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03 January 2009
Quintessential Christmas Carol
2 of 2 found this helpful Of all the productions of Dickens' masterpiece this version is the most
transporting and eloquent. Alastair Sims' portrayal of the curmudgeon skin-flint Ebeneezer Scrooge sets the bar for all others. His harshness and bitter-tempered personality pre-visitation by Marley and the spirits is so deep seated one wonders first, how it came to be and, second, if it can be broken through. The self-afflicted cocoon of lonliness into which he has wound himself is brilliantly explained in the telling of the tales from his 'Christmas' past'. The losses to death in his past, the changing way of the world and the supremacy of cut-throat business, his own guilt at losing his sensitivity, as when he takes away Feziwig's business, all combine to create a wretched dried up soul.
All portrayals of the spirits are done well with the least attractive performance belonging to the most difficult, that of the Spirit of Christmas Yet-to-be. As a character with no spoken word the actor relied completely on body language which I have seen done better by others but for the times and talent one must still say "well done".
The insight into the times of 19th century England make this story a favorite. The manner of relationships in families of the socio-economic levels represented is portrayed quite well. Whether the middle class Fred, nephew of Scrooge, or the quite poor clerk Bob Cratchet, the family and friends are touching in their warmth and geniality. Even the joy of the past celebration of the Feziwigs was charming.
The attention to detail in this production is excellent. Look at the toys in the toy shop that Tiny Tim (Patrick McNee) gazes longingly into. Notice Tim's fleeting sadness as the ship he so desires (yet his father cannot afford) is sold. But sadness is replaced as the laughter of the clown makes him joyful again. Scrooges' gradual transformation during the three visits is quite believable, again a tribute to Sim.
The transformed Scrooge of Sim is one of the most entertaining of any I have seen. I laugh out loud to hear him sing an impromptu song and to see him run to stand on his head frightening his servant (brilliantly portrayed by Kathleen Harris) into a screaming fit. The interchange with the boy in the courtyard is precious. The gentle way he enters Fred's home and engages his niece brilliantly portrays humility and tenderness born of repentance.
All this and so much more go into making this version of A Christmas Carol
far and away the best. I take nothing away from Patrick Stewart, my second favorite, nor George C. Scott, a close third. But each year I eagerly desire to see Sim in his transfixing role. This year I saw him not once on cable, therefore, owning a copy, was a must, and getting the black and white version was a bonus! The portrayal along with that of the others has motivated me to invest in a copy of Dickens novel and I'll perhaps be reading it to my grandson in a very short time.