A Christmas Carol (1984)

59% of users liked it
(70,367 ratings)

Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas is brought to the screen once again in this made-for-TV movie. Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) is a cynical old man whose greatest concern is money, and who regards compassion as a luxury he can't afford. On… More Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas is brought to the screen once again in this made-for-TV movie. Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) is a cynical old man whose greatest concern is money, and who regards compassion as a luxury he can't afford. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley (Frank Finlay), his former business partner, who arranges for Scrooge to be visited by three spirits in an attempt to show him the error of his ways -- the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasence), Christmas Present (Edward Woodward), and Christmas Yet to Come (Michael Carter). The spirits force Scrooge to examine the failings of his own life, as well as the bravery and optimism of his loyal but ill-treated employee Bob Crachit (David Warner). A Christmas Carol also features Susannah York as Mrs. Crachit, Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim, and Joanne Whalley as Fan. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Clive Donner
Written By: Roger O. Hirson
Genres: Drama, Television, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Dec 17, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Oct 16, 2001
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media
Bleak but solid adaptation of Dickens' classic.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Chris W

There have been many versions of this story, but this is one of the best ones. It's got a good look and a decent pace. The cast is good,and Scott is terrific as Scrooge. This stroy ahs never been my favorite Christas tale, but I do enjoy it. I don't really have a… More
There have been many versions of this story, but this is one of the best ones. It's got a good look and a decent pace. The cast is good,and Scott is terrific as Scrooge. This stroy ahs never been my favorite Christas tale, but I do enjoy it. I don't really have a favorite version of this story, but I do like this version a great deal.
danny d

a very average telling of a very superb classic story. i was surprised by how very uneven goerge c. scotts performance was as scrooge considering how very great of an actor he was, and the entire story was a bit dry and wooden. this felt very much like a film that was thrown… More
a very average telling of a very superb classic story. i was surprised by how very uneven goerge c. scotts performance was as scrooge considering how very great of an actor he was, and the entire story was a bit dry and wooden. this felt very much like a film that was thrown together all too quickly, simply regurgitating the familiar story rather than putting heart into it. the end of the film was still heart warming and the story still told well enough to give it a watch now and then, but compared to the alastair sim version, or the muppet or disney version, this remains a film that need not be seen due to much better versions being available.
Cindy I

George C. Scott plays a wonderfully gruff Scrooge in this Christmas classic.
jay n

absolutely the best version of this story ever. George C. Scott is pitch perfect thoughout.
Dillon L

One of the better adaptions of the Charles Dickens novel.
Mark K

The George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol is another version that is widely regarded as both realistic and faithful to the Dickens story. The casting of Scott is excellent, as he owned the ability to play a curmudgeon in a realistic way. His Scrooge is perhaps the most… More
The George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol is another version that is widely regarded as both realistic and faithful to the Dickens story. The casting of Scott is excellent, as he owned the ability to play a curmudgeon in a realistic way. His Scrooge is perhaps the most 'human' of the many versions. He's not ridiculously cruel, just horribly cynical and practical as a result of many years of being a sharp businessman. The production values, for a TV movie were very high, and the locations and sets feel very authentic. His ghostly visitors are also appropriately kind and gruff as Scrooge, since they are played more as an extension of his personality. With a host of experienced British stage and screen actors to help, this version has some excellent dark sequences. Want and Ignorance, often left out of productions, are included here, as well as some very seedy aspects of old London. David Warner plays the bewildered Crachtit well opposite the gruff, but ultimately salvageable Scott. His transformation is much more subtle as a result of his visitations, but ultimately more satisfying and believable. Scott was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal.
Marion R

In my opinion the best Christmas Carol out there.
Moe E

My favorite version of the Dickens classic... George C. Scott makes you believe that Scrooge is a "new man" on Christmas morning. Outstanding!!!