A Fantasy Casting of an All-Star “A Christmas Carol”

According to Wikipedia, the Scrooge story has been told in 22 live action movies, 11 animated movies, 22 TV movies, 8 animated TV movies, and another 4 direct-to-DVD movies (as of 09/12/2023). This got me thinking… How cool would it be to have an all-star movie that combines a “greatest hits” cast of performers from some of our favourite versions of Dickens’

? In a world where this could be possible, and where death wouldn’t keep anyone from taking a role, here is how it would be cast by me:

EBENEZER SCROOGE: Mr. Magoo (voice: Jim Backus) *, 1962* This was my earliest introduction to the story, so for years I would see other iterations like Alastair Sim, George C. Scott or Henry Winkler and shake my head. I just couldn’t imagine anyone being Scrooge other than Magoo. Though I did warm up to Donald’s uncle pretty quickly.

JACOB MARLEY: Richard Nixon (voice: Rich Little) *, 1978* I’ll never forget this TV special coming on. Though I’d already known who Rich Little was, it was this show that made me a crazy fan of his. I spelled out “RICH” and “LEE” in big lego letters and put them on a shelf in my room when I was 11 or 12. They were my heroes at the time: Rich Little and Lee Majors (

was big then). I’m not sure any impressionist has been able to match his abilities, and this was a great showcase of them.

BOB CRATCHIT: Mickey Mouse *, 1983* There are a lot of great performances out there of this character, but Mickey was the one to bring the character to life. He could stir the emotions inside of my young heart better than anyone else playing Bob.

MRS. CRATCHIT: Miss Piggy *1992* Now come on, did you really think anyone else would beat this diva? Of course you didn’t. Classic Mrs. Cratchit.

TINY TIM: Mary Lou Retton *, 1988* It seemed strange to see this in Richard Donner’s Bill Murray adaptation, but also hilarious. Of course, it was more of a role in a story-within-a-story, but this is too good of an option to pass up.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Carol Kane *Scrooged, 1988* You know she’s going to end up kicking Ebenezer in the face at some point, which makes her clearly my favourite ghost of Christmas past.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Lionel Braham *

, 1938* This absolute stud of an old school actor has the look and mannerisms down perfect for this role. Every other version I see seems to be trying to look as good as him. I haven’t seen the entirety of this movie, but I’ve seen his part. And he rocks it!

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME: Pete (voice: Will Ryan) *, 1983* The reveal of this in the TV special was perfect. I think every Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come should be lighting a cigar and laughing when giving Scrooge the grim news of his fate.

MR. FEZZIWIG: Fozzy Bear (voice: Frank Oz) *1992* Not only does his name fit perfectly, he is the only Fezziwig to stand out in my mind. To me Fozzy Fezziwig (aka Fozziwig).

CHILD WHO FETCHES THE TURKEY: David Hannaford*, 1951* This is a minor character, but an important one. This kid is as classic of a portrayer of his role as Alastair Sim himself is. 

BELLE: Wilma Flintstone (voice: Jean Vander Pyl) *, 1994* Another minor role, but only shows up some of the time. She sings a solo in the Muppet one, but that’s depending on which release you are watching. And as good as she is, I pick Wilma because… well, nostalgia I guess.

It dawned on me after posting the nominees that I had used this same category 9 years ago. In December 2014 I had these same movies nominated for “Best Scrooge Movie.” The winner then was Alastair Sim’s. But this year… 

Congratulations . This is your week.

Best Actress:

Kathleen Harrison as Mrs. Dilber in 1951’s aka

Best Actor: Jim Carrey as a whole bunch of people in Disney’s 2009

Best Quote: “I never liked a girl well enough to give her twelve sharp knives.” – Bill Murray as Frank Cross in

I do regret not having any picks from Spirited (2022) or An American Christmas Carol (1979). I haven’t seen the former and only certain parts of the latter. Hopefully sometime I’ll give each a watch. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the two that were made in the 30’s. Happy holiday viewing everyone.