 version dickens classic a christmas carol directed clive donner stars george c scott ebenezer scrooge time around challenge filmmaker take familiar material make seem fresh new again and happily say film donner met challenge surpassed expectations anyone might it tells story precision eye detail extracts performances actors nothing less superlative especially scott one could argue definitive portrayal scrooge one best known characters literary fiction ever created alastair sim  film think performance here scott achieved distinction purity honesty scrooge becomes difficult even consider anyone else role seen scott it simply put scrooge tribute gifted actor able take well known figure make uniquely quite miraculous truly joy see actor ply trade well able make character real every word utters finest expression face make ring true study perfectionbr br the members cast splendid well order maintain integrity scotts performance do frank finlay ghost jacob marley notable turn though memorable perhaps one alec guinness as marley film scrooge angela pleasence welcome visage spirit christmas past edward woodward grand boisterous altogether convincing spirit christmas present michael carter grim menacing spirit christmas yet comebr br david warner hits right mark bob cratchit bringing sincerity role measures well standard quality set scotts scrooge susannah york fares well mrs cratchit real gem found here though performance young anthony walters tiny tim heartfelt without ever becoming maudlin simply one best interpretations real ever presented filmbr br the excellent supporting cast includes roger rees fred holywell also narrator film caroline langrishe janet holywell lucy gutteridge belle michael gough mr poole joanne whalley fan flawless presentation version a christmas carol sets standard others must gauged matter many versions may seen watching one like seeing first time ever forever after whenever think scrooge image mind conjure george c scott thoroughly entertaining satisfying experience film demands place annual schedule holiday festivities every home rate one 