Film Albums: Scrooge (1970)

In our family, the Christmas season just wouldn't be the same without a viewing of the 1970 musical Scrooge. My sister and I grew up watching this film with our "Oma" Rozi because it was one of her favorites. Since her passing, we have watched it every year with our father because it is one of his favorites, too....and ours. We have come to learn that watching Scrooge is a part of many people's Christmastime traditions. That's heartwarming. 

Albert Finney gives a tour-de-force performance as the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge and the ending to the film is probably one of the most joyous ever made. Leslie Bricusse created such a magnificent score for this huge production that one cannot think of Charles Dicken's classic ghost story without associating it with his beautiful songs. I'm sure every fan has a favorite number from the film, so if you want to share yours, leave a comment below. For me, the best song in the film is "Happiness" sung by the lovely Suzanne Neve but my personal favorite is "December the 25th" performed by Laurence Naismith, Kay Walsh, Albert Finney, Suzanne Neve and the whole company of dancers. 

If you have not seen Scrooge in many a year or have never seen it (shame, shame!!), then do not listen to the soundtrack first....watch the film so you can see these songs in their proper context. But if you are an old fan of Scrooge and do not have time to watch it this year, why not listen to the soundtrack while you wrap presents this evening? Check it out ad-free on the Internet Archive. 

Track Listing

Side One:

Overture

Main Title (A Christmas Carol)

Christmas Children

I Hate People

Father Christmas

See the Phantoms

December the 25th

Happiness

You....You

Side Two: 

I Like Life

The Beautiful Day

Happiness (Reprise)

Thank You Very Much

I'll Begin Again

I Like Life (Reprise)

Father Christmas (Reprise)

Top Music Picks: Christmas Children, December the 25th, Happiness, Thank You Very Much, I'll Begin Again