Day 10: Scrooge

"God bless us, everyone." 

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" has got to be one of the most-adapted stories of all time. There are stage versions, versions filmed in black and white, a version with Muppets, with Mickey, and with Mr. Magoo. Of the many greats, 1970's Scrooge starring a young Albert Finney is one of my favorites. It's a musical, and not only are the songs good, but those songs feature top-notch hitch-kicking and heel-clicking. In fact, this is the only version of "A Christmas Carol" where I look forward to seeing the Ghost of Christmas Future — that's when we hear one of the best songs in the movie.

My other favorite thing about this version of the classic tale is the overall look of the film. The costumes, set design, and casting are spot-on. I love Kermit the Frog, but David Collings looks just like how you'd picture Bob Cratchit. The Ghost of Christmas Present brings to life the original John Leech illustrations from Dickens' book. And everything from London's grime to the bustling marketplace on Christmas Eve are like something from a rich, wonderful painting.

The premise: What happens when an old miser is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve and is given a second chance at life?

The best songs: It's tough to pick just one. There's "Christmas Children," "December the 25th," "I Like Life," and "Thank You Very Much." I suppose the best part is the finale - a mash-up of a few of the movie's best tunes.

The only quibble: This is a long movie. If it gets snooze-y at some parts, stick with it and relish in how a 34-year old Albert Finney so expertly plays a crusty, crotchety old man.

The moral of the story: "There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try to do as much as you can in the time that you have." _ The Ghost of Christmas Present