This 1970’s musical adaptation has a lot going for it, but stumbles in the retelling of the classic tale.

I first saw this version of the story at 2am on TCM when I couldn’t sleep one night in my first year of college. It sort of captured me and I spent years trying to track down a copy of it. It’s rarely played outside of the odd late night screening on TCM. Well a few years ago I got a DVD and now it’s free to watch on multiple platforms online. The way I found it though really seared it into my memory. I have so much fondness and affection for this rendition that I can overlook its flaws. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Released in 1970, this is a big budget musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic starring Albert Finney as Scrooge, and Alec Guiness as Jacob Marley. Shot on massive sets constructedin Pinewood studios and featuring original songs by Leslie Bricusse the man behind the music from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and the cowriter of the song Goldfinger.

What struck out most to me viewing this time was the set. Holy cow this production design is incredible. They constructed massive city streets that resemble a storybook version of old London. Every inch of every room is filled with rich detail. And they take an expressionistic turn as each environment shows the characters internal state. Scrooge’s dark cavernous home. The Crachit’s tiny but warm home. It’s fun to look at this world and live within its environs.

I also really enjoyed the music. The song “Thank You Very Much” won best original song at the 1971 Academy Awards, and it is infectious. The song “December the 25th” is a real toe tapper that takes the Fezziwig party to delirious heights. The song “Happiness” is a romantic ballad that becomes a haunting refrain. There are some clunkers though. I’m not a fan of “Christmas Children” it’s just awkward and meandering. “I Hate People” Is a too long dirge that tells what we already know about Scrooge over and over, he hates people.

Albert Finney makes a very interesting Scrooge. He’s unlike any other Scrooge I’ve seen. He was only 34 when he played the part. He’s almost. a cartoon here with his bent posture and thinning hair and mousy behaviors. I enjoy his performance especially as he begins to transform and become a better person with the Ghost of Christmas Present. His small sad voice singing about his lost love is heart breaking. His grand finale is a massive joyous musical extravaganza. The whole town comes to celebrate his transformation with him. It’s a big old fashioned musical moment that is a lot of fun.

What this one is missing is meat. It’s fun and fluffy, but we lose a lot of Scrooge’s journey and story. His relationship with his nephew is non existent. He’s mean toward Bob Crachit, but Bob seems entirely unaffected. The biggest change is that his Scrooge doesn’t learn to be more charitable and giving, his Scrooge learns how to like life. Through his time with the spirits he learns to enjoy life and ambrace what it has to offer. He’s a heartbroken man who need to open up his heart again. Not exactly what Dickens wrote. It’s an interesting take on the story, but not one that I feel resonates as strongly as the original intention.

That said, I still love it. It holds a special place in my heart and in my Christmas viewing. I often put it on while wrapping gifts or decorating. It feels like Christmas to me in spite of its flaws.

It is my cup of tea. B+