Guest Author - Karyn Johnson

It just wouldn't be Christmas without a Scrooge, and there are countless movie adaptations of Dickens' classic holiday tale. If you don't have time to watch them all, here are a couple that I think are worth watching.

* A Christmas Carol starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge

I enjoy this 1984 version that was made for television, because I appreciate how it stays true to Dickens' story. Even though George C. Scott is not British, and cannot muster a convincing British accent, he does manage to portray a thoroughly convincing Scrooge. He acts with depth and even a bit of humor. While his Scrooge is pretty nasty at the beginning, he is quick to show that his nastiness is a result of circumstance - a cold, distant father, a lack of friends in childhood, no motherly influence, and the loss of his beloved sister - rather than his nastiness being an innate part of his personality.

The viewer can sense that Scrooge has love and compassion hidden somewhere, and his gradual transformation from the "wicked old screw" to a pillar of humanity is touching. It's clear that this Scrooge doesn't hate his fellow man, but is only out of touch; he is someone to be pitied, not maligned.

This film has a wonderful supporting cast. This Christmas Carol, more than any other adaptation I have seen, really seemed to transport me to Victorian England with the authentic setting and costumes. I must watch this version every year, or it simply does not feel like Christmas.

* The Muppet Christmas Carol starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge

If you have kids, this is the Christmas movie for you. Surprisingly, it is relatively faithful to the novel. Dickens, of course, had no place for puppets in his classic. But still, these are the Muppets, and they are funny. Adults will enjoy this version as much as kids.

Michael Caine is one of the few humans in this movie, and his Scrooge is what you would expect: miserly, and mean. The loveable Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy as the Missus. Gonzo narrates the story (he plays the role of Charles Dickens), along with his sidekick, Rizzo the Rat. I really like this added touch.

This is a more lighthearted version of A Christmas Carol, with a few sweet moments that you didn't read in the book. And while I wouldn't classify this as a musical per se, there are a few songs, including the song "When Love is Gone," which was deleted from the original movie.

Overall, this film is true to the spirit of A Christmas Carol, but not quite as scary. Marley's ghost (replaced by two ghosts in this movie) is played by the wonderfully hilarious hecklers from The Muppet Show. This version is smart, funny, warm, and touching.