This is my FAVORITE version of _A Christmas Carol._ Everyone involved brought their BEST skills to it!!! I have it on DVD, and watch it every Christmas Eve. It's become a tradition.
There is a novel by Chris Priestley in which the two kids are real homeless children who have taken refuge in Scrooge’s living room while he is out with the Spirits - and very annoyed at being used to make a point! 😂
@sue... This is the 1984 version with George C. Scott, Edward Woodward, David Werner, Susannah York, Roger Rees and several other very talented people!
Agreed. In fact, this whole production surpasses any I've seen. I only wish they would have cast a very tall, perhaps 6'6 actor as the Ghost of Christmas Future instead of the mechanical puppet they used that doesn't move in a natural way. Other than that, this production is flawless in writing, direction, and certainly casting.
@@RLph6039 his son Peter is also an actor, a very fine one, living in the US. Peter Woodward was in a Babylon 5 spinoff series and Edward wanted to be able to act in the US. So there is an episode where father and son are together - it was delightful!
This is by far the angriest that the Ghost of Christmas Present has ever been in any version, at least from what I’ve seen. It’s probably my favourite interpretation because of that, he’s the one who directly confronts Scrooge on his misdeeds, so it makes sense that he’s gives some real tongue lashings.
The first scene shown here is my favorite one of the Ghost of Christmas Present. I always anticipate it with glee and each year remark to my husband that a great many of the uncaring sort should here those harsh words spoken to Scrooge (being unfit for Heaven). They need to be told this so they change for the better.
@@vsgfilmgroup I know the Sim version is always lauded, but I prefer Scott. I will have to give the Patrick Stewart one another go (I only saw it once many years ago). I also want to check out Guy Pearce’s version of Scrooge. I’ve never watched it, but I think Pearce is a good actor.
I agree. It’s now 40 years old and it’s still as moving as ever. Top notch performances and a beautiful production. I’m always moved to tears no matter how many times I’ve seen it.
The second spirit was always the most memorable segment to me. It's clear he's disgusted by Scrooge's behaviour, and the more time he spends with the man, the more curt he becomes in showing him the error of his ways. Scrooge is making excuses and isn't taking the sights to heart, so the spirit drops the façade and becomes almost hostile in getting the message to sink in. He chides him, interrupts him, sneers at him, mocks his "amen", gets in his face over the size of the roast goose, yells at him, shows him the horrors of reality and flat-out calls him a piece of s**t. When we met him, laughing amidst the feast and party decorations, we felt safe with this guy. Then it becomes clear he isn't gonna put up with Scrooge's attitude like the first one, and his constant smiling contrasting with the weight of his words make him feel eerily sinister, and that's before ignorance and want. Scarily immersive.
He has the hardest job. Past shows Scrooge when he was happy. Future gives him the choice of tragedy or triumph. Present has to make Scrooge see the man he is. The unvarnished truth.
So true !! How do you even argue with and defend yourself against a Jolly Giant in a long green & white robe with something as frightening as Ignorance & Want under it ?? The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is basically an o.g Dementor/Nazgul, purposely intended to be piss-yo-pants scary and still the Ghost of Christmas Present somehow manages to be just as if not scarier in this movie !!
@@violagreene4643 I truly believe neither had the difficult job and all had rebuked him in their own way. Ghost of Past did so near the end of their journey to the past together. Ebenezer Scrooge: *Already heartbroken from revisiting the memory of Belle* Spirit, show me no more. Why do you delight in torturing me? Ghost of Christmas Past: I told you, these are the shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me.
“In sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live then MILLIONS like this poor man child." This was bone chilling to watch, especially coming from the jolly ghost of Christmas present.
But remember, this is Christmas in the present moment and therefore Christmas personified. So his anger makes sense because everything he's said about Christmas was a direct insult, not only to his fellow men, but to him as well
_... bone chilling ..._ Absolutely. The "Ghost of Christmas Present" is every bit as unsettling as that of "Past" as well as "Future". And, to good purpose. As @vincentvorse wrote, Scrooge so casually condemns his "fellow men"* in the abstract. As some "faceless group". Like, say, people fleeing war-riddled &/ gang-dominated &/ famine-engulfed &/ etc. regions - aka, "migrants" or [not legally recognized] "immigrants" or some such. Not so easy when you look directly at the face of another human "just like you", but for circumstances... at least, if you have an ounce of empathy and the attendant honesty and strength that go with it ... Nevertheless, yes - "Present" is quite terrifying in this production, IMO. It truly adds to the lesson(s) here, I think, and encapsulates reality very well - capturing it as Dickens himself did in writing. * In the sense of ALL human beings - anachronistic, now, to use the masculine form for that, but historically was the case for a period (of course, go back far enough - in "Western culture", so-to-speak, and "men" often only meant "males" ... something like what "the law" concerned itself with, but that's ... not really germane, heh...)
@@vincentvorse Good point. I'd imagine his line "Any idiot going about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart," was something that the Ghost of Christmas Present took personally.
There is no Heaven Therefore nothing in all of creation has the right to dictate to me or judge my actions as they are my own and belonged to no-one else
Edward Woodward gave a fantastic performance as the spirit. Out of all the versions I've seen, he's the only one who looks like he really wants to kick Scrooge's ass.
+Daniel Appleton I have to ask though, why is Scrooge seeing his grave site the thing the last straw for him? Did he think he wouldn't die? Or did seeing Tim and the other future shadows beforehand make him recoil at the fact he couldn't help them now that he's dead?
+Dragblacker The reason that Scrooge recoils at his grave site is because all through his experiences with the spirits he has been undergoing a change of heart, and realizes that the only legacy he will be leaving after his death is simply his tomb stone, with no one to mourn or remember him. In other words, his life will have been a tragic waste. And yes, the fact that now he wouldn't be able to help Tim and others like him now he's dead. And subconsciously he's probably also figuring that the chain Marley told him about is waiting for him...
I don't blame the ghost for giving him such a stinging chastisement... What scrooge said about the surplus population is only one of cruelest remarks ever!
He's not wrong. Overpopulation is a major issue, he's dislike of overpopulation is a successful mindset. It simply shows that he allowed his logic to corrupt his heart.
So many adaptations tend to really play up the ghots's jovial nature, since he embodies the spirit of the season. They tend to forget that, because Acrooge rejects the spirit of the season, this ghost is his harshest critic. And Woidward plays those moments with such ferocity
I get the impression his decision to shout “millions” was improvised. I’ve not seen it done in any other performance by any other actor, but it’s absolutely brilliant. This line and his delivery of it made me remember this film from when I was a small boy. I remember being suddenly being very afraid of the big, happy spirit.
I sure hope it was improvised, because I am a huge fan of improvisation! It is the one unique talent that I find admirable in an actor. We can only assume that the chances of it being improvised is 50/50, because even directors have that unique talent of improvisation.
This was my dads favorite Christmas movie and we’d watch it every year. It really is an outstanding telling of a classic story. This and Muppet Christmas Carol are the best.
I always thought The Ghost of Christmas Present was a darker, more sinister spirit than The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Edward Woodward's portrayal was perfect. He completely captured how the spirit slowly evolved from being kind and funny, to stern and sarcastic, to grim and threatening.
@ oh and let me guess? You believe man is a string of elements thrown together at random? Genetic material slopped together. Or wait,wait, we evolved from monkeys that's it, right, right.... So let me put this to you, when cancer that is untreatable is eating a way at a good man who has given and helped people all his life, who or what fault is it, faulty DNA, passed down from parents or grandparents or their parents before them. And let us not forget the rape victim struggling to find some self worth after the years of trauma and after spending thousands of dollars on psychiatry, and self help courses and so on and the trauma continues what then in your profound and sounding reason what then? She forcibly pull herself together and suck it up, oh and then when that fails sir then what? When is threatening to take her own life or even lets say children born with a later in life deformity, and doctors, and medical community doesn't and won't do anything without lining their own pockets where's the justice there? Hmm. I'm not going to sit here and preach but folks and millions like you could use a measure of optimism, and the way you portray it in your own reasoning, or say the wickens, the Atheist and I believe I am God mentality please, explain how the previous words of which I have just put out which, and I imagine there's more and much worse circumstances, explain how and by which ways is any of it or more justified?? Even as a Christian I have no explanations, there are many things out there that occur so many of us do not understand. Isn't it better to keep any measure of hope we as humans can, than go off none or our own simplicit thinking. Sorry since you acted for the most part unkind and resorted to name calling, I figured hey I'll call you out as a individual and see you have a educated response that doesn't involve slandering people just because you don't like something for whatever reason.
I always thought that the order of the spirits from least to most dark is: Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, Jacob Marley, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. I mean, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is basically supposed to be the Grim Reaper, right?
@ then f***ing do so ingrate I sure as hell won't or accept it as a possibility I evolved from a damn monkey. Let alone and throw this in your belligerent thinking the EARTH SCIENTIFICALLY proven is younger than what was first believed. So explain how in the that rationale that man evolved in that timespan. Don't think you can logically. So as the saying goes stick it where the sun don't shine clown and that flawed logic since you wanted to stop to lowly insults and not hold rational conversation.
4 года назад+1
@@Samuraith2077 yes because the earth being younger by a couple of million years than theorised automatically means the bible is correct. Okay champ, dont bite down on the crsyons too hard.
PhattyMcBoomBoom What's even scarier is that in the book, Scrooge notices a claw-like foot protruding from the Spirit's cloak. When he asks about it the Spirit shows him these. Creepy
Abortions only adults if you make it,talk about selfish,and ruining the real life cycles,y'all fkt me up big time with you're rude crap including the ones around me
You know, I think this is one of the best Tiny Tims in all the versions of this story. Some of them just look small or dirty. I could easily believe this kid is slowly, quietly dying.
Tiny Tim was soooo cute. You want to eat him up. He was so precious and perfect. He accepted his crippled state but was optimistic enough to believe he would get better so he could run and have fun. Quite wise he was in church and knew his Scriptures.
Yep Best Tiny Tim and Best Nephew of Scrooge as well. I would argue Richard E. Grant from the 90s version is the best Bob Cratchit. And his wife the Best Mrs. Cratchit.
The kid was perfect, and I LOVE thst he's introduced right at the start. We get a couple scenes showing Tim's sweet nature & innocence, his desire to be healthy & play with the other kids, and Bob's deep love of his fraile child. In other adaptations they just introduce Tiny Tim in the Christmas Present segment. No build up, no nothing, and if makes Tim & his tragedy feel like an afterthought.
this is a perfect execution of one of the most powerfull moments in dickens' masterpiece! in some versions of the story they just don't get it quite right but here... my god, when the spirit says; It may well be that in the sight of heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child! everybody who's greedy and selfish should be forced to watch this! chills and goosebumps!
This part is where this adaptation takes its place as an indispensable version, providing a specific aspect of the story on a level that no other adaptation I’ve ever seen has. Just as no version captures the hope and joy of the story on the level that a Muppet Christmas Carol does, no version captures the anger over economic injustice on the level this one does.
I love how happy the spirit gets when he sees a place where he can shove Scrooge’s face into his own cruelty. You can hear the laugh in the tone, like telling an inside joke.
Then when he gets to the point of telling how worthless Scrooge is, he can drop the holly, jolly act for a minute and let out his anger at Scrooge for his cruelty
@@dariusmazaheri9305 true I remember an analysis saying that they either die like poor Tiny Tim would of had he not gotten treatment or they would of grown up bitter, hateful, resentmentful, etc. Because of the environment they grew up in caused them this.
As the ghost of the future,probably is his real children,or Jonny Cashes,plus they're playing in a theory of greed of what people are taught, Christmas was at first for adults,if it means want and ignorance,the good ole pick and choose as another sits as a better than though argument,everyone is an adult no it all,not being rude at all,yes to teach the younger and a life natural life cycle,now everyone is taught that children should die or such because of this crude crap,thx y'all really know how to fk lives up,leaving others fkt up while some of you changed,what an extravagant sleezy life,selfish and all,fk y'all for the ruins of a quite decent life,didn't/don't need all this fancy slick crap.
This is actually my favorite Ghost of Christmas Present. I love how he makes his thoughts very clear towards Scrooge, showing just how disgusted he is that Scrooge could be so callous toward his fellow people and even gets visibly angry when he doesn't seem to be paying attention to the moral he's trying to teach. And by the end of it he's like "I've done my part. Now I'm going to leave you right here with the "surplus population". If you don't learn your lesson by the last ghost then I'd hate to be you"
What would this particular Ghost of Christmas Present have to say to Bill Gates and his buddy Klaus-"The-Great-Reset"-Schwab? Nothing pleasant, I suspect.
As a kid I always felt the first two ghosts were needlessly harsh to Scrooge in this version of the story, having also grown up with the Muppet and Mickey versions of the story as well. Sure, he needed to learn a good (albeit harsh) lesson seeing the consequences of his own actions, but I drew the line at the first ghost finding joy in Scrooge's pain as he watches what became of Belle, and how the second ghost found equal happiness throwing Scrooge's own words back at him when it seemed convenient, not to mention leaving him in the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold when he disappeared. It just seemed needlessly cruel. Now as an adult, I finally began to realize they were emulating Scrooge's own attitude. Scrooge found joy in blowing off the donation collectors and in the suffering of what he considered to be 'idle people', and amusement in decreasing the 'surplus population'. The fact that he meant what he said was cruel in and of itself. Much like elites of today, it was easy to see that Scrooge was immune to receiving the same treatment he gave out simply due to status. Now here comes two ghosts who sadistically do the very same thing to him, and with Scrooge's own words and memories as their ammunition. They don't even have to actively think of what diabolical things they can say and do to him. Scrooge has given them all they need to do it, and they enjoy it like he does. A great example of "Not much fun when it happens to you, is it?", in both receiving pain and the other finding it entertaining.
As a kid, the Ghost of Christmas Future always scared me the most. But as I've gotten older, I've found this guy a lot more unnerving. Now at age 40+, he downright scares the bejimminies out of me.
The ghost of Christmas present is the fire and anger that lives in man at the injustice in our society. And sadly he's just as relevant today as he was in Dickens' time
@@ItsSpecialHands Actually it’s a little more than that. What the ghost of Christmas present is in actuality is the spirit of Christmas and all that it entails for the year in which it is celebrated. He is the Joy of giving, the warm fire of charity, and the spark of generosity. It makes sense then that if he loves giving, he hates taking. There in lies the source of his anger.
This and the 1970 versions really show how dark Present can be. Such a brilliant performance. It's always interesting when adaptations keep Ignorance and Want as well.
“…until you have discovered what the surplus population is and _where_ it is.” One of my favorite lines from this film. The Spirit doesn’t deny that there is, indeed, a surplus population. But is indirectly telling Scrooge that he, and people like him, IS the surplus population.
2:46 I love this line he doesn't wish scrooge harm he's just giving him a wake up call but the thier hidden but they live oh they live shows like chirsman in reality the poor slums and sickly children get hidden in the cheer but the still thrive 😮😮
I try and do the scene, but I end up crying through....."In sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live then MILLIONS like this poor man child." I have no idea why. How other actors do it is awesome.
That is the best line in the movie. The temporal, mortal, Godless world values money, power, achievement. The spiritual/eternal world values love & compassion. "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:26.
@@janesgems7 yeah. Scrooge deserved that as he wasn't thinking when he said it. It was a moral lesson to think about how the words sound when you say them.
1:00 I get such chills from the Ghost Of Christmas Present's words, *It may well be that in the sight of heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!* But Scrooge had to hear it.
David L I know what you mean. It is normally meant to be that Present is the jolly one and Future is the scary one but this one seemed to make Present the darker of them.
This version is the definitive version. All others are pretenders to the throne. Even the variations on Dickens' original text were authentic, and held just as much gravitas as the original. Superbly brilliant on every front.
No way. The Alastair Sim version is the best by far and my second choice would be the Reginald Owen version. The George C. Scott version had terrible acting and it's almost unwatchable.
This version of the Ghost of Christmas Present is really my favorite, too! He's not just meant to be a dark spirit (he surely is sometimes in the book), but in this version, I found him as a spirit with wit and charm, because of Edward Woodward's portrayal. He simply made the Ghost of Christmas Present just about as perfect as Charles Dickens "thought as much" for the book.
Kind of a nice change of pace to see David Warner cast as a good guy. Frank Finlay played a great Marley and was also great in an episode of _Blackadder_ as the Witchsmeller Pursuivant. He's also my favourite Van Helsing, playing him in BBC's _Count Dracula._ I like Scott's portrayal of Scrooge because he goes beyond the normal "bah humbug" stuff and takes gleeful pleasure at mockingly laughing at Christmas. A memorable performance! BTW, Woodward had to learn to walk on stilts to appear much taller as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
It took me a while to recognize that Bob Cratchit was played by David Warner, the same dude who played Spicer Lovejoy, (Cal Hockley's valet,) in Titanic
David was in MANY great roles! He even did Star Trek TNG! (He was the Cardassian Interrogator when Picard was captured by them.) The first movie I saw him in was _The Island_ when I was a kid. (77-78?) He played the villain, and scared the hell out of me!🤣 I _knew_ movies weren't real life! (The character was so sinister. Just a look gave me chills!) Here, he's the loving father. The man had talent!
Everybody judges scrooge..think..mom died in childbirth his dad rejected him belle left him n yorkin manipulated him..money was all he had n he wasnt taught compassion..if that was us we'd turn out like that too
@@actuary1233 The reason he's judged so harshly is that he allowed the trials and past wrongs done to him and by him to twist him into a bitter, angry, greedy miser.
@@actuary1233 Actually the truth is even more sad in the Christmas past era he was once a jolly and happy man much like his nephew. He let his greed blind him and lost sight of what was important in the original story.
What I like about Edward Woodward's portrayal of the spirit is how he is able to show the spirit's joyful and festive side in some scenes and his serious, disciplinarian side in scenes like this. Other portrayals don't do it as well.
Yeah the psychological spread of this,thx for fkg me and sure other,awe like the children,pop know hate them,a big fuck you,yet I have to see a fkg physchiatrist from y'alls personality DEFECTS
I always found the Ghost of Christmas Present to be far scarier and more intimidating than of Yet To Come. He starts off jolly and hospitable, but as he sees Scrooge's greed and reprehensible behavior, his excuses and whatnot, he gets very stern and intimidating.
Just watched it again and there's one correction I need to make: This is THE best version ever. Best Scrooge and, by far, the best Ghost of Christmas Present because, in keeping with the tale being a ghost story, he is damn scary. Yes, there are some underplayed but barbed responses he gives that are hilarious, but when his exasperation at Scrooge’s unsympathetic cluelessness takes over you get the impression that the spirits are forbidden from physically harming their assigned mortals so he has to resort to words to kick Ebenezer’s ass, lol. He’s positively Shakespearean in his delivery and intensity, which is no surprise since Edward Woodward was a brilliant actor, particularly at the Bard. In fact, he was on Letterman one time and, when asked if it was true he could and had improvised Shakespeare on stage when he’d forgotten his lines, launched into a made-up speech with believability and gusto. Long live the original Equalizer.
I remember watching this on Channel 4 last week. I believe they cut the scene out with Ignorance & Want... I loved the bit where Scrooge is at his Nephew's Christmas party and he does a William Hartnell impression :)
This is by far the best portrayal of this spirit. The Ghost of Christmas Present is indeed very loving and jolly, and means well. But what angered him more than anything was both the hardness of heart and indifference to human suffering that Scrooge displayed. The spirit truly means to help save Ebenezer, but in order to do so, it meant explaining to the stubborn old miser that his actions and words demonstrated a terrible truth about him. And the way Ed Woodward does it here is masterful; Scrooge can't even look the spirit in the eyes after having his own terrible words thrown back in his face, realizing just how callous and cruel of him it was to say such a thing.
This is the best version of a Christmas Carol. It captures the original story very well and George Scott gives the best portrayal of Scrooge. He has a sense of humor which makes him more fun to watch, but also shows just how hard his heart has been hardened by his life choices
@@abrandenburg10 No worries!😁 We all do it. (I was going nuts a couple weeks ago trying to remember Johnathan Brandis. My brain kept wanting to say Brandon Johnson! 😜) 🤣🤣 I knew that wasn't right!!!
My husband and I always watch this _twice_ each Christmas season. Once at the beginning, and then once at the end (February) when we take down our tree.
The Ghost of Christmas Present is usually depicted as full of joy and cheer. Which I like. But also like this depiction too. I like Edward Woodward, and the speech about the surplus population is a great one, that obviously gets left out in most other versions. Its Dickens I assume. Straight out of the novel.
@@v.k.rt.m.6030 No, it's the Spirit trying to teach Scrooge. If Scrooge cares about Tiny Tim, what about all the others like him? It is also showing us that Scrooge IS changing, that he IS starting to care about his fellow man
Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. He's probably best known for his roll as Robert McCall in the 1980's TV series "The Equalizer." And yes, the 2014 Denzel Washington movie was based on it.
Edward Woodward was exceptional as Ghost of Christmas Present. Loved how he captured the joviality, humour, and bluster, but also retained this side that could quickly turn to openly question Scrooge's ethics and perspective upon society.
This is one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol. George C. Scott was great at Scrooge. Edward Woodward and everyone in this version were amazing!
I think in these scenes this ghost is scarier than the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The final one is scary, but he did not behave as though he wanted to kick Scrooge's ass.
Maybe he felt like the Ghost of C Present. Already gave him a good Whooping and he just looked at the grave stone and pointed where he was going to end up.
Nothing dark about this, this is just a dose of reality for those that have, the ears to hear, the mind to listen, the heart to understand, and the gut to go something about it!
I've been watching this movie on Christmas eve with my mother since I was a little kid. Loved the movie, even the three or four scary parts (Marley, the Scrooge left with the homeless part and Ghost of Christmas future appearing, etc). And every year, that part where he reveals the two kids under his robes still gives me a vaguely dreadful feeling. Every other rendition of The Christmas Carol pales in comparison, this one is just too good.
Absolutely! I'd actually say Every Politician, Wealthy, Celebrity and privileged person should learn from this story. The core problem with societal decay isn't politics, economics, but morality. Everyone but especially the Elite have forgotten the value of doing good to one's fellow man. The Elite only care of their own gain and no longer represent us or care for us.
Michael Caine is a genius of an actor - simultaneously expressing intense anger and severely derisive laughter in his eyes and face in a way that pierces the very heart & soul - great stuff
I grew up watching this version, it was my dad's favorite and as I got older, I started to enjoy it too, and still try to watch it with my dad and mom every year, I'm the only one who does out of my sisters
One of the few 'Christmas Carols' that I know that put in the part that was in the novel. 'It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child.' This is not my favorite version, but kudos to them for putting that part in. lol
I would love for them to blend pieces of thw Alastair Sim version plus this one. This scene plus the one in the 50s version where you see Scrooges sister die and he goes to leave but hears her promise that he didn't originally hear when he was younger which was promise me you'll take care of my boy and then he asks for her forgiveness .also very powerful
@@sabrinanascimento5248 actually like the part about the scabbard without a sword and the part where the spirit tells Scrooge to charge men that they know his kind and do ill deeds in their name. Yas love that party in the Jim Carrey version :)
Lots of people who've seen this scene are not aware that it's almost word for word what Dickens wrote in his novella (which I read *every* December). Odd that it was never used in the most popular versions on film. In a perfect world, this version with Alastair Sim as Scrooge would be perfect (no disrespect to Scott).
@@tenderpawsm473 I've been reading A Christmas Carol every year since I was in my 20s (long time ago) and knew this scene before this version was filmed, but in my opinion has more impact the way this scene is shot than it is in the novella. I think his tone dealing with Scrooge augments the scene quite well.
The dialogue in these scenes is taken almost verbatim from the book. I particularly love that line: "Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be in the sight of heaven that you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!"
Agreed......A line for any elitist Aristocrat of our world today, to hear and ponder over that does nothing to serve the human race in charity, kindness, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence.....Not like they will ever fully understand it in the body anyways, but just something to think about for all of us, no matter what supposed income level we supposedly ascribe to.
"Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased."
I haven't seen this version in full, but I love that it, like the 2009 version (My personal favorite version) includes the detail of the Spirit using Want and Ignorance to act as a rebuttal of Scrooge's "Prisons and workhouses" line. Not very many versions (Even the ones that have Want and Ignorance appear) do that.
Ghost of Christmas Present: These are YOUR children! Scrooge: (thinking) Crap! I have kids! Ghost of Christmas Present: They are the children of all who... Scrooge: (visible sigh of relief) Oh thank Christ! Metaphors!
Scrooge later in the movie says to the third ghost "Your nature intercedes for me and pities me." It's true that if these spirits didn't care about Scrooge, and felt he was a lost cause, they wouldn't be there. They all give him different forms of love with an ultimate goal. Compassion, wisdom, and as with the Ghost of Christmas Present some serious tough love. As scary as he seems there is no true malice within him. He's doing this for Scrooges own good.
This guy's performance is cathartic after spending a long enough time on social media and learning just how many horrible people have an internet connection.
What I've noticed that his change of personality is being swapped with Scrooge's who is finally seeing the light, the spirit sucking the cruelty out of Scrooge's feelings of Christmas.
![A Christmas Carol [1984] Final Scene](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/b7Um603B2lI/mqdefault.jpg)
![A Christmas Carol [1984] Final Scene](/img/tr.png)
This is my FAVORITE version of _A Christmas Carol._ Everyone involved brought their BEST skills to it!!! I have it on DVD, and watch it every Christmas Eve. It's become a tradition.
Which version is it? There are so many!
There is a novel by Chris Priestley in which the two kids are real homeless children who have taken refuge in Scrooge’s living room while he is out with the Spirits - and very annoyed at being used to make a point! 😂
@sue...
This is the 1984 version with George C. Scott, Edward Woodward, David Werner, Susannah York, Roger Rees and several other very talented people!
@ thanks! Wow, quite a cast!
I use his interaction with Marley to help explain the concept of Purgatory to my Confirmation class. It is eye opening for them.
Edward Woodward was amazing. To me, no other actor before ir since has been able to match or surpass his performance. Simply an exquisite performance.
Agreed. In fact, this whole production surpasses any I've seen. I only wish they would have cast a very tall, perhaps 6'6 actor as the Ghost of Christmas Future instead of the mechanical puppet they used that doesn't move in a natural way. Other than that, this production is flawless in writing, direction, and certainly casting.
When I was small I thought Edward Woodward was Michael canes father
Agreed 💯
@@RLph6039 his son Peter is also an actor, a very fine one, living in the US. Peter Woodward was in a Babylon 5 spinoff series and Edward wanted to be able to act in the US. So there is an episode where father and son are together - it was delightful!
The way he spits that chastisement out is venomous and perfect for the scene
This is by far the angriest that the Ghost of Christmas Present has ever been in any version, at least from what I’ve seen. It’s probably my favourite interpretation because of that, he’s the one who directly confronts Scrooge on his misdeeds, so it makes sense that he’s gives some real tongue lashings.
The first scene shown here is my favorite one of the Ghost of Christmas Present. I always anticipate it with glee and each year remark to my husband that a great many of the uncaring sort should here those harsh words spoken to Scrooge (being unfit for Heaven). They need to be told this so they change for the better.
George C Scott was the best Scrooge ever. Like he was born for the role.
Yeah, he was great. This is my favorite version. Michael Caine was a great Scrooge, too.
Exactly 💯. He played Scrooge very well.
Even after his redemption he goes from pure @$$hole to the slightly gruff uncle.
I don't know, man. This is a field FULL of winners. Scott was great, yeah. But you've got Sim AND Stewart to contend with here.
@@vsgfilmgroup I know the Sim version is always lauded, but I prefer Scott. I will have to give the Patrick Stewart one another go (I only saw it once many years ago). I also want to check out Guy Pearce’s version of Scrooge. I’ve never watched it, but I think Pearce is a good actor.
My favorite version of "A Christmas Carol." Yearly viewing. I've loved this one since I was a kid.
I agree. It’s now 40 years old and it’s still as moving as ever. Top notch performances and a beautiful production. I’m always moved to tears no matter how many times I’ve seen it.
The second spirit was always the most memorable segment to me. It's clear he's disgusted by Scrooge's behaviour, and the more time he spends with the man, the more curt he becomes in showing him the error of his ways. Scrooge is making excuses and isn't taking the sights to heart, so the spirit drops the façade and becomes almost hostile in getting the message to sink in. He chides him, interrupts him, sneers at him, mocks his "amen", gets in his face over the size of the roast goose, yells at him, shows him the horrors of reality and flat-out calls him a piece of s**t.
When we met him, laughing amidst the feast and party decorations, we felt safe with this guy. Then it becomes clear he isn't gonna put up with Scrooge's attitude like the first one, and his constant smiling contrasting with the weight of his words make him feel eerily sinister, and that's before ignorance and want. Scarily immersive.
He has the hardest job. Past shows Scrooge when he was happy. Future gives him the choice of tragedy or triumph. Present has to make Scrooge see the man he is. The unvarnished truth.
So true !! How do you even argue with and defend yourself against a Jolly Giant in a long green & white robe with something as frightening as Ignorance & Want under it ?? The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is basically an o.g Dementor/Nazgul, purposely intended to be piss-yo-pants scary and still the Ghost of Christmas Present somehow manages to be just as if not scarier in this movie !!
@@violagreene4643 2t2tttt2tt2ttttttttttttttt22ttttttttttttt22eeeeeeee
He can't stand scrooge.
The sight of scrooge sickens the second ghost
@@violagreene4643 I truly believe neither had the difficult job and all had rebuked him in their own way. Ghost of Past did so near the end of their journey to the past together.
Ebenezer Scrooge: *Already heartbroken from revisiting the memory of Belle* Spirit, show me no more. Why do you delight in torturing me?
Ghost of Christmas Past: I told you, these are the shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me.
I can't begin to imagine the terror of hearing a spirit from Heaven say that, and knowing he's right.
This is some of the GREATEST acting I've seen in my entire life!!! 👏👏👏👏👍
“In sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live then MILLIONS like this poor man child."
This was bone chilling to watch, especially coming from the jolly ghost of Christmas present.
But remember, this is Christmas in the present moment and therefore Christmas personified. So his anger makes sense because everything he's said about Christmas was a direct insult, not only to his fellow men, but to him as well
_... bone chilling ..._
Absolutely. The "Ghost of Christmas Present" is every bit as unsettling as that of "Past" as well as "Future". And, to good purpose.
As @vincentvorse wrote, Scrooge so casually condemns his "fellow men"* in the abstract. As some "faceless group". Like, say, people fleeing war-riddled &/ gang-dominated &/ famine-engulfed &/ etc. regions - aka, "migrants" or [not legally recognized] "immigrants" or some such.
Not so easy when you look directly at the face of another human "just like you", but for circumstances... at least, if you have an ounce of empathy and the attendant honesty and strength that go with it ...
Nevertheless, yes - "Present" is quite terrifying in this production, IMO. It truly adds to the lesson(s) here, I think, and encapsulates reality very well - capturing it as Dickens himself did in writing.
* In the sense of ALL human beings - anachronistic, now, to use the masculine form for that, but historically was the case for a period (of course, go back far enough - in "Western culture", so-to-speak, and "men" often only meant "males" ... something like what "the law" concerned itself with, but that's ... not really germane, heh...)
That line was never delivered better!
@@vincentvorse Good point.
I'd imagine his line "Any idiot going about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart," was something that the Ghost of Christmas Present took personally.
There is no Heaven
Therefore nothing in all of creation has the right to dictate to me or judge my actions as they are my own and belonged to no-one else
Edward Woodward gave a fantastic performance as the spirit. Out of all the versions I've seen, he's the only one who looks like he really wants to kick Scrooge's ass.
+Daniel Appleton I have to ask though, why is Scrooge seeing his grave site the thing the last straw for him? Did he think he wouldn't die? Or did seeing Tim and the other future shadows beforehand make him recoil at the fact he couldn't help them now that he's dead?
+Dragblacker The reason that Scrooge recoils at his grave site is because all through his experiences with the spirits he has been undergoing a change of heart, and realizes that the only legacy he will be leaving after his death is simply his tomb stone, with no one to mourn or remember him. In other words, his life will have been a tragic waste. And yes, the fact that now he wouldn't be able to help Tim and others like him now he's dead. And subconsciously he's probably also figuring that the chain Marley told him about is waiting for him...
crepesoftime Carol Kane's version in Scrooged was the only one to my knowledge who does exactly that: Kick Scrooge's ass, brutally.
Daniel Appleton Perhaps you're right about Trump. I think Clinton's beyond help.
It's not that he didn't think he wouldn't die. It's what would await him AFTER death if he did not change.
I don't blame the ghost for giving him such a stinging chastisement... What scrooge said about the surplus population is only one of cruelest remarks ever!
Yup, you don’t know who is the one who is the Surplus Population. Unless you lose someone dear to you ., like I lost my father.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 That's awful. I am very sorry for your loss, and hope you and your family are doing okay.
Unfortunately attitudes like this are common place in modern England
He's not wrong. Overpopulation is a major issue, he's dislike of overpopulation is a successful mindset. It simply shows that he allowed his logic to corrupt his heart.
@@cometastral Overpopulation is bad, but we shouldn't say poorer, less likely-to-be-successful people should just die.
This is a great version of this classic.
Love that look the ghost gives Scrooge at 1:03
It's a look that says: "Yes, those words DO hurt a bunch, don't they?"
He’s my fav version of Xmas present.
It's a father's knowing gaze, I get what you mean
@@eleanorwilliams769 The GoCP : " Hurts, Don't it ? ".
So many adaptations tend to really play up the ghots's jovial nature, since he embodies the spirit of the season. They tend to forget that, because Acrooge rejects the spirit of the season, this ghost is his harshest critic. And Woidward plays those moments with such ferocity
Gesundheit
Not to mention, all of the ghosts should be at the very least a little unnerving. I mean they are all ghosts after all.
I get the impression his decision to shout “millions” was improvised. I’ve not seen it done in any other performance by any other actor, but it’s absolutely brilliant. This line and his delivery of it made me remember this film from when I was a small boy. I remember being suddenly being very afraid of the big, happy spirit.
I sure hope it was improvised, because I am a huge fan of improvisation! It is the one unique talent that I find admirable in an actor.
We can only assume that the chances of it being improvised is 50/50, because even directors have that unique talent of improvisation.
it was in the novel
I agree. Edward Woodward was such a fine actor. Really the best in this role.
@@christrupiano4383 true he's a big friendly fella but definitely not afraid to express his anger at scrooge and also comfort when he's happy
@@aaronmeade5435 hes just got that strong regal sage-like look about him like cross him it wont matter who you are he can mess you up supernaturally 🙄
This was my dads favorite Christmas movie and we’d watch it every year. It really is an outstanding telling of a classic story. This and Muppet Christmas Carol are the best.
'They are hidden...but they live. oh, they live....' Chilling.
Truly!
"Are there no prisons? Are there no work houses?"
“It’s too late”
Did he keep these kids under him forever?
@@matthewmcvey3494 Tuesday people forget a Christmas carol is heavily anticapitalistic
At 2:06. That line, since first hearing it from on TV decades ago, has always stuck with me. Suited to our times and for all times.
I always thought The Ghost of Christmas Present was a darker, more sinister spirit than The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Edward Woodward's portrayal was perfect. He completely captured how the spirit slowly evolved from being kind and funny, to stern and sarcastic, to grim and threatening.
The Goodness and the Severity of the Maker.
@ oh and let me guess? You believe man is a string of elements thrown together at random? Genetic material slopped together. Or wait,wait, we evolved from monkeys that's it, right, right.... So let me put this to you, when cancer that is untreatable is eating a way at a good man who has given and helped people all his life, who or what fault is it, faulty DNA, passed down from parents or grandparents or their parents before them. And let us not forget the rape victim struggling to find some self worth after the years of trauma and after spending thousands of dollars on psychiatry, and self help courses and so on and the trauma continues what then in your profound and sounding reason what then? She forcibly pull herself together and suck it up, oh and then when that fails sir then what? When is threatening to take her own life or even lets say children born with a later in life deformity, and doctors, and medical community doesn't and won't do anything without lining their own pockets where's the justice there? Hmm. I'm not going to sit here and preach but folks and millions like you could use a measure of optimism, and the way you portray it in your own reasoning, or say the wickens, the Atheist and I believe I am God mentality please, explain how the previous words of which I have just put out which, and I imagine there's more and much worse circumstances, explain how and by which ways is any of it or more justified?? Even as a Christian I have no explanations, there are many things out there that occur so many of us do not understand. Isn't it better to keep any measure of hope we as humans can, than go off none or our own simplicit thinking. Sorry since you acted for the most part unkind and resorted to name calling, I figured hey I'll call you out as a individual and see you have a educated response that doesn't involve slandering people just because you don't like something for whatever reason.
I always thought that the order of the spirits from least to most dark is: Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, Jacob Marley, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. I mean, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is basically supposed to be the Grim Reaper, right?
@ then f***ing do so ingrate I sure as hell won't or accept it as a possibility I evolved from a damn monkey. Let alone and throw this in your belligerent thinking the EARTH SCIENTIFICALLY proven is younger than what was first believed. So explain how in the that rationale that man evolved in that timespan. Don't think you can logically. So as the saying goes stick it where the sun don't shine clown and that flawed logic since you wanted to stop to lowly insults and not hold rational conversation.
@@Samuraith2077 yes because the earth being younger by a couple of million years than theorised automatically means the bible is correct. Okay champ, dont bite down on the crsyons too hard.
"They are hidden...but they live...oh, they live..."
Think about that when you wake up in the middle of the night in your dark room.
PhattyMcBoomBoom What's even scarier is that in the book, Scrooge notices a claw-like foot protruding from the Spirit's cloak. When he asks about it the Spirit shows him these. Creepy
I think this change in attitude from jolly big guy to serious tone that the Ghost of Christmas Present had was the scariest of them all.
It set up the perfect atmosphere of what was to come within seconds later, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Abortions only adults if you make it,talk about selfish,and ruining the real life cycles,y'all fkt me up big time with you're rude crap including the ones around me
@@dianheffernan3436 What the hell are you talking about
@@dianheffernan3436 What the hell are you going on about?
You know, I think this is one of the best Tiny Tims in all the versions of this story. Some of them just look small or dirty. I could easily believe this kid is slowly, quietly dying.
Tiny Tim was soooo cute. You want to eat him up. He was so precious and perfect. He accepted his crippled state but was optimistic enough to believe he would get better so he could run and have fun. Quite wise he was in church and knew his Scriptures.
Not one of the best. Rather, this kid was "THE BEST" Tiny Tim of all the different versions.
@@LATVERIAN1 100% agree there
Yep Best Tiny Tim and Best Nephew of Scrooge as well. I would argue Richard E. Grant from the 90s version is the best Bob Cratchit. And his wife the Best Mrs. Cratchit.
The kid was perfect, and I LOVE thst he's introduced right at the start. We get a couple scenes showing Tim's sweet nature & innocence, his desire to be healthy & play with the other kids, and Bob's deep love of his fraile child.
In other adaptations they just introduce Tiny Tim in the Christmas Present segment. No build up, no nothing, and if makes Tim & his tragedy feel like an afterthought.
this is a perfect execution of one of the most powerfull moments in dickens' masterpiece! in some versions of the story they just don't get it quite right but here... my god, when the spirit says; It may well be that in the sight of heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child! everybody who's greedy and selfish should be forced to watch this! chills and goosebumps!
an arrogant don't forget arrogant
I agree.this is my favorite scene in the whole movie
I think Scrooge and Trump have a lot in common. Greed, Avarice,cold, Narcissistic and calculating.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 Exactly. Sadly, I'm not sure if even the 3 Ghosts could set a man like trump straight.
Me, watching anything: Wow, what a neat story.
Leftists: _I NOW ASSOCIATE THIS VILLAIN OR METHOD OF TORTURE OR PENANCE WITH TRUMP_
This part is where this adaptation takes its place as an indispensable version, providing a specific aspect of the story on a level that no other adaptation I’ve ever seen has.
Just as no version captures the hope and joy of the story on the level that a Muppet Christmas Carol does, no version captures the anger over economic injustice on the level this one does.
I love how happy the spirit gets when he sees a place where he can shove Scrooge’s face into his own cruelty. You can hear the laugh in the tone, like telling an inside joke.
Then when he gets to the point of telling how worthless Scrooge is, he can drop the holly, jolly act for a minute and let out his anger at Scrooge for his cruelty
@@james739123 Apparently he's dealt with tough nuts to crack before. The applied psychology is pretty damn good.
The burn of all burns was brought down on old Ebeneezer here. Woodward put the fire into his words.
Ignorance and want scare me every time, no matter how many times I see it.
They don't scare me but make me sad...
@@LioGunne they are a mix of both because if you think about it people ignored them and let them turn into this
@@hadbetterdays8118 Indeed! That's what happens when kids are mistreated and not shown compassion.
@@dariusmazaheri9305 true I remember an analysis saying that they either die like poor Tiny Tim would of had he not gotten treatment or they would of grown up bitter, hateful, resentmentful, etc. Because of the environment they grew up in caused them this.
As the ghost of the future,probably is his real children,or Jonny Cashes,plus they're playing in a theory of greed of what people are taught, Christmas was at first for adults,if it means want and ignorance,the good ole pick and choose as another sits as a better than though argument,everyone is an adult no it all,not being rude at all,yes to teach the younger and a life natural life cycle,now everyone is taught that children should die or such because of this crude crap,thx y'all really know how to fk lives up,leaving others fkt up while some of you changed,what an extravagant sleezy life,selfish and all,fk y'all for the ruins of a quite decent life,didn't/don't need all this fancy slick crap.
This is actually my favorite Ghost of Christmas Present. I love how he makes his thoughts very clear towards Scrooge, showing just how disgusted he is that Scrooge could be so callous toward his fellow people and even gets visibly angry when he doesn't seem to be paying attention to the moral he's trying to teach. And by the end of it he's like "I've done my part. Now I'm going to leave you right here with the "surplus population". If you don't learn your lesson by the last ghost then I'd hate to be you"
What would this particular Ghost of Christmas Present have to say to Bill Gates and his buddy Klaus-"The-Great-Reset"-Schwab? Nothing pleasant, I suspect.
@@SingleTax At least Melinda Gates got Bill to start some funding programs before they parted company.
@@SingleTaxthose people are most likely beyond saving as they have committed to the “opposite side”
This will always be the best Christmas Carol movie. Though the muppets one is more light hearted and funny and better for family time
As a kid I always felt the first two ghosts were needlessly harsh to Scrooge in this version of the story, having also grown up with the Muppet and Mickey versions of the story as well. Sure, he needed to learn a good (albeit harsh) lesson seeing the consequences of his own actions, but I drew the line at the first ghost finding joy in Scrooge's pain as he watches what became of Belle, and how the second ghost found equal happiness throwing Scrooge's own words back at him when it seemed convenient, not to mention leaving him in the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold when he disappeared. It just seemed needlessly cruel.
Now as an adult, I finally began to realize they were emulating Scrooge's own attitude. Scrooge found joy in blowing off the donation collectors and in the suffering of what he considered to be 'idle people', and amusement in decreasing the 'surplus population'. The fact that he meant what he said was cruel in and of itself. Much like elites of today, it was easy to see that Scrooge was immune to receiving the same treatment he gave out simply due to status.
Now here comes two ghosts who sadistically do the very same thing to him, and with Scrooge's own words and memories as their ammunition. They don't even have to actively think of what diabolical things they can say and do to him. Scrooge has given them all they need to do it, and they enjoy it like he does.
A great example of "Not much fun when it happens to you, is it?", in both receiving pain and the other finding it entertaining.
As a kid, the Ghost of Christmas Future always scared me the most. But as I've gotten older, I've found this guy a lot more unnerving. Now at age 40+, he downright scares the bejimminies out of me.
With the ghost of Future you know what to expect but the Present Ghost he really catches you off guard!
The Ghost of Christmas Future is physically scary... but the Ghost of Christmas Present is internally, emotionally, psychologically scary.
The ghost of Christmas present is the fire and anger that lives in man at the injustice in our society. And sadly he's just as relevant today as he was in Dickens' time
@@ItsSpecialHands Actually it’s a little more than that. What the ghost of Christmas present is in actuality is the spirit of Christmas and all that it entails for the year in which it is celebrated. He is the Joy of giving, the warm fire of charity, and the spark of generosity. It makes sense then that if he loves giving, he hates taking. There in lies the source of his anger.
Same.
Now that is acting. Shot in wonderful Shrewsbury.
This and the 1970 versions really show how dark Present can be. Such a brilliant performance. It's always interesting when adaptations keep Ignorance and Want as well.
“…until you have discovered what the surplus population is and _where_ it is.” One of my favorite lines from this film. The Spirit doesn’t deny that there is, indeed, a surplus population. But is indirectly telling Scrooge that he, and people like him, IS the surplus population.
2:46 I love this line he doesn't wish scrooge harm he's just giving him a wake up call but the thier hidden but they live oh they live shows like chirsman in reality the poor slums and sickly children get hidden in the cheer but the still thrive 😮😮
I try and do the scene, but I end up crying through....."In sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live then MILLIONS like this poor man child." I have no idea why. How other actors do it is awesome.
+John Hardin You have to say it with anger and venom in your heart, not empathy.
There are people today who also need to have their own words thrown back in their faces
That is the best line in the movie. The temporal, mortal, Godless world values money, power, achievement. The spiritual/eternal world values love & compassion. "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:26.
@@janesgems7 yeah. Scrooge deserved that as he wasn't thinking when he said it. It was a moral lesson to think about how the words sound when you say them.
It's a shame that most Christmas Carol adaptations don't include this line in its entirety.
1:00 I get such chills from the Ghost Of Christmas Present's words, *It may well be that in the sight of heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!*
But Scrooge had to hear it.
At least he got what was coming to him.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 The Ghost was using Tough Love AND a sprinkling taken from Tsun Tzu's Art of War.
1:00-1:30 This is why I love this version of the Present.
Beautiful performance!!! (give this man an oscar)
The original Equalizer laying it on Scrooge!
When I was a kid this part scared me so bad. Ghost of the Future didn't scare me at all, but the kids in his robe gave me nightmares.
David L I know what you mean. It is normally meant to be that Present is the jolly one and Future is the scary one but this one seemed to make Present the darker of them.
Want and Ignorance are supposed to frighten us.
Me too!
the jumpscare totally got me as a kid
Then they did their job and I hope you remember their message because many these days need to
This version is the definitive version. All others are pretenders to the throne.
Even the variations on Dickens' original text were authentic, and held just as much gravitas as the original. Superbly brilliant on every front.
agree
No way. The Alastair Sim version is the best by far and my second choice would be the Reginald Owen version. The George C. Scott version had terrible acting and it's almost unwatchable.
@@tenderpawsm473 Reginald Owen ? lol. Overacted , pantomime filled bluster. Sorry you have such bad taste/understanding of film.
I'd say this is my second choice. Alistair Sim is always Number 1, but this is a close Number 2.
@@waivedwench I could see that , sim was a fantastic actor and his version is true to the story
The Equalizer BEFORE he became the Equalizer.That staredown & stern words made it so believable.Excellent job,Mr.Woodward.excellent version
This is still the definitive Christmas Carol to me. George C Scott owns this role.
This version of the Ghost of Christmas Present is really my favorite, too! He's not just meant to be a dark spirit (he surely is sometimes in the book), but in this version, I found him as a spirit with wit and charm, because of Edward Woodward's portrayal. He simply made the Ghost of Christmas Present just about as perfect as Charles Dickens "thought as much" for the book.
This is the most powerful scene of the whole play. So real, so current. God gave mercy with us, driven by neglect and greed.
Kind of a nice change of pace to see David Warner cast as a good guy. Frank Finlay played a great Marley and was also great in an episode of _Blackadder_ as the Witchsmeller Pursuivant. He's also my favourite Van Helsing, playing him in BBC's _Count Dracula._ I like Scott's portrayal of Scrooge because he goes beyond the normal "bah humbug" stuff and takes gleeful pleasure at mockingly laughing at Christmas. A memorable performance! BTW, Woodward had to learn to walk on stilts to appear much taller as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
A true masterpiece.
It took me a while to recognize that Bob Cratchit was played by David Warner, the same dude who played Spicer Lovejoy, (Cal Hockley's valet,) in Titanic
David was in MANY great roles! He even did Star Trek TNG! (He was the Cardassian Interrogator when Picard was captured by them.)
The first movie I saw him in was _The Island_ when I was a kid. (77-78?) He played the villain, and scared the hell out of me!🤣 I _knew_ movies weren't real life! (The character was so sinister. Just a look gave me chills!)
Here, he's the loving father. The man had talent!
@@BlitzenSpeaks I wonder if he's in any new movies
@@SebTheMusician
No. Sad to say, he passed away in July 2022. (I checked real quick!)
He also played Jack the Ripper, and stole HG Wells Time Machine in "Time after Time"!
And he was Sark in TRON (1982)
I believe this version of Dickens' tale is the best.
Everybody judges scrooge..think..mom died in childbirth his dad rejected him belle left him n yorkin manipulated him..money was all he had n he wasnt taught compassion..if that was us we'd turn out like that too
@@actuary1233 The reason he's judged so harshly is that he allowed the trials and past wrongs done to him and by him to twist him into a bitter, angry, greedy miser.
It is.
@@actuary1233 Indeed! I felt bad for Scrooge when I heard about his childhood!
@@actuary1233 Actually the truth is even more sad in the Christmas past era he was once a jolly and happy man much like his nephew. He let his greed blind him and lost sight of what was important in the original story.
I always get the feeling that Scrooge is dealing with Angels rather than spirits.
They are divine spirits, no doubt.
What I like about Edward Woodward's portrayal of the spirit is how he is able to show the spirit's joyful and festive side in some scenes and his serious, disciplinarian side in scenes like this. Other portrayals don't do it as well.
They mostly just focus on the former and cut out the latter altogether.
Yeah the psychological spread of this,thx for fkg me and sure other,awe like the children,pop know hate them,a big fuck you,yet I have to see a fkg physchiatrist from y'alls personality DEFECTS
Thank you for telling me his name. He reminds me a lot of Michael Caine
Is he supposed to pwonounce his Rs like Ws?
@@dianheffernan3436 What the hell are you talking about?
I always found the Ghost of Christmas Present to be far scarier and more intimidating than of Yet To Come. He starts off jolly and hospitable, but as he sees Scrooge's greed and reprehensible behavior, his excuses and whatnot, he gets very stern and intimidating.
Just watched it again and there's one correction I need to make: This is THE best version ever. Best Scrooge and, by far, the best Ghost of Christmas Present because, in keeping with the tale being a ghost story, he is damn scary. Yes, there are some underplayed but barbed responses he gives that are hilarious, but when his exasperation at Scrooge’s unsympathetic cluelessness takes over you get the impression that the spirits are forbidden from physically harming their assigned mortals so he has to resort to words to kick Ebenezer’s ass, lol. He’s positively Shakespearean in his delivery and intensity, which is no surprise since Edward Woodward was a brilliant actor, particularly at the Bard. In fact, he was on Letterman one time and, when asked if it was true he could and had improvised Shakespeare on stage when he’d forgotten his lines, launched into a made-up speech with believability and gusto. Long live the original Equalizer.
Thank you for the share. I was unaware of this film version. I will remedy my ignorance.
The Children of ignorance and want, scared the sh*t out of me as a kid.
Both of those scenes are so powerful! It gives me chills every time I watch it!
The Ghost of Christmas Present = Dickens's Equalizer... 🎄
I remember watching this on Channel 4 last week. I believe they cut the scene out with Ignorance & Want... I loved the bit where Scrooge is at his Nephew's Christmas party and he does a William Hartnell impression :)
This is by far the best portrayal of this spirit. The Ghost of Christmas Present is indeed very loving and jolly, and means well. But what angered him more than anything was both the hardness of heart and indifference to human suffering that Scrooge displayed. The spirit truly means to help save Ebenezer, but in order to do so, it meant explaining to the stubborn old miser that his actions and words demonstrated a terrible truth about him.
And the way Ed Woodward does it here is masterful; Scrooge can't even look the spirit in the eyes after having his own terrible words thrown back in his face, realizing just how callous and cruel of him it was to say such a thing.
This is the best version of a Christmas Carol. It captures the original story very well and George Scott gives the best portrayal of Scrooge. He has a sense of humor which makes him more fun to watch, but also shows just how hard his heart has been hardened by his life choices
*George C. Scott
Not Patrick!!!
@ good catch. For some reason my brain combined him with Patrick Stewart who also played Scrooge at one point
@@abrandenburg10
No worries!😁
We all do it.
(I was going nuts a couple weeks ago trying to remember Johnathan Brandis. My brain kept wanting to say Brandon Johnson! 😜) 🤣🤣
I knew that wasn't right!!!
He's scarier than the Ghost of Christmas Future, because he tells you what's going to happen, but you don't believe him.
Abortions dead babies,sacrifices,the cycle of life,fkt thks
@@dianheffernan3436 and that's related to the video or the comment because...
Does anyone else always find themselves coming back to this every December? I hope all reading this have a merry Christmas!
My husband and I always watch this _twice_ each Christmas season. Once at the beginning, and then once at the end (February) when we take down our tree.
Ignorance and want---On the bright side, the line for the release of the Iphone 8,915 was only 8 blocks long. So, we should be in good shape!
The Ghost of Christmas Present is usually depicted as full of joy and cheer. Which I like. But also like this depiction too. I like Edward Woodward, and the speech about the surplus population is a great one, that obviously gets left out in most other versions. Its Dickens I assume. Straight out of the novel.
The quote is from the original source material. (I looked it up), but his TONE was unnecessary.
@@tenderpawsm473 Well how else is he supposed to? He is only throwing back Ebenezer's Words. And he saw those words as petty ignorance
Yes it is, and as Scrooge realized, throwing his own words back at him, as he does in the scene with the children
@@DavidbarZeus1 showing how much Ebenezer is a hypocrite
@@v.k.rt.m.6030 No, it's the Spirit trying to teach Scrooge. If Scrooge cares about Tiny Tim, what about all the others like him?
It is also showing us that Scrooge IS changing, that he IS starting to care about his fellow man
Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. He's probably best known for his roll as Robert McCall in the 1980's TV series "The Equalizer." And yes, the 2014 Denzel Washington movie was based on it.
Keith Dean The Denzel version was Equalizer in name only...they could've changed the title to Home Depot Guy and no one would've been the wiser...
Wasn't he also in the original Wicker Man movie?
He's also CALLAN, one of the best British spy drama thriller series ever!
@@ddthewolf the wicker man is what I remember him in
Oh yeah he was in a movie bout the Zulu war which he was being court marched and shot by a firing squad but I can't think of that movie's name.
Edward Woodward was exceptional as Ghost of Christmas Present. Loved how he captured the joviality, humour, and bluster, but also retained this side that could quickly turn to openly question Scrooge's ethics and perspective upon society.
This is one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol.
George C. Scott was great at Scrooge.
Edward Woodward and everyone in this version were amazing!
Me personally I think George C. Scott's performance is kind of wooden.
As much as I like alternate versions of A Christmas Carol, this moment is one of the best in all of them.
I think in these scenes this ghost is scarier than the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The final one is scary, but he did not behave as though he wanted to kick Scrooge's ass.
Maybe he felt like the Ghost of C Present. Already gave him a good Whooping and he just looked at the grave stone and pointed where he was going to end up.
When the Equalizer was the Ghost Of Xmas Present, you know you didn't mess around...
Nothing dark about this, this is just a dose of reality for those that have, the ears to hear, the mind to listen, the heart to understand, and the gut to go something about it!
In that sense it is biblical. "He who has ears, let him hear!"
I've been watching this movie on Christmas eve with my mother since I was a little kid. Loved the movie, even the three or four scary parts (Marley, the Scrooge left with the homeless part and Ghost of Christmas future appearing, etc). And every year, that part where he reveals the two kids under his robes still gives me a vaguely dreadful feeling. Every other rendition of The Christmas Carol pales in comparison, this one is just too good.
There are a lot of politicians who need to watch this
Absolutely! I'd actually say Every Politician, Wealthy, Celebrity and privileged person should learn from this story. The core problem with societal decay isn't politics, economics, but morality. Everyone but especially the Elite have forgotten the value of doing good to one's fellow man. The Elite only care of their own gain and no longer represent us or care for us.
And CEOs.
Michael Caine is a genius of an actor - simultaneously expressing intense anger and severely derisive laughter in his eyes and face in a way that pierces the very heart & soul - great stuff
Good thing this was George C Scott and not Michael Caine
and Edward Woodwaed as Christmas past
this is by far the best interpretation of the book George C Scott is legendary in this role
I like the alistar sim version better, this is good tho, comes a close second (in my humble opinion)
Nobody beats Patrick Stewart
@@Stratman389 I agree
Jay Wetton Agreed
I grew up watching this version, it was my dad's favorite and as I got older, I started to enjoy it too, and still try to watch it with my dad and mom every year, I'm the only one who does out of my sisters
george c scott was a brilliant actor. i have this on every christmas. its a great version with 3 brilliant ghosts.
Edward Woodward, one of the few actors that could match up to George C Scott.
leftcoaster67 This is the best ever Christmas Carol because of Scott and Woodward!!!
Hard to believe this is the same actor from The Wicker Man. He was a true talent.
If it was done today I'd want Kenneth Branagh as Ghost of Christmas Present.
My only issue with George C. Scott is that he seems to spit a lot. Aside from that, he's an incredible actor.
two great scenes from this well written film.
One of the few 'Christmas Carols' that I know that put in the part that was in the novel.
'It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child.'
This is not my favorite version, but kudos to them for putting that part in. lol
I would love for them to blend pieces of thw Alastair Sim version plus this one. This scene plus the one in the 50s version where you see Scrooges sister die and he goes to leave but hears her promise that he didn't originally hear when he was younger which was promise me you'll take care of my boy and then he asks for her forgiveness .also very powerful
It would be awesome to see All the Christmas Carols spliced in to one awesome Scary and breathtaking Christmas Carol. The Jim Carrey was equally good.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 actually like the part about the scabbard without a sword and the part where the spirit tells Scrooge to charge men that they know his kind and do ill deeds in their name.
Yas love that party in the Jim Carrey version :)
Lots of people who've seen this scene are not aware that it's almost word for word what Dickens wrote in his novella (which I read *every* December). Odd that it was never used in the most popular versions on film.
In a perfect world, this version with Alastair Sim as Scrooge would be perfect (no disrespect to Scott).
But his tone was unnecessary. Certain quotes also do not translate well to the screen.
@@tenderpawsm473 I've been reading A Christmas Carol every year since I was in my 20s (long time ago) and knew this scene before this version was filmed, but in my opinion has more impact the way this scene is shot than it is in the novella. I think his tone dealing with Scrooge augments the scene quite well.
The dialogue in these scenes is taken almost verbatim from the book. I particularly love that line: "Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be in the sight of heaven that you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!"
Agreed......A line for any elitist Aristocrat of our world today, to hear and ponder over that does nothing to serve the human race in charity, kindness, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence.....Not like they will ever fully understand it in the body anyways, but just something to think about for all of us, no matter what supposed income level we supposedly ascribe to.
I love that ghost of Christmas present threw his words right back in his face
"Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased."
The most Chilling line. It gives me goosebumps.
I haven't seen this version in full, but I love that it, like the 2009 version (My personal favorite version) includes the detail of the Spirit using Want and Ignorance to act as a rebuttal of Scrooge's "Prisons and workhouses" line.
Not very many versions (Even the ones that have Want and Ignorance appear) do that.
The revealing of the children beneath the spirit's robe scared the Dickens out of me, when I first saw this movie! (Pun may be intended.)
My FAV Ghost of Christmas Present!! An amazing actor!!!
Extremely powerful- very affecting.
This is one of the best if not the best versions.
Ghost of Christmas Present: These are YOUR children!
Scrooge: (thinking) Crap! I have kids!
Ghost of Christmas Present: They are the children of all who...
Scrooge: (visible sigh of relief) Oh thank Christ! Metaphors!
I place this version of Scrooge on a par with the Alistair Simm version as the finest ever filmed.
Their second best Scrooge was Michael Caine.
Scrooge later in the movie says to the third ghost "Your nature intercedes for me and pities me." It's true that if these spirits didn't care about Scrooge, and felt he was a lost cause, they wouldn't be there. They all give him different forms of love with an ultimate goal. Compassion, wisdom, and as with the Ghost of Christmas Present some serious tough love. As scary as he seems there is no true malice within him. He's doing this for Scrooges own good.
The ghost doesn't really have a 'dark side'. He is just being brutally honest towards Scrooge.
1:37 So many times I want to say this to those who wrinkle their noses at others who are not "like them".
ARE THEY NOT OF THE HUMAN RACE???
i remember watching this ver. ages ago. the whole cast was able to bring such an intensity to the whole story without flashy effects like movies today
When your Ghost of Christmas Present is the Equaliser, you fucking well better listen.
Thank you for posting this ❤❤❤
He looks like he'd waited a thousand years to tell Scrooge off. He definitely read him down. 😵
This guy's performance is cathartic after spending a long enough time on social media and learning just how many horrible people have an internet connection.
What I've noticed that his change of personality is being swapped with Scrooge's who is finally seeing the light, the spirit sucking the cruelty out of Scrooge's feelings of Christmas.
This is the best depiction of Christmas Present I’ve seen.