Jack Palance as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Wild, Wild West!
Added 1/25/2009
I find it hard to believe anyone would belittle this movie, or give it less than four stars. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who gives this movie less than four stars, or disparages it, lacks enough appreciation for the arts of acting and cinema to be critiquing them. This is one of the most unique, innovative, and well-made versions of "A Christmas Carol" ever produced! There's a reason why Jack Palance was such a marketable actor, may he R.I.P.
Jack Palance stars as a wild, wild western version of Ebenezer Scrooge that makes all the other Ebenezers I've seen seem like saints by comparison. Truly a bad "hombre," he is a liar, a poker playing cheater, a thief, a whoremonger, and a cold-blooded killer!
This version of "A Christmas Carol" is a unique story which could stand on its own merit, with plenty of subtle and not-so subtle references to the original "Carol."
Although it's not quite as vulgar as the premium television series "Deadwood," it did remind me of it, due to its brutality and subtle obscenity, as well as its gold rush era, Western theme and flavor. Parental guidance suggested!
If you like Christmas movies, Jack Palance vehicles and/or Westerns, this is a must-see and a "might-as-well-buy," because you're probably going to watch it over and over again, and catch something new in it each time!
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cc's review
Added 7/20/2008
I love this movie. I don't like westerns, but I saw this on t.v. years ago and kept an eye out for it. When I did't find it in stores I went to the Amazon website. It is a good movie.
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anything Christmas and/or "A Christmas Carol" enthusiast
Added 7/29/2007
I saw first saw this movie on TV (don't remember date) and ordered it in VHS immediately after show. I have been trying to obtain on DVD format and finally it is here. I really like Jack Palance and have seen him in many Christmas movies in his later years. I probably have all of them. I watch Christmas movies year round and would recommend to those who just love Christmas Carol related movies and Christmas itself!! Still waiting for the Marlo Thomas version "It Happened One Christmas" to come out....I loved that one too!!
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Wonderful Western Retelling of Scrooge
Added 12/17/2006
I have watched this movie yearly for many years...my VHS was about to give out when the DVD came out. I watched it in DVD this year. I really enjoy this movie. Most highly recommended.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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Adorable Re-telling of Dickens' Classic
Added 11/26/2006
First of all in honor of Mr. Jack Palance, I would like to take the time to say how I appreciated his work since I first saw him in the movie "Shane" many years ago. Mr. Palance having passed away this very month, November 10, 2006 is a great loss to the industry and his fans. He is missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Now, on to the movie. Although some aspects of the Dickens story are definately presented, they are used as a base for the film and not its entire plot. Set in the old west we find Ebenezer, a bitter old money grubbing cheat, owning a saloon and cheating others, namely Rick Schroder. Cheating him out of his money, homestead, and ultimately even his horse, Samuel Benson (Schroder, tries to convince others that he had been cheated. That night the three spirits appear as in the classic version, showing Scrooge his past, the present, and his possible future along with that of Tim Cratchitt.
Of course Ebenezer has a huge change of heart and the scene of him trying to join in to the festivities via a play where is is attempting to portray father christmas is most touching. As Ebenezer becomes flustered and a look of regret crosses his face Tim comes to his side and begins to sing with him. It is a very moving moment.
Amy Locane did and excellent job in her role as Erica Marlowe, the love interest of Samuel (Schroder). Her smile alone is enough to light the scenes.
I won't give away any more of the film for those who haven't seen it but in my opinion it is wonderfully entertaining and progresses the message within Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" beautifully.
This movie is now alongside my other Christmas classics. It is watched each and every year multiple times.
Quotes from the movie:
Scrooge says to Ghost of Christmas Future, "I've already met the other two nuts."
As Scrooge walks down the walkway he meets carolers singing Away in A Manger, "I'll send you away to a manger!"
Ghost of Christmas Past asks if he kept his promise of returning the money Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge says, "Ya know, I don't like you. I don't like you at all. And another thing" Ghost "Blah blah blah".
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