Movie Spotlight: A Christmas Carol

Okay, I realize there are like a hundred gazillion different versions that have been made of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. And not all of them were given the same title. There are a few (terrible) variations on the title, A Diva's Christmas Carol comes to mind...but anyway...

Allow me to go back and time, not to ALL of them, since thankfully I have not seen EVER iteration that Hallmark or Lifetime or whatever other cable channel has annoyingly come up with for the sake of making a movie. What I rather do it quickly go over the classics, and more in-depth than I usually would of just simply listing them. Instead I will tell you why I liked the versions below and why I think they should be versions seen every year at Christmastime. And don't worry, a "Christmas Movies" Spotlight will be coming up soon, just a little closer to the 25th.

I thought I'd begin with a little nugget I discovered in putting this all together. It's a classic and will help to move me forward as I list these versions from oldest to newest. The year is 1939, when sitting around the radio was how most families chose to spend their time together. Specifically, it was December 24th, 1939, when everyone was gathered around the radio to hear, for the 5th year in a row, a legend in his own right, Lionel Barrymore, reprise his role as that lovable old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. I have the MP3 version of this specific copy I'll share with you from YouTube but I'm most excited for my vinyl copy to arrive in the mail next week. I have a feeling it will sound much better that way. So, gather your family around your electronic device, turn the volume up, and listen to the below audio version, brought to you by Campbell's Playhouse, Directed by Orson Welles, starring Lionel Barrymore in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.


Now that I've shared that with you (wasn't it wonderful by the way?) allow me to move forward, beginning with the role that initially was slated to cast Lionel Barrymore, who declined (not sure why??), giving the now classic lead to Reginald Owen.

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A Christmas Carol (1938)

For me, the young man who plays Tiny Tim is probably my favorite of all the Tiny Tim's in all the movie versions I'll be sharing. If anything, watch it for him. This Scrooge is really sad and pathetic looking. Not my favorite Christmas Carol, but definitely one that you'll find on some cable or local network this time of year.












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A Christmas Carol (1951)

Alistair Sims is to me the one Scrooge who looks so different. Probably because he's very thin and tall as opposed to the majority that may be tall but were hunched over and...well..."miserly" looking. Alistair Sims played Scrooge as a man who walked tall and almost invited the hate. The more he got the taller he stood. This movie is really all about him, where the three ghosts, Marley, and the Cratchit family, including Tiny Tim, for me, aren't that memorable. But like the Reginald Owen version, this one can most definitely be found on cable or local networks this time of year.








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Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
The first of only two animated Christmas Carol versions I'm mentioning. I mention this one only because who better to play Scrooge (besides Mr. Spacely from the Jetsons, who I left out so be all like WTH now and get it over with) than Mr. Magoo? That loveable blind man is a riot in this classic. As far as I know it's not easily found on tv this time of year but look anyway, some channel might have the good sense to show it. Otherwise you might have to fork over some dough to buy the DVD, but boy is it worth it.
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Scrooge (1970)

I love musicals so it stands to reason why THIS version of Dickens Christmas Carol happens to be my all time favorite. Sure the others are great in their own right but with this movie I can do a whole post about it all by itself! But, I'll keep this brief. The singing is spectacular and not cheesy whatsoever. The best song in my opinion? "Thank You Very Much" because, well, the dude DANCES on Scrooges casket! Yeah, if you haven't seen the movie, see it! You can find it on all major channels and YouTube has the whole movie as well.

Albert Finney is also masterful in this role. So much so he won the Golden Globe this year for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy! He's not a singer but when he sings it'll melt your heart for sure. And the funniest moment? When he surprises the Cratchit family. The wife is a hoot in that scene! And check out that tag line in the poster?







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A Christmas Carol (1984)

Okay, so George C. Scott is like THE MAN. I think he actually gives Scrooge a bit of class and makes him not as dirty and just plain ick like the others do. To watch his portrayal of Scrooge you would think, "this is how Shakespeare would have written it." Oh, and by the way, check out his Bah Humbug, cause I'll say it right here and now, if you wish to EVER portray Scrooge THAT is how you say it! Nuff said!











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Scrooged (1988)

What can I say about one of the funniest men in movies from the 80's till now? I have not seen a Bill Murray I didn't like. My all time favorites of his that quickly come to mind are Stripes, Quick Change, and What About Bob? Not to mention Ghostbuster's which he's probably most known for! But back to this movie...

Yes, it's supposed to be a "spoof" of the movies...in a way...but to me I think it shouldn't be considered a spoof at all. It's a genuinely great movie. It's the only "modern" version I have on my list that's about a mean producer. The moment that makes this movie stand out is the very end when he talks directly into the camera and tells the world about the true meaning of Christmas. Forever a classic and shown every year, so find it and watch it.
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A Flintstones' Christmas Carol (1993)

This is the second and last animated one I'm choosing to showcase in my list. I love it because I love the Flintstones (more than the Jetsons, yes I said it!) and I just think how they set it up to be a stage play within their real lives and how Fred begins to show Scrooge-like behavior even when he's not on stage is great. Yes, Mr. Magoo is done in the same way, but I think this Flintstones version truly captured the meaning of Christmas in a great way.

And I gotta say, BamBam saying one of the THE most famous lines of the book and all the movies was one of the most memorable, for me.






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Ms. Scrooge (1997)

 Cicely Tyson is not the first or the only woman to portray Scrooge and she certainly won't be the last but I don't think anyone can do it better. I've seen Vanessa Williams, Susan Lucci, and even Tori Spelling try, but they all missed the mark completely! And what's better than Cicely Tyson as Scrooge? Why none other than Katherine Helmond (I know and love her from Who's the Boss?) as Maude Marley!

This is truly a classic that changed as little as possible from the book and other movie versions traditionally played by men as the lead. I think that's what the other female Scrooge movies missed, they changed and modernized it so much that it just takes the spirit right out of the whole thing. Watch this version if you are looking to see Scrooge portrayed as a woman. You'll be glad you did.



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A Christmas Carol (1999)

Ah, Patrick Stewart! If not for the Albert Finney version I would say THIS one is my favorite. Why? Well besides the fact that you'll be seeing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the role of Scrooge you mean?!

Hmm, well the moment I feel should have easily won him awards and accolades upon accolades in my book is when he realizes he's not dead. That moment is iconic among ALL true Christmas Carol movies. Everyone does it differently and each one is unique in their own way. But the laughter that comes forth from Patrick Stewart? I don't know where it came from or how he did it but you'll find yourself laughing with him. HE LIVES and is going to keep on LIVING! Now isn't THAT the point (among others) of Christmastime and this Dickens classic?




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A Christmas Carol (2009)

Of all the Christmas Carol movies I mentioned above this is the only one I saw on the big screen. In IMAX 3-D I believe. And it was great! Again, just the simple retelling of a true classic. The animation was superb and so lifelike. Jim Carrey outdoes himself again with the way he emotes with his voice the words of Scrooge.

It wasn't until this animated movie that I realized all the actor has to go on to show their true abilities is their voice and Jim Carrey's voice was definitely made for the part of Scrooge. I give props to the animation but a huge round of applause to the voice behind the man. You did Dickens and Scrooge proud for sure!

Top Ten Books I Recommend the Most

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

Strangely enough, I'm not asked very often for book suggestions! Which is odd because I read almost every genre and have quite a library of choices depending on what genre you enjoy most. I truly enjoy this Top Ten Tuesday the most. I've thought long and hard about all the books I've read over the years, from childhood till now, and I think I've come up with a darn good list. I hope you all enjoy it!

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This book is probably the one I've read the most. Not only have I read it the most but I also happen to own the most copies of this book. It seems, no matter how many times I come across it in a book store I always feel like I don't have it (knowing it's my favorite) so I buy it, read it, then add it with the others. So far I own 4 copies of this book. Aside from the book there are several movie versions as well. Some of them have the same title and others might be called "Ten Little Indians" if you're interested. It's a mystery about a group of strangers brought on a deserted island with only revenge in mind.

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Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

While I don't own several copies of this book (I gave away my first copy and bought a new one which is signed by the author along with ALL his other books!!) I have read it several times. It might not be factual but it certainly will make you laugh till you're crying. Christopher Moore is by far my favorite male comedic writer alive today. If you haven't read it AND can take a joke when it comes to religion, I highly suggest this book.

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The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Yet another great read. Yes, this is more for young adults but I really love this book. It's one of the few I actually remember my mom reading to me before I went to bed. I loved being read to. This is also a great book for kids in general. It's got fantasy, adventure, problem solving, great vocabulary words, and of course, what every great YA book SHOULD have, a moral to the story. The movie is pretty awesome as well with this one.

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Animal Farm by George Orwell

One of the shortest and greatest literary works I've ever read. I think it's shorter than Fahrenheit 451? Anyhow, I read this back when I was in high school and was fascinated with it ever since. It's one of those that can be read in one day and as you're reading it, instantly the story comes alive in your mind. I know that there have been several movies done about this book. I've never seen them. Why ruin a great thing.

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Eloise by Kay Thompson / Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish / Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

There are at least a dozen reasons why everyone should read these books and every household in America (whether with a child or not) should own a copy of these books. For me, I look at these books, decades later from having first read them, and I can see the evolution of women in books. I'm sure today it would be hard to find an Eloise (the independently minded child), an Amelia Bedelia (the good intentions child), or a Madeline (the opinionated yet understanding child) in children's literature today. Or if there is I'm sure it's not quite the same. I own all three, the originals from when I was a child, and I look forward to passing them on to my daughter (if I ever am lucky enough to have one).

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Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

What a treat it was to read this book! Almost as awesome as getting to meet her when she came to NYC the night her book hit the shelves! This book had me laughing till I was crying from the first sentence to the last. No seriously it did. If you're not laughing from the opening paragraph then you need to have your funny bone examined. She is so truthful about her life and it's great to read. I hope she is hard at work on her next book cause I'll be first in line to get it.

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Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Probably the longest single book I've ever read so far (Les Miserables is on my TBR list for this year!) yet reading it was so effortless. If not for it weighing a ton I would never have believed how long this book actually was. Unfortunately, I had seen the movie several times before having read the book. But for me they both could stand apart from each other. The book is better obviously, but books almost always are when compared to the movie version. Women will probably like and "get" this book (or the movie for that matter) better than men.

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Quiet: The Power of Introverts is a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I just finished reading this book this month and it was amazing. That is big coming from me cause I usually don't read "self-help" oriented books, which this IS NOT. I would recommend this book to all those who are introverts and I would urge any who has a group of workers they manage to read this. It provides helpful hints on how to appreciate being an introvert or knowing someone who is an introvert if you aren't. I found this book informative and empowering.

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I never knew of Mr. Coelho until a friend recommended I read this book. This is definitely one of those that makes you think and you'll find yourself wanting to take notes. It's loaded with symbolism and lines you'll want to quote. I definitely discovered a lot about myself and those I surround myself with. It was a learning experience and I'd recommend this author as well because all he writes is about journey's to self-discovery.

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The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Last but certainly not least, I leave you with one of the greatest mystery writers every who created one of the greatest minds anyone will ever know. Sherlock Holmes made mystery & suspense cool for me. If not for Sir Doyle's writings I would never have read others like Agatha Christie's Poirot or Rex Stouts Nero Wolfe, for example. If you want a reason to read the collection of short mysteries I suggest watching Jeremy Brett portray him. For me he was WAY better in performance than Basil Rathbone.

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Well, there they are. I realize as I look at them, I've read most of them way before I starting this whole reviewing books I read blog. Perhaps I should revisit old friends? Reread them and review them? Looks like I've just added MORE books to my TBR list for this year!

These are what I consider to be the best of the best, for me. You won't go wrong if you give any of them a try. What would you recommend for me to read? What have you read that left a lasting impression on you?

TCM Presents... Possessed (1947)

Title: Possessed (1947)

Director: Curtis Bernhardt

Screenwriter(s): Sylvia Richards & Ronald MacDougall

Producer: Jerry Wald

Distributor: Warner Bros.

In Theaters: July 26^th, 1947

Run Time: 108 minutes

Starring: Joan Crawford, Van Heflin, Raymond Massey, Geraldine Brooks

Genre(s): drama/film-noir/thriller

Storyline: A dazed woman walks the streets of Los Angeles looking for a man named David. After collapsing in a diner, she’s taken to the psychiatric ward of a nearby hospital. Flashbacks reveal her obsession for David as a result of borderline personality disorder which ultimately leads to murder.


Movie Trailer: 


My Review: I’ve only ever seen one other Joan Crawford movie, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and then it was Bette Davis who stole the show. Robert Osbourne explained before the movie began that this movie is by far Ms. Crawford’s best performance. Having only seen one other movie I cannot say I agree with him definitively but I’m inclined to believe anything Robert Osbourne says. He is the expert when it comes to classic movies.

It starts with a seemingly “possessed” woman, wandering the streets, looking for David. It’s not 100% certain who Steven is, for all we know it could be her son, but if you watched this on TCM then you’d know who he is from Robert Osbournes introduction. Steven is a man our main character is hopelessly in love with. So much so it triggers in her a paranoid schizophrenic state. She will do anything, even murder, to get him. Her role as a calculated woman turned woman on the edge is brilliant. It is said she spent a long time learning all she could about mental patients and had a doctor who specializes in trying to cure the mentally ill, work with her. Joan Crawford, I’m sure, was a perfectionist when it came to getting down the emotions of her characters. She gave her all on this performance, and I’m sure in her others as well.

The way she is able to manipulate people, everyone except David of course, and also the way she’s able to convince herself, is great. You find yourself feeling for her on a human level then, almost just as suddenly, hoping she gets what she deserves. I honestly cannot seem to understand how a man can drive a woman to such lengths of madness but I guess it was common then and it’s no different now. My only other issue I had with this movie was how it ended. I must give you a little history of the storyline in order to explain myself better. She is a caretaker to an older, sickly woman. This woman (whom we never actually see, just hear her annoying voice) has a husband, who she fears is having an affair with her nurse, and a daughter, who believes anything she tells her (namely about her fathers alleged infidelities). Once it is established that the elderly woman “committed suicide,” Louise (Joan Crawford) ends up marrying her patients newly widowed husband, in hopes of making David jealous. She also manages to make the daughter like her. It isn’t until much later, when she discovers that David and the daughter intend on marrying that she really goes wildly insane. I won’t give any spoilers away but she ends up recounting practically her entire life story for a doctor at a mental hospital where she was taken after she was found wandering around the streets in search of David. My issue is, once her story is told and her husband finds her at the hospital, he is told the diagnosis and is taken to see her. When he asks the doctor to leave so he can have a moment alone with his psychotic wife (who I still believe killed his first wife, although he explains to her that it couldn’t have been her) I expected him to kill her! I think that would have been a “WOW” ending. Maybe that’s just me.

Have you seen this movie? What did you think of it? What’s your favorite Joan Crawford movie (if you’ve seen any of her countless others)?

My Rating: B