Ghost of Christmas Present's darker side
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- Опубліковано 20 гру 2011
- These clips are from one of the best versions of "A Christmas Carol" ever produced, starring George C. Scott as Scrooge. I really like this film's portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Present; it retains the usual joviality but also doesn't shy away from the spirit's less obvious, edgier side. He seems to take a certain glee in rebuking Scrooge with his own words, challenges his sense of self-worth, and mocks him for not having the stomach to witness Ignorance and Want. Because they do not shy away from the less "jolly" aspects of Christmas Present, these scenes are two of the most powerful in the entire film.
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![A Christmas Carol [1984] Final Scene](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/b7Um603B2lI/mqdefault.jpg)
![A Christmas Carol [1984] Final Scene](/img/tr.png)
“In sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live then MILLIONS like this poor man child."
This was bone chilling to watch, especially coming from the jolly ghost of Christmas present.
But remember, this is Christmas in the present moment and therefore Christmas Personified. So his anger makes sense because everything he's said about Christmas was a direct insult, not only to his fellow men, but to him well
_... bone chilling ..._
Absolutely. The "Ghost of Christmas Present" is every bit as unsettling as that of "Past" as well as "Future". And, to good purpose.
As @vincentvorse wrote, Scrooge so casually condemns his "fellow men"* in the abstract. As some "faceless group". Like, say, people fleeing war-riddled &/ gang-dominated &/ famine-engulfed &/ etc. regions - aka, "migrants" or [not legally recognized] "immigrants" or some such.
Not so easy when you look directly at the face of another human "just like you", but for circumstances... at least, if you have an ounce of empathy and the attendant honesty and strength that go with it ...
Nevertheless, yes - "Present" is quite terrifying in this production, IMO. It truly adds to the lesson(s) here, I think, and encapsulates reality very well - capturing it as Dickens himself did in writing.
* In the sense of ALL human beings - anachronistic, now, to use the masculine form for that, but historically was the case for a period (of course, go back far enough - in "Western culture", so-to-speak, and "men" often only meant "males" ... something like what "the law" concerned itself with, but that's ... not really germane, heh...)
The second spirit was always the most memorable segment to me. It's clear he's disgusted by Scrooge's behaviour, and the more time he spends with the man, the more curt he becomes in showing him the error of his ways. Scrooge is making excuses and isn't taking the sights to heart, so the spirit drops the façade and becomes almost hostile in getting the message to sink in. He chides him, interrupts him, sneers at him, mocks his "amen", gets in his face over the size of the roast goose, yells at him, shows him the horrors of reality and flat-out calls him a piece of s**t.
When we met him, laughing amidst the feast and party decorations, we felt safe with this guy. Then it becomes clear he isn't gonna put up with Scrooge's attitude like the first one, and his constant smiling contrasting with the weight of his words make him feel eerily sinister, and that's before ignorance and want. Scarily immersive.
He has the hardest job. Past shows Scrooge when he was happy. Future gives him the choice of tragedy or triumph. Present has to make Scrooge see the man he is. The unvarnished truth.
So true !! How do you even argue with and defend yourself against a Jolly Giant in a long green & white robe with something as frightening as Ignorance & Want under it ?? The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is basically an o.g Dementor/Nazgul, purposely intended to be piss-yo-pants scary and still the Ghost of Christmas Present somehow manages to be just as if not scarier in this movie !!
@@violagreene4643 2t2tttt2tt2ttttttttttttttt22ttttttttttttt22eeeeeeee
He can't stand scrooge.
The sight of scrooge sickens the second ghost
@@violagreene4643 I truly believe neither had the difficult job and all had rebuked him in their own way. Ghost of Past did so near the end of their journey to the past together.
Ebenezer Scrooge: *Already heartbroken from revisiting the memory of Belle* Spirit, show me no more. Why do you delight in torturing me?
Ghost of Christmas Past: I told you, these are the shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me.
I don't blame the ghost for giving him such a stinging chastisement... What scrooge said about the surplus population is only one of cruelest remarks ever!
Yup, you don’t know who is the one who is the Surplus Population. Unless you lose someone dear to you ., like I lost my father.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 That's awful. I am very sorry for your loss, and hope you and your family are doing okay.
Unfortunately attitudes like this are common place in modern England
He's not wrong. Overpopulation is a major issue, he's dislike of overpopulation is a successful mindset. It simply shows that he allowed his logic to corrupt his heart.
@@cometastral Overpopulation is bad, but we shouldn't say poorer, less likely-to-be-successful people should just die.
'They are hidden...but they live. oh, they live....' Chilling.
Truly!
Edward Woodward gave a fantastic performance as the spirit. Out of all the versions I've seen, he's the only one who looks like he really wants to kick Scrooge's ass.
+Daniel Appleton I have to ask though, why is Scrooge seeing his grave site the thing the last straw for him? Did he think he wouldn't die? Or did seeing Tim and the other future shadows beforehand make him recoil at the fact he couldn't help them now that he's dead?
+Dragblacker The reason that Scrooge recoils at his grave site is because all through his experiences with the spirits he has been undergoing a change of heart, and realizes that the only legacy he will be leaving after his death is simply his tomb stone, with no one to mourn or remember him. In other words, his life will have been a tragic waste. And yes, the fact that now he wouldn't be able to help Tim and others like him now he's dead. And subconsciously he's probably also figuring that the chain Marley told him about is waiting for him...
crepesoftime Carol Kane's version in Scrooged was the only one to my knowledge who does exactly that: Kick Scrooge's ass, brutally.
Daniel Appleton Perhaps you're right about Trump. I think Clinton's beyond help.
It's not that he didn't think he wouldn't die. It's what would await him AFTER death if he did not change.
"They are hidden...but they live...oh, they live..."
Think about that when you wake up in the middle of the night in your dark room.
PhattyMcBoomBoom What's even scarier is that in the book, Scrooge notices a claw-like foot protruding from the Spirit's cloak. When he asks about it the Spirit shows him these. Creepy
This is actually my favorite Ghost of Christmas Present. I love how he makes his thoughts very clear towards Scrooge, showing just how disgusted he is that Scrooge could be so callous toward his fellow people and even gets visibly angry when he doesn't seem to be paying attention to the moral he's trying to teach. And by the end of it he's like "I've done my part. Now I'm going to leave you right here with the "surplus population". If you don't learn your lesson by the last ghost then I'd hate to be you"
What would this particular Ghost of Christmas Present have to say to Bill Gates and his buddy Klaus-"The-Great-Reset"-Schwab? Nothing pleasant, I suspect.
@@SingleTax At least Melinda Gates got Bill to start some funding programs before they parted company.
@@SingleTaxthose people are most likely beyond saving as they have committed to the “opposite side”
I love how happy the spirit gets when he sees a place where he can shove Scrooge’s face into his own cruelty. You can hear the laugh in the tone, like telling an inside joke.
Then when he gets to the point of telling how worthless Scrooge is, he can drop the holly, jolly act for a minute and let out his anger at Scrooge for his cruelty
@@james739123 Apparently he's dealt with tough nuts to crack before. The applied psychology is pretty damn good.
I think this change in attitude from jolly big guy to serious tone that the Ghost of Christmas Present had was the scariest of them all.
It set up the perfect atmosphere of what was to come within seconds later, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Abortions only adults if you make it,talk about selfish,and ruining the real life cycles,y'all fkt me up big time with you're rude crap including the ones around me
@@dianheffernan3436 What the hell are you talking about
@@dianheffernan3436 What the hell are you going on about?
Love that look the ghost gives Scrooge at 1:03
It's a look that says: "Yes, those words DO hurt a bunch, don't they?"
He’s my fav version of Xmas present.
It's a father's knowing gaze, I get what you mean
@@eleanorwilliams769 The GoCP : " Hurts, Don't it ? ".
The dialogue in these scenes is taken almost verbatim from the book. I particularly love that line: "Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be in the sight of heaven that you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!"
Agreed......A line for any elitist Aristocrat of our world today, to hear and ponder over that does nothing to serve the human race in charity, kindness, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence.....Not like they will ever fully understand it in the body anyways, but just something to think about for all of us, no matter what supposed income level we supposedly ascribe to.
I get the impression his decision to shout “millions” was improvised. I’ve not seen it done in any other performance by any other actor, but it’s absolutely brilliant. This line and his delivery of it made me remember this film from when I was a small boy. I remember being suddenly being very afraid of the big, happy spirit.
I sure hope it was improvised, because I am a huge fan of improvisation! It is the one unique talent that I find admirable in an actor.
We can only assume that the chances of it being improvised is 50/50, because even directors have that unique talent of improvisation.
it was in the novel
I agree. Edward Woodward was such a fine actor. Really the best in this role.
@@christrupiano4383 true he's a big friendly fella but definitely not afraid to express his anger at scrooge and also comfort when he's happy
@@aaronmeade5435 hes just got that strong regal sage-like look about him like cross him it wont matter who you are he can mess you up supernaturally 🙄
Ignorance and want scare me every time, no matter how many times I see it.
They don't scare me but make me sad...
@@LioGunne they are a mix of both because if you think about it people ignored them and let them turn into this
@@hadbetterdays8118 Indeed! That's what happens when kids are mistreated and not shown compassion.
@@dariusmazaheri9305 true I remember an analysis saying that they either die like poor Tiny Tim would of had he not gotten treatment or they would of grown up bitter, hateful, resentmentful, etc. Because of the environment they grew up in caused them this.
As the ghost of the future,probably is his real children,or Jonny Cashes,plus they're playing in a theory of greed of what people are taught, Christmas was at first for adults,if it means want and ignorance,the good ole pick and choose as another sits as a better than though argument,everyone is an adult no it all,not being rude at all,yes to teach the younger and a life natural life cycle,now everyone is taught that children should die or such because of this crude crap,thx y'all really know how to fk lives up,leaving others fkt up while some of you changed,what an extravagant sleezy life,selfish and all,fk y'all for the ruins of a quite decent life,didn't/don't need all this fancy slick crap.
You know, I think this is one of the best Tiny Tims in all the versions of this story. Some of them just look small or dirty. I could easily believe this kid is slowly, quietly dying.
Tiny Tim was soooo cute. You want to eat him up. He was so precious and perfect. He accepted his crippled state but was optimistic enough to believe he would get better so he could run and have fun. Quite wise he was in church and knew his Scriptures.
Not one of the best. Rather, this kid was "THE BEST" Tiny Tim of all the different versions.
@@LATVERIAN1 100% agree there
Yep Best Tiny Tim and Best Nephew of Scrooge as well. I would argue Richard E. Grant from the 90s version is the best Bob Cratchit. And his wife the Best Mrs. Cratchit.
The kid was perfect, and I LOVE thst he's introduced right at the start. We get a couple scenes showing Tim's sweet nature & innocence, his desire to be healthy & play with the other kids, and Bob's deep love of his fraile child.
In other adaptations they just introduce Tiny Tim in the Christmas Present segment. No build up, no nothing, and if makes Tim & his tragedy feel like an afterthought.
He's scarier than the Ghost of Christmas Future, because he tells you what's going to happen, but you don't believe him.
Abortions dead babies,sacrifices,the cycle of life,fkt thks
@@dianheffernan3436 and that's related to the video or the comment because...
I believe this version of Dickens' tale is the best.
Everybody judges scrooge..think..mom died in childbirth his dad rejected him belle left him n yorkin manipulated him..money was all he had n he wasnt taught compassion..if that was us we'd turn out like that too
@@actuary1233 The reason he's judged so harshly is that he allowed the trials and past wrongs done to him and by him to twist him into a bitter, angry, greedy miser.
It is.
@@actuary1233 Indeed! I felt bad for Scrooge when I heard about his childhood!
@@actuary1233 Actually the truth is even more sad in the Christmas past era he was once a jolly and happy man much like his nephew. He let his greed blind him and lost sight of what was important in the original story.
What I like about Edward Woodward's portrayal of the spirit is how he is able to show the spirit's joyful and festive side in some scenes and his serious, disciplinarian side in scenes like this. Other portrayals don't do it as well.
They mostly just focus on the former and cut out the latter altogether.
Yeah the psychological spread of this,thx for fkg me and sure other,awe like the children,pop know hate them,a big fuck you,yet I have to see a fkg physchiatrist from y'alls personality DEFECTS
Thank you for telling me his name. He reminds me a lot of Michael Caine
Is he supposed to pwonounce his Rs like Ws?
@@dianheffernan3436 What the hell are you talking about?
1:00 I get such chills from the Ghost Of Christmas Present's words, *It may well be that in the sight of heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!*
But Scrooge had to hear it.
At least he got what was coming to him.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 The Ghost was using Tough Love AND a sprinkling taken from Tsun Tzu's Art of War.
As a kid, the Ghost of Christmas Future always scared me the most. But as I've gotten older, I've found this guy a lot more unnerving. Now at age 40+, he downright scares the bejimminies out of me.
With the ghost of Future you know what to expect but the Present Ghost he really catches you off guard!
The Ghost of Christmas Future is physically scary... but the Ghost of Christmas Present is internally, emotionally, psychologically scary.
The ghost of Christmas present is the fire and anger that lives in man at the injustice in our society. And sadly he's just as relevant today as he was in Dickens' time
@@ItsSpecialHands Actually it’s a little more than that. What the ghost of Christmas present is in actuality is the spirit of Christmas and all that it entails for the year in which it is celebrated. He is the Joy of giving, the warm fire of charity, and the spark of generosity. It makes sense then that if he loves giving, he hates taking. There in lies the source of his anger.
Same.
1:00-1:30 This is why I love this version of the Present.
Beautiful performance!!! (give this man an oscar)
this is by far the best interpretation of the book George C Scott is legendary in this role
I like the alistar sim version better, this is good tho, comes a close second (in my humble opinion)
Nobody beats Patrick Stewart
@@Stratman389 I agree
Jay Wetton Agreed
I grew up watching this version, it was my dad's favorite and as I got older, I started to enjoy it too, and still try to watch it with my dad and mom every year, I'm the only one who does out of my sisters
I try and do the scene, but I end up crying through....."In sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live then MILLIONS like this poor man child." I have no idea why. How other actors do it is awesome.
+John Hardin You have to say it with anger and venom in your heart, not empathy.
There are people today who also need to have their own words thrown back in their faces
That is the best line in the movie. The temporal, mortal, Godless world values money, power, achievement. The spiritual/eternal world values love & compassion. "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:26.
@@janesgems7 yeah. Scrooge deserved that as he wasn't thinking when he said it. It was a moral lesson to think about how the words sound when you say them.
It's a shame that most Christmas Carol adaptations don't include this line in its entirety.
this is a perfect execution of one of the most powerfull moments in dickens' masterpiece! in some versions of the story they just don't get it quite right but here... my god, when the spirit says; It may well be that in the sight of heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child! everybody who's greedy and selfish should be forced to watch this! chills and goosebumps!
an arrogant don't forget arrogant
I agree.this is my favorite scene in the whole movie
I think Scrooge and Trump have a lot in common. Greed, Avarice,cold, Narcissistic and calculating.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 Exactly. Sadly, I'm not sure if even the 3 Ghosts could set a man like trump straight.
Me, watching anything: Wow, what a neat story.
Leftists: _I NOW ASSOCIATE THIS VILLAIN OR METHOD OF TORTURE OR PENANCE WITH TRUMP_
I always thought The Ghost of Christmas Present was a darker, more sinister spirit than The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Edward Woodward's portrayal was perfect. He completely captured how the spirit slowly evolved from being kind and funny, to stern and sarcastic, to grim and threatening.
The Goodness and the Severity of the Maker.
@Matthew Shrubsole oh and let me guess? You believe man is a string of elements thrown together at random? Genetic material slopped together. Or wait,wait, we evolved from monkeys that's it, right, right.... So let me put this to you, when cancer that is untreatable is eating a way at a good man who has given and helped people all his life, who or what fault is it, faulty DNA, passed down from parents or grandparents or their parents before them. And let us not forget the rape victim struggling to find some self worth after the years of trauma and after spending thousands of dollars on psychiatry, and self help courses and so on and the trauma continues what then in your profound and sounding reason what then? She forcibly pull herself together and suck it up, oh and then when that fails sir then what? When is threatening to take her own life or even lets say children born with a later in life deformity, and doctors, and medical community doesn't and won't do anything without lining their own pockets where's the justice there? Hmm. I'm not going to sit here and preach but folks and millions like you could use a measure of optimism, and the way you portray it in your own reasoning, or say the wickens, the Atheist and I believe I am God mentality please, explain how the previous words of which I have just put out which, and I imagine there's more and much worse circumstances, explain how and by which ways is any of it or more justified?? Even as a Christian I have no explanations, there are many things out there that occur so many of us do not understand. Isn't it better to keep any measure of hope we as humans can, than go off none or our own simplicit thinking. Sorry since you acted for the most part unkind and resorted to name calling, I figured hey I'll call you out as a individual and see you have a educated response that doesn't involve slandering people just because you don't like something for whatever reason.
I always thought that the order of the spirits from least to most dark is: Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, Jacob Marley, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. I mean, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is basically supposed to be the Grim Reaper, right?
@Matthew Shrubsole then f***ing do so ingrate I sure as hell won't or accept it as a possibility I evolved from a damn monkey. Let alone and throw this in your belligerent thinking the EARTH SCIENTIFICALLY proven is younger than what was first believed. So explain how in the that rationale that man evolved in that timespan. Don't think you can logically. So as the saying goes stick it where the sun don't shine clown and that flawed logic since you wanted to stop to lowly insults and not hold rational conversation.
Present is my favourite character
This might not be the best adaptation ever made, but this is hands down the best portrayal of this spirit.
I personally LOVE this adaptation (though to be fair it’s the one I grew up on) but even minus that, he is truly, cheerfully terrifying to this day, yes.
He looks like he'd waited a thousand years to tell Scrooge off. He definitely read him down. 😵
Edward Woodward was exceptional as Ghost of Christmas Present. Loved how he captured the joviality, humour, and bluster, but also retained this side that could quickly turn to openly question Scrooge's ethics and perspective upon society.
Best Christmas Carol. Ever. Scott and Woodward just knock it out of the park!
When I was a kid this part scared me so bad. Ghost of the Future didn't scare me at all, but the kids in his robe gave me nightmares.
David L I know what you mean. It is normally meant to be that Present is the jolly one and Future is the scary one but this one seemed to make Present the darker of them.
Want and Ignorance are supposed to frighten us.
Me too!
the jumpscare totally got me as a kid
Then they did their job and I hope you remember their message because many these days need to
1:37 So many times I want to say this to those who wrinkle their noses at others who are not "like them".
ARE THEY NOT OF THE HUMAN RACE???
Each spirit truly did well to represent the past present and future. Past being seen as ethereal, yet elegant in a way that we see a flickering candle in the dark clinging to that beauty in our memories. Present being the most human, the most grounded and stern yet still knowing when to laugh. And future being the most nightmarish, shrouded in darkness. Unknowable in its true nature.
Edward Woodward, one of the few actors that could match up to George C Scott.
leftcoaster67 This is the best ever Christmas Carol because of Scott and Woodward!!!
Hard to believe this is the same actor from The Wicker Man. He was a true talent.
If it was done today I'd want Kenneth Branagh as Ghost of Christmas Present.
My only issue with George C. Scott is that he seems to spit a lot. Aside from that, he's an incredible actor.
This version is the definitive version. All others are pretenders to the throne.
Even the variations on Dickens' original text were authentic, and held just as much gravitas as the original. Superbly brilliant on every front.
agree
No way. The Alastair Sim version is the best by far and my second choice would be the Reginald Owen version. The George C. Scott version had terrible acting and it's almost unwatchable.
@@tenderpawsm473 Reginald Owen ? lol. Overacted , pantomime filled bluster. Sorry you have such bad taste/understanding of film.
I'd say this is my second choice. Alistair Sim is always Number 1, but this is a close Number 2.
@@waivedwench I could see that , sim was a fantastic actor and his version is true to the story
Some of the best acting on film. Gives me chills every time.
The BEST Christmas Carol Movie. Mr. Scott is right on.
Scrooge really gets his arse handed to him verbally by the Ghost of Christmas Present!
Rest in peace edward woodward and george c scott
Aww😢😩😭❤️💗
George C Scott was a VIOLENT abuser of women. He beat Ava Gardner so badly she ended up in the hospital with a detached retina.
@@ohger1 I said what i said.
Edward Woodward is AWESOME in his portrayal !!! This version of the classic is absolutely the best by far to me.
This is my favorite version of the tale. It borders on horror.
It is a ghost story after all. It pays tribute to the old tradition of telling ghost stories on the night of Christmas Eve.
Best. Version. Ever. All the actors are amazing - George C Scott is a legend. GOAT
I love how he turns how words back on him. “Are there no work houses, are there no prisons?”
Ghost of Christmas Present: These are YOUR children!
Scrooge: (thinking) Crap! I have kids!
Ghost of Christmas Present: They are the children of all who...
Scrooge: (visible sigh of relief) Oh thank Christ! Metaphors!
This is my favorite version of this story ever. Superb performances from everyone. And especially David Warner as Bob Cratchit. For an actor who usually portrayed villains, he is so warm and genuine here it's truly remarkable.
This gave me shivers.Like, the spirit telling Scrooge that in the sight of Heaven, he is more worthless, and less fit to live then MILLIONS of Tiny Tims
I don't know if you all that are reading this has ever attended it, but I attended the Christmas play, Marley's Christmas Carol. It tells A Christmas Carol from Jacob Marley's point of view. He is told that the only way that he can ever be at piece is if he and the spirits can convince Scrooge to change his ways. We see his past in losing his mother and an abusive "don't care" father. He then is given a robe and it is revealed that HE was The Ghost of Christmas Present, though Scrooge doesn't know it. Gives a new outlook on this classic.
So many adaptations tend to really play up the ghots's jovial nature, since he embodies the spirit of the season. They tend to forget that, because Acrooge rejects the spirit of the season, this ghost is his harshest critic. And Woidward plays those moments with such ferocity
"Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased."
The most Chilling line. It gives me goosebumps.
I love how completely done with Scrooge's shit this version of the spirit is.
This is one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol.
George C. Scott was great at Scrooge.
Edward Woodward and everyone in this version were amazing!
Me personally I think George C. Scott's performance is kind of wooden.
The Ghost of Christmas Present really resonates with me because my that's the way my dad always looked. I made the similarity when I was little, I was four years old and I remember quite vividly when the ghost of Christmas present came on the screen I cried out in excitement, "Daddy!" My dad had been working triple shifts at the time and I missed him. He's been dead now for nine years, and Christmas is still hard for me when I see the Coke A Cola Santas out, my dad looks just like them in the face.
Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons?
My favorite line. I hear that over and over again every Christmastime.and the Bah Humbug , Priceless 😂
the best Christmas Carol film, the performances and the drama.. perfect
What I've noticed that his change of personality is being swapped with Scrooge's who is finally seeing the light, the spirit sucking the cruelty out of Scrooge's feelings of Christmas.
I have always loved the tone of the ghost when Scrooge asks him to cover ignorance and want. That “I thought as much” makes it clear that the ghost knew Scrooge was just another loudmouth full of piss and wind that cowers at the very thing he claims to not be ambivalent to.
My family and I always watch this version at Christmas time. Edward's our favorite.
Love this scene! Put him in his place and made him think.
This is by far the best portrayal of this spirit. The Ghost of Christmas Present is indeed very loving and jolly, and means well. But what angered him more than anything was both the hardness of heart and indifference to human suffering that Scrooge displayed. The spirit truly means to help save Ebenezer, but in order to do so, it meant explaining to the stubborn old miser that his actions and words demonstrated a terrible truth about him.
And the way Ed Woodward does it here is masterful; Scrooge can't even look the spirit in the eyes after having his own terrible words thrown back in his face, realizing just how callous and cruel of him it was to say such a thing.
Of all the different versions of "A Christmas Carol",
it's this 1984 presentation which boasts the very
best of "all" 3 spirits. In, at least, live-action, Edward
Woodward's performance is a standout.
The best representation of Christmas Present. He straight up has no time for Scrooge's shit lol.
Edward Woodward was a great actor. He gave one of his many fantastic performance when he took on the role of the Ghost of Christmas. Present. I especially like the scene ware he shows Scrooge how many of the poor and homeless of 19th century London were struggling to survive and told him they were the surplus population. That was a powerful scene and you could tell Scrooge was moving further along the path of redemption because he was appalled to see how. Rough those homeless families had it.
The way he drives the point home with the force of his words is ASTOUNDING.
People often remember the Ghost of Christmas Present as a jovial plump man more representative of the festive side of the season, his resemblance to Father Christmas is not an accident, however he probably best represents the two sides of the spirits, they ultimately want to save Scrooge from his fate, a desire born from their compassion, but they are simultaneously furious with him because of the suffering that has been caused and will continue to be caused by his callous greed.
Like in the book, I personally saw the Ghost of Christmas Present as a reflection of the Author and the conditions of the time that the book was written.
Beware of them.... For upon their brow is written the doom!
But especially this boy.
Indeed, the fact that he didn't specify Ignorance - the root cause of Want - was a disappointment.
{{Scrooge started back, appalled. Having them shown to him
in this way, he tried to say they were fine children, but
the words choked themselves, rather than be parties to a lie
of such enormous magnitude.
'Spirit. are they yours.' Scrooge could say no more.
'They are Man's,' said the Spirit, looking down upon
them. 'And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers.
This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both,
and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy,
for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the
writing be erased. Deny it.' cried the Spirit, stretching out
its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye.
Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse.
And abide the end.'}}
Basically he is saying be careful what you say before you say it. Not say anything thing. But you have to be careful, think about what you say before you say it. That is what what Charles Dickens is telling us. If you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all.
Those are the most awe inspiring delivery of lines I’ve ever seen
Extremely powerful- very affecting.
Gotta love the Ghost of Christmas Present as the Equalizer.
The Ghost of Christmas Present is usually depicted as full of joy and cheer. Which I like. But also like this depiction too. I like Edward Woodward, and the speech about the surplus population is a great one, that obviously gets left out in most other versions. Its Dickens I assume. Straight out of the novel.
The quote is from the original source material. (I looked it up), but his TONE was unnecessary.
@@tenderpawsm473 Well how else is he supposed to? He is only throwing back Ebenezer's Words. And he saw those words as petty ignorance
Yes it is, and as Scrooge realized, throwing his own words back at him, as he does in the scene with the children
@@DavidbarZeus1 showing how much Ebenezer is a hypocrite
@@v.k.rt.m.6030 No, it's the Spirit trying to teach Scrooge. If Scrooge cares about Tiny Tim, what about all the others like him?
It is also showing us that Scrooge IS changing, that he IS starting to care about his fellow man
the way the ghost smiles and the music changes when he says "are there no prisons" is cinematic gold
I love the look he gives at 1:29..."yep I said it and I meant it"
Lots of people who've seen this scene are not aware that it's almost word for word what Dickens wrote in his novella (which I read *every* December). Odd that it was never used in the most popular versions on film.
In a perfect world, this version with Alastair Sim as Scrooge would be perfect (no disrespect to Scott).
But his tone was unnecessary. Certain quotes also do not translate well to the screen.
@@tenderpawsm473 I've been reading A Christmas Carol every year since I was in my 20s (long time ago) and knew this scene before this version was filmed, but in my opinion has more impact the way this scene is shot than it is in the novella. I think his tone dealing with Scrooge augments the scene quite well.
One of the few 'Christmas Carols' that I know that put in the part that was in the novel.
'It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child.'
This is not my favorite version, but kudos to them for putting that part in. lol
I would love for them to blend pieces of thw Alastair Sim version plus this one. This scene plus the one in the 50s version where you see Scrooges sister die and he goes to leave but hears her promise that he didn't originally hear when he was younger which was promise me you'll take care of my boy and then he asks for her forgiveness .also very powerful
It would be awesome to see All the Christmas Carols spliced in to one awesome Scary and breathtaking Christmas Carol. The Jim Carrey was equally good.
@@sabrinanascimento5248 actually like the part about the scabbard without a sword and the part where the spirit tells Scrooge to charge men that they know his kind and do ill deeds in their name.
Yas love that party in the Jim Carrey version :)
I love George C Scott as Scrooge and David Warner as Cratchit. But oh man, this is far and away the best Ghost of Christmas Present in my opinion.
I know this post is two years old but I have really enjoyed seeing Patrick Stewart as Scrooge. They are all memorable performances though, even the Scrooge played by Henry Winkler.
@@erickrobertson7089 Scrooge has been through a lot of wonderful actors, that’s certain!
@@erickrobertson7089 What about Albert Finney?
@@robertisham5279 Dunno. Never seen it and Finney was unknown to me until you mentioned it. From his Wikipedia page I know I've seen him on screen before.
A musical adaptation does sound odd.
This film is not just a great Christmas movie, it’s a Great Film among cinema period. Masterful acting by the entire cast and especially perfected by George C. Scott. I still honestly believe Scott’s role as Ebenezer Scrooge should have garnered him at least an Oscar Nomination in 1984. But, “The Academy Awards” have always been political and are even more today. In future i hope the next version of “A Christmas Carol” is filmed with that mix of Drama, Suspense, Romance & Comedy along with the acting atmosphere of Broadway Theatre seen brilliantly here. I really hope the next actor to portray Scrooge will be Geoffrey Rush. Rush is the best at portraying roles of old history like his role as Captain Barbossa in “Pirates/Caribbean” & as the Marquis De’ Sade in “Quills”.
Scott was not nominated because he would not come.He won an Oscar for Patton and he did not show up .he said doing Patton was it s own reward and he did not need a prize for it
"...less fit to live than *MILLIONS* like this poor man's child!"
Sassy Ghost! 👻🧂🎄 Truly masterful performance! Bravo!
This is one of my favorite adaptations the Ghost of Christmas Present in this is fittingly harsh in the moments he repeats Scrooge's lines back to him
The Equalizer BEFORE he became the Equalizer.That staredown & stern words made it so believable.Excellent job,Mr.Woodward.excellent version
The way the spirit gleefully asks about the prisons is what scares me the most. I get why it was done that way, but still, he did a complete 180 from jovial and loving to sinister and sadistic in the time he was with Scrooge.
He was giving Scrooge the verbal thrashing he deserved. The man loved money for the sake of it and had no time for those who did not enjoy the success, albeit only financially, he had had.
I wish that the UK government, could learn such a less. Their treatment of the poor, the sick and the vulnerable, verges on criminal.
Well he transformed himself from all the Verbal lashing he got. He was quite humble in the end when visiting his nephew Fred. He learned his lesson the hard way from the Ghost of Christmas Present.
All time BEST Christmas Carol. Woodward was awesome!
Oh look, no one heeded the words of the ghost of christmas present. Ignorance plagues us still, and so it seems to most in our limited comprehension of time, worse so than ever, for we did not live in times gone by.
That's why this story still rings true today, and probably always will, as long as there are misers and destitute people on the earth
This version of A Christmas Carol is absolutely my favorite. I watch it every year. George C Scott does an amazing job, along with the actors who play Ghost of Christmas Present, Bob Cratchit, and Fred.
By far my favorite Christmas movie! George C. Scott did an incredible job! 🎉
0:51 Ghost of Christmas Present takes no prisoners.
The only problem I have with this version is Scrooge's lack of soul weight. Where as this part in the book as well as many adaptations the saying of the spirits hit scrooge to the core, being in spirit himself. He couldn't hide behind his cold calculated mind. His soul would have been naked and every word would have been as a blade shoved into his heart.
That being said I like the way the Ghost was portrayed. Giving some direct quotes from the book that most skirt by.
Scott was really uneven in this version, but this is one of the few scenes he gets it right. Paired with Woodward's spirit, this is a great scene.
Dickens wrote a masterpiece and these fine actors bring it out .
How bitter it is to taste ones' own stinging words.
Best version ever.
The BEST Christmas Carol ever. I saw it on its original broadcast in 1984. Unequalled.
Ignorance and Want in this version would give me nightmares. This movie ain’t targeted for little kids!
That darker side of the Ghost of Christmas Present is in fact his brighter side.
The actor portraying the ghost of Christmas present really brought his 'A' game.....a masterclass in acting!
His attitude actually started when they arrived at the Crachit home. When he says, "Shall we go in?" The way he says is betrays the annoyance and irritation he feels towards Scrooge.
I think in these scenes this ghost is scarier than the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The final one is scary, but he did not behave as though he wanted to kick Scrooge's ass.
Maybe he felt like the Ghost of C Present. Already gave him a good Whooping and he just looked at the grave stone and pointed where he was going to end up.
Well said, sir. I love this movie, Christmas Present doesn't mess around, easily the best parts of the movie.
Thank you for posting this. Absolutely classic and its relevance sadly seems to grow all the time.
Well said Spirit, well said.
The burn of all burns was brought down on old Ebeneezer here. Woodward put the fire into his words.
A true masterpiece.
I've been looking for the version that shows the children, thank you!