What is it About Scrooge

I love the works of Charles Dickens. Always have and always will.  The man did not have an easy life, especially childhood and perhaps that is why his characters are so memorable, or his writings because he could draw on so many experiences. 

He was born in 1812 and sent to school at the age of nine. However, his father and (I think) the family was imprisoned for debt while Charles was sent to work in Warren’s blacking factory.  A few years later he was able to return to school.  He began is writing career as a journalist from which fame would soon follow.  Dickens is known for many wonderful stories such as Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, along with others that first appeared as monthly installments in various papers and magazines publish from 1836 to 1861.   I sometimes wonder what he would think of his books still being so popular this day in age, and that in some schools they are even required reading.    

There could be arguments made as to which is the most popular of Dickens’ work, but at this time of year none seem as famous as A Christmas Carol.  There are a number of movie versions but these are probably the more popular ones: 

Scrooge (1970) with Albert Finney

A Christmas Carol (1984) with George C. Scott

Scrooged (1988) with Bill Murray

A Christmas Carol (1999) with Patrick Stewart

But, we can’t stop there, other famous characters have also embraced Dickens:

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

The Jetsons Christmas Carol (1985)

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

A Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994)

I’ve also seen various renditions of this classic on different family networks, one being my favorite channel this time of year—Hallmark! (yes, I love the sappy Christmas movies and have this channel on practically 24/7) .  Some have even put a female in the roll of Scrooge, and others are a modern take.

 But right now, one if my favorites is A Christmas Carol: The Musical staring Kelsey Grammer.  The story is the same, but it has some great music.  This is probably my favorite from the show:

This month at one of the theatres were I volunteer they performed A Christmas Carol: The Musical, and my main task was making Jacob Marley a ghost as well as about 10 other young actors for their rendition of Link by Link.  I also had fun with the Spirit of Christmas Past, who is a "blind old hag" in the opening scenes of the show.  I had to make one of her eyes disappear and make her as old as possible. I knew I had been successful when people did a double take and almost didn't recognize her.  I love being given the opportunity to be creative in the theatre.

Which is your favorite version of A Christmas Carol and why do you think this story remains so popular?  If you are not a fan of A Christmas Carol what is your favorite Dickens story?