This version is handsomely done, but like many others just feels off when it comes to Scrooge (George C. Scott). I’m not talking about Scrooge’s personality. In fact, the slight variation on Scrooge’s personality in this version is one of the things I like best about it. In this version, text and attitudes have been slightly modified to make Scrooge a very logical, practical hard-nosed business man. Of course, Scrooge is a hard-nosed businessman, but while many other adaptations play Scrooge emotionally strong and grouchy, this one shows us a cold, indifferent and unfeeling Scrooge.

This interpretation of Scrooge allows for a slight variation on what kind of change he undergoes, and I really like that. The problem is that he’s almost too emotionally distant. We never connect with him because he so rarely connects with what’s going on around him. Scrooge isn’t the least bit frightened by the ghost of Marley and only slightly amused while looking upon Fezziweg’s party. In fact, aside from a few scattered comments and an “amen” in response to Bob’s prayer, Scrooge doesn’t seem really affected at all until the end. But Scrooge’s coldness does add some depth to Scrooge’s wish to see “some depth of feeling” and strength to Scrooge’s own depth of feeling at the finale.

The production is warm and well done but seemingly simplistic even still. There are some unnecessarily melodramatic parts including the appearance of Marley and certain swellings of music. Scott seems kind of aloof at times, but generally turns in a fairly nice performance. Overall, it was interesting to see once, but not necessarily one that I would choose to see again and again.

Made for TV/Direct to Video

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