A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a classic must-see for the whole family

In our family, part of the way of getting ready for Christmas, is by watching Christmas videos. This might sound a bit strange, but believe me, it does help put you in the mind of the Christmas spirit.

We love watching some of the classic Christmas movies, such as "It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, the newer Christmas classic comedy with Chevy Chase "Christmas Vacation" and even "The Family Man", with Nicolas Cage.

But by far the absolute best Christmas movie, in my mind is Charles Dickens A CHRISTMAS CAROL. We rented a new DVD at our local video store last night to watch it.

Instead of waiting for it to come on television and try to catch part of it with commercials, we decided to enjoy it without interruptions.

We rented "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" with George C. Scott. This wonderful adaptation of the short story by Charles Dickens, was directed in 1984 by the late British director, Clive Donner. Other versions of this classic Dickens Christmas tale are very good, but this version has got to be one of the best.

The late George C. Scott is excellent in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. He is nasty, mean and an incredible penny pincher. He is cold-hearted too, claiming that if more people were to die, he would not have to pay so many taxes for the poor house. Scrooge's only employee, Bob Cratchit, is excellently played by the underrated English actor, David Warner. (I first became aware of this great actor when I saw him play a part known as John Lesley Stevenson AKA Jack the Ripper, in the 1979 film, "Time After Time" [with Malcom McDowell].) Cratchit shakes in his boots every time Scrooge calls his name! Scrooge very grudgingly gives Cratchit Christmas day off from work, but more because it is expected of him (and the bank is closed that day anyway), instead of it being out of the kindness of his heart.

Most of us are already familiar with the wonderful story. Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by his old business partner, the deceased Jacob Marley (played by very gray-looking ghostly Frank Finlay) who warns him that he will be visited by three ghosts unless he decides to change his ways.

Although shaken, Scrooge believes his vision of Marley's ghost is merely the result of something he ate and he retires to bed.

Soon Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Angela Pleasance. I enjoyed this portion of the movie the most. To see what Ebenezer was and the life could have had, if only he had chosen another path was quite interesting. He sees the love of his life, the lovely Belle, (played by Lucy Gutteridge) slip away from him. She sadly realizes that Ebenezer loves money more than he loves her and moves on to marry another man. Ebenezer is left to count his money, hide it away and share it with no one.

The only distraction I had with The Ghost of Christmas Past was Angela Pleasance's HAIR! I don't quite know what kind of a "do" you would call it, but it was definitely unusual.

Still not quite convinced that he must chance his heartless ways, Scrooge is next visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present, with another excellent portrayal by Edward Woodward (who you may remember from the television show in the mid-1980's "The Equalizer.") Dressed in a beautiful robe trimmed in white fur, Woodward's character looks to be about 7 feet tall! He is a definite commanding presence! He takes Scrooge on a behind-the-scenes look at what people in his life say about him and what the consequences are as a result of his mean-spirited acts. This is also where we are introduced to Bob Cratchit's humble and grateful family, including the adorable Tiny Tim (played to the hilt at pulling your heartstrings, by little Anthony Walters).

The most frightening part of the film is when Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. (This part is eerily played by another British actor, Michael Carter). We never see his face, but rather hear frightening sounds to convey chilling commands and emotions.

Scrooge is left to beg for mercy from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, seeing his own grave. Scott gives an incredible performance of a man truly changed. He now has pity, fear and love in his heart and the ghosts have convinced him to change through their Christmas Eve visits.

Christmas morning comes and Scrooge awakens. He is not too late! You probably know the outcome, but it is my last chance to tell you of the wonderful performances of this fine cast of actors and an amazing Christmas story!

Who not among us would be inspired to be reminded of the still-relevant lessons taught here in this entertaining story written over a century ago?

If you get a chance to rent this or any version of A Christmas Carol, please do so. You won't be sorry!



Season's Greetings to you and yours!



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