Each year when Christmas rolls around, I watch the 1970 version of Scrooge, starring Albert Finney. This has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. As I have gotten older, I have started looking for the soundtrack, but am disappointed year after year when it is continually not released in CD format. Sure, I could buy the vinyl version, but then how would I listen to it in my car or on my iPod? I could buy the Broadway version, but the vocals are lacking quality and nostalgia. To be frank, nothing but Albert Finney's vocals could ever do. This film might just be my favorite of all time, and it is certainly my favorite version of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Please read further to understand why.
During different stages of my life, different aspects of this film have captivated me, but my attachment has always revolved around the music. As a cantankerous teenager, I thought the song I Hate People was hilarious. As an adult I enjoy Scrooge's blind idea that he is soft-hearted and "a martyr to [his] own generosity." The portrayal of the Cratchit family is a favorite; Bob Cratchit exudes optimism and love, and teaches me to do the same no matter the circumstances. His song, Christmas Children, gets me into the Christmas spirit without fail.
Then there are the street urchins. How can you not love street urchins singing Father Christmas? They make my heart smile. While there are beautiful and funny moments in the film, there are also moments which can scare the pants off of you. I can remember clearly the pounding of my heart as I covered my eyes during the scenes where Marley first appears or Scrooge drops into the grave. This film has it all, even romance! Happiness is a beautiful number - so romantic, and yet, so heartwrenching because you know they will not end up together.
But the most beloved scene is when Christmas Present is teaching Scrooge to like life. This is my favorite song of the bunch, and I find myself singing it, alongside Thank You Very Much, once a week or so. It lifts my spirits, and reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.
I could go on and on about the minister's cat game and the hot soup man dancing on Scrooge's coffin, but I will spare you. I would just like to make one final point. After all is said and done, Scrooge has changed. He dresses up like Santa Clause and everyone parades through the streets throwing their hats in the air and cheering. Surely, a change such as this deserves such a big fuss, and it moves me to tears every time.
It is clear to see that I implore you on the grounds of sentimentality to release this soundtrack in CD format. Surely, it cannot cost much in fees to release it to Spotify or iTunes. I know there are others who wish to buy this wonderful soundtrack, so you would quickly recoup any losses to such a venture. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have not seen this film, I urge you to watch it. Christmas Present's hat alone makes it worth the time.
All the best,
Julia Meservy
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