A Christmas Carol

I first watched this adaptation of A Christmas Carol when it was broadcast by PBS in the seventies. Of course, one attraction was the casting of Michael Hordern as Scrooge, having remembered him as Jacob Marley in the all-time classic Alastair Sim version. Mr. Hordern did not disappoint, providing a Scrooge of sufficient bluster and befuddlement. This could be described as a no frills version of the story by some, but I love it's lean and mean production values and wonderful sets. The cold in Scrooge and Marley's counting house is palpable, with the frost building on the window behind Scrooge's desk. It really seems as though the lighting is coming from the few candles lit in the office, one of which does double duty as Bob Cratchit uses it to warm his cold hands. I love these atmospheric touches, of which there are many in this production. The wonderful collection of British actors bringing the novel to life is the icing on the cake as there are many who stand out. I heartily recommend this version if you can find it. I was able to tape it off television about 10 years ago, and have not seen it since. Still, a wonderful adaptation.