse

Musical Sequences Staged by: Paddy Stone

Production Design: Terry Marsh

Art Director: Bob Cartwright

Set Dresser: Pamela Cornell

Costume Designer: Margaret Furse

Makeup: George Frost

Hair Stylist: Bobbie Smith

Sound Supervisor: John Cox

Director of Photography: Oswald Morris

Special Effects: Wally Veevers

Special Effects Cameraman: Jack Mills

Filmed in Panavision, Colour by Humphries London

Prints by Technicolor

Film Editor: Peter Weatherley



Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song Score, Best Song ("Thank You Very Much"), Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Best Costume Design



Cast: Albert Finney [Ebenezer Scrooge], Alec Guinness [Jacob Marley's Ghost], Edith Evans [Ghost of Christmas Past], Kenneth More [Ghost of Christmas Present], Paddy Stone [Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come], Laurence Naismith [Fezziwig], Michael Medwin [Nephew], David Collings [Bob Cratchit], Anton Rodgers [Tom Jenkins], Suzanne Neve [Isabel], Frances Cuka [Mrs. Cratchit], Derek Francis, Roy Kinnear [Portly Gentlemen], Mary Peach [Nephew's Wife], Kay Walsh [Mrs. Fezziwig], Gordon Jackson [Nephew's Friend], Richard Beaumont [Tiny Tim], Karen Scargill [Kathy Cratchit], Geoffrey Bayldon [Toyshop Owner], Molly Weir, Helena Gloag [Women Debtors], Reg Lever [Punch and Judy Man], Keith Marsh [Well Wisher], Marianne Stone [Party Guest]



Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra); [0:04] A Christmas Carol (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:06] Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (excerpts sung by Urchin Carolers); [0:15] Christmas Children (sung by David Collings, Richard Beaumont and Karen Scargill); [0:21] I Hate People (sung by Albert Finney); [0:25] Farver Chris'mas (sung by Urchins); [0:38] See the Phantoms (sung by Alec Guiness with Choir); [0:44] A Christmas Carol (sung by Children); [0:48] December the 25th (sung and danced by Laurence Naismith and Ensemble); [0:52] You...You... (sung by Albert Finney); [0:53] Happiness (sung by Suzanne Neve); [0:56] You...You... (continued by Albert Finney); [0:59] You...You... (continued by Albert Finney); [1:05] I Like Life (sung by Kenneth More); [1:13] The Beautiful Day (sung by Richard Beaumont); [1:18] The Minister's Cat (parlor game sung and danced by party guests); [1:21] Happiness (sung by Albert Finney, sung by Suzanne Neve in background); [1:26] For He's a Jolly Good Fellow (sung by Crowd); [1:27] Thank You Very Much (sung by Anton Rogers, Albert Finney and Chorus); [1:31] The Beautiful Day (reprised by Richard Beaumont in background); [1:40] I'll Begin Again (sung by Albert Finney); [1:45] I Like Life (sung by Albert Finney); [1:48] Farver Chris'mas (reprised by Albert Finney and Urchins); [1:51] Thank You Very Much (sung and danced by Anton Rogers, Albert Finney and Chorus); [1:56] A Christmas Carol (reprised by Chorus at end of film); [1:56] Exit Music