A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, is a story about hope, holiday cheer and the uplifting power of spirit. Ebenezer Scrooge (Patrick Stewart) has just buried his longtime friend and business partner, Jacob Marley on Christmas Eve in 1843. This tragedy makes Scrooge a negative person for the next seven years, always "bah-humbuging" and yelling at the people closest to him. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge finds himself alone in his office. He hears the rattling of chains and sees before him, the ghost of Jacob Marley, who tells him three other ghosts will visit him that night. Marley warns Scrooge that the suffering he causes others, he will have to repay - even in death, and warns him that there's only one chance to escape that fate. The three ghosts arrive and each takes Scrooge to a different, but meaningful time in his life. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Joel Grey) appears and takes Scrooge back to his childhood. Soon after, The Ghost of Christmas Present then takes Scrooge to witness his clerk, Bob Cratchit's family having a meagre, but grateful Christmas dinner. Scrooge is surprised to learn that the Cratchit's youngest son, Tiny Tim, is crippled and will most likely die soon. As quickly as the second spirit departs, the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come appears, leading Scrooge to a bleak vision of his future. Pleading with the spirit to give him another chance, Scrooge promises to alter his life and to know Christmas in his heart all year round. When Scrooge awakens in his bed on Christmas Day, he is thrilled to be alive. Scrooge is a changed man and spreads holiday cheer and magic to all. (Original Title - A Christmas Carol) - 1999 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.