So, George C. Scott rules the roost as Scrooge in this 1984 TV adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."
What did he get for a supporting cast? A solid bunch of British actors. This gives the whole production a very British flavor, despite having an American in the lead.
David Warner plays Bob Cratchit. At the time, this was seen as a departure for him, as he had usually played villains. He gives a sensitive portrayal here. The one thing I would say is that he seems a bit argumentative with Scrooge in the office. He's the one that says "Mr. Marley" died seven years ago, so he's worked for Scrooge for a long time and should know better. I can't imagine this Scrooge would appreciate seven-plus years of arguing about coal!
Bob's wife is played by Susannah York, who gives a somewhat stern interpretation to the role. She bosses the kids around a lot and makes sure they butter the bread thinly. You know she's going to squawk when Bob raises the inevitable toast to the founder of the feast!
The Tiny Tim here is an interesting case. More than any other TT, this one really looks like he won't be around next Christmas! So good for that. The actor, Anthony Walters, however, is very amateurish. He just says his lines without any particular emotion and you can often see him side-eye to see what he' supposed to do. I'm not sure what I think of the whole thing! He gets the special "and introducing" billing in the credits. Did the producers think he was some sort of "find?"
Is it me or did I hear him yell, "Line?" right before he remembers to say, "God bless us everyone...?"
Scrooge's nephew Fred is played by Roger Rees. I didn't know him at the time, but he popped up later in several episodes of the TV series "Cheers." He didn't make enough of an impression on me as Fred that I recognized him in "Cheers," but while rewatching this after, I was like, "Hey, that's that British guy from 'Cheers'" He's a pretty good Fred, very good-natured, but not particularly boisterous. Crazy, puffy hair. Oh, right, this was filmed in the 80s! He doesn't seem all that young either.
Caroline Langrishe does well as Fred's wife, named Janet in this version, and seems the right age.
So, how do the ghosts stack up? First is Frank Finlay as Marley's ghost. He's suitable but not overly scary and really doesn't match up to Scrooge. It's not a fair fight. One thing that bugs me is that although his Alec Guinness-like makeup is good, when he opens his mouth, which he does a lot, the inside is still red!
The Ghost of Christmas Past is presented as a woman, not too young, not too old. Angela Pleasence gives a light, airy performance, but is still tough with Scrooge when needed.
The Ghost of Christmas Present (at least we think that's who it is, as it never identifies itself) is given a good portrayal by Edward Woodward. He's tall (thank you, stilts!), but thin, which is fine. When Scrooge gets flip with it (him?), it gives it right back. Shortly after this, Edward Woodward started his TV series "The Equalizer," which gave his casting here a bit of retro cred.
It has a typical Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, played by Michael Carter, but this ghost, as usual, could be just about anybody.
Mark Strickson does a good job as Young Scrooge. He plays him from the youth at school through the breakup with Belle and shows Ebenezer's change quite well. The only knock is a common one: he just doesn't look like he'll grow up to be George C. Scott!
Belle is played by Lucy Gutteridge, who's fine. What was wacky at the time was that I had just seen her earlier in 1984 as the romantic lead in the movie "Top Secret!" opposite Val Kilmer.
Which brings us to Joanne Whalley, who appears as Belle. She later starred in the movie "Willow" and married her costar - Val Kilmer! Wow, Val Kilmer casts a long shadow!
I think what we have here is a solid supporting cast. I don't see anyone as a standout in particular, except maybe Edward Woodward, but if we even notice you at all when you're onscreen with Mr. Scott, you're doing OK!
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