Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
There'll be no peace on earth
with all that noise.
- 'Ere you are, boys.
- Thanks, guv'nor.
Come on, hurry up!
Come on, this house here.
Infernal, horrible caterwauling.
Why can't they leave a man in peace?
Get on with your work, Cratchit.
- Merry Christmas!
- Get away from here, scavengers.
- Blimey, who's he?
- That's Father Christmas!
- A plague on Father Christmas.
- He sends his best to you too, guv'nor.
Get back!
Regards to Father Christmas!
Humbug!
Insolent young ruffians coming here
with their Christmas nonsense.
Beware, Cratchit, you have
a dangerous sense of humour.
Hellfire and damnation! Don't they know
I'm trying to run a business here?
Uncle Ebenezer! I cannot tell you what
a joy it is to see your happy, smiling face!
- It's you.
- Merry Christmas! God save you.
God save me from Christmas.
It's a humbug.
A humbug?
I'm sure you don't mean that.
I'm sure that I do mean that.
Merry Christmas indeed!
- Why so merry? You're poor enough.
- Why so miserable? You're rich enough.
There is no such thing as rich enough,
only poor enough.
Don't be so dismal.
What else can I be when I live in a world
of fools babbling merry Christmas?
Christmas is a time to find yourself
a year older and not a day richer.
There's nothing merry in that.
If I could work my will, every idiot who
goes about saying merry Christmas
should be boiled with his pudding and
buried with a holly stake in his heart.
- God forbid!
- Keep Christmas in your way.
- Let me keep it in mine.
- But you don't keep it!
Let me... Get off my ledger,
you'll ruin my binding.
Let me leave it alone, sir.
And be good enough to leave me alone
during business hours.
Seven o'clock, Christmas Eve? That's
not business hours. That's drudgery.
- An insult to men of goodwill.
- Hear, hear.
Thank you, Bob Cratchit.
Another word from you, Cratchit,
and you will celebrate Christmas
by losing your position.
Yes, sir. Sorry, Mr Scrooge.
You're a powerful speaker. I wonder you
don't go into politics. You're fool enough.
Come now. Don't be angry.
Dine with my wife and me tomorrow.
As though you hadn't got enough
problems, you got married.
- Why did you ever do that?
- Because I fell in love.
If there's one thing more
nauseating than a merry Christmas,
it's the hypocrisy of a happy marriage
with some idiot, lovesick female.
Good afternoon, sir.
My offer stands. You're always
welcome. Like Christmas itself.
- I said good afternoon.
- Merry Christmas.
- You, too, Bob Cratchit, and your family.
- Thank you. And to your good lady.
Oh, and Uncle... Happy New Year!
Good afternoon!
Excuse me, sir, but,
well, it's seven o'clock, sir.
Correct, Cratchit.
I don't wish to be impertinent,
but would it be too much trouble
for me to have my wages?
The trouble with you, Cratchit,
is that all you think of is pleasure.
Pleasure and squandering money.
You'll be wanting the whole day
off tomorrow, I suppose?
- If it's convenient, sir.
- No, sir, it is not convenient.
And it is not fair.
Yet if I stopped your wages for it,
you'd think yourself ill-used, no doubt.
And yet you don't think me ill-used
when I pay a day's wages for no work.
It is Christmas Day
and it is only once a year, sir.
A poor excuse for picking
a man's pocket every 25th December.
I don't pay good money for you
to be forever on holiday.
I appreciate your kindness, Mr Scrooge.
That's my weakness.
I'm a martyr to my own generosity.
I give you one Christmas Day off
and you expect them all.
- Very well, take the day.
- Thank you, sir.
- But be here earlier the next morning.
- I will, sir. Thank you.
Oh, and merry Christmas, Mr Scrooge.
Be gone from here and take your
infernal merry Christmas with you.
I beg your pardon, sir. No offence, sir.
There's another one.
Fifteen shillings a week, a wife and five
children, still talks of a merry Christmas.
Boo! Kathy, my dear! Tim!
Oh, you're both frozen!
Sorry I'm late. Mr Scrooge
and I had a lot of last minute business.
Well, my loves,
which one do you like best, eh?
- I like that dolly in the corner.
- I like all of them.
Good boy! Why not one in particular?
You said I can't have none,
so I may as well like 'em all.
Tim, you are a philosopher
and a gentleman.
- And I've got 15 shillings in my pocket.
- 15 shillings!
15 shillings, which says the Cratchits
are going to have as good a Christmas
as the Lord Mayor of London himself!
Oh, I do like that dolly in the corner.
Christmas children
Peep into Christmas windows
See a world as pretty as a dream
Christmas trees and toys
Christmas hopes and joys
Christmas puddings
Rich with Christmas cream
Christmas presents
Shine in the Christmas windows
Christmas boxes tied with pretty bows
Wonder what's inside
What delights they hide
But till Christmas morning
No one knows
- You've five children. Five for a shilling.
- Thank you.
Won't it be exciting if it snows?
I suppose that children everywhere
Will say a Christmas prayer
Till Santa brings
Their Christmas things
I bought you the finest bird in the shop.
Well, for one and tenpence ha'penny.
Christmas children
Live in a Christmas daydream
Waiting for the magic to unfold
Wondrous things to eat
Every Christmas treat
Rich or not the Christmas pot of gold
Hypnotises children young and old
With your lot, these six-a-penny
apples are the best bet.
- I'd rather have the dolly.
- I'd rather have the oranges.
- 1846 is the best vintage in 20 years.
- At that price, it should be.
- Your change, sir.
- Thank you. Happy Christmas.
And to you, sir.
This'll make the finest punch
and only tuppence a pint.
Christmas punch,
it's a Cratchit speciality.
Fourpence for a Christmas pudding!
Scandalous!
- It's Papa!
- Oh, goody!
Here we are.
Look what we've bought.
About time, too. We were beginning
to think you'd gone away for Christmas.
Christmas children
Hunger for Christmas morning
Christmas Day's a wonder to behold
Young ones dreams come true
Not-so-young ones too
I believe that story we've been told
You're not the only ones who've been
busy. Look what we've been up to.
Christmas is for children young and old
- Good evening, sir.
- Good evening, sir.
Have we the pleasure of addressing
Mr Scrooge or Mr Marley?
It's no pleasure to be addressed
by either of you.
Mr Marley has been dead seven years.
Seven years ago this very night he died.
No doubt his liberality is well
represented by his surviving partner.
Mr Scrooge, sir.
At this festive season, sir,
it is more than usually desirable that
we make some provision for the poor.
Excellent. I suggest you do so.
You miss our point, sir. The poor
suffer greatly at the present time.
Thousands lack common necessaries.
- Are there no prisons?
- Indeed. There's no shortage of them.
- Are the workhouses still operating?
- They are. I wish they weren't.
I'm very glad. I was afraid something had
stopped them in their useful purpose.
Oh, but, sir...!
We are trying to raise a fund
to provide the poor meat and warmth.
We choose this time because want is
keenly felt and abundance rejoices.
- What may we put you down for?
- Nothing.
- You wish to be anonymous?
- I wish to be left alone, sir.
I don't make merry at Christmas and
cannot afford to make idle people merry.
I've been forced to support the places
I've mentioned through tax.
They cost more than they are worth.
The badly off must go there.
Many would rather die.
Then they had better do it
and decrease the surplus population.
Good night, gentlemen.
Humbug!
Poppycock! Balderdash! Bah!
Scavengers and sycophants
And flatterers and fools
Pharisees and parasites
And hypocrites and ghouls
Calculating swindlers,
Prevaricating frauds
Perpetrating evil
As they roam the earth in hordes
Feeding on their fellow men
Reaping rich rewards
Contaminating everything they see
Corrupting honest men...
...like me!
I hate people!
I hate people!
People are despicable creatures
Loathsome, inexplicable creatures
Good-for-nothing, kickable creatures
I hate people!
I abhor them
When I see the indolent classes
Sitting on their indolent arses
Gulping ale from indolent glasses
I hate people!
I detest them!
I deplore them!
Knives, scissors or razors to grind.
Fools who have no money spend it
Get in debts then try to end it
Beg me on their knees befriend them
Knowing I have cash to lend 'em
Soft-hearted me!
Hard-working me!
Clean-living, thrifty and kind as can be!
Situations like this are of interest to me
It's Mr Scrooge.
Two pounds five shillings due
before Christmas. That means today.
We've been giving
more credit than usual...
That's your business. Mine is to collect
two pounds five shillings.
We sell things for children,
and people can't afford...
Neither can I afford it.
However, I will allow you
an extra week's credit...
Oh, thank you, Mr Scrooge.
...which will only cost you
a further 12 shillings.
12! But we scarcely make
that much in a week!
If you would prefer me to confiscate
your stall and its contents,
which is my legal right, I will do so.
- We'll pay, sir.
- You will both sign this.
Knives, scissors or razors to grind.
- And you can give me a pair of these.
- Certainly, Mr Scrooge.
Oh, look, there's that lovable
Father Christmas again.
Merry Christmas, sir.
Penny for the baby, sir?
Penny for the baby?
I hate people
I loathe people
I despise and abominate people
Move over!
Life is full of cretinous wretches
Earning what their sweatiness fetches
Empty minds whose pettiness stretches
Further than I can see
Little wonder
I hate people
And I don't care if they hate me
- Not now, please!
- Two pounds seven and six, Miller.
- Now is as good a time as any.
- But I'm performing!
You're always performing.
Where's my money?
Tomorrow, after the Christmas show.
It's my best day of the year.
It will be two pounds ten
or I confiscate your puppets.
All right, Mr Scrooge. Two pounds ten.
Oh, what a pity,
what a pity, what a pity!
Father Christmas
Father Christmas
He's the meanest man
In the whole wide world
In the whole wide world
You can feel it
He's a miser
He's a skinflint
He's a stingy lout
Leave your stocking out
For your Christmas gift
And he'll steal it
It's a shame he's a villain
What a game for a villain to play
On Christmas Day!
Hark! The herald angels sing
- Father Christmas
- Thank you, guv'nor.
Will be just as mean as he's ever been
And I'm here to say
- We should all send Father Christmas...
- Get out of it!
...on his merry Christmas way!
- Come on!
- After him.
- I've got an idea.
Wait for me!
Father Christmas!
Father Christmas
He's the rottenest man in the universe
There is no one worse
You can tell it
- He's a rascal!
- He's a bandit!
- Scum!
- Come on, over here.
He's a crafty one
Leave your door undone
He'll go in your house
- And sell it!
- Here's your money. Count it.
You waste breath, sir.
No one has ever short-changed me.
- It's a crime
- It's a scandal
What a game for a vandal to play
On Christmas Day!
Merry Christmas, sir. Merry Christmas!
Lavender, sweet lavender.
Sweet lavender.
Hot broth, Mr Scrooge.
A small token of Christmas esteem
with the compliments of Tom Jenkins.
No.
There'll be a free can of broth
every night for a year
in gratitude for your kindness
in giving me another two weeks to pay.
- One week.
- Ten days?
One week.
- One week.
- Put a lid on that. I'll take it home.
If you distrust Father Christmas
It's as well to know that we told you so
'Cause I'm here to say
We should all send Father Christmas...
Beat it!
Father Christmas
Father Christmas
...on his merry Christmas way!
Scrooge.
Marley?
Humbug!
Merry Christmas, guv'nor.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Scrooge.
It's humbug still. I'll not believe it!
Scrooge.
How now?
What do you want with me?
- Much.
- Who are you?
In life, I was your partner,
Jacob Marley.
- Can you sit down?
- Of course I can sit down.
Do so, then.
You don't believe in me, do you?
No, I don't.
Why do you doubt
the evidence of your own eyes?
Because I've had
a slight stomach disorder.
It has undoubtedly affected my vision.
You're an hallucination.
Probably brought on by an undigested
bit of beef or a blob of mustard.
Or a crumb of cheese or an old potato.
Yes, that's what you are.
You are an old potato.
You do not exist, Jacob Marley.
It's humbug, I tell you. It's a lot of...
Stop, I beseech you, stop!
- Now do you believe in me?
- I believe in you absolutely.
Why do you walk the earth?
Why do you come to persecute me?
- What is that great chain you wear?
- I wear the chain I forged in life.
I made it link by link
and yard by yard while on earth.
And now I can never be rid of it,
any more than you will
ever be rid of yours.
Mine?
It was as heavy and long
as this seven Christmases ago.
It's a terrible ponderous chain
you are making, Scrooge.
Tell me more, Marley,
but speak comfort to me!
- I have none to give.
- None?
Comfort comes from other sources,
Ebenezer Scrooge,
and is given by other ministers than I
to other kinds of men than you.
When I lived, my spirit, like yours,
never walked beyond the narrow limits
of our counting house.
But you were always
a good man of business.
Mankind should be our business,
Ebenezer.
But we seldom attend to it.
As you shall see.
Marley!
See the phantoms
Filling the sky around you?
They astound you
I can tell
These inhabitants of hell
Poor wretches
Whom the hand of heaven ignores
Beware! Beware! Beware!
Lest their dreadful fate be yours!
It was a dream.
Yes, that's what it was, a dream!
It's not a dream, Ebenezer.
For pity's sake, Marley,
leave me in peace!
It was for pity's sake I came here.
Pity for you.
I leave you with just the tiniest chance
of escaping my fate.
You were always a good friend to me,
Jacob. Thank you.
You will be visited by three ghosts.
I think I'd rather not.
The first will appear tonight
when the bell tolls one.
Couldn't I take them all at once
and get it over with, Jacob?
The second at two o'clock
and the third when the bell tolls... three.
- I must go now.
- Marley, wait!
I'm doomed to wander through the world
in everlasting repentance.
Remember
what has passed between us.
Farewell, Scrooge.
Three ghosts?
Three humbugs!
Half past ten.
Quarter to eleven?
One o'clock!
- Who are you?
- The spirit whose coming was foretold.
- You don't look like a ghost.
- Thank you.
May I enquire who or what you are?
I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
- Long past?
- No, your past.
- What brings you here?
- Your welfare.
To be wakened by a ghost in the night
is hardly conducive to my welfare!
Your redemption then.
Rise and walk with me.
- Where are we going?
- We are going to look at your childhood.
- Do you remember these children?
- Of course. All of them.
Look there's my little sister! Fran! Fran!
Fran! Why doesn't she wave back?
She cannot see you. These are but
shadows of the things that have been.
I could never join in
those Christmas parties.
The school is not quite empty, is it?
A solitary boy, neglected by his family,
is left there still.
Poor boy.
- I wish...
- What is it?
- Nothing. Nothing!
- What is it you wish?
There were some boys singing carols
outside my door last night.
I should've given them something.
Let us look at another Christmas.
Ebby! Dear, dear brother.
I've come to bring you home.
- With you?
- Father's much kinder than he was.
He sent me to bring you home.
We're to be together all Christmas.
Go and fetch your things.
Always a delicate creature
whom a breath might have withered.
But she had a large heart.
- She had, I'll not deny it.
- She died a woman.
- And I believe had children.
- One child.
- Your nephew!
- Yes.
There's a Christmas
that you really enjoyed.
Why, it's old Fezziwig alive again!
I was his apprentice!
Yo ho, Ebenezer! Yo ho, Dick! Hi-de-ho
and chirrup! No more work today!
Hi-de-hi!
It's Christmas Eve, Dick, Ebenezer.
Clear away before
you can say Jack Robinson.
Make some room before Mrs Fezziwig
and the daughters arrive!
- With the punchbowl!
- My word, I am a good-looking chap.
Strong, too.
I used to carry sacks around all day.
That other fellow. I remember him.
Dick Wilkins.
Nice young fellow. Very attached to me
he was. Dear, oh, dear.
Mrs Fezziwig!
My very dear friends!
There will now be happiness
and contentment in this room
the like of which
we've never seen! Begin!
Of all the days in all the year
That I'm familiar with
There's only one that's really fun
- December 25th
- Correct!
Ask anyone called Robinson
Or Brown or Jones or Smith
- Their favourite day and they will say
- December 25th
December 25th, my dears
December 25th
The dearest day in all the year
- December 25th
- Correct!
December 25th!
Mrs Fezziwig!
- December 25th
- Correct!
At times we're glad to see the back
Of all our kin and kith
But there's a date we celebrate
December 25th
At times our friends may seem to be
Devoid of wit and pith
But all of us are humorous
- December 25th
- Correct
December 25th, my dears
December 25th
The dearest day in all the year
December 25th!
- Why didn't you join the dance?
- Because I couldn't do it.
December 25th, my dears
December 25th
The dearest day in all the year
December 25th
Correct!
If there's a day in history
That's more than any myth
Beyond a doubt, one day stands out
- December 25th
- Correct!
I don't hear any arguments
So may I say forthwith
I wish that every day could be
December 25th!
Go on, go on!
What? Me?
- What a marvellous man!
- What's so marvellous?
He's merely spent a few pounds
of your mortal money. Three or four.
Why is that deserving
of so much praise?
He has the power
to make us happy or unhappy.
To make our work a pleasure or
a burden. It's nothing to do with money.
December 25th, my dears
December 25th
The dearest day in all the years
December 25th, my dears
December 25th, my dears
- Isabel.
- Fezziwig's daughter.
You were going to marry her,
weren't you?
Yes.
You, you were new to me
You, you were spring
You, you were true to me
You, you were everything
They say happiness
Is a thing you can't see
A thing you can't touch
I disagree
Here we are!
Happiness is standing beside me
I can see him
He can see me
Happiness
Is whatever you want it to be
Happiness is a high hill
Will I find it? Yes, I will
Happiness is a tall tree
Can I climb it? Watch and see
They say happiness is the folly of fools
Pity poor me, one of the fools
Happiness is smiling upon me
Walking my way, sharing my day
Happiness
Is whatever you want it to be
Happiness is a bright star
Are we happy? Yes, we are
Happiness is a clear sky
Give me wings and let me fly
Let me fly
For happiness is whatever
you want it to be
You, you were good for me
You were my day
Did all you could for me
I let you go away
- I did love her, you know.
- Did you?
Oh, yes, I loved her.
Then why did you let her go?
I've never been quite sure.
Then let us go and see.
- Ebenezer.
- Yes?
I've come to say goodbye.
I'm going away.
You will not see me again.
- But you are going to marry me.
- No.
You've found another love to replace me.
She's much more desirable than I am.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
This lady here.
How shall I ever understand this world?
It is so hard on poverty
and yet it condemns with such severity
the pursuit of wealth.
You fear the world too much, Ebenezer.
All your nobler dreams that I loved,
I've seen die off one by one.
- Only the desire for gain is left.
- I'm not changed towards you, am I?
Yes. Your promise to me was made
when you were poor and content to be.
- You were someone else then.
- A boy.
You see? Your own feelings tell you
that you are not what you were.
I see that all too clearly.
- And so I can release you.
- Have I ever asked to be released?
In words, no.
But in a changed nature, yes.
In everything that made my love
of value to you, yes.
If you met me today,
you would not love me.
- I would. I do. I still do.
- Sh! I'm trying to listen!
I find it impossible to discuss personal
affairs during business hours. Please!
You see? If you weigh me by gain,
I weigh very little.
And so I release you with a full heart
and for the love of him you once were.
Say something, you fool!
You may for a little while
have pain in this. But it will pass.
And you'll dismiss the recollection
of it gladly as an unprofitable dream.
From which it happened
well that you awoke.
Don't go. It's a mistake. Don't go!
Be happy in the life you have chosen.
- Isabel!
- Isabel.
You fool!
You fool.
I let you go away
And now I can see
Now you're a dream gone by
For how could there be
Such a fool...
...as I?
I who must travel on
What hope for me?
Dream where my past has gone
Live with a memory
You, my only hope
You, my only love
You...
You...
You...
Spirit, remove me from this place.
I can bear it no more.
Stupid old fool!
Getting yourself all upset over nothing.
It's all in your imagination!
The first at one. The second at two.
I'm ready for you wherever you are!
Nothing.
Ebenezer Scrooge!
Come here, Scrooge, I'm waiting for you.
Or shall I come in there and get you?
I'm coming.
I'm coming.
Welcome, Scrooge.
Is it too bright for you?
Come over here, you weird little man.
I am the Spirit of Christmas Present.
Now look upon me. You have never
seen the like of me before.
Never.
Yet how many of my brothers have you
rejected in your miserable lifetime?
I've never met any of your brothers, sir.
- You have never looked for them.
- How many of them are there?
- What year is this?
- 1860.
Then I have 1,859 brothers.
Each year at this time, one of us
visits this puny little planet
to spread some happiness
and to remove as many as we can
of the causes of human misery.
Which is why I have come to see you,
Ebenezer Scrooge.
You're a funny-looking creature.
I found it hard to believe you'd be as
horrible as my brothers said you'd be.
But now I look at you, I see
they were understating the truth.
I am a man of the highest principles
and a most generous spirit!
Generous spirit?! You?
You don't know the meaning of
the phrase. But you're about to find out.
Now, drink this.
- What is it?
- Taste it!
Do you like it?
It's wonderful.
I've never tasted anything like it.
- Of course you haven't.
- What is it?
The Milk of Human Kindness.
There are more good things in life
than you can imagine.
I'm sure.
Can I have some more?
Ebenezer Scrooge
The sins of man are huge
A never-ending symphony
Of villainy and infamy
Duplicity, deceit and subterfuge
And no one's worse
Than Ebenezer Scrooge
Though man's
A handy candidate for hell
I must admit life sometimes has
its brighter side as well
I like life
Life likes me
Life and I fairly fully agree
Life is fine
Life is good
'Specially mine
Which is just as it should be
I like pouring the wine
And why not?
Life's a pleasure that I deny not
I like life here and now
Life and I made a mutual vow
Till I die, life and I
We'll both try to be better somehow
And if life were a woman
She would be my wife
- Why?
- Why? Because I like life!
That's all very well for you,
but not for me. I hate life.
- Nonsense, man! Why?
- Because life hates me, that's why.
Scrooge, you're an even
bigger fool than I took you for.
I've never heard such a lot
of self-pitying drivel.
You don't even know how to live.
Now you listen to me.
I like life
- Well, go on.
- I like life
That's better.
Life likes me
- Life likes me
- Good. Good.
- I make life a perpetual spree
- Perpetual spree
- Eating food
- Drinking wine!
Thinking who'd like
The privilege to dine me
- I like drinking the drink I'm drinking
- That's better, Scrooge!
I like thinking the thoughts I'm thinking
I like songs, I like dance
I hear music and I'm in a trance
- Tra-la-la!
- Oom-pah-pah!
Chances are we shall get up and prance
Where there's music and laughter
Happiness is rife
- Why?
- Why? Because I like life!
Where there's music and laughter
Happiness is rife
Why? Because I like life!
See how much we like life!
What happened? What's happened?
What am I doing in a pile of snow in
the middle of the night? Where are we?
Now, Scrooge. Over there lies the lavish
home of Robert Cratchit, Esquire,
who owes the opulence
of his surroundings
and the magnificence
of his Christmas celebrations
to the high principles
and generous spirit of his employer.
I want to look in the window.
It will cost nothing,
which will be good news for you.
- Will they be able to see me?
- No. Which will be good news for them.
- I could do with another of them drinks.
- Later.
For the time being, it's better
you see things as they really are.
Oh, nectar. Pure nectar!
And at only tuppence a pint,
you can't really grumble.
A tragedy that Her Majesty and
the Lord Mayor couldn't be with us.
They don't know what they're missing.
You try that, my love.
- Bob Cratchit, you're a genius.
- The stuffing's ready, Father.
The marriage of roast goose and sage
and onion stuffing la Cratchit
is one of the culinary miracles
of our day.
And a living legend
throughout Camden Town.
The only remaining problem is whether
to put the stuffing inside the goose
or the goose inside the stuffing.
But since the ultimate intention
is to put them inside ourselves,
I don't suppose it very much matters.
Here they are. The one and only
carol-singing Cratchits.
Newly returned
from their triumphant musical tour.
- How did you do, Tiny Tim?
- Tenpence ha'penny.
Well done!
Another fantastic coup by young
Timothy Cratchit, the financial wizard.
At only seven years of age, the youngest
millionaire in the vast Cratchit empire.
Ladies and gentlemen, if I may steal
a moment of your valuable time,
I would ask you to drink a toast
to the sparkling good health
of the two gentlemen whose industry
and generosity have provided our repast.
Master Timothy Cratchit
and Mr Ebenezer Scrooge.
- Are you trying to ruin our Christmas?
- His money paid for the goose.
No, your money
paid for the goose, my dear.
- But he paid me the money.
- Because you earnt it, my love.
Fifteen shillings a week at thruppence
an hour. Not a rise in eight years.
Believe me, you earnt it.
Mr Scrooge assures me
that times are hard.
For you they are. Not for himself.
He is the founder of our feast
and we shall drink to him.
Quite right. You, listen to this.
The founder of our feast indeed!
I wish I had him here. I'd give him
a piece of my mind to feast upon.
- He'd have indigestion.
- Ethel, the children. It's Christmas!
It's needs to be to drink to a rotten,
hard, stingy old miser like Scrooge.
- But, Ethel...
- You know he is, Bob.
Nobody knows it better than you,
my poor love.
To Christmas, my dear.
Children, we shall drink to your father,
for all the love and happiness
he gives us,
and to Tiny Tim
for the health we wish him.
And for the sake of your father, I'll even
drink to that old miser, Mr Scrooge.
Long life to him and to us all!
- A merry Christmas to us all!
- Merry Christmas!
- God bless us!
- God bless us every one!
As I said to the Lord Mayor,
"If Her Majesty is bored,
"you wheel her over to Camden Town.
"A glass of Bob Cratchit's hot punch
and a song from Tiny Tim,
"and we'll have her back
on her regal feet in no time."
Well, there's the punch,
now where's our song, Tiny Tim?
Come on, Tim.
On a beautiful day that I dream about
In a world I would love to see
Is a beautiful place
Where the sun comes out
And it shines in the sky for me
On this beautiful winter's morning
If my wish could come true somehow
Then the beautiful day
That I dream about
Would be here and now
On this beautiful winter's morning
If my wish could come true somehow
Then the beautiful day
That I dream about
Would be here
And now
- Good boy!
- Well done, Tiny Tim, well done!
What an unpleasant child!
You know, Scrooge, there are few things
more nauseating to see
than a happy family enjoying
themselves at Christmas.
Do you not agree?
I think Bob Cratchit's
really rather fond of me.
And so's his wife. Couldn't you tell?
- She doesn't really know me.
- That's one of her few blessings.
And what will become of Tiny Tim?
What's this? Concern over a sick child?
Have you taken leave of your senses?
Don't mock me, Spirit.
Is the child very sick?
Not that it's of any
great importance to me. But is he?
Well, of course he's sick.
You mean he's seriously ill?
Will he live? Well, will he?!
What does it matter to you,
Ebenezer Scrooge?
If he's going to die, then he'd better do it
and decrease the surplus population.
We've one more call to make.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please honour me
with your undivided attention.
The time has come that I know you look
forward to every Christmas Eve,
when I ask you to drink to the health
and long life of my uncle Ebenezer!
- Sounds as if he knows I'm here.
- Of course he doesn't. He can't see you.
I've visited you every Christmas
for five years
and I can never understand
this extraordinary ritual
of toasting your old uncle Ebenezer.
Everyone knows he's the most miserable
skinflint ever to walk God's earth.
- Who's he?
- Oh, just a friend.
My dear Tom, it's very simple. He is
indeed the most despicable old miser.
Worse than you could ever imagine.
- You find this amusing?
- Believe it or not, he likes you.
If I can wish a merry Christmas
to him who is, beyond dispute,
the most obnoxious and
parsimonious of all living creatures,
then I know
I am truly a man of goodwill.
- Scoundrel!
- Wait! There's more to come.
Besides, I like old Scrooge.
- What did I tell you?
- Truly I do.
I can't help feeling that hidden inside
that loathsome old carcass of his,
there's a different man
fighting to get out.
He may be worse than this one!
God forbid! Anyway, that's the reason
I ask him here every Christmas.
In the hope he might pick up
enough goodwill
to raise his clerk's wages
by five shillings a week.
God knows it's high time he did.
- He's free with other people's money.
- Enough, Harry.
I refuse to have Christmas haunted
by Uncle Ebenezer.
We'll have some dancing, some music,
then some party games.
There's a charming new game called
the Minister's Cat. It's very funny.
You'll all get very angry when you lose.
And you, nephew, if you were in my will,
I'd disinherit you.
Scrooge! Come over here.
You need some more of this.
Raise my clerk's wages!
I know that tune.
I used to sing it when I was a lad.
The minister's cat is a lonely cat.
- The minister's cat is a languid cat.
- The minister's cat is a lordly cat.
- The minister's cat is a lazy cat.
- The minister's cat is a ludicrous cat.
- The minister's cat is a lascivious cat.
- The minister's cat is a...
- Too late, you're out!
- He's out! He's out!
They get furious when they lose!
It's lovely!
He's out! It's M. Come on, M, M, M!
- Now M.
- The minister's cat is a marvellous cat.
- The minister's cat is a marmalade cat.
- Marmalade!
Miserable!
Merciful!
Merry, say merry!
- Damn!
- I told you to say merry.
Why are you so stupid? He's always
been stupid. And stop yawning.
- What next?
- N.
- The minister's cat is a naughty cat.
- Quickly!
- The minister's cat is a noble cat.
- The minister's cat is a nebulous cat.
- The minister's cat is a...
- Nasty cat!
Oh, no!
- I'm not out. I was about to say nasty.
- You fool! It's too late!
You could've said neglectful,
nervous, nauseating. You're out!
- The minister's cat is an orange cat.
- The minister's cat is an old cat.
Thank you, my boy.
What a wonderful evening!
That minister's cat game. Splendid.
I thought I was rather good at it.
Good night. Thank you.
I haven't enjoyed a Christmas
as much as this
since I was an apprentice
at old Fezziwig's so many years ago.
What Christmases we used to have
in those days. Fantastic they were.
He had this daughter,
reminded me a little bit of your mother,
she did.
Her name was Isabel.
Oh, Isabel.
Happiness was standing beside me
I could see her
She could see me
Happiness
Is whatever you want it to be
Yes, Scrooge, I have brought you home.
You're not going?
My time upon this planet is brief.
I must leave you now.
But we still have so much to talk about,
haven't we?
There's never enough time to do or say
all the things we would wish.
The thing is to do as much as you can
in the time that you have.
- Yes, but...
- Remember, Scrooge, time is short.
And suddenly
you're not there any more.
No, wait! Don't go! Don't leave me!
Where are you?
Wait, it's too dark! I can't see!
I can't see! I can't see!
Oh, my God, what am I doing here?
I'm in bed, that's what I'm doing here.
That's where I'm supposed to be at night.
Was I dreaming again? I must've been.
That giant!
I must be mad! There are no giants!
There are no ghosts!
Am I in the presence of the Ghost
of Christmas Yet To Come?
You are to show me things
that will happen in the time before us.
Is that so, Spirit?
Ghost of the Future, I fear you more
than any apparition I have seen.
But as I know your purpose
is to do me good
and hope to be another man
from what I was,
I am prepared to bear you company.
Will you speak to me?
The night is waning fast and I know
that time is precious to me.
Lead on, Spirit. Lead on!
There you are.
Shining as bright as the happy thoughts
the mention of the name Scrooge
brings to our minds.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we are gathered here today because
we are united by a common bond.
Namely, our feelings of gratitude
to Mr Ebenezer Scrooge.
I don't think any of us
could find the words to describe
the true depth
of our feeling towards him.
Is this the future?
All right, my friends, all right.
That's Tom Jenkins, the hot soup man.
He owes me six pounds.
I must say, he looks uncommonly happy
for someone so deep in debt.
All these people owe me money.
They loved me and I never knew.
Kindly hold down your emotions,
if you please.
- Now, we are all deeply moved.
- Yes!
Those of us what has been in debt
to Mr S all these years
will never forget what a rare and beautiful
thing he has just done for us. Right?
- Right!
- Then three cheers for Mr Scrooge!
What did I do? What did I do?
Whatever it was, it's made them
truly happy and I am the cause!
My friends, I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.
I shall remember this moment
until my dying day.
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow
And so say all of us!
May I say in all humility...
...I have laboured unceasingly
all my life...
...to be worthy
of this moving demonstration
of your feelings towards me.
Ladies and gentlemen...
On behalf of all the people
Who have assembled here
I would merely like to mention, if I may
That our unanimous attitude
Is one of lasting gratitude
For what our friend
Has done for us today
And therefore I would simply like to say
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
I may sound double Dutch
But my delight is such
I feel as if a losing war's
Been won for me
And if I had a flag I'd hang me flag out
To add a sort of final victory touch
But since I left my flag at home
I'll simply have to say
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
It sounds a bit bizarre
But things the way they are
I feel as if another life's begun for me
And if I had a cannon I would fire it
To add a sort of celebration touch
But since I left my cannon at home
I'll simply have to say
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very, very, very much
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow
And so say all of us
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
It isn't every day
Good fortune comes my way
I never thought the future
Would be fun for me
- And if...
- You've woken my baby! Keep quiet!
Beg your pardon, lady.
And if I had a bugle I would blow it
To add a sort of how's-your-father touch
But since I left my bugle at home
I'll simply have to say
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very, very, very much
No, dear friends,
it is I who should thank you.
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
The future looks all right
In fact, it looks so bright
I feel as if
They're polishing the sun for me
And if I had a drum...
The colour hurts my eyes.
I mustn't show weak eyes
to your father when he gets home.
- Must be near his time.
- Past it.
But he's walked a little slower
these last few evenings.
I've known him walk with Tiny Tim
on his shoulder very fast indeed.
But he was light to carry.
It was no trouble, no trouble.
Where is Tiny Tim?
Take me to him.
I must go now, my little fellow.
I promised your mother
I'd help her with the Christmas dinner.
I'll come and see you again tomorrow.
Same time.
All right?
Oh, Tim.
Poor Tiny Tim.
Spirit, you've shown me a Christmas
that mingles great happiness
with great sadness.
But what is to become of me?
No, no. Please, I beg you!
I've seen the error of my ways.
I will repent. Truly, I will repent!
So there you are!
Marley!
- Where am I?
- I should've thought it was obvious.
I heard you were coming down today,
so I came to greet you
and show you to your quarters.
Nobody else wanted to.
That's very civil of you, Marley.
I am dead, aren't I?
As a coffin nail.
I'd rather hoped I'd end up in heaven.
Did you indeed? You may find
your office here rather small.
- But not, I trust, unfamiliar.
- Office?
Your activities in life
were so pleasing to Lucifer
that he has appointed you
to be his personal clerk.
A singular honour.
You will be to him, so to speak,
what Bob Cratchit was to you.
That's not fair! It's...
Diabolical. I must confess I find it not
altogether unamusing.
Here we are, my dear Ebenezer.
Your office.
It's freezing cold in here.
Lucifer turned the heat off.
He thought it might make you drowsy.
You'll be the only man
in hell who's chilly.
Watch out for the rats.
They nibble things.
Rats?!
Oh, I almost forgot.
I knew there was something.
They apologise that your...
...chain wasn't ready for your arrival.
It's so big, they had to take on extra
devils at the foundry to finish it.
It's even bigger
than I thought it would be.
Oh, here it is now.
Don't let them do this to me,
Marley, I beg you!
That's quite a chain, isn't it?
- Help me! Help me!
- Bah! Humbug!
Merry Christmas!
Don't leave me, Marley. Help!
Help! Help! Help!
Where am I?
I'm in my own room.
I'm not in hell at all.
I haven't got any chains!
Perhaps it didn't happen after all.
Perhaps it did.
But I'm alive!
I'm alive!
I've got a chance to change
and I will not be the man I was.
I'll begin again
I will build my life
I will live to know
That I've fulfilled my life
I'll begin today
Throw away the past
And the future I build
Will be something that will last
I will take the time I have left to live
I will give it all that I have left to give
I will live my days for my fellow men
And I'll live in praise
Of that moment when
I was able to begin again!
I will start anew
I will make amends
And I'll make quite certain
That the story ends
On a note of hope
On a strong amen
And I thank the world
And remember when
I was able to
Begin again!
I don't know what to do!
Yes, begin again!
I'm as light as a feather!
I'm as happy as an angel!
I'm as giddy as a drunken man!
A merry Christmas, everybody!
Oh, Jacob Marley, wherever you are,
you shall see a change in me,
Jacob, I swear it!
Boy, boy, what day is it?
- Today?
- Today.
- Why, Christmas Day, of course.
- It's Christmas Day, I haven't missed it!
The spirits have done it all in one night.
They can do what they like.
Of course they can!
Hello, my fine fellow.
Know the butcher's in the next street?
- I should hope so.
- Remarkable boy! Intelligent boy!
Do you know if they've sold
the prize turkey in the window?
- Not the big one, the enormous one!
- The one as big as me?
What a wonderful boy! So witty!
So pleasant to talk to! That's the one.
- It's still there.
- Buy it.
What's that?
Here's two sovereigns.
Tell the butcher to open his shop.
Meet me there in ten minutes. Be holding
that turkey and I'll give you half a crown.
Run! Run! Run!
Run! Run!
Oh, what a lovely boy!
I think I'm going to like children.
Now, that's what I call a turkey.
It's twice the size of Tiny Tim.
Come on, let's go and open the toy shop.
Thank you. Merry Christmas!
And I'll have that. And some of those.
And the hobby horse.
And some flutes. And some trumpets.
And that doll.
And some bows and arrows.
Oh, yes, and I must have a cricket bat.
And these. And these.
And a horse and a spinning top.
And a piano.
- And all those dolls.
- All of them?
Yes. I like that.
And this beautiful coach.
And several kites. And the horse.
And these boats.
And some of these.
Oh, and I'll have that.
How much is all this?
Never mind. Here are some sovereigns
and you can keep the change.
Thank you, Mr Scrooge.
I shall require the services
of several small boys
to transport these delightful objects
to their destination.
- And each shall receive half a crown.
- Half a crown. Yes, Mr Scrooge.
Mr Scrooge, what has happened?
What's happened is perfectly simple,
Pringle.
I've discovered that I like life!
I like life
Life likes me
Life and I fairly fully agree
Life is fine
Life is good
'Specially mine
Which is just as it should be
I like pouring the wine
And why not?
Life's a pleasure that I deny not
I like life here and now
Life and I made a mutual vow
Till I die, life and I
We'll both try to be better somehow
And if life were a woman
She would be my wife
Why? Because I like life!
Oh, look, a slide! No, let me! Let me!
I like life
Life likes me
I've made life a perpetual spree!
Eating food, drinking wine
Thinking who'd like
The privilege to dine me
I like living the life of pleasure
Pausing only to take my leisure
Look!
I like songs, I like dance
I hear music and I'm in a trance
Tra-la-la, oom-pah-pah
Chances are I shall get up and prance
Where there's music and laughter
Happiness is rife
- Why?
- Why? Because I like life!
Uncle Ebenezer!
Merry Christmas to you, my dear
nephew, and to your enchanting wife!
We were just on our way
to your house with some presents.
These are for you.
From an old fool who deeply regrets
past Christmases
that he might have shared with you.
This is for you, my dear.
A sort of belated wedding present.
Oh, Uncle Ebenezer, thank you!
Christmas lunch is sharp at three.
May we expect you?
You may.
I'll be there.
Oh, you are a pretty girl!
I like songs, I like dance
I hear music and I'm in a trance
Tra-la-la, oom-pah-pah
Chances are I shall get up and prance
Where there's music and laughter
Happiness is rife
Why? 'Cause I like life!
Father Christmas
Father Christmas
He's the greatest man
In the whole wide world
In the whole wide world and he knows it
Every Christmas Father Christmas
Puts a great big sack
On his dear old back
'Cause he loves us all and we know it
Then he goes for a sleigh ride
If it snows then he may ride all night
But that's all right!
In the morning
Christmas morning
If you lift your eyes there's a big surprise
On your bed you'll see
There's a gift from Father Christmas
From Father Christmas
That's how Christmas ought to be!
Merry Christmas!
A merry Christmas to you
from Father Christmas himself!
Don't worry about your goose,
Mrs Cratchit.
You can use it as stuffing for this!
Now, where are the other presents?
This doll is for you, my dear.
And this one is for you.
And this pretty little dolly is for you.
It's the dolly in the corner!
- And those are for you, my boy.
- Thank you.
And these, Bob Cratchit,
are for you and your good lady.
I must leave you now.
It's a busy day for me
and I have many more calls to make.
I almost forgot!
This is for you.
- You didn't steal it, did you?
- No, I didn't steal it.
It's a present for you to keep.
Merry Christmas, Tiny Tim.
- You still don't recognise me, do you?
- Yes. No.
- You're Father Christmas?
- It's Mr Scrooge! He's gone mad.
It's all right.
There's nothing to be frightened of.
No, I haven't gone mad.
On Monday when your salary
is doubled...
He has gone mad!
...we'll discuss
how I can help your family.
We'll find the right doctors
to get Tiny Tim well.
And we will get him well.
Yes, I believe you. I believe anything!
May this be the merriest Christmas
of all our lives.
Tom Jenkins,
about that six pounds you owe me.
You gave me a few more days.
You can keep it.
It's my Christmas present to you.
God bless you this Christmas Day,
Mr Scrooge!
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
It sounds a bit bizarre
But things the way they are
I feel as if another life's begun for me
That goes for everybody
who owes me money. Keep it.
As of this day, all my debts are ended.
If I had a drum, I'd have to bang it
To add a sort of rum-ti-tum-ti-tum
But since I left my drum at home
I'll simply have to say
Thank you very, very, very much
- Thank you very much
- Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
It isn't every day
Good fortune comes my way
I never thought the future
Would be fun for me
And if I had a bugle I would blow it
To add a sort of how's-your-father touch
But since I left my bugle at home
I'll simply have to say
- Gentlemen, merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas, Mr Scrooge.
Come to my office on Monday and I'll
give you 100 guineas for your cause.
- And the same every Christmas.
- Thank you very much, Mr Scrooge.
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
The future looks all right
In fact, it looks so bright
I feel as if
They're polishing the sun for me
And if I had a cannon I would fire it
To add a sort of celebration touch
But since I left my cannon at home
I'll simply have to say
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
That's the nicest thing
That anyone's ever done for me
I may sound double Dutch
But my delight is such
I feel as if a losing war's
Been won for me
And if I had a flag I'd hang my flag out
To add a sort of final victory touch
But since I left my flag at home
I'd simply have to say
Thank you very, very, very much
Thank you very, very, very much
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Hello!
I don't know whether you can hear me,
old Jacob Marley,
and I don't know whether or not
I imagined the things I saw,
but between the pair of us, we finally
made a merry Christmas, didn't we?
I have to leave you now.
I must go and get ready.
I'm going to have Christmas dinner
with my family.