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Ebenezer Scrooge has been a Christmas staple for over a century, with countless actors bringing Charles Dickens’ miserable old miser to life on stage and screen. Now, Johnny Depp is gearing up for his own spin on the character EbenezerA new adaptation Christmas song Directed by Ty West. He will join the long list of artists who have uttered those immortal words, “Bah, humble!”
Of course, not all Scrooges are created equal. Some rely more on the character’s nastiness, others bring a surprising amount of humor, and the best ones make his ultimate redemption feel absolutely genuine. There are so many interpretations to choose from, but these are five of my favorite portraits of Ebenezer Scrooge, including one that breaks the rules a bit.
Patrick Stewart – Christmas song (1999)
Before starring in this 1999 TV adaptation, Patrick Stewart already had a lot of experience Christmas song. He developed a one-man stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story, in which he played more than thirty characters. He’s been performing for years, so it’s no surprise that Stewart delivers one of the best interpretations of Scrooge ever to grace the screen.
grew up as a Star Trek Hey guys, I’ve often been looking for other movies starring actors from the franchise and I remember renting this one just because Patrick Stewart was in it. But here the actor can’t tear himself away from Captain Picard, portraying Scrooge as a bitter old bastard who seems completely devoid of empathy. His commanding voice and theatrical presence make him especially believable as someone who can drive poor Bob Cratchit (played by Richard E. Grant) into a nervous breakdown with a simple disapproving look.
But Stewart is equally effective as Scrooge’s emotional walls begin to crumble, revealing the regret and loneliness beneath his hapless exterior. It’s a great performance that proves Stewart is as convincing as the heartless old man as he is commanding the enterprise.
George C. Scott – Christmas song (1984)
Perhaps more than any other actor on this list, George Scott feels like he was born to play Scrooge. The actor had a reputation as a mean, nasty and all-round tough guy, which made him a natural fit for Dickens’ famous character. Instead of portraying Scrooge as a frail, wizened old man, Scott makes him a commanding, intimidating businessman.
Scott’s Scrooge is an intelligent, calculating individual with a contempt for others and an insatiable desire for wealth. He brings considerable gravitas to the role, but also finds moments of genuine vulnerability beneath the character’s gruff exterior, especially when Scrooge is forced to confront the mistakes that have defined his life. The result is one of the more grounded and emotionally compelling depictions of the character, and a major reason why this 1984 TV adaptation remains a Christmas favorite forty years later.
Bill Murray – Scrooge (1988)
Okay, I know I’m cheating a little bit with that. Bill Murray isn’t technically playing Ebenezer Scrooge in Richard Donner’s film ScroogeBut his character, Frank Cross, is essentially a modern version of the character. It’s too good to leave off the list, so if you have a problem with it, feel free to fight me in the comments.
Murray plays a ruthless television executive whose idea of spreading Christmas cheer involves terrorizing his employees and producing the most outrageously tasteless holiday shows imaginable. It’s a role that suits Murray’s strengths perfectly, and he has an absolute blast playing one of the biggest geeks in Christmas movie history.
Scrooge More cynical and outrageous than most adaptations Christmas songBut it ultimately delivers the same message of compassion and redemption. Murray’s performance, especially during the film’s chaotic finale, manages to be both hilarious and wonderfully honest, giving this delightfully skewed Christmas comedy real heart.
Michael Caine – The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
There’s something inherently funny about the idea of Michael Caine playing Ebenezer Scrooge against Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets. But what makes it even better is that Kane approaches the role with utmost seriousness, delivering a performance that would be right at home in a traditional Dickens adaptation.
In fact, director Brian Henson said that Caine made it clear that he had no intention of delivering a comedy performance. “I’m going to play this movie like I’m with the Royal Shakespeare Company.Kane told Henson.I’ll never blink, never do anything Muppet. I’m going to play Scrooge like it’s a completely dramatic role.“
And it works beautifully. While the Muppets provide plenty of laughs, Caine plays Scrooge completely straight, never treating his felt-covered stars like other real people. His Scrooge is appropriately cold and intimidating in the early scenes, but as the spirits guide him through the past, present and future, Kane reveals some real tenderness beneath that icy exterior. Its scenes involving the Cratchit family are particularly moving, proving that even a movie populated by singing puppets can pack a serious emotional punch.
Alastair Sim – Scrooge (1951)
And here we are. For me, Alastair Simm is not only one of the best actors to play Ebenezer Scrooge. he is Ebenezer Scrooge. This movie is one of my absolute favorite Christmas movies, and Sim’s incredible performance is a big part of that.
He’s very good, bringing a wonderfully wicked sense of humor to the miserable old miser who seems to take genuine pleasure in making those around him miserable. There’s an almost repulsive quality to his cruelty, as if he’s repelled by spreading misery wherever he goes.
However, what makes his performance so special is how convincingly he handles Scrooge’s transformation. As the ghosts force him to confront his past, Sim gradually lets the character’s humanity sink in, culminating in a Christmas morning awakening practically bursting with joy. I know this is the journey every Scrooge takes; This is the story, after all. But Sim’s giddy laugh and childlike excitement are so infectious that it’s hard not to smile when you watch him. Countless actors have put their own stamp on Dickens’ famous character, but more than seventy years later, Simm’s performance remains the undisputed definitive interpretation.
it’s your turn
Of course, there have been countless interpretations of Ebenezer Scrooge over the years, and everyone has their favorite. Did your top pick make it to my list or did I miss someone who deserves a spot? Let us know your favorite Scrooge in the comments below!
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