Reviews

I have just watched this again, for the first time in very many years. Thank Heavens for YouTube - my VHS tape gathered dust for far too long!

Denholm Elliot is superb - indeed, every member of the cast is excellent. The production values are at the top of their game. Pure evocative joy, which was a perfect way to spend Christmas Eve - 32 years to the day it was released.

I hadn't realised how popular this is - a Christmas tradition in Canada! Wonderful 🙏

I saw the original play several times, in the West End, and a friend had a small part. I have always admired Peter Barkworth. Dame Wendy Hiller was memorable as Queen Mary. Odd to see her listed in the cast list here, as well as Greer Garson. Miss Garson bought the film rights, in order to play Queen Mary, which she does very well - but it will always be Dame Wendy's part.

The play, as a whole, transferred well to the small screen and I hope to see it again, one day. Alas, the abdication speech, which was played with just a pin-spot, shining on the Royal Crest, above the proscenium arch, will always remain a spellbinding memory, with people in the audience who clearly remembered the Abdication weeping.

I attended the Press Screening, in 1970, at the Dominion Theatre in London, where I had worked. My brother and I loved it, on every level. It stands as the 2nd favourite version, next to Alistair Sim's extraordinary performance, in the 1952 film.

Finney's was a terrific choice for the part. He played both old and young Scrooge to perfection. Years later, upon watching it again, I couldn't help but think how much young Acrooge resembled Ewan McGregor - and later they played the same character in 'Big Fish', 34 years later in 2004.

Everything about this Film wreaked of superb production values, on every level - including Bricusse's sumptuous score. We also loved his 'Goodbye, Mr Chips', which also didn't receive the accolades it deserved.

I recently heard the London Gay Mens Chorus belt out 'Thank you very much' and it brought the house down! I've been singing it ever since, so another screening tonight, on Christmas Eve Eve has really made the mood exceedingly Festive! Merry Christmas - God Bless us, every one 🙏