A Christmas Carol (1982 film)

A Christmas Carol is an Australian animated television film produced by Burbank Films Australia as part of its series of Charles Dickens adaptations made between 1982 and 1985. It first aired in 1982 on the Australian Nine Network. The screenplay, based on Dickens’ 1843 story, was written by Alexander Buzo, with Eddy Graham producing and Jean Tych directing.

The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man who values money above all else, despises Christmas, and treats his underpaid clerk Bob Cratchit harshly. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley, who died seven years earlier. Marley, who was equally selfish in life, warns Scrooge that his spirit is condemned to wander and that three other spirits will visit him that night.

At one o’clock, the Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge memories of his earlier Christmases, revealing how he became the person he is. The Ghost of Christmas Present then reveals the current celebrations of others, including Scrooge’s nephew Fred, who had invited him to dinner, and the Cratchit family. Scrooge learns that Tiny Tim, Bob’s frail youngest son, may die without better care. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge a future where Tiny Tim dies mourned by his family, while Scrooge himself dies alone and unlamented.

Scrooge wakes on Christmas Day a changed man. He sends a large turkey to the Cratchits, accepts Fred’s dinner invitation, and from then on becomes known as a generous and caring figure, especially to Tiny Tim.

The voice cast includes Ron Haddrick as Scrooge, Phillip Hinton as Bob Cratchit, Sean Hinton as Tiny Tim and Peter Cratchit, Barbara Frawley as Emily Cratchit, Robin Stewart as Fred and other roles, Liz Horne as Martha and Belinda Cratchit, Bill Conn as Marley and several other characters, Derani Scarr as Fred’s Wife and Belle, and Anne Haddy as Fan.