THE MANY FACES OF AN ADAPTATION: THE ONE ABOUT ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
There’s lots of social media conversation now and then about which adaptations has enough, and which classic literature deserves a top-quality adaptation. Most of the too-much consensus tends to lend itself to Jane Austen. Understandable, but since I adore her stories and still think there’s at least three of her stories that haven’t had that “defining” adaptation, I allow it. However, one I am not overly fond of and think has had enough is A Christmas Carol. Nonetheless, since it’s been a minute or two since I wrote anything in my adaptation series, I’m taking the opportunity to look at the many adaptations of A Christmas Carol.
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🕯️THE MANY FACES OF AN ADAPTATION: THE ONE ABOUT ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’🕯️ LOOKING AT THE MANY ADAPTATIONS OF THE DICKENS TALE. #CHARLESDICKENS #CHRISTMAS #CHRISTMASMOVIES #MOVIES #ACHRISTMASCAROL #SPIRITED Share on XIf the story isn’t one you know, it’s written by Charles Dickens and follows a man named Ebenezer Scrooge. A man who has lived his life without connections or family all in selfish pursuit of things that makes him a wealthier, but still miserly man. This applies not just to charity, but to his own employee. During Christmas, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts, one of the past which shows him what may have been and the grief he left behind; the present which lets him see how his kindness can have an impact; and future, showing him the starkness life promises him if he won’t change.
That is, in a brief paragraph, what A Christmas Carol is about. If you think it sounds familiar but not the title, it’s probably because you may have seen any number of Christmas movies that are inspired by the film. Either way, we’re looking at some of the many adaptations of this story today. From proper period drama to perhaps some with a bit more modernism, we’ll see what we can find that fits.
THE MANY ADAPTATIONS OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938)
If it’s a story I’m not overly fond of, chances are, I won’t have seen a version this old. If you’ve seen this adaptation, let me know what’s good about it.
SCROOGE (1971)
With high ratings, this adaptation seems popular. It features Albert Finney and is described as “rousing” in what is a musical celebration of life. Plus, it’s Oscar nominated, too!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984)
George C. Scott leads the cast in this adaptation which, honestly, may be the only one I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen modern adaptations but anything else, I don’t think I have seen. Despite this, don’t ask me to remember details. That is too great a cinematic feat.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1999)
Before taking on the Xavier role, Patrick Stewart played Ebeneezer Scrooge in this television adaptation. Like most of these, this one also has some pretty decent ratings and additionally features Richard E. Grant and Laura Fraser from A Knight’s Tale.
🕯️THE MANY FACES OF AN ADAPTATION: THE ONE ABOUT ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’🕯️ LOOKING AT THE MANY ADAPTATIONS OF THE DICKENS TALE. #CHARLESDICKENS #CHRISTMAS #CHRISTMASMOVIES #MOVIES #ACHRISTMASCAROL #SPIRITED Share on XA CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL (2004)
From Hallmark Entertainment, this one, if I had to guess, is similar to the era of “big scale” TV productions like Snow Queen or the 2001 adaptation of Snow White. Kelsey Grammar, Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Jane Krakowski lead the cast. adaptations a christmas carol
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2009)
Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth lend their voices to this animated version from Disney that also happens to boast a ton of positive reviews.
SPIRITED (2022)
One of the hyped films of this season, this is a Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, version that, from all I can tell, is very loosely inspired by the Dickens story. It’s an Apple original and also a musical. Find on Apple+
ADDITIONALLY
A CAROL CHRISTMAS
IT’S CHRISTMAS, CAROL
THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS (Slight off, but this is about the creation of Scrooge and follow Charles Dickens, played by Dan Stevens, journey to writing A Christmas Carol)
THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL
A NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS CAROL
SCROOGE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Find exclusively streaming on Netflix)
SCROOGED
A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS (Hallmark variation of the story)
Ok, so it’s your turn! Which adaptations did I woefully neglect? Which ones should be added? What do you love (or loathe) about A Christmas Carol? How many of these adaptations of A Christmas Carol have you seen; and do you still watch any of the newer variations of this story? Comment all of your comments! Let’s chat.
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*And yes, I realize this isn’t a romance. But since that’s the series and that’s the tag we started with, we’re going for it.
