Scrooge is a 1935 British film based on Charles Dickens' signature novella A Christmas Carol. Directed by Henry Edwards, the film starred Sir Seymour Hicks as Scrooge, Donald Calthrop as Bob Cratchit, Philip Frost as Tiny Tim, and Robert Cochran. It is the earliest sound version of the Christmas ghost story.
Tropes specific to this film version include:
- Adapted Out:
- Scrooge’s childhood and adolescence is omitted, meaning no Fan or Fezziwig.
- The dark ending to Christmas Present with Ignorance and Want is omitted. Nor is Scrooge abandoned to meet Yet to Come. The meeting happens in Scrooge’s bedroom.
- Batman Grabs a Gun: The sweet and gentle Cratchit grabs a rod when he thinks Scrooge is about to get violent. Fortunately Scrooge’s Heel–Face Turn causes him to drop it.
- Changing Clothes Is a Free Action: Although Scrooge is in his bedclothes when he meets the Ghosts, his travels through time and space has him garbed in his business clothes.
- Contrast Montage: The film contrasts Christmas celebration with Scrooge. Fred and Cratchit come home with their festive paraphernalia, the Mayor holds a banquet, the Mayor’s kitchen is busy at work. Scrooge eats alone in a tavern, telling the keeper to silence the festive music.
- Death of a Child: This adaptation shows Tiny Tim’s dead body.
- Good Hair, Evil Hair: When he was the cold miser, Scrooge’s hair was disheveled. Post change, it is combed down.
- He Who Must Not Be Seen: Except for his face on the door, The Ghost of Jacob Marley is unseen in this adaptation. He lampshades this as Scrooge can only see him.
- Jump Scare: Scrooge gets several when he comes home. A coat rack and a closet hat box give him starts that prove to be nothing.
- Match Cut:
- Scrooge tries to wipe away his tombstone. The scene changes to him on his bed.
- A close-up of Fred’s wife slicing bread at the Christmas party, turns to Mrs. Cratchit carving bread at her home the next day.
- Miniature Effects: A replica of 1840s London, with St Paul in the background.
- Mood Whiplash: The Christmas Present sequence ends jovially; even Scrooge is getting a giggle. And then a shadow hand hovers over his face, changing it to terror. Christmas Yet to Come has arrived.
- National Anthem: The Mayor of London has his party guests sing “God Save the Queen”. The poor children outside join in the Anthem.
- "Nations of the World" Montage: More like All around England. To the song “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” Christmas Present shows Scrooge how others celebrate the holiday. First it is a shot of London, then a lighthouse (its two keepers making a toast) then a ship in a storm (celebrating despite the dangers), and finally Fred’s party.
- Organ Grinder; He appears several times. Pre- Heel–Face Turn, Scrooge has him silenced. Post, he pays the musician to continue his playing.
- Possessive Wrist Grab: The shadow of Scrooge’s hand grabs Yet to Come’s wrist in defiance over the tombstone revelation.
- Revealing Reflection: Scrooge spots Cratchit discreetly getting coal via a mirror.
- Saintly Church: The film ends with Scrooge going to Mass, capping his redemption.
- Shadow Discretion Shot: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is portrayed as a shadow.
- Shamu Fu: A cook, dissatisfied with his assistant’s cleaning of a fish, slaps him with it.
- Storybook Opening: The uncut version opens with this trope.
- Wedding Ring Removal: Seeing what her fiancé has become, Belle takes off her engagement ring as a sign of her break-up with Scrooge.
