A Christmas Carol (1997) - full transcript

Man: Folks say life is a song.

For some, that means a ditty;
for others, a dirge.

But at the holiday season,
we all sing a carol...

* Tell me a tale
about Christmas *

* That's brimming with fun
and good cheer *

* Tell me a tale
to bring laughter *

* And maybe the hint
of a tear *

* Tell me a tale
of a miser *

* Who spoils every joy
that he can *

* Can he get older and wiser?

* Will he become a good man?



* Christmas stories

* What warm memories
they bring *

* Christmas carols

* Make me want to sing

* Tra la la
la la la la la *

* Tra la la la la la la

* Tra la la
la la la la la la *

* Sing me a song
full of wonder *

* Like snow from
the heavens above *

* Sing me a song
about Christmas *

* Sing me a song

* Of love

[clock ticking]

[humming]



[clock chiming]

Ohhh!

Brr!

I'm gonna
get you again!

Oh, no, you won't!

Ha ha ha!

Ah...

[humming]

[clock ticking]

...Sixpence.

Younger man:
* Christmas

Cratchit!

Sorry, Mr. Scrooge.

[snoring]

Debit!

Uh...

[growling and sniffing]

[snarling]

Uh! Ohhh...

Ahh! Ahh!

[ruff ruff
ruff ruff ruff]

Excuse me, guv. Aah!

[ruff ruff]

Beat it, brat!

Grr!

[gasps]

Cratchit,
go fetch that coal!

Yes, Mr. Scrooge.

Excuse me, sir.

A merry Christmas,
Uncle Ebenezer!

Bah! Humbug!

[grr]

[ruff ruff]

Christmas a humbug?

Well, you don't
mean that.

I do.

Merry Christmas?
What right have you
to be merry?

You're poor enough.

What right have you
to be grumpy?

You're rich enough.

Yes, rich enough
to realize Christmas
is a time for fools...

Finding themselves
a year older and not
an hour richer.

If I had my way,

every numskull
who goes about

spouting "merry Christmas"
should be stuffed like a turkey,

buried with a stake of holly
through his heart!

Uncle!

Nephew!

Keep Christmas
in your own way

and let me
keep it in mine.

Keep it?
But you don't keep it.

No. I keep busy,

especially
at this wasteful
time of year.

Wasteful?

Well, I've always
thought of Christmas
as a rewarding time.

Even putting aside
its sacred name and origin,

Christmas is still
a joyous, wonderful season,

the only time
in the whole year

when folks seem to open
their hearts and treat
strangers as friends,

and therefore, Uncle,
though it's never put
silver in my pocket,

I say god bless Christmas!

[squeaking]

Ahhh!

Grr!

Bah! Humbug!

[ruff ruff]

[whining]

Give us a smile, Uncle.
Tomorrow is Christmas.

Good afternoon.

Well, have dinner
with my wife and me.

Good afternoon.

Very well.

If you want to be
miserable, fine,

but I'll hang on
to my holiday spirit
to the last.

So merry Christmas, Uncle.

Good afternoon!

Ha ha ha!

And a happy new year!

Good afternoon!

Man:
Scrooge & Marley's,
yes?

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

Mr. Marley
died 7 years ago
this very night.

Oh, dear!

However,
we have no doubt

your generosity
matches that of your
deceased partner's, hmm?

Here you are,
Mr. Scrooge.

That's only 5 lumps.

Where's the sixth?

The snow, sir.

Back to work!
Coal's not cheap,
you know.

Uh, generosity, yes.

Uh, at this
festive season,

it is compassionate
to provide for the poor
and destitute,

who suffer greatly
at this time.

What shall I
put you down for?

Huh?

Nothing!

Ah! You wish
to be anonymous!

I wish to be
left alone!

I don't make merry
at Christmas,

and I can't afford
to make idle people
merry!

But surely, sir--

I do my share.

My taxes pay for
the prisons and workhouses,

and those
who are badly off
should go there!

But many
would rather die.

Then they should do it
and decrease
the surplus population.

But, sir,
thousands are in need
of simple comforts.

Huh!
It's not my business,
gentlemen.

Good afternoon.

Uh, but,
Mr. Scrooge--

Scrooge: Debit!

[snarling]

[gasping]
[gasping]

Ooh!

[ptooey]

[grr]

[clock chiming]

[knock on door]

Hello?

Huh! Bleh!
Beat it, beggar!

Cratchit: No!

No, sir.
This is my son Tim.

Oh. You have
a family? Hmm?

He's awfully, uh...

Tiny.

Yes. Yes, he is.

He's our tiny Tim.

Hmm. You'll want
all day off tomorrow,
I suppose.

If it's convenient, sir.

It's not
convenient...

Hee hee hee!

And it's
not fair.

If I docked you for it,
you'd feel cheated,
I imagine.

And yet you don't
think me cheated

when I pay a day's wages
for no work.

It is only
once a year, sir.

A poor excuse for
picking my pocket
every december the 25th!

But I suppose
I've got to give you
the whole day.

Just be here
an hour earlier
next morning.

Yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

And a very merry...

Um...

Merry evening, sir.

Come, son.

He likes me,
father.

Huh?

Scrooge: Debit!

Get the light,
you liability.

Whee!

Ha ha ha!

Tim: Go, horsy!

Ha ha ha!

[debit panting
and snorting]

Scrooge: Debit!

Huh?

[grr]

That old villain's
cold as ice, isn't he?

[children oohing and ahing]

Look at the size
of that turkey.

Doesn't it
look good?

Debit!

[laughter and piano music
from inside]

What'll it be,
ducky?

Hash for me.
Scraps for my dog.

And be quick
about it.

Every day
the same thing--

cheapest meal
on the menu!

When he could afford
a feast every night,
the old skinflint.

Oh, well, can't let him
ruin our holiday,
now, can we?

Ha ha ha!

* It's Christmastime
at last *

* Revellers, prepare

* Can't you feel a blast of
fresh excitement in the air? *

* The wreath
is out of hock *

* Holly's in the hall

* But take some stock before you
pin that stocking to the wall *

* Random acts of kindness,
random acts of kindness *

* Have you spread your share
of merry Christmas cheer? *

* Perform an act
of kindness? *

* Random acts of kindness,
more than once a year *

For example...

Offering
a scone.

Springing
for the nog!

* Throwing out the bone to throw
a banquet for the dog *

* Freshening a drink,
sharing what you've earned *

Man: * Giving without thinking
that it's got to be returned *

All:
* Random acts of kindness

* Random acts
of kindness *

Waitress: * Preferably
performed with anonymity *

* It's your
yuletide duty *

* Commit
some senseless beauty *

* Palm some off on me

All: * Love makes
giving so pleasing *

* 'Tis the seasonal way

* Still the biggest trick
is getting it to stick *

* After Christmas day

Oh, bah! Humbug!

* Give a bum a bob,
he'll go buy a pint of ale *

* Then he'll borrow,
beg, and rob you *

* And at best,
end up in jail *

* When he's been released,
who'll come breaking
through your door? *

* That's what good
your beastly brand
of charity is for *

* Random acts of kindness,
random acts-- *

* You'll find no good deed
goes unpunished *

* And no crook
goes straight *

* Random sacrifices

* Falsely playing nice is
man's most hateful trait *

* See the Christmas snow
falling *

* Don't it tug
at your heart? *

* While you're in this phase,
better change your ways *

* Now's the time to start

Bah! Humbug!

All:
* Random acts of kindness

* Random acts
of kindness *

Waitress: * Just in case it's
you who ends up on the ground *

All:
* Kindly ways and fandom,
kindly acts at random *

* Make the world go round

Waitress, here's the only tip
you'll be getting from me:

Find a new chef.
Your hash
isn't fit for a dog.

Ha ha ha!

[everybody laughing]

[baby crying]

Please, sir.

[baby cries]

[gasps]

Jacob?

Boo!

[gasps]

Argh!

Wretched animal!

[debit whines]

Stupid dog.

[wind blows]

[debit whimpers]

Eeerie male voice:
Ebenezer Scrooge.

Huh?

[gasps]

Humbug!

[snoring]

[wind blows]

Scrooge.

Huh? Ah!

Scrooge.

Go away!
I won't believe it.

[ruff ruff]

Shut up! It's nothing!

Bah! Old fool! You're
acting like a dunderhead!

No such thing as spirits!

[yelps]

What is it, debit?

[whimpering]

Ebenezer Scrooge!

Sic him!

[yelps]

Look at me,
Ebenezer!

In life I was
your partner...

Jacob Marley.

I heard you had
no heart, Jacob.

Now I see it's true.

So you believe
in me, then.

I don't.

You're probably just
some undigested food--

some bad beef
or a blob of mustard.

There's more of gravy
than of grave about you.

[shouting angrily]

Ahh!

Mercy! Why do
you haunt me?

I've come
to warn you...

To spare you my fate.

You mean...All this...

Hardware?

I wear the chain
I forged in life.

I made it
link by link.

This link was when
I evicted those orphans,

and here's when I
cheated old Mrs. Avery.

And your chain
was this long and heavy
7 years ago!

You should see it
now, Ebenezer.

I can't see a chain!

I can!

And it is
a monstrous one!

It is our human duty
to walk among
our neighbors

and do good.

If we fail to do this
while we're alive,

then we're doomed
to do it after death.

Look!

See that poor woman?

It's not
my business.

Mankind is
our business.

[baby whimpering]

Please.

Take this
for the baby.

Marley: By the time
we realize we must
help one another,

it is usually too late.

When we're dead,
we can no longer do
any earthly good.

But I have good news!

Tonight,
on the anniversary
of my death,

I've been given
the opportunity to
warn you, Scrooge.

Perhaps you can
escape my fate.

Really?

You simply visit me,
and then everything's
all right?

Almost. You'll also be
haunted by 3 spirits.

No deal.

Without their visits,
you cannot hope
to break your chains.

I don't care, Jacob!
I like chains!

No ghosts,
you hear me?!

Expect the first when
the bell tolls 1:00.

No ghosts!

Bah! Humbug!

[ticking]

[chimes]

[snoring]

[thunderous noise]

[giggling]

Mornin',
Ebenezer Scrooge.

[growls]

Boo!

[yelps]

[giggling]

[thud]
Aah!

Oww!

Are--are you
the first spirit
Jacob talked about?

Spot on, guvnor!
I'm the ghost
of Christmas past.

Long past?

No. Your past.
Follow me.

It's for
your own good.

A night
of unbroken sleep

would be better
for my good than this.

Shuffle your stumps,
Scrooge!

[gasps]

I'm not made of
mist and moonlight
like you.

I'll fall! No!

[ruff ruff ruff]

Debit, help!

[ruff ruff ruff]

[growling]

Stop fussing!

You're no help,
debit! Let go!

Huh-uh! Uh-uh!

I...I was a boy here.

Aye, guvnor.
This here was your
boarding school.

Do you recollect
the way?

Recollect it? I could
walk it blindfold.

[inhales deeply]

Ah, chalk dust
and wood smoke.

[sniffing]

[growling]

[yelps]

[chuckles]

What you see are
but shadows

of the things
that have been.

They can't see
of us.

Oh. Of course.

Why didn't you think
of that, you twit?

Spirit: A small boy,
all alone, neglected
by his friends,

rejected by the father
what left him here.

It...It is...

Me.

Poor forgotten boy.

He--I--was never invited
home for the holidays.

Alone...Stranded.

[sniffling]

I wish...

What's the matter, eh?

There was a boy
at my door last night.

Perhaps I should have
given him something.
That's all.

You did, guv.
A fistful of coal!

Scrooge: It's
Robinson Crusoe! Yes!

I remember this day.

He was my favorite
storybook character.

Blimey! You've been visited
by spirits before.

Don't mock me, shade.

* Everyone's gone
but the cat *

* Once again
I'm all alone *

* But I need
all my shadows *

* To show them
I'm fine on my own *

[reowr]

* I'll slay the beast

* I'll bring the feast

* I'll throw a carnival
with 40 clowns at least *

* I'll ride a whale

* I'll find the grail

* I'll be a matador

* What's more, I'll live
to tell the tale *

* Like arthur
on his throne *

* I won't be alone

* Once I pull the sword
out of the stone *

* Not sad at all

* Up on the wall

* See all my friends
when shadows fall *

* But then as
the firelight dies *

* I can see
with my own eyes *

* No friends at all

* When shadows

* Fall

Spirit: Let's see
another Christmas.

Bah! Humbug!

[sighs]

So many lonely
Christmases.

Right,
but not this one.

[giggling]
Ebby!

Fan!

Fan?

My little sister.

I've come to bring
you home, dear brother.

Home?

But father...

Oh, pooh on father.

I'm inviting you.
We're family,

and I told father
I want you at home!

Good old fan!

Lovely fan.

Such a large heart for
such a tiny creature.

Spirit:
She died a woman

and had, as I
recall, a child.

Yes. My nephew Fred.

Good-bye,
you wretched old school!

Fan was right.

We had
a happy Christmas
in spite of father.

Oh, I wish she were
alive to invite me
home again.

But she has,
through her son Fred.

Don't you see?

Her goodness
lives in him.

Yes. Oh, I wish...

[growls]

Bah! Never mind!

Let us visit
another kind soul.

Why, it's old
Fezziwig, my boss.

Bust my buttons!
He hasn't changed a bit.

Ho ho there,
Ebenezer. Dick!

No more
work tonight.

No, no, it's
Christmas eve, my boys.

Clear away, and let's
have lots of room here.

I was
an apprentice here,
a good one, too.

Old Fezziwig treated me
like his own son.

[whimpers]

[violin playing]

Ha ha ha!

Good old Fezziwig.

Show me a better boss
than that, eh?

So he spent a bit
of cash on some
song and dance.

Where's the prize
in that, eh?

Bit of coin?

You couldn't buy
that much happiness
with a fortune.

He had the power
to render us
happy or sad,

to make our jobs
a pleasure
or a drudgery.

Then he must have set
quite an example for you.

Now what?

Oh, nothing particular.

I'd like to be able
to say something to
Bob Cratchit just now.

That's all.

Come. My time
grows short.

It's belle.

Good news, my darling!
Guess what I've got.

Give me a hint, Ebenezer.

It's small
and round and gold,

and it holds
the future.

A ring?

No! The profits
from my first
business venture!

Isn't it wonderful,
belle?

Now I'm sure
to be a success.

Stop talking,
you mindless pup!

Belle?

* Now we've reached
this bridge together *

* But I hope
we'll soon be crossed *

* So don't put a price
on paradise *

* Or our paradise is lost

* Any bridge
leads to disaster *

* If its moorings
aren't secure *

* Heaven won't provide
on the bridge's
dark side *

* It's our wealth
which will endure *

* I'll cross
this bridge with you *

* I'll cross
this bridge with you *

* Show me the man
that I once knew *

* And I'll cross
this bridge with you *

* No one lives
on hopes and wishes *

* Love alone
grows dry and cold *

* But the sun
will shine on these
bright dreams of mine *

* As upon
this coin of gold *

* Can I cross
this bridge with you? *

* I'm who I am

* Your words leave me
split in two *

* What else can I do?

* Has love begun
or is it through? *

* Should I cross
this bridge with you? *

* Life's so rocky
and unanswered *

* And coarse to judge

* Speak of love
so love can start *

* Why not be safe
and smug? *

* Where's your passion?
Where's your heart? *

* Now it's time to say good-bye
to frivolous dreams we know *

* Can't we cross
this bridge together? *

* I'll cross
this bridge *

* Alone

Go after her,
you fool.

[throws coin]

Stop.

Don't show me
any more.

I told you.

These are the shadows
of the things
that have passed.

Don't go blaming me
for your choices.

Why are you torturing me
like this, spirit?

Leave me alone, please.

Take me back home.

Haunt me no more.

[sniffling]

Spirit?

Just a bad dream,
was it?

Crying in your sleep,
thick-headed old ninny!

I'm not gonna
take it anymore.

You hear me, spirits?

No more!

[ding ding]

[snoring]

Stupid dog.

[ruff ruff ruff ruff]

What in blazes...

Woman: Come out,
Ebenezer Scrooge.

[whimpering]

Go away. Leave me be.

Come out.

Come out
and know me better.

Observe me, Scrooge.

I am the ghost
of Christmas present.

No! Go away!

[ruff ruff ruff]

Huh?

[sniffing]

[spirit laughing]

Ha ha ha!

I bet you've never had
a guest like me before.

I'm sure I haven't,
madame.

You bet your brass bed.

Nor have you entertained
any of my earlier
family members.

I'm afraid not.

Do you have many
sisters, spirit?

Nearly 1,900.

Come. Touch my robe.

Um...After that
last spirit,

I'd rather not.

Oh. Oh, no. This is not
a multiple choice,
Mr. Grumpy face.

Come!

But my dog
gets lonely.

He needs me to stay
with him.

See?

Uh-uh. Uh-uh.

Oh, he seems
contented enough to me.

Come along.

I've got to get a lock
for that window.

Spirit: Happy Christmas!
Happy me! Happy everyone!

Ha ha ha!

Happy humbug.

What?
Backsliding already?

Well...It's just that...
Why should I be accused
of being selfish when...

Yes?

When Christmas
is a selfish holiday?

What?!

Help!

[chuckles]

So tell me, Scrooge,
was that selfish?

Yes.

You only saved me
so you can annoy me
further.

Ha ha ha! What a tough
old walnut you are.

All right, then.
Let's see if I can
convince you otherwise.

[gasps]

Girl:
I'll never forget it.
I'm so happy.

What a wonderful
Christmas day.

Boy: This is the best
Christmas ever.

Woman: Martha, my dear,
what's keeping your father
and brother?

Here they are now.

Spirit,
who are these people?

What do they have
to do with me?

Just hold your horses.

Good evening, Mrs. Cratchit
and all you little cratchits.

Hello, papa.

Hello,
father.

The Cratchits?

I had no idea bob
lived so...Humbly.

Well, what did you
think, with the wage
you pay him?

Mrs. Cratchit:
How was he in church?

Bob: As good as gold.

No, better.

What? There's something
better than gold?

[family talking excitedly]

Bob: Oh, I'm so hungry.

[children laughing]

So do you want
to talk or eat?

All: Eat!

[laughter]

Bob:
I give you the delighter
of our stomachs--

Mrs. Cratchit.

All: Hear! Hear!

Girl:
That was delicious.

So lovely.

And I give you
the founder
of our feast--

Mr. Scrooge.

Mrs. Cratchit:
Founder of the feast,
indeed.

I wish I had him here.

I'd give him a piece of
my mind to feast upon.

Please, dear. It's
Christmastime at last.

Grievances or not,

it's been Mr. Scrooge
who's kept the chicken
in our pot.

* Yes,
it's Christmas day *

* But Scrooge
has done us ill *

* We must find a way somehow
to exercise goodwill *

How?

* Random acts of kindness
look on him with kindness *

* Can't you see a Scrooge
Who's simply starved for love? *

* Your kindness
is poetic *

* Kind and sympathetic

* We got plenty of

* Mr. Scrooge
is a poor man *

* We've a good way
to live *

* Greedy folks believe
it's better to receive *

All: * We'd just rather give

* Random acts of kindness
he could use some kindness *

* I've got you to love,
and all he's got
is his wealth *

* Your goodness takes
the cake, but still
for goodness sake *

* We'll drink
this miser's health *

To Scrooge!

Ha ha ha!

I provide them
with an income,

and this is how
they treat me.

Mrs. Cratchit:
Oh, you're too good
for Scrooge, bob,

but I'll drink his health
for your sake.

A merry Christmas
and a happy new year.

Though with all his money,
he's merry enough, I'll bet.

Ha ha ha!

Very good.
Now clear away.

Let me, Tim.
You go warm up.

Look familiar?

Scrooge: Chalk dust
and wood smoke.

Bob: He told me
coming home

that he hoped
the people saw him
in the church

because he was sick

and it might
be nice for them
to be thankful

for their health
and good fortune.

I am.

You am what?

Oh, nothing.

Nothing.

Robinson Crusoe.

See here?
This is just before
the pirates attack.

Oh, dear.
Forget I said that.

I don't want
to ruin it for you.

Oh, but
it's so exciting!

Yes. Read on. Read.

A remarkable boy,
but so frail.

Spirit, tell me if
tiny Tim will live.

I see an empty seat
in the chimney corner

and a crutch
without an owner.

If these shadows remain
unaltered by the future,

the child will die.

No! Oh, no!

Spirit,
say he'll be spared.

Well,
if he's going to die,

he should do it
and decrease the surplus
population, right?

I...I didn't mean--

Next time, find out
who the surplus is.

Remember, Scrooge,
no one is worthless
or unfit to live.

A merry Christmas
to us all, my dears.

That looks nice.

All: God bless us!

Yes. God bless us,
every one.

All: Hear! Hear!

Bob: I'm so thankful
to be in the bosom

of my wonderful family
at Christmastime.

I wish I had a family
to be with.

Ah, but you do,
you silly man.

What place is this?

The house of your
only living relative.

All: Ha ha ha!

Nephew Fred?

And then
the old fellow said,

"What's Christmas but a time
for finding yourself

a year older
and not an hour richer?"

Ha ha ha!

He may mock,
but it's true.

Oh, Scrooge!
Just listen to you!

Oh! You're just
so funny now,
aren't you?

Ha ha ha!
I love you.

Did your Uncle Scrooge
really say that?

Yes, and that Christmas
was a humbug.

Ha ha ha! He's
the humbug, Fred.

[laughter]

I want to go now.

Stay put.

You'll like this.

He's a comical old fellow,
but I have nothing bad
to say about him.

What? Not even
his stinginess?

No. His wealth
does him no good,

so I am sorry
for him, really.

And so I'll invite him to
celebrate Christmas every year
for my sweet mother's sake.

I know it's hard to believe,
but she loved him dearly.

I never realized how...

Yes?

How much
he looks like fan.

And with
such a big heart.

Now, in honor
of my mother, I want
to teach you all a song

that she and her brother
Ebenezer used to perform...

When their father
wasn't around.

Ha ha ha!

And you must all join in.

[piano playing]

Yes! I remember this!
Santa's sooty suit!

* 'twas last Christmas eve
I had a cause *

* To hide
beneath the stairs *

* I stayed awake
for Santa Claus *

* And caught him unawares

* He was coming
through the fireplace *

* From the chimney's
smoky chute *

* And I

* Never quite saw such a sight
as Santa's sooty suit *

All: * Oh, he never
quite saw such a sight
as Santa's sooty suit *

* Scrub-a-dub-a-dub
dub-dub-dub-dub *

* Scrub-a-dub-a-dub
dub-dub *

* 'twas the red,
red velvet jacket *

* You could tell
was once a beaut *

* All the torn and tousled
trousers streaked with
slushy stains to boot *

* With the black
and beaten britches of
a big and burly brute *

* I never dreamed
I might see such a fright
as Santa's sooty suit *

All: * Never dreamed
he might see such a fright
as Santa's sooty suit *

* Scrub-a-dub-a-dub
dub-dub-dub-dub *

* Scrub-a-dub-a-dub
dub-dub *

Come, then. It's time
for the missis.

* It had blotchy,
brownish buckles *

* And a belt
of liquorice root *

* With scruffy, fluffy ruffles
fallen into disrepute *

* It was smudgy, soiled,
and sullied *

* Yet somehow
sort of cute *

* Wish I had a quid
for each stain that's hid
on Santa's sooty suit *

All: * Wish I had a quid
for each stain that's hid
on Santa's sooty suit *

* Scrub-a-dub-a-dub
dub-dub-dub-dub *

* Scrub-a-dub-a-dub
dub-dub *

Ha ha ha! Now
Santa talks to him.

* Then old Santa
did address me *

* And his tone
was resolute *

* He said, "son,
don't second-guess me *

* Come and be
my new recruit" *

* His appeal
did so impress me *

* I was near
about to scoot *

* Then I looked up, heaven bless
me, at old Santa's sooty suit *

All: * And I looked up,
heaven bless me, at old
Santa's sooty suit *

Come on,
everybody! Let's
put it all together!

* 'twas a red, red velvet
jacket you could tell
was once a beaut *

* All the torn and tousled
trousers streaked with
slushy stains to boot *

* With the black
and beaten britches of
a big and burly brute *

* Oh, there ne'er were duds
more in need of suds
than Santa's-- *

* It had blotchy,
brownish buckles *

* And a belt
of liquorice root *

* With scruffy, fluffy ruffles
fallen into disrepute *

* It was smudgy,
soiled, and sullied *

* Yet somehow sort of cute

* Never dreamed I might
see such a fright *

* That made that night
when I looked right *

* At Santa's stinky,
grey, and inky *

* Messy, mucky, icky, yucky

* Crunchy, grubby,
needs a scrubby *

* Scrub-a-dub sooty suit!

Hooray!

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Did you see me,
spirit?

Ha ha ha!

Yes, Scrooge.
Very merry.

However, we must go now.

But I was just
enjoying myself.

Scrooge, my stay upon
this earth is very brief.

It ends this very night.

[chiming]

Are spirits' lives
so short?

Farewell.

Farewell,
Ebenezer Scrooge.

Spirit?

[thunder]

[gasp]

Spirit?

Spirit?

Speak to me, spirit.

[gasp]

Am I correct that you are

the ghost of Christmas
yet to come?

Will you not speak
to me?

Is it you who will
show me shadows

of the things that
have not yet happened?

Ghost of the future,
I fear you most of all.

But if your goal
is to do me good,

then I hope to be
a better person than before.

Lead on.

This is
the business exchange.

I come here often.

But where am I today?

No, I don't know much
about it either way.

I only know he died
last night.

Well, the devil has got
his own at last, eh?

Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!

What's he done
with his money?

Oh, he hasn't
left it to me.
That's all I know.

Gentlemen, tell me,
which of our colleagues
has died?

It will probably be
a cheap funeral

'cause nobody
will go to it.

Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!

Oh, I don't mind
going if a lunch
is provided.

Well, good day.

Spirit, I don't understand
the meaning of this.

Who has died?

Yaaah!

Woman: Oh,
look what I found
under here.

Silver, they are.

Think he'll miss 'em?

Nah.

His tea-stirring days
are over.

Ha ha ha ha!

If he wanted someone

to look after
his belongings
after he was dead,

he should have
made friends when he
was still breathing.

Aye, love,
truer words
was never spoke.

You don't mean
to take 'em with
him lyin' there?

Why not?

It's not like he's
gonna catch cold
without 'em.

Or without his
bed curtains,
either.

[both laughing]

[coughing]

Spirit...

This is
a fearful place.

But I see
the lesson.

The fate of
this unhappy man

might happen
to me someday...

Right?

Oh, this is
too harsh to bear.

Let me see some
tenderness connected
with the death,

I beseech you.

[woman sobbing]

Oh, the lamp
is so bright
it hurts my eyes.

I mustn't show
weak eyes to your father
when he comes home.

It must be
near his time.

Past it.

I think he walks
a little slower than
he used to, mother.

Oh, I have known him
to walk with...

With tiny Tim
upon his shoulder
very fast indeed.

But he was very light
to carry, and no trouble.

[sighs]

No trouble.

[door opens]

Bob: Sorry I'm late.

You went there
today, robert?

Yes, dear.

I wish you all
could have gone.

You would have enjoyed
seeing how green
a place it is.

I promised him
that I would walk
there on sunday.

[sobbing]

Little boy...

My little boy...

[sobbing]

No, spectre, no!

Not--not tiny Tim.

Spirit, tell me...

Can this cruel future
be changed?

Scrooge:
Is this, then,

where that wretched dead man
now lies underground?

Before I look closer,

answer me one question:

Are these the shadows
of the things that will be

or only the things
that might be?

All lives lead
to certain ends,

but if our lives change,

then the ends must
also change, right?

They must!

[breathing shakily]

[gasps]

No.

No!

[gasps]

That lonely corpse
was me!

Oh, no.

[sobbing]

No.

Don't let me
die unmourned.

Spirit, listen.

I am not
the man I was.

I've changed.

I will honor Christmas
in my heart

and keep it all the year.

I will learn
from the past,

I will live
in the present,

and I will hope
for the future.

I will keep
the 3 spirits in my soul

and remember
their lessons always.

Good spirit,

I'm not that man anymore.

Why show me these shadows
if I am past all hope?

Please tell me that
I can make a brighter
future than this.

All alone.

Stranded.

[gasps]

I'm home?

I'm home!

[snoring]

I'm home!

I've been given
another chance, debit,

and so have you.

Mmm-uhh!

Oh, ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Oh, heaven and
Christmastime be praised.

I say it on my knees,
old Jacob.

On my knees!

Ha ha ha ha ha!

My spoons!

They're still here.

The dark shadows of things
that would have been...

Are gone.

I know they are.

* I heard a tale
about Christmas *

* Whose truth
caused my spirit to burn *

* My present, my past,
and my future *

* Taught me
I'd so much to learn *

* I've lived a tale
of a miser *

* Who spoiled every joy
that he could *

* Then he got older
and wiser *

* And only yearned
to be good *

* Once my memories

* Brought me
nothing but pain *

* Now it's Christmas

* With new precious memories
to gain *

* I'll sing a song
full of wonder *

* Like snow
from the heavens above *

* I'll share my new song
of Christmas *

Ha ha ha ha!

* I've a new song
of love *

A merry Christmas
to everybody!

Happy new year
to the world!

Hello,
my fine fellow.

Huh?

Yes, you, lad!

[whimpering]

Wait. Don't run.

Please.

But what is it, then?

Do you know
the poultry shop
down the street?

Ha! Is snow white?

An intelligent boy.

A remarkable boy.

Do you know
whether they've sold

the prize turkey
that was hanging there?

What? The one
as big as me?

Ha ha ha!
Yes, my lad.
That very one.

Tell 'em to bring it
here, and I'll give you
a silver coin.

Do you mean it?

Aye, lad.

Come back in less
than 5 minutes,
and I'll give you 2.

Ha ha ha ha!

Come, my faithful friend,
we have much to do.

[panting]

Merry Christmas,
gentlemen!

And a happy new year!

[men gasp]

Oh, dear.

[both gasp]

Scrooge: No!

Wait. Come back!

[growling]

We won't pester you
for money ever again!

We promise!

No, no. Please.

I must apologize
to you both

for the terrible way
I treated you yesterday.

You are Mr. Scrooge,
aren't you?

Well, not
that old Scrooge,
at any rate.

Please, let me
donate something

to...To make up
for my selfishness.

Well, certainly.

So you'll come see me
tomorrow at my office?

Most certainly.
But, Mr. Scrooge,

why now?

Because it's too late
to do it when we're dead.

Ah!
Ah!

Yes.
Yes, of course.

Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Scrooge.

Thank you,
gentlemen.

Ha ha ha ha!

You know, debit,
I like this feeling,

though I'm not used to
all this smiling yet.

Bob: Well, my dears,
we may truly count
our blessings.

I have no idea where this
magnificent bird came from,

but let's eat!

Yay!
Let's eat!
Let's!

[knock at door]

Oh!

Merry Christmas!

Uh, merry Christmas
to you.

Darling, this is
Mr. Scrooge's nephew,

master Fred.

And my dear wife.
May we come in?

Oh, forgive me.
Of course.

Please join us.

We received word
to meet Uncle Ebenezer
here.

Very urgent.

Mr. Scrooge?
Coming here?

What have I done now?

Hee hee hee!

Won't Bob Cratchit
be surprised?

How's this?

[panting]

No, no.
You must look mean
as well.

Debit! Nasty!

Oh!

[growling]

Good, good.

Cratchit.

M--Mr. Scrooge?

What do you mean
being here
this time of day?

I--i--i--it's...

Only once a year, sir.

Uncle!

[debit growling]

Uh!

I am not going to stand
for this sort of thing
any longer,

and therefore,
I am about to...

No, please,
Mr. Scrooge...

Raise your salary.

Huh!

A raise?

A raise!

A merry Christmas,
bob.

[ruff]

Scrooge: Yes!

A merrier Christmas,
my good fellow,

than I have given
you for many a year.

And starting today,

I'm paying you
what you deserve.

[children cheering]

I, uh...

I--

I give you
Mr. Scrooge,

the founder
of the feast.

All: Hear, hear!

[all laughing]

[ruff ruff]

[playing lively tune]

[children laughing]

Scrooge: Yes!

Just like
at old Fezziwig's.

And later, Fred
and I will teach you
Santa's sooty suit.

[children cheering]

We will, indeed.

Now let's celebrate!

Oh, a dolly!

Fred, my boy,

is there enough
of your mother in you

to forgive
an old humbug?

Welcome to the family,
Uncle Scrooge.

Do you like it, Tim?

Oh, yes, sir!
Thank you, sir!

We're going to
get you well,
young man.

And afterward,
you can teach me
to slide on the ice.

Oh, yes, sir!

And the doggy, too.

God bless us.

Both: God bless us,
every one.

[ruff ruff]

Narrator: And Scrooge
was as good as his word.

No, better.

He was like
a second father to Tim

and became as good a friend,
as good a master,

and as good a man
as anyone in the world.

And he kept Christmas
in his heart forever.