Original subtitles

MAN: Carry on, boy.

Good evening, Mr. Dickens.

Good evening to you, sir.

Morris Gilman, theatre manager.

Pleased to meet you, sir.

And may I say, sir, that this is indeed a great honor.

Honor is entirely mine.

My apologies for the harshness of our winter weather.

Does it snow in England?

Indeed it does.

I remember as a child being upto my neck in the snow.

Of course, in those days, I didn't have a beard to keep me warm.

MAN: Ladies and gentlemen,

it's a great pleasure to offer you an evening in the presence

of a true master storyteller.

Please welcome Mr. Charles Dickens.

Ooh, tonight, ladies and gentlemen,

my feet have left me and gone south to Mississippi.

(AUDIENCE LAUGHING)

In search of warmer weather. Your welcome

has been most warming.

Tonight, I'd like to entertain you with a story of old England.

London.

A story of ghosts!

(SCREAMS) A mouse.

(LAUGHS) It's a mouse, ladies and gentlemen.

Upstaged by a mouse.

I hope I can repeat the same degree of excitement in my story.

Well, there's some chance of that.

I could start my story, too, with a mouse.

Making its way through London town.

MAN: Steady there, come on, girl.

It was a cold, bleak, biting winter.

A winter of heavy snow and cruel ice.

A winter that wrapped a chill around the heart of every man and woman.

Rich or poor.

Rich went about their business.

Warming themselves with promises of profit.

(MEN CHATTING)

The large and the small accounts.

Are they the ones I requested, Mr. Leach?

Yes, the ones I agreed should be transferred to you.

A sorry state of affairs, I'm afraid to say.

Nothing, sir, that cannot be resolved. Good day!

Ebenezer Scrooge. (SCOFFS)

DICKENS: The poor made do with what little they had.

Which brings us to our friend, the little mouse.

Look, look, he's back. Gabriel is back.

(GABRIEL SQUEAKS) Yeah, Gabriel, don't be frightened.

Why does he keep coming here?

He wants to play, silly.

(COUGHING)

Oh, Nurse Belle.

There now.

You're just too excited.

Here, Gabriel, we kept this bread for you.

We knew you'd come back.

WOMAN: Lovely warm chestnuts.

BOY: Polish your shoes, sir? Polish your shoes?

Pots and pans! Bring your pots and pans.

BOY: Those shoes require some polish.

Oh, you should buy my tobacco, sir.

(INDISTINCT)

...things fall off the shelf. Oh, you should've been there when they told him.

His face went as white as a sheet.

Polish your shoes, sir?

Nice polish. Oh, spare the little fellow a minute, sir.

Go on, he won't bite you.

(WOMAN'S LAUGH ECHOING)

(MALE LAUGH ECHOING)

Who's there? Mr. Scrooge? Mr. Scrooge?

Over here, Mr. Scrooge, it's me. Old Joe.

It's a pleasure to be of service to you again.

I've just picked these up from Leach.

A full day's work for you here, Joe.

Oh, I'll have a look, sir.

You don't fool me, Joe.

No one fools me.

I got associates who can read.

It is as good as done, sir.

Open the door! It's Joe!

Yeah!

(DOG BARKING)

(GROWLING)

(DOG WHIMPERING)

(GRUNTS) Out of my way!

If it isn't dogs and children and street salesmen,

it's this confounded snow.

It won't melt away, it must be swept away.

That's what Marley would've said.

Ah, my associate.

My loyal friend.

(NEIGHING)

Simon Speck, we have a court order to take you to the debtors' prison.

Thomas Buckle? We have a court order to take you to the debtors' prison.

(LAUGHING)

Ah, yes, my assistant.

Adequate remuneration? I'm sure you'll agree. (LAUGHS)

Good boy. No need to keep you here.

Tim, home for Christmas.

Look who's come to say goodbye.

Gabriel.

(GIGGLING)

We'll both miss you, Tim.

He can go outside, but be sure to keep him warm.

We don't want him to get that cough back.

WOMAN: Thank you, Belle. And Gabriel.

Thank you so much, Doctor.

You're welcome, Mrs. Cratchit.

Bye, Tiny Tim.

Well, this is not going to go a long way.

(SIGHS) Times are hard, Dr. Lambert, for everybody.

If only Mr. Leach would see it that way.

We are weeks behind, Belle.

Mr. Leach has always been sympathetic to the work of this hospital, Doctor.

He's a businessman.

Oh, good people will help us.

They know what we're doing here,

they know that there is so much more work to be done.

(SIGHS)

Yes, dear, I hope you're right.

Dr. Marcus Lambert?

We've a court order to take you to Fleet Prison.

Dr. Lambert.

(SQUEAKING ANGRILY)

Wait! How can you do this?

We have very sick patients.

(SQUEAKING ANGRILY)

(ALL GASPING)

Boo! (ALL SCREAMING)

(LAUGHS)

GIRL: Who does he think he is? Coming in here like that.

You want him back, lady, you'll have to pay every penny of his debt.

Until then, he's ours.

(GUARDS LAUGHING)

BELLE: Dr. Lambert!

It is out of my hands, madam.

Your debts have been transferred,

at a considerable loss to me, I might add,

to the offices of Scrooge and Marley.

Ebenezer Scrooge?

I must warn you, madam, to expect no sympathy from that quarter.

But... But I don't believe this.

They were the only buyers.

It was the only course of action available to me.

Thank you, Mr. Leach.

Madam, I'm terribly sorry.

Ebenezer.

MAN: What does she want?

(ALL LAUGHING)

(ALL COUGHING)

BELLE: "My dear Mr. Scrooge."

No.

"Dear Ebenezer.

"It has been many years since I saw you..." No.

"Dear Ebenezer. The last time we saw each other,

"it was not a happy time..." No.

"Dear Ebenezer,

"It has been many years since we last met.

"And that occasion, I well remember,

"was not a happy one.

"But I write to you now, in my hour of greatest need."

Excuse me, sir.

Madam?

I'd like to see Mr. Scrooge, please.

He's out on business, I'm afraid.

I can wait.

How is Mr. Marley these days?

Is he in?

I'm sorry, madam, but you wouldn't happen to be on our books, would you?

Well, yes, I suppose I am.

But it's not about...

Because I'm afraid Mr. Scrooge has asked me

to be quite clear to all our debtors

about his working practice.

Well, I had hoped to speak to Mr. Scrooge personally.

The contracts are full and binding

and the penalty's explained in full at the time of agreement.

I can find you your agreement, if you like.

No.

It's all written down here.

I see.

Would you give this to Ebenezer, please?

Ebenezer? You mean Mr. Scrooge?

Yes.

Mr. Scrooge is a very busy man.

He has a great deal of business correspondence to attend to.

I can't be held responsible.

Who are you?

(SQUEAKS)

Belle, you have worked so hard for the children.

Dr. Lambert, he will remember me.

And will help us.

We shared so much.

Scrooge will not remember.

If he does, those memories will mean nothing to him.

He is a man whose heart is as dark and cold

as the stone in these prison walls.

Oh, Doctor, I...

I'm sorry.

God help those of us who stumble into his clutches.

(CAROLLERS SINGING)

Out of my way, carol singers!

Merry Christmas, Uncle. God save you.

Humbug!

Strange words for Christmas, surely.

The only time of the year when all men and women

open their hearts and see each other as equals.

The only time in the year when unwanted relatives

choose to make unwanted visits on hard-working citizens

such as myself.

Uncle, don't be angry.

I just wanted to ask you if you'd come and dine with us tomorrow.

Did I come last year?

No, sir. Or the year before that?

Of course not, Uncle.

You should see the spread my wife's preparing for us.

Goose, fine stuffing, pudding.

Nephew, I require food and drink as much as any man.

But I have no intention of allowing you to lure me to a supper party.

I'll be busy.

Wait, Uncle.

FRED: Surely, you don't work on Christmas Day?

My wife and I will be delighted... Why did you get married?

Why? Because I fell in love.

You regard that as reason enough for such an important decision?

Loving Alice isn't a decision, Uncle,

it's everything I am.

Love.

What man wishes to spend his life alone?

What do you want from me?

Nothing.

I'm delighted to oblige.

Nephew!

Never marry, Mr. Cratchit.

But I am, sir.

My wife... (SHOUTING) Humbug!

Oh.

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

Yes.

Merry Christmas indeed. As poor as a mangy church mouse he is.

A woman came to see you, sir. A client.

There. Attend to this.

She gave me a...

Every man, jack, fool who walks about

with Merry Christmas on his lips, Mr. Cratchit,

should be boiled in his own pudding.

(CAROLLERS SINGING)

Confound it!

(SINGING)

Greetings, sir. Compliments of your nephew.

We shouldn't have, sir. My dad works here.

(SCREAMING)

There! Now be gone with you.

Oh, no! I'm freezing.

BOY 1: Happy Christmas now, Mr. Scrooge?

BOY 2: We should call the magistrate.

(BOTH SQUEAKING)

You horrible man.

Now, now, calm down, please.

I say we wish Mr. Scrooge a Merry Christmas.

And let our love eat away at his unjust soul.

(SNEEZING) Candle went out.

Best get your poor brother home out of this cold.

(SQUEAKS)

I believe there is still much to be done before we lock up for the night.

Yes, sir. Sorry, Mr. Scrooge.

(GASPS)

(BOTH SQUEAKING LOUDLY)

(BOTH GIGGLING)

(SQUEAKING ANIMATEDLY)

(BELL TOLLING)

I suppose you want me to pay you for tomorrow as well?

Two and six to stay at home and be idle.

Well, sir, I... It does come once a year, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Scrooge, sir.

And a Merry Christ... (GROWLS)

Sorry, sir. Thank you, sir.

I'll be off now, sir.

Leave the candles, Cratchit.

Sir? I want you back here

extra early the day after to make up for lost time.

Yes, sir, of course.

Good night, sir.

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Simms.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Cratchit.

SCROOGE: What the...

Cratchit, that slovenly, good for nothing...

Even a tiny mouse is tidier.

Must be the letter Cratchit was going on about.

Some woman, some complete...

It can wait.

(GASPS)

(SHOUTS)

I must be on my way.

I'll be in early in the morning, at the crack of dawn.

(PAPERS RUSTLING)

(GHOST MOANING)

(CHAINS CLINKING LOUDLY)

Oh, hear me, Ebenezer.

Marley?

Is it really you, Marley? Jacob?

I don't have much time, Ebenezer.

Little has changed in these chambers since my departure.

Ebenezer, I've come to warn you.

Is this about the Forsythe account?

I assure you, Jacob.

Everything is being attended to in accordance with your wishes.

I mean, what you would have wished.

What has happened to you?

You're not him? A vision. Are you?

Who did this?

No! I did it, Ebenezer.

It is my achievement.

I wear the chains of my ignorance.

The chains I forged in life,

link by link.

Yard by yard.

I am doomed.

But... But you're always a good man of business.

Jacob, your purpose was strong, single minded, unyielding.

MARLEY: I wasted my days hoarding money.

Thinking about myself.

I closed myself to the needs of my fellow man.

Now I see the need, feel the want.

Unable to ignore, but incapable to help.

Roaming forever restless in the upper winds,

this time of year...

(GROANS)

I suffer most.

Listen, Ebenezer,

you shall be haunted by three spirits.

Haunted?

Expect the first when the bell tolls one.

Couldn't I see all three at once and have it over with?

I'm a busy man, Jacob.

Oh.

I know you are, Ebenezer.

I see the weight and length of the chains you bear.

You've worked on them hard the past seven years.

But it's not too late.

You can still escape my fate.

Grow, blossom, share, Ebenezer.

Mend your ways.

ALL: Mend your ways.

(WHIMPERING)

I am a busy man, I have no time for...

Foolish delusions. I am hard pressed.

(SIGHS)

(LOUD THUMP)

(GASPS)

(DOOR RATTLING)

Good evening, sir.

Have we the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley?

Marley is long dead, sir.

Marley died seven years ago on this very night.

(SCROOGE LAUGHING)

(CLEARING THROAT) We are raising funds

to make provisions for the poor and destitute

in this, the most festive time of the year.

You are real gentlemen then.

Uh-huh, well, we like to think so, sir.

How much... Excuse me, gentlemen. I must run.

Of course, Mr. Scrooge.

How much are you happy to give, sir?

Have the workhouses closed down all of a sudden?

They have managed to keep them open, sir. Good.

I pay enough taxes to support those provisions for the poor.

But many of the poor would rather die than go to a workhouse.

Let them die.

And make themselves useful by decreasing the surplus population.

Oh, what on earth?

This weather's playing tricks. Confound it.

(SQUEAKING)

(CHILDREN LAUGHING)

Mind out, boys.

Don't want any of you falling in the snow, catching cold.

Foolish young things.

(LAUGHING) Oh, I can't stop!

I can't stop. (LAUGHS) Help!

Oh. Oh, dear. Oh.

Do it again, Mr. Cratchit. Yeah, do it again.

You'll have to wait until next year.

(LAUGHING) Do it again, just for us, Mr. Cratchit.

Home already? What a surprise.

Hello, Father. Daddy.

Happy Christmas, Daddy.

And a Happy Christmas...

(COUGHING) What now, Tim?

Not another cold. He's shivering all over.

He only came back from the hospital, Bob.

Mary bought me sugar sticks, Dad.

(COUGHING)

Oh, and a bottle of fortified wine and some sweets.

We shall have the best Christmas ever.

ALL: Yes.

The best Christmas ever.

Yes, the best Christmas ever. (COUGHS)

(BELLE HUMMING)

(CHILD COUGHING)

Ebenezer, are you to forsake me again?

Mend your ways!

Marley!

(SQUEAKING)

Dark night, guv'nor.

Oh, Joe Hocks!

Thought I'd report, sir. There's not...

Spare the details, man.

Just get the job done.

Bring me the proceeds, whatever they may be.

Right, guv'nor.

Oi, Molly, wait for me.

You keep away from me, Joe.

Oh, give me a chance, Molly!

We ran an honest business, Marley and me.

Always did and still do.

We did not make this world.

(ROARS)

(SQUEAKING)

(SQUEAKING)

What can it be?

My goodness, it is.

How did you manage?

In my coat? You are clever.

You must be hungry. Here's some porridge.

You'll be welcome company on this dreary night.

(SQUEAKS)

What now? I had a very exhausting day.

And I need rest. This blasted letter again.

Would it have anything to do with you?

(SQUEAKING HAPPILY)

"To The Right Honorable Ebenezer Scrooge."

(YAWNING DEEPLY)

Let's have a... (SIGHS)

I'll read it

(GROANS) tomorrow.

(SNORING)

(BOTH SQUEAKING)

(BELL TOLLING)

The haunting has begun.

Who and what are you?

Are you the spirit of a child?

I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Long Past?

No. Your past, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Could you turn off the lights?

I am here to light your past.

Well, I'm not interested. Thank you very much.

I'd rather have an undisturbed night of sleep.

Don't forget to turn the lights off.

(SNORING)

(ALL SCREAMING)

Walk with me.

You want me to go out at this hour?

It's freezing. I have a cold upon me as it is.

I am a mere mortal. I cannot go through...

The wall! (GASPS)

Oh!

Do I know you?

You have but forgotten.

Look!

Why, that's Tom Solkum and Stanley.

I do believe that is Stanley. I know these boys.

But surely now they must all be men?

They are shadows of things that have been.

We can see them, but they cannot see you.

I know this building.

It's my old school.

I was a boy here.

(YOUNG SCROOGE CRYING)

Well, Ebenezer,

I don't expect anyone will come for you any more at this hour.

What did you do to bring this upon yourself? (LAUGHS)

Merry Christmas, none the less.

(SOBBING)

Father was a difficult man. Harsh but just.

I did not understand back then.

It's sometimes hard to see the reasoning.

Let's see another Christmas.

Ebenezer? Ebenezer. Fan!

I've come to take you home. Home, Fan?

Yes, I asked Father and he said yes.

We'll have the merriest Christmas. Ever.

Father says you are to be a man.

You are to leave this place forever. Forever. Forever, Fan?

YOUNG SCROOGE: I've been so lonely here.

Oh, Ebenezer, meet my dearest friend in the whole wide world.

Belle.

(COACH MOVING)

COACHMAN: Steady.

Do you remember?

Yes, I do.

Why are you taking me home?

Ah, there you are.

When you left this house, you were an untidy, ill-disciplined boy.

A wild thing of no value to anyone.

I have spent a great deal of money on an education designed to make you a man.

Has that money been well spent, Master Scrooge?

Yes, sir. I hope so.

Have they taught you a strong understanding of figures?

Yes, sir.

A firm grasp of the principles of finance?

Yes, sir.

A keen mind for business.

I believe so, sir.

I don't understand. Poor Ebenezer.

Well, we will soon discover

whether you are to be of any use to this family.

You leave for London directly tomorrow morning.

You are to become an apprentice at Fezziwig's in Notting Hill.

Half your wages you'll send home.

Time for return upon my investment, young man.

My father's respect had to be earned.

Nothing for free.

He would be proud if he were alive today. I know that for sure.

Fezziwig's.

(BELL TOLLING)

Ah-ha. No more work today. Christmas Eve!

Give us a hand, Ebenezer.

Tiddly-ho. Let's make ourselves a ball room.

Old Fezziwig. Alive again.

Welcome. And a Merry Christmas. How do you do, sir?

Ebenezer, your sister's here.

Well, he's right there, Fanny.

Fredrick, how are you?

Has your master let you out?

(LAUGHING)

Go on, lad. Don't let her out of your sight.

I remember.

As much as I'd like to forget it. That rogue.

You were expecting someone else?

Yes. Now, I... I remember.

She was a good friend of Fan, my sister.

Belle was her name.

She came from a poor family. Her father was a coachman.

I believe he drank.

This looks delicious.

(LAUGHING)

(LAUGHING) Scrooge!

Don't worry, lad, when you been married five and 20,

you'll dance like us.

Old Twinkletoes Fezzy.

(JAZZY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(LAUGHING)

(LAUGHING)

There goes Fezziwig.

Truly was a gentleman.

It was but a simple thing. Simple?

He spent a little money on a party.

But does that make for greatness?

It was far more than that. He knew how to make our work a pleasure.

The happiness he brought everyday was worth a fortune.

(MUSIC STOPS)

(LAUGHING)

Be safe now, Trevor, and keep his course,

or he'll wind up in China.

(LAUGHING)

Hey! (LAUGHING)

Oh, Fan! That will cool you off.

Fan is so happy.

We shall be even happier, Belle!

I am saving up.

Ebenezer.

Money isn't all that matters.

I have no money. But I have you.

Belle, I want you to have everything.

I want you to be able to do whatever you want.

Oh! And all I would want to do is to dream of you, Ebenezer.

Just dream.

I do believe he drank, her father.

Ohh! What happened to those dreams, Ebenezer?

(INDISTINCT TALKING)

"In the light of her foolhardy persistence,

"I appoint my son, Ebenezer,

"to be my sole heir and assign.

"So have I decided, being of sound mind and body,

"in this, my last will and testament,

"signed James Emmanuel Scrooge."

I am sorry, miss!

(SOBBING)

Never approved her marriage.

A harsh man. A man of principle.

And she passed away giving birth to her baby. Did she not?

Fred! My nephew.

(GASPS)

What was I to do?

Split the inheritance with that reckless charlatan?

Husband of her, who my father had disowned.

This is how you finally propose to me?

With a business contract?

Surely, you appreciate our positions are...

Well... Dissimilar.

Socially speaking.

What happened to our hopes and dreams?

I've seen you shed them all, one by one.

So I have grown wiser.

I have not changed towards you, have I?

Are you sure?

If you met me now,

a girl without a penny to her name.

I do not make the world we live in, Belle.

But I am a man of my word.

I release you.

I break off our engagement.

I don't want you to regret your choice, Ebenezer.

(SOBBING)

Be happy in the life you have chosen.

(SOBBING)

I release you.

Say something, damn you.

(SOBBING)

What happened to those dreams, Ebenezer?

No! Do you remember?

I remember.

I remember everything.

No! No! I wish to see no more.

Don't torment me any longer.

What business is it of yours, if I choose to live my life alone?

Just ignore her. Will lead my life in the manner to which I am accustomed.

Humbug!

(SNORING)

(MUMBLING)

BELLE: "I write to you in the hour of my deepest despair.

"Once, we were one in heart.

"I beg of you, Ebenezer.

"In this desperate circumstance. (SQUEALING)

"To find within yourself the spirit of this season and..."

(SNORING)

(SQUEALING)

(BELL TOLLING)

Oh!

Oh!

What now? What next?

If there is a spirit. Torment me not.

Make yourself known.

PRESENT: Come in and know me better.

What have you done to my house?

Who may you be?

I am the Ghost of Christmas Present.

SCROOGE: Presents? It had all better be paid for.

(LAUGHING)

I come to teach you joy.

Joy that makes a banquet out of a simple meal.

Joy, Mr. Scrooge, that comes from sharing.

Sharing willingly! And with love.

I like to keep to myself, Spirit. I am a simple man.

My needs are few.

And I ask no charity of others.

We cannot afford to waste precious time.

I have so much to show you.

Touch my robe.

Do you mind, Mr. Balkum?

Hang on! I was here first.

No, you're right! It is Christmas after all.

You go first, sir!

Oh, no! Please, after you.

I would not dream of it, sir.

There, gentlemen!

Come back in two hours

and your goose will be cooked.

(LAUGHING)

Smell that, that's our bird. I know it is.

(CHEERFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(SINGING)

Ahh! That did not do too much good.

It's not what you hear with your ears, Mr. Scrooge.

It's what reaches your heart.

(CHOIR SINGING)

I haven't heard singing like that since...

Since I was a boy!

(LAUGHING)

Does it ever run out?

Not in the present.

Come, we don't have much time.

Is it animal, vegetable or mineral?

He can't answer that, dear. Only yes and no questions. That's the game.

Is it animal, Fred? Yes.

Is it a duck with one leg? (LAUGHING)

(LAUGHING) It is an old goat.

Young fool. Is it Father Time?

I know. It's Uncle Scrooge. Yes!

Scrooge! I was right when I said old goat.

I win!

Hard to believe that old tightfist is your uncle, Fred.

Too early to tell, Topper. We may have to pay for dinner tonight.

Pay rent? Just to sit on these chairs?

(LAUGHING) Well, he...

He is a mean old so and so. But he is my only family.

I asked him to join us for dinner tonight, but he declined.

I shall keep on inviting him, though, every Christmas.

You don't have to be nice to him.

You stand to inherit a fortune.

A mean miser like him... (LAUGHING)

He'd sooner take his money with him to the grave.

Ohh! Enough of that dreadful skinflint.

Come, sit down at the table.

Is this really what people think of me? (INDISTINCT TALKING)

(LAUGHING)

This is why I keep to myself.

No respect. They cannot comprehend a life lived in moderations.

Squanderers.

Forever spending money they don't have and never will have.

Your nephew reaches out to you.

He has your sister's heart.

If he had an ounce of sense in him,

he would never have married before he'd established himself.

What is going on here?

What is this got to do with me?

Merry Christmas from Mr. Scrooge.

Not his toy box. (CHILD MUMBLING)

You won't be needing these anymore.

And don't fall behind on your payments again!

Come on, lads, job to do. (LAUGHS)

(MEN SINGING)

I realize I...

I think you have little understanding of business.

Are you a businessman?

PRESENT: There's comfort in being in the dark.

Ignorance is bliss! Until you look at it in the face.

Who are they?

Are they yours?

They are the children of mankind.

This boy is Ignorance.

(GROWLING)

And this girl is Want.

Is there no help for them?

There's prison or the workhouse.

Want can be helped, even with very simple means for a while.

But Ignorance...

Ignorance can only help itself. (GROWLING)

It has to change from the inside out.

If it festers on...

How well do you know your clerk, Mr. Scrooge?

Well enough.

What is there to know?

Look who's here everybody. Hi, Tim!

Hello, Tim. Hello, Tim.

Bob, he's better off in bed.

We can't very well have a family Christmas dinner without Tim, dear.

(COUGHING)

Cough it up, Tim, it might be a gold watch.

Whoa!

Have you seen such a bird?

It looks wonderful, Mama! It's good value.

Six shillings and tuppence.

I am sure you remember the little boy.

No, I... Should I?

(SQUEAKING)

A toast! Here's to all of us on this splendid Christmas.

And here's to Tiny Tim!

May he soon be better and back to his old tricks.

And to Peter whom we shall soon have to start calling Master Peter,

since he will be a man of business from next week on.

You make an excellent weaver, boy.

Thank you, Father.

Five and six pence a week. What will you do with such riches?

Invest in the New World.

Marry a Countess, to help him count.

(GIGGLING) And lastly, here's to the founder of our feast.

Old Mr. Scrooge!

(COUGHING)

Oh, Father. I mean it.

He's kept me employed for almost 14 years. We should be grateful.

He put this remarkable bird on our table.

He threw a bucket of freezing water on our Tim. That's what he did!

No wonder the poor child's pneumonia is back.

(COUGHING) There, I said it.

We didn't want to spoil your Christmas.

But I will not toast that mean ogre of a man.

Shh!

Oh, you know he is, Bob. Nobody knows better than you do.

Mr. Scrooge didn't mean to throw that water actually on Tiny Tim.

He just doesn't like Christmas, that's all.

He is a solitary soul.

Let our love eat away at his unjust soul.

Well, Tim, if you don't mind, I'd rather have the pudding.

(COUGHING)

Will the poor mite live?

What's it to you?

Let him die and decrease the surplus population.

Ohh... I trust you've seen

the joy you bring to this world, Scrooge.

Don't torture me, Spirit.

Tell me what the future holds?

Oh, Scrooge! I know nothing of the future.

I have no need to fear things that will come.

(BELL TOLLING) But it must come.

(GROANING) Ohh!

I am merely of the present.

(SOBS)

Are you the third spirit?

Can you tell me? Will that poor boy live?

I cannot bear it.

Come on now. (SOBBING)

(ALL SOBBING)

Anna, dear. (SOBBING)

Tim would have wanted us to have a cheerful time.

He always loved Christmas. Especially with snow.

But now... (SOBBING)

He loved to slide.

I'd carry him on my shoulders. (SOBBING)

(SOBBING)

Father. Ahhh!

Oh, speak to me, Spirit.

(SQUEAKING)

What are these shadows? Are they of things to come? When?

Years from now, or weeks or days?

Did I cause this grief?

At last!

A long time coming and no mistake.

Good riddance I say.

Will you attend? Attend?

I will attend the tavern and drink to a happier and more just world.

I will join you.

BOTH: To a happier and more just world.

I know these men.

I, I... I know them, I say.

Good sensible fellows, the both of them.

What are they talking about?

Is this the past or the future?

Speak to me.

Old Joe.

That's the woman who cleans for me.

What is there to know about these people?

Why have you brought me here?

I have a right and a duty to look after myself, I do.

Lord knows he did.

That's true indeed.

No man, more so.

Or deserving, too, after the fright he gave me.

Been laying there for three days, I wager. Thank God for the cold.

No one knew, and no one cared.

Who would have cared if they knew?

(BOTH LAUGHING)

(COUGHING)

Nine and six, and not a penny more.

Don't haggle, or I'll knock off a crown.

His bed curtains! His blankets!

He ain't likely to catch cold now, is he?

(LAUGHING)

HOUSEKEEPER: What a lovely bit of linen.

Ahh, must be worth a bob or 10.

MAN: I put that on him, I did. For him to be buried in.

HOUSEKEEPER: Waste a fine shirt like that?

He didn't have anything catchy now, did he?

HOUSEKEEPER: No worries, that old miser,

too mean to share a disease, if he had one.

(LAUGHING WICKEDLY)

(COUGHING)

Does no one care about this man's death?

The very best news. It's true, Belle.

He can no longer bleed us.

(SINGING HAPPILY)

I don't know to whom our debts will be transferred but whoever it is,

surely he won't be as cruel as Ebenezer Scrooge.

(SCREAMS)

Can these visions be changed?

Or am I passed all hope?

(GASPS)

I should keep Christmas, if that is all that is required.

Ahh! Cratchit!

Cratchit! Please! (SOBBING)

(SOBBING) I did not mean to hurt your boy.

Is there nothing I can do?

Is there no way I can make amends?

Is it really too late?

Come, Ebenezer!

You have no time to waste.

Look how time has wasted me.

(BELL TOLLING) Ahh!

I am alive.

(BELL TOLLING)

I am alive.

Most beautiful and gentle creatures,

I'm alive!

You're alive and you're here and...

And I...

(BELL TOLLING)

Ahh!

Oh, I say, what day is it today?

For the devil, boy, I ask a simple question!

It's Christmas day, sir!

Don't take me for a fool, boy!

Confound it. But it is, sir.

Hear the bells! (BELL TOLLING)

Only one night has passed.

It was just a bad dream.

(GASPING)

Oh, no, no. No! Oh, no! I... I... I must change.

I must be different.

Oh, and only if I knew how.

(SQUEAKING)

Oh, of course.

Ah, boy, I am...

I... I didn't mean to snap at you, just now. I...

What is your name, boy?

No, no, don't go.

Finish your snowman.

And, and, and... Have you... Um...

Merry Christmas! (LAUGHING)

And to your family!

(LAUGHING)

Remarkable boy, I...

Bob Cratchit, of course.

Up here, boy. Listen to me carefully.

Would you go and buy me a proper goose?

A proper goose, sir?

A big one. A turkey!

The biggest one you can find.

And hire a hackney carriage and have it delivered,

to Mr. Bob Cratchit of Navy street in Camden.

Can you remember all that, boy?

Yes, sir. I can, sir!

And whatever is left...

You may keep for your trouble.

A happy Christmas to you.

And a happy Christmas

to you, sir. In a hurry, young man?

BOY: Thank you, sir!

Intelligent boy, diligent, too!

Oh, oh, and a Merry Christmas.

A Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Should have checked that boy keeps his word.

Plenty of street rats around.

And a Merry Christmas to you, sir.

To think of the look on Cratchit's face!

The founder of the feast, indeed!

I must not forget his boy Tim.

What, ohh, a letter?

(SQUEAKING) Belle!

I am sorry. I won't let you down this time.

Now, my lucky charms. Don't go away.

(HUMMING)

Merry Christmas, my friends! (LAUGHING)

Now, not a morsel to be left by the time I return.

(SQUEAKING HAPPILY)

Merry Christmas!

Ooh! Ooh! Merry Christmas! Mr. Scrooge!

And a Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Snowman.

WOMAN: Merry Christmas.

That'll be tuppence, ma'am.

I... I... I say...

A happy Christmas to you all.

And the same to you, guv'nor.

What can I do for you this morning?

Must not forget Cratchit's boy. Tiny Tim.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

And to you, children. Oh! Thank you!

And a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Isn't that...

Yes, it is!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

(CHOIR SINGING)

A happy Christmas to all of you, gentlemen!

Well done, sirs! Well done!

(SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS)

(SINGING)

(SOBBING)

Take it back! What's there to take back?

We had ourselves a deal, guv'nor.

Here, here's your tender now.

17 crowns and five.

I would have brought it to you in the morning.

Trust is a fine thing among gents, guv'nor.

I will not be needing your services again.

But... But... But, guv'nor.

And that is final!

Good day to you.

(SIGHS)

Oh, thank you, sir! Merry Christmas to ya!

Ebenezer. Who's there?

Belle!

Did you even read my letter?

SCROOGE: Yes, Belle, I did. I went to the hospital.

BELLE: Oh, so you've seen what your men have done?

SCROOGE: Yes, I was too late.

Only good work happened in that hospital.

That work is over now. Finished!

I know.

How could you ignore my cries for help?

I would do anything to change these terrible things.

That, Ebenezer, is out of your power.

I have so much. I have money. I have a house.

A good profitable business.

And I will be rid of it all, if I could only forget the madness

of these past 20 years.

Ohh!

What's happened to you, Ebenezer?

I don't understand.

I have wasted everything.

Do you really want to change what you've done?

It's too late.

No, Ebenezer, it's not too late.

The hospital needs you.

I need you.

Everywhere in this city, there are people who have nothing.

You can change their lives.

Ebenezer, you have so much to give.

Yes!

Since we last met, Ebenezer,

we have had such different lives.

But I have never forgotten you.

Think of the future.

Belle!

I will do everything I can.

There you go, sir!

(BELL TOLLING)

Oh, no! Not today, of all days!

Dr. Lambert.

How is Tiny Tim?

Have you got any notion of time, Mr. Cratchit?

I am sorry, Mr. Scrooge, sir.

I was making rather merry yesterday. I... Mr. Scrooge, sir...

There's two mice. Never mind the mice.

They were here on time. (SQUEAKING HAPPILY)

I am not going to stand for it anymore, Cratchit.

Please, sir. I need the job, sir. It's only once a year.

I'll make it up, sir.

No, Mr. Cratchit. I shall make it up to you.

I'll quadruple your salary. (LAUGHING)

As of today! (LAUGHING)

Happy Christmas, Bob!

You'll have Marley's office. We'll get you an assistant.

No, no, we'll get you two assistants.

And I promise to help out your family in every way I can.

Make up the fires, Bob. What would you think?

Scrooge and Cratchit?

Or, Cratchit and Scrooge?

CRATCHIT: Did you say quadruple, sir?

DICKENS: Scrooge was better than his word.

He did it all and infinitely more.

He kept Christmas in his heart, all through the year.

And knew how to keep it well.

And to Tiny Tim...

Not tiny.

He was a second father.

Gabriel! Well, Gabriel moved to the New World.

He gave a lady sitting in the front row, the scare of her life.

(LAUGHING) With him came an old friend.

Well, who wants to spend their life alone?

That, ladies and gentleman, is the story of A Christmas Carol.

Not quite the same one I wrote in the book.

I admit. I hope you enjoyed it.

Nonetheless, now I leave you with

memories of ghosts past,

ghosts present,

ghosts yet to come.

God bless you.

(CHEERING)