Mimi Kennedy

 In honor of Christmas I wanted to share with you clips from A CHRISTMAS CAROL. More specifically one of the greatest fictional characters of all time, Ebenezer Scrooge as portrayed by Alastair Sim (1951) and George C. Scott (1984). Comparisons are odious. But it’s fun to watch two great actors embodying one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. 

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Love, Mimi

Let us start with the famous Jacob Marley scene.

Alastair Sim, in my opinion is the best Scrooge ever! His supporting cast, especially Cratchit (Mervyn Johns) and the ghosts are thrillingly good!

Here is George C. Scott in the same scene – he is brilliant and in my opinion, is definitely a close second to Sim. The whole production, being in color and 1984, not 1951 is quite enchanting, whereas the Sim version is thrillingly dark.

Here is Alastair’s wake-up scene on Christmas Day. This, along with the Marley scene, is the definitive challenge for a great Scrooge!

Here is George C. Scott’s wake-up scene on Christmas Day as Scrooge. Again, masterfully acted.

“THE INCOMPARABLE ALASTAIR SIM” – I AGREE!

George C. Scott’s more ostensibly affable Scrooge – a reasonable businessman, a Trumpian libertarian, if you please….

Alastair Sim again. To me, nobody beats him at “Are there no prisons?”

Charles Dickens understood that humans’ biggest threat, for all time, is our uncaring towards what happens to children who are born, and grow, in desperation – “Want” – and neglect of their mental development – “Ignorance.”  This vision is one that cuts to the core of even Scrooge’s selfish greed and self-satisfied isolation. 

Merry Christmas