Post your favorite performance of Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol."
Many actors have played miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” on film, television, radio and stage. Here are five of my favorite performances:
George C. Scott — Directed for television in 1984, the Academy Award winner shined in the finest presentation yet of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella.
Alistair Sim – For decades, the 1951 film “Scrooge” was considered the best treatment of Dickens’ tale. It still holds up remarkably well.
Patrick Stewart – His performance in a one-man show on Broadway was spellbinding. A hint of it can be found on audiobook, and to a far lesser degree, in a 1999 TV movie.
Lionel Barrymore – Old man Potter of “It’s a Wonderful Life” fame was legendary on radio as Scrooge. Seek out his 1939 performance with Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre.
Jim Backus – Back in 1962, television’s first animated holiday special, “Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” offered an abbreviated adaptation. NBC will air it again on Dec. 22.
