That Character: EBENEZER SCROOGE?

EBENEZER SCROOGE is the most beloved miser in literature and film. The chief protagonist of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" has graced many film versions. The tale is simple. A miser is visited by three spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future and reforms. But what makes the story work is the humanity of the characters, especially Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge is arguably Charles Dickens's greatest character and the story is about as good as possible. It has been filmed many times.


Haven't you seen Scrooge (1951)? Alastair Sim (1900-1976) Still the best of many versions of A Christmas Carol. Alastair Sim is perfection in the role and his visit to Christmas Past will bring a tear to any eye. Look for Patrick Macnee as the young Jacob Marley.

See these other four wonderful performances, as well.

Scrooge (1935)
Sir Seymour Hicks (1871-1949)
Hicks played the role of Scrooge over 2000 times on stage and in a 1913 film version in Britain. Very true to Dickens and Hicks portrayal is astounding.

A Christmas Carol (1984)
George C. Scott (1927-1999)
Scott was very touching in this excellent television filming. The supporting cast is excellent and this is a very worthy film.

Scrooge (1970)
Albert Finney (b. 1936)
The songs in this musical were not very good, but Albert Finney was an excellent Scrooge. The part just seems to bring out the best in actors.

Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
Jim Backus (1913-1989) as Mister Magoo (b. 1950)
The near-sighted Mister Magoo, voiced by Jim Backus, first appeared in 1950. In the 1960s the character had a series of literary adaptations such as Moby Dick. The springboard was this television special with Magoo as Scrooge. Songs were added, but the story was played straight and Jim Backus joined the long list of great actors in this great role.


*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Mon, Dec. 05, 2005 12:27 PST
Movie stills displayed: Alastair Sim in Scrooge (1951)