David C. Bohn
I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. I've read the short story at least once, every Christmas Season, since 1995, and it is my absolute most favorite piece of literature ever written. It therefore follows, that I am also a huge fan of the major cinematic productions based on the story, which I have seen over the years (Though that doesn't necessarily mean that I like them all).The many different cinematic productions of this story are practically uncountable. But, of the major versions I have seen, I have chosen 8 as my favorites, based on their adherence to Dickens' original story: Under the title of 'Scrooge', there is the 1935 version, with Sir Seymour Hicks , the 1951 version – With Alastair Sim, and the 1970 musical, with Albert Finney. Under the title 'A Christmas Carol', there's the 1938 version, with Reginald Owen as Scrooge, the 2009 Disney version, with Jim Carrey, and the made-for-TV productions: 1984 – With George C. Scott, 1999 – With Patrick Stewart, and this one – Officially titled: 'A Christmas Carol: The Musical' – Which I must rank #4.Two years ago, I could hardly contain my excitement, when I heard that the Mike Ockrent/Lynn Ahrens Broadway musical had been turned into a TV movie. There are many who had fallen into the 'Oh-no-not-another-version!', attitude, but not me. I was, however, a bit apprehensive about the fact that it was a musical. I'm not, and never have been a great fan of musicals, but, the two musical versions of this story have made me appreciate them much more, and they've begun to grow on me – Especially this one. And… I gotta admit… I was pretty darned impressed! Kelsey Grammar is the 2nd American to play the central character, and does a heckuva fine job. He was 49, at the time, and some good makeup gives him a few more years, to bring him more visually into the role. He does some fine singing, and – Though he's no George C. Scott, or Alastair Sim – He does quite well in the acting department. He did, however, seem to be having a bit of trouble, here and there, keeping his English accent, but, his "Bah! Humbug!" is the best I've ever heard.Jason Alexander makes an acceptable Jacob Marley. He's a pretty good singer, and does well with some complicated choreography. But, the real stars of the scene, in Scrooge's home, that Christmas Eve night, are the various other ghosts, and some marvelous 21st century special effects, courtesy of Zoltán Benyó, and his Team of Digital Artists.In a film so full of fine performances, it's tough to single any of them out. Edward Gower shines as Bob Cratchit, with some great singing and acting, and Jacob Moriarty makes an excellent Tiny Tim. Moriarty is obviously a competent Actor and Singer, and the chemistry between him, and his on-screen Dad becomes quite evident in some heart-tugging scenes that they have together.Jane Krakowski's graceful moves, and gorgeous singing voice make her performance as 'The Ghost Of Christmas Past' a delight. Jesse L. Martin makes a fine 'Ghost Of Christmas Present'. He's gentle at times, tough at others, and his singing and dancing are marvelous. Julian Ovenden handles quite well, the role of Fred (Scrooge's Nephew), and, Geraldine Chaplin does very well, as The Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Be. The only female, to date, to play the part, Chaplin's face is fully visible, thanks to a costume far different from the traditional black, hooded robe.Other notable performances include: Jennifer Love Hewitt as Scrooge's lost love, Emily (Why these Writers keep changing the name of this character, I'll never know. What's wrong with the name Dickens gave her?!), Brian Bedford as Mr. Fezziwig, Josh Wilmott, as the 10 year-old Ebenezer, Leah-Verity White as Scrooge's Sister, Fan, and an outstanding performance by Steven Miller, as the young Scrooge. It takes a good Actor to make you hate his character, and Miller's performance had me cursing at him. In fact, I was tempted to throw things at my TV, during one particular scene. Also, pay particular attention to a wonderful little Actress by the name of Emily Deamer, who plays Grace Smythe – The little girl whose Mother has passed away, and whose Father asks for sympathy from Scrooge. Deamer's screen time is short, and her lines few, but her voice is Angelic, and it didn't take much for her to steal my heart. And, as you'll see, she comes very close to melting Scrooge's frozen heart, in one very brief scene, early on.Lynn Ahrens' teleplay doesn't adhere to the book as well as I'd have liked. She rewrites some book scenes, omits others, and combines still others. But it all works, fits, and flows very well.In short, this is a delightful movie. Excellent photography, editing, sets, costumes, special effects, and score, were all expertly put together by Director Arthur Allan Seidelman. Some spectacular dance numbers – Including the outstanding 'Mr. Fezziwig's Annual Christmas Ball' – And the absolutely beautiful Mike Ockrent/Lynn Ahrens songs – In particular: 'Christmas Together', 'You Mean More To Me Than Anything', and 'God Bless Us Every One' (Not to be confused with the different song of the same title, from the 1984 version) – Make this movie quite an enjoyable experience.
