I agree that the Alistair Sim version is the best. George C. Scott was very good, too. I haven't seen the Patrick Stewart, Jim Carrey, or Guy Pierce versions. I hated "Scrooged" with Bill Murray with all my heart, mind and soul. I like two versions from the 1930s - the Sir Seymour Hicks version and the Reginald Owen version.
Nobody will beat Alastair Sims reclamation scene ever. The character of Londo Molari even aped him in a Babylon 5 episode during a drunken festival scene. Nobody's topped the Sims reclamation scene, nor will they. And that is the key moment in this story. That, and EVERYONE has screwed up the spirit of Christmas future. Patrick Stewarts version looked like the King of the Jawas. Keep it simple and haunting. The Scrooge version was the beat. If I did my own version, the spirit of the future would look like a decayed and dead Scrooge himself with hollow eyes and flies lighting on his flesh.
For my money, the 1984 version was the best on a technical level and for its performances. George C. Scott brought something to that role nobody ever has. Instead of playing Scrooge as spindly and shrill, he played him as shrewd and savvy. 1984 Scrooge was big, tough, and icy but also somewhat likable. He wasn't totally malicious. George C. Scott brought dignity to the character, and that can be said for all the performances in that movie.
Alistair Sim shows not only the best Scrooge but my favorite acting of any movie, especially when he wakes to a like of gratitude and how it expresses it from his inner soul outward. He discovers thanksgiving and appreciation as the core of his new life. I actually went and bought the CD to play every year.
The 1951 version with Sim is definitive, and the Peaky Blinder's Christmas Carol is correctly placed at the bottom. Apart from anything else it misses the point about Scrooge, he was a selfish miser who did not concern himself with others, we are meant to see something of ourselves in him. They made him far too evil to be redeemed by a change of behaviour.
Mine too! I don't know why that version always gets short shrift. It's easily the best one, IMHO. Finney was in almost every scene and totally nailed the character, who was not only miserly and ill-tempered, but slightly ridiculous as well. None of the other Scrooges I've seen get that aspect right except, perhaps Sim's. The songs and choreography are perfect, up-beat and catchy.
Scott’s version is the best of those I know, but I repeatedly return to Stewart’s, despite the occasional misstep. The scene where he watches his younger self allow the love of his life to walk away, partly out of wounded pride, partly out of fear, is one of the greatest I know, and the reason I revisit that version every year. The raw, desperate regret that dares to believe, if only for an instant, that the choice can be corrected, the moment of recognition, followed by the joyless strength and pride that pushes the painful chapter back down deep inside. That’s acting. And that’s writing. And sadly that’s life. Who can’t cry every year at the beauty of that redemption?
Patrick Stewart was the best. Without a doubt the closest to the book. Though Scott wasn't bad. For supporting actors The Stewart Ghost of Christmas Past played by Joel Gray was sublime. And the Scott Marley, Frank Finlay was every bit a man suffering the tortures of the damned.
George C. Scott was perfect as Scrooge. in fact of all of them I think his Scrooge was more of how I envisioned Scrooge actually being. He didn't use a British accent as he couldn't do one. But even still he was Brilliant as Scrooge. Personally I hate a muppets Christmas Carol it's too childish and a bit boring. And you left out one other British made Christmas Carol version That I actually enjoy even if it is a musical and that's Scrooge with Albert Finney.. Although Above them all the Alistair Sims Christmas Carol will always be be my favorite. it tells pretty much the entire story where as the others cuts things out that should be in them as the Sims version as it explains more of why Scrooge is the way he is.
Anyone can do a rough and ready British accent. You simply put two plumstones in your Mouth as Brando did in 'Bounty'. Scott probably did it deliberately .
@@davidmorris-kenny6428 Listening to an American actor do a British accent lessens any performance. George C. Scott, at that age, was wise enough to not even attempt it.
The Muppets' is my favorite since its release, though I'm old enough that the Mr. Magoo version was my favorite as a kid. Thanks for the warning on the miniseries. I had no idea it existed, but I like Guy Pierce and would probably have watched it if I'd discovered it on my own. It looks dire.
I love Mr McGoo's Christmas Carol. It is the first Christmas cartoon special on TV. My family always sings along. The three employees who pawn Scrooge's things is the best.
My favorite is the George C. Scott version , plus there is an animated A Christmas Carol from 1971 that although it's 30 minutes long is very good , the animation is great , plus I also like the 1938 version , the Kelsey Grammer musical and the Mr Magoo version
I largely agree with the rankings of the movies that made this list, though there are some films that are noticeably absent. The 1938 version and the 1970 musical, for instance. Also, since you included Scrooged, which is a variation on the story, you could have also included An American Christmas Carol. I know you can't include every adaptation under the Sun, but I just felt that this list was a little lacking.
A Christmas carol the musical with Kelsey Grammer is a good version I am not much for musicals myself but I actually like this version and it's hard to beat the classic cartoon version such as Mr maggo a Mickey's Christmas carol and a Flintstones Christmas carol
The Reginald Owen's 1938 version and the 1910 silent and 1935 versions by the same actor whose name I have forgotten as well as the Finney, the Scott, and the Sim versions
The best Christmas Carol I’ve seen is Albert Finney & Bill Murray . The Alister Sim adaptation explains everything to the whole story . The others were deleted somehow , I don’t know why ?
My favorites in order: 1. Muppet Christmas Carol 2. George C. Scott Christmas Carol 3. Patrick Stewart Christmas Carol 4. Richard Williams animated Christmas Carol And I, too, hated the dark edgy version with Guy Pierce. The original book had a lot of dark elements, but the 2019 version made it wwwwaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy too edgy.
Patrick Stewart was the worst as far as performances go. George C. Scott was okay. However, I feel that it’s a six way tie between Michael Caine, Reginald Owen, Quincy Magoo, Alistair Sim, Seymour Hicks, and even Scrooge McDuck; with honorable mention to Walter Matthau as the voice of Scrooge in the 1978 Rankin-Bass adaptation titled “THE STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN”.
Alistair Sim is the only Scrooge for me. I've watched it every year for as long as I can remember. While I've watched others, including some not on this list, I feel the 1951 version captures the atmosphere of the story best. I've seen most of the versions on this list. 'Muppet Christmas Carol' runs a close second, precisely because of Michael Caine's insistence on playing it straight. That professionalism is what made it work.
I totally agree with your first choice of Scrooge. I also feel that as well as displaying his lack of humanity some of Scrooge's statements - ''Humbug'' were meant as a critique of the commercialization of Christmas.
My thoughts : As far as my favorite adaptation goes, I'm definitely torn between Alastair Sim and George C Scott. The Patrick Stewart version gets my vote for most underrated adaptation. Although, visually stunning in some areas, I don't particularly care for the Guy Pearce version. Joe Alwyn was miscast as Bob Cratchit and they deliberately got practically every character wrong.
George C Scott doesn't sound like an America to me. I thought his accent was very good. As for thr miniseries, I refused to watch it as it was peppered with swearing and stuff Dickens would never have put in his book.
I’m a big fan of the muppets and the Jim Carrey adaptation. In my opinion the animation is the best when it comes to 1840’s London. There is a lot going on in the first scenes. You really get submerged in the social economic problems of the day. For example when the poor homeless boys begging for a piece of meat and fighting over it with a dog. There are a lot of beautiful shots from the bird eye view like the ppl congregating at the house of God. The older adaptations are boring with alot of dead air. I just end up falling asleep to it.
How can you skip 1970s Scrooge with the wonderful Albert Finney! Albert Finney no less. It is a musical which normally would make it horrible but it really doesn't. In fact it blends in seamlessly. Please up date your video for next year by watching this excellent production.
Completely agree with your rankings...very amusing commentary too. The 1951 version with Alastair Sims is the one that fleshed out the novella by Dickens, which was actually quite short. Most movie adaptations after 1951 use the Sims version as their starting point. Patrick Steward is fine, but the production values are that of a made-for-tv movie…as was the George C. Scott version. In the Sims version you can readily believe it's early 1800's... imo, the made-for-tv versions are way too clean to transport you to the period. You also have a truly great cast of supporting actors in the 1951 movie.... Kathleen Harrison... Sir Michael Hordern ....etc....etc... You also have attention to the bleak detail of the Dickensian world in the Sims version. In what other version do you have such a believable, and entertaining, rag and bones man than the old Joe in the 1951 film? You also have the Richard Addinsell score. I think most people who have seen other Christmas Carol versions may certainly enjoy some other versions, but will pick the Sims outing as the best and definitive.
My favorite is the Alistair Sim version mainly because he played Scrioge exactly as I imagined him in book, mean and bitter, but also vulnerable. There are many great Sim moments for me, his boyish fear, in the the 'I am a mortal and liable to fall' scene, the look on his face when Bob toasts him to his family's dismay. I don't care for many of the liberties the film takes. Never understood having buyout Fezziwig or making Alice(Belle) an old maid. But to me Sim will always be Scrooge. The characters of Fred and Joe were also nailed perfectly. "Come in to the parlor, come in to the parlor".
My least favorite version of A Christmas Carol was the 2019 BBC adaptation that went out of its way to promote itself as an R rated version of Dickens’s story. My most favorites will always be the Alistair Sim versions, both the original 1950’s one and the 1970’s animated version by Chuck Jones that Sim voiced and also the 1984 George C. Scott Carol. Those versions IMHO just can’t by improved upon.
You didn't mention the 1970 production with the great Albert Finney. It was the only adaptation that was a musical. That may have turned some off but it was excellently done.
The Scott version is a favorite, but Patrick Stewart's version is probably my number one. The headcanon (that might also be Star Trek fan canon, IDK) that its Picard playing Scrooge in a holonovel makes it that much more enjoyable.
I loved seeing your take on this! I also made a compare and contrast of some of the films to the book I'm glad someone else was on my same wave length.
@@filmretrospective5334 I know that was so funny it was around the same time. Thank you! I like to focus my videos on writing and reading and have recently started incorporating movies into the two 😁 excited to see some more of your work!
1951,1970,muppets,Netflix 2022 animated Scrooge, mickeys,Scrooged,1938,the man who invented Christmas, Karrolls Christmas,chasing Christmas. Some are lose adaptations of the story but are pretty good.
Alistair Sim is Scrooge to me no other will compare it is the best version of the Dickens classic and tells the whole story
Alistair Sims rules! I enjoyed the Patrick Stewart version. I must have seen the George C. Scott version long ago, but I don’t remember.
Albert Finney's version
I agree that the Alistair Sim version is the best. George C. Scott was very good, too. I haven't seen the Patrick Stewart, Jim Carrey, or Guy Pierce versions. I hated "Scrooged" with Bill Murray with all my heart, mind and soul. I like two versions from the 1930s - the Sir Seymour Hicks version and the Reginald Owen version.
My personal favorite is the Alistair Sim one, though I am always nostalgic for the Mr. Magoo version from my childhood.
I LOVE the Magoo version!
Nobody will beat Alastair Sims reclamation scene ever. The character of Londo Molari even aped him in a Babylon 5 episode during a drunken festival scene. Nobody's topped the Sims reclamation scene, nor will they. And that is the key moment in this story. That, and EVERYONE has screwed up the spirit of Christmas future. Patrick Stewarts version looked like the King of the Jawas. Keep it simple and haunting. The Scrooge version was the beat. If I did my own version, the spirit of the future would look like a decayed and dead Scrooge himself with hollow eyes and flies lighting on his flesh.
I just watched the Alistair Simm version tonight. It’s my favorite.
For my money, the 1984 version was the best on a technical level and for its performances. George C. Scott brought something to that role nobody ever has. Instead of playing Scrooge as spindly and shrill, he played him as shrewd and savvy. 1984 Scrooge was big, tough, and icy but also somewhat likable. He wasn't totally malicious. George C. Scott brought dignity to the character, and that can be said for all the performances in that movie.
Alistair Sim shows not only the best Scrooge but my favorite acting of any movie, especially when he wakes to a like of gratitude and how it expresses it from his inner soul outward.
He discovers thanksgiving and appreciation as the core of his new life. I actually went and bought the CD to play every year.
The 1951 version with Sim is definitive, and the Peaky Blinder's Christmas Carol is correctly placed at the bottom. Apart from anything else it misses the point about Scrooge, he was a selfish miser who did not concern himself with others, we are meant to see something of ourselves in him. They made him far too evil to be redeemed by a change of behaviour.
My favorite is Scrooge from 1970. A great musical rendition starring Albert Finney and Sir Alec Guinness.
Absolutely, it is wonderful!
I love that version too.
Mine too! I don't know why that version always gets short shrift. It's easily the best one, IMHO. Finney was in almost every scene and totally nailed the character, who was not only miserly and ill-tempered, but slightly ridiculous as well. None of the other Scrooges I've seen get that aspect right except, perhaps Sim's. The songs and choreography are perfect, up-beat and catchy.
George C Scott version all day long. Masterful performance with a strong supporting cast
Especially Edward Woodward!
Scott’s version is the best of those I know, but I repeatedly return to Stewart’s, despite the occasional misstep. The scene where he watches his younger self allow the love of his life to walk away, partly out of wounded pride, partly out of fear, is one of the greatest I know, and the reason I revisit that version every year. The raw, desperate regret that dares to believe, if only for an instant, that the choice can be corrected, the moment of recognition, followed by the joyless strength and pride that pushes the painful chapter back down deep inside. That’s acting. And that’s writing. And sadly that’s life. Who can’t cry every year at the beauty of that redemption?
Patrick Stewart was the best. Without a doubt the closest to the book. Though Scott wasn't bad. For supporting actors The Stewart Ghost of Christmas Past played by Joel Gray was sublime. And the Scott Marley, Frank Finlay was every bit a man suffering the tortures of the damned.
Oh yes, Finley was EPIC as Marley! Easily the best rendition of the character.
I love the Muppet version. A Christmas Carol can get kind of dull so adding the muppets helps. Michael Caine is always phenomenal
George C. Scott was perfect as Scrooge. in fact of all of them I think his Scrooge was more of how I envisioned Scrooge actually being. He didn't use a British accent as he couldn't do one. But even still he was Brilliant as Scrooge. Personally I hate a muppets Christmas Carol it's too childish and a bit boring. And you left out one other British made Christmas Carol version That I actually enjoy even if it is a musical and that's Scrooge with Albert Finney.. Although Above them all the Alistair Sims Christmas Carol will always be be my favorite. it tells pretty much the entire story where as the others cuts things out that should be in them as the Sims version as it explains more of why Scrooge is the way he is.
Anyone can do a rough and ready British accent. You simply put two plumstones in your Mouth as Brando did in 'Bounty'. Scott probably did it deliberately .
@@davidmorris-kenny6428get you.
First Rule of the Renaissance Fetstival, if you cannot do a decent English accent, speak CLEARLY AND DISTINCTLY!@@davidmorris-kenny6428
@@davidmorris-kenny6428 Listening to an American actor do a British accent lessens any performance. George C. Scott, at that age, was wise enough to not even attempt it.
The 1951 version is the best but I have also enjoyed the Scott and Stewart versions. Never seen the Muppets one.
The Muppets' is my favorite since its release, though I'm old enough that the Mr. Magoo version was my favorite as a kid.
Thanks for the warning on the miniseries. I had no idea it existed, but I like Guy Pierce and would probably have watched it if I'd discovered it on my own. It looks dire.
I love Mr McGoo's Christmas Carol. It is the first Christmas cartoon special on TV. My family always sings along. The three employees who pawn Scrooge's things is the best.
My favorite is the George C. Scott version , plus there is an animated A Christmas Carol from 1971 that although it's 30 minutes long is very good , the animation is great , plus I also like the 1938 version , the Kelsey Grammer musical and the Mr Magoo version
The 1970 "Scooge: A Musical". The music and dancing make the old story more tolerable.
I largely agree with the rankings of the movies that made this list, though there are some films that are noticeably absent. The 1938 version and the 1970 musical, for instance. Also, since you included Scrooged, which is a variation on the story, you could have also included An American Christmas Carol. I know you can't include every adaptation under the Sun, but I just felt that this list was a little lacking.
A Christmas carol the musical with Kelsey Grammer is a good version I am not much for musicals myself but I actually like this version and it's hard to beat the classic cartoon version such as Mr maggo a Mickey's Christmas carol and a Flintstones Christmas carol
I bought the Kelsey Grammer one on DVD a while back. One watch and it went to a charity shop - it was AWFUL!
The Reginald Owen's 1938 version and the 1910 silent and 1935 versions by the same actor whose name I have forgotten as well as the Finney, the Scott, and the Sim versions
My favorite it the Albert Finey version
The best Christmas Carol I’ve seen is Albert Finney & Bill Murray . The Alister Sim adaptation explains everything to the whole story . The others were deleted somehow , I don’t know why ?
The 1935 version is one of favorite adaptations.
My favorites in order:
1. Muppet Christmas Carol
2. George C. Scott Christmas Carol
3. Patrick Stewart Christmas Carol
4. Richard Williams animated Christmas Carol
And I, too, hated the dark edgy version with Guy Pierce. The original book had a lot of dark elements, but the 2019 version made it wwwwaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy too edgy.
Patrick Stewart was the worst as far as performances go.
George C. Scott was okay.
However, I feel that it’s a six way tie between Michael Caine, Reginald Owen, Quincy Magoo, Alistair Sim, Seymour Hicks, and even Scrooge McDuck; with honorable mention to Walter Matthau as the voice of Scrooge in the 1978 Rankin-Bass adaptation titled “THE STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN”.
Alistair Sim is the only Scrooge for me. I've watched it every year for as long as I can remember. While I've watched others, including some not on this list, I feel the 1951 version captures the atmosphere of the story best. I've seen most of the versions on this list. 'Muppet Christmas Carol' runs a close second, precisely because of Michael Caine's insistence on playing it straight. That professionalism is what made it work.
I totally agree with your first choice of Scrooge. I also feel that as well as displaying his lack of humanity some of Scrooge's statements - ''Humbug'' were meant as a critique of the commercialization of Christmas.
George C. Scott is my favorite and Patrick Stewart is my second favorite. Alistar Sims is my third. I usually watch one of those each year.
I was raised on the George C. Scott version. He's whom I picture when I imagine Scrooge.
My thoughts :
As far as my favorite adaptation goes, I'm definitely torn between Alastair Sim and George C Scott.
The Patrick Stewart version gets my vote for most underrated adaptation.
Although, visually stunning in some areas, I don't particularly care for the Guy Pearce version. Joe Alwyn was miscast as Bob Cratchit and they deliberately got practically every character wrong.
Thanks for the warning of the miniseries and the reasons.
Scrooge (1970) with Albert Finney is my Fave!!!
You missed out the original 1930s
George C Scott doesn't sound like an America to me. I thought his accent was very good. As for thr miniseries, I refused to watch it as it was peppered with swearing and stuff Dickens would never have put in his book.
Agree about the accent.Sounds fine to me.
The miniseries trashed Dickens to seem edgy. Tuck.
@@leewhite2195me too.
I’m a big fan of the muppets and the Jim Carrey adaptation. In my opinion the animation is the best when it comes to 1840’s London. There is a lot going on in the first scenes. You really get submerged in the social economic problems of the day. For example when the poor homeless boys begging for a piece of meat and fighting over it with a dog. There are a lot of beautiful shots from the bird eye view like the ppl congregating at the house of God. The older adaptations are boring with alot of dead air. I just end up falling asleep to it.
No one comes close to Alistair Sim's performance.
While my mother's favorite is the original b&w. I love the Muppets version, but Scrooged with Bill Murray is my top of all time
How can you skip 1970s Scrooge with the wonderful Albert Finney! Albert Finney no less. It is a musical which normally would make it horrible but it really doesn't. In fact it blends in seamlessly. Please up date your video for next year by watching this excellent production.
Not to mention it had Alec Guinness play Jacob Marley.
So far this Christmas I've watched George C Scott's and Bill Murray's and I'm about to watch Patrick Stewart's. I hated Bill Murray's movie version.
Murray wasn’t really Ebenezer, that was just the rough model.
Nothing Beats The Original.
I've always loved George C Scott as Scrooge. I get emotional watching his performance.
1971s scrooge
Completely agree with your rankings...very amusing commentary too.
The 1951 version with Alastair Sims is the one that fleshed out the novella by Dickens, which was actually quite short. Most movie adaptations after 1951 use the Sims version as their starting point. Patrick Steward is fine, but the production values are that of a made-for-tv movie…as was the George C. Scott version. In the Sims version you can readily believe it's early 1800's... imo, the made-for-tv versions are way too clean to transport you to the period. You also have a truly great cast of supporting actors in the 1951 movie.... Kathleen Harrison... Sir Michael Hordern ....etc....etc... You also have attention to the bleak detail of the Dickensian world in the Sims version. In what other version do you have such a believable, and entertaining, rag and bones man than the old Joe in the 1951 film? You also have the Richard Addinsell score. I think most people who have seen other Christmas Carol versions may certainly enjoy some other versions, but will pick the Sims outing as the best and definitive.
My favorite is the Alistair Sim version mainly because he played Scrioge exactly as I imagined him in book, mean and bitter, but also vulnerable. There are many great Sim moments for me, his boyish fear, in the the 'I am a mortal and liable to fall' scene, the look on his face when Bob toasts him to his family's dismay. I don't care for many of the liberties the film takes. Never understood having buyout Fezziwig or making Alice(Belle) an old maid. But to me Sim will always be Scrooge. The characters of Fred and Joe were also nailed perfectly. "Come in to the parlor, come in to the parlor".
My least favorite version of A Christmas Carol was the 2019 BBC adaptation that went out of its way to promote itself as an R rated version of Dickens’s story. My most favorites will always be the Alistair Sim versions, both the original 1950’s one and the 1970’s animated version by Chuck Jones that Sim voiced and also the 1984 George C. Scott Carol.
Those versions IMHO just can’t by improved upon.
You didn't mention the 1970 production with the great Albert Finney. It was the only adaptation that was a musical. That may have turned some off but it was excellently done.
Recently picked up "Scrooge" from 1970 that's a musical. Another Christmas Carol I enjoy is "The man who invented Christmas".
My favorite remains GC Scott. All the supporting performances are fine but Edward Woodward as Christmas Present is superb.
I love the muppets Christmas Carol Michael Caine plays a brilliant scrooge and being a muppet movie they are some good funny bits as well😊
Gotta Love The Bill Murray! 🎄💟
Scrooge (1970) with Albert Finney & Alec Guinness. Is not included in your list.
Not to be contrary but I really enjoyed the Guy Pearce version. Also really enjoy Sim and George C!
Alastair Sim and George C. Scott are THE Ebenezer Scrooge, respectfully!
1935 & 1951 are my favorites... Seymour Hicks & Alister Sim
Mr. Magoo! A role he was born to play.
It was my favorite as a kid. Jim Bachus is a goat.
Shame a good actor like Pearce got involved in such a stinkeroo.
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol is the best Christmas Carol of them all!
Yeah, the 2019 mini-series is heinous.
The Scott version is a favorite, but Patrick Stewart's version is probably my number one. The headcanon (that might also be Star Trek fan canon, IDK) that its Picard playing Scrooge in a holonovel makes it that much more enjoyable.
There was a musical called Scrooge. The songs were great. The best part was when he was shoved into his grave n rats were crawling over him.
I loved seeing your take on this! I also made a compare and contrast of some of the films to the book I'm glad someone else was on my same wave length.
I watched yours too!
I noticed we both uploaded the same day. I liked how you took the approach of the most accurate to the book. That’s a good angle.
@@filmretrospective5334 I know that was so funny it was around the same time. Thank you! I like to focus my videos on writing and reading and have recently started incorporating movies into the two 😁 excited to see some more of your work!
1951,1970,muppets,Netflix 2022 animated Scrooge, mickeys,Scrooged,1938,the man who invented Christmas, Karrolls Christmas,chasing Christmas. Some are lose adaptations of the story but are pretty good.
I've seen most of these but I'll have to check out the others. Thanks.
Frank Skinner does Christmas.