UK, USA, 24 December 1982
109m
colour, 4:3
mono, English
A British/American fantasy television special directed by Dave Heather. This is an opera version of the Charles Dickens novel.
Plot Summary
Miserly London businessman Ebenezer Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his dead business partner Marley, who warns him that three more ghosts will appear during the night trying to show Scrooge the error of his ways. As the night wears on, he's visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. But will even they be enough to soften old Scrooge's heart?
Credits
Crew
Directed for Television by: Dave Heather
Granada Television. Presented by the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in association with Virginia Opera Association
Executive Producer: Steve Morrison
Producers: Steve Hawes, David Farrar
Associate Producer: Michael Rennison
Production Manager for Television: Keith Thompson
Novel: Charles Dickens
Libretto: Thea Musgrave
Stage Director: David Farrar
Lighting Director: Stuart Wilson
Lighting: Robert Bryan
Senior Cameraman: Roger England
Technical Supervisor: Phil Carr
Vision Mixer: Anne Birtwell
Videotape Editors: D.L. Heyes, Ron Swain
Music: Thea Musgrave
Music Performed by: The London Sinfonietta
Conductor: Peter Mark
Orchestra Leader: Nona Liddell
Musical Associate: Jonathan Burton
Sound Mixer: Mike Dunn
Dubbing Mixer: Alex Dobos
Costume Designer: Alex Reid
Make Up: Lois Richardson
Set Designer: Miguel Romero
Graphics: Carole Ricketts
Choreography: Romayne Grigorova
Floor Managers: Josh Dynevor, Ken Mair
Production Assistant: Joan Lally
Research: Helen McMurray
Children's Coach: Jean Povey
Casting Director: Doreen Jones
Cast
Frederick Burchinal (Ebenezer Scrooge)
Murray Melvin (Spirit of Christmas)
Sandra Dugdale (Fan/Belinda Cratchit/Liza Fezziwig/Lucy)
Elaine Mary Hall (caroller/starving woman)
Eiddwen Harrhy (Belle Fezziwig/Rosie)
Vivien Townley (Martha Cratchit/laundress)
Elizabeth Bainbridge (Mrs Fezziwig/charwoman/Aunt Louise)
Phyllis Cannan (caroller/Mrs Cratchit)
Robin Leggate (Bob Cratchit)
Terry Jenkins (Mr Dorritt/man with snuff box)
Phillip Gelling (Ben)
William Shumell (Fred/man with red face)
Forbes Robinson (Mr Fezziwig/fat man)
Eric Garrett (portly gentleman/Topper)
Philip Locke (Marley's ghost/Great Aunt Ermintrude/Joe)
Howard Bell (Mr Grubb)
Ivo Martinez (Tiny Tim)
Children Carol Singers from London Oratory School, St John the Evangelist School, St Thomas of Canterbury School, Cardinal Vaughn Memorial School, Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, St Clement Dane's School, London Boys Choir
References
Books
A Christmas Carol and Its Adaptations: A Critical Examination of Dickens's Story and Its Productions on Screen and Television by Fred Guida pp.210-211 – credits
