omit the scene when Scrooge sees the people collecting for the charity on Christmas morning, and proceeds to pledge a large donation? It would have taken literally one minute, and it's a very important scene!
“He must be a South Pole elf.”
I agree and was disappointed myself that they omitted this scene. Otherwise, I liked this version for the most part and it is generally faithful to the novelette. Maybe instead of spending so much time at the beginning on Marley's funeral (not detailed in the book), they could have found a minute or two for this scene at the end with the two soliciting gentlemen. Or omitted the "I'm so shy, shy" song which others seem to like but I found silly myself and ruining the dramatic mood.
shareIn a late response to this particular question, I agree that it is odd that this was not shown. I'm guessing that maybe they wanted to be different and show different moments to illustrate Scrooge's transformation--his attending a church service, his hesitation outside of Fred's house and extended time later at the party, and at the very end where he welcomes the entire Cratchit family to his home.
shareI thought the I'm so shy, shy song seemed like an odd choice for a Christmas dinner party.
shareI completely agree. This version, though trying to remain faithful to the book, fails to move me like the other versions do.
The loss of the "collectors for the poor" at the end takes so much away. The best version for me is Scrooge (1951) this also has that scene removed and is the poorer for doing so.
Let's pray the human race never escapes Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere. C.S Lewis
Its absence is conspicuous. But it is at least offset by the way that the scene with the "portly gentlemen" is handled at the beginning.
The look of hurt on the thinner man's face as Scrooge explains how he makes provision for the poor is heartbreaking. You almost fear that the guy might be discouraged by what Ebenezer is saying.
And the last parts of this version play Scrooge as equally contrite and joyous, which I like very much. I think most adaptations play Scrooge too full of himself and his newfound happiness and everyone else instantly pleased for him.
As a sidenote, Scrooge's second meeting with the portly gentleman in the 3D aniamted, Jim Carrey adaptation is one of the strongest parts of that film.
"Who can't use the Force now?! I can still use the Force!" - Yarael Poof
You’re absolutely right. It’s a crucial point to show Scrooge’s repentance and it was a flawed decision to omit it here. That’s scripwriters, editors, producers and directors for you I’m afraid. Maybe it was filmed and edited out. Like you, I feel this should have been given priority over other scenes. Let’s hope a Director’s Cut will be available someday.
Burny Mattinson (Bravo!) included this incident in “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” although that film was only some 26 minutes long.