Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

This movie has become a Christmas tradition in our household. George C. Scott is amazing as Scrooge and every British actor in the movie is spot-on for The Victorian English tale. My favorite smaller role would have to be the ghost of Christmas present who is hilarious in his wit and retorts to Scrooge's dourness. It is as realistic as this story can get and does not downplay the seriousness of Scrooge's situation as well as not over indulging in the sweetness when Scrooge has his revelation. By far my favorite Christmas story!

This is possibly the stuffiest rendition of Dickens' holiday classic. The production is rigid and cold, and doesn't get warmer even when Scrooge changes. And Scott's incessant overacting makes him one of the least convincing portrayals. Maybe if this were the only filmed version of the story I would like it more, but there are just SO many better ways to watch this beautiful tale of redemption.

"A Christmas carol" by Dickens has been molded into a film version many times. As far as I can remember, this version of 1984 seems to stick to the events in the book, which is always commendable. One should appreciate, that Dickens portrays the real spirit of businessmen in olden times. It is the flourishing period of Manchester capitalism, and of Malthusianism. In a sense Scrooge is even engaging, because at least he abstains from a decadent lifestyle. He is simply a skillful investor, who knows the risks. He is indeed a man of rare gifts. He is the type who stuffs a pair of socks in each pocket, when he sends the pajamas to the laundry. Since the financial crisis of 2008 the personality of Scrooge has again become much more recognizable. Three ghosts try to convert him: Christmas past, present and future. Of course Scrooge is mainly interested in the present (joke!). It is a heavy exchange. One would expect that it ends in a tie. Only true believers will be willing to accept the sudden conversion of Scrooge. Indeed the intervention of God is needed in order to change a seasoned investor into a philanthropist, within a single night. It is a bit like your mother- in-law. You did not believe in Hell until you met her. Although the modern psychology tells us that a protracted therapy would be required, the Bible is replete with such events. The main actor George Scott indulges in theatrical play, but this does not irritate, and in fact may well have been the normal human behavior in the times of Dickens. It is noteworthy that in some aspects the shots truly glorify Christmas. For instance, there is the virginity of white snow, even in the crowded streets. And on every street corner a small choir sings Christmas hymns. Moreover, in my imagination a miser such as Scrooge ought to be leaner than Scott is. Misers only eat leftovers. They are disgusted with the original meal. But these are insignificant details, which do not make the film less recommendable.

I watch it all year long ...cry at the end.... I love this movie, everything the set the sound track. Every single actor is superb wonderfully cast... George C. Scott is amazing.Nick Bicat did an amazing job on this soundtrack. He is an amazing composer, his music sucks you right into the film. I showed this movie to my children and they loved it as well. They are 8 and 10 it is a great family film The fog on the set is a beautiful touch to the movie Susannah York fabulous ...the message of Dickens Christmas Carol should be applied daily it is a good reminder of what is important in this life.