A Christmas Carol: 5 Ways George C. Scott Is The Best Scrooge (& 5 Ways It’s Patrick Stewart)

One of the undisputed champions of the holiday movie genre is A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge’s spiritual journey through the past, present, and future has entertained, delighted, and even frightened audiences since Dickens penned the tale, but two heavyweight performers continue to bring the story to life year after year.

George C. Scott and Sir Patrick Stewart are a pair of incredible actors that have both stepped into the role of Scrooge, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. Both are unique and amplify separate aspects of the character, but both adaptations are still arguably similar. The question is, who is the true Christmas curmudgeon?

10 Scott: The Look

Let’s get the most obvious feature out of the way and give the first point to Scott. Why? Just look at him. The costume department of 1985’s A Christmas Carol definitely knew what they were doing when they created Scott’s wardrobe for the character.

He looks exactly like every storybook version of the character should look. From the black hat, cane, and white facial hair to the comfortable dressing gown, this look is unapologetically Scrooge.

9 Stewart: The Script

One of the best things 1999’s adaptation has going for it is its script, which is near identical to the source material. This is also likely due to the fact it was based on Patrick Stewart’s one-man-show version of the Dickens Classic, making him a double threat.

The language and scenes all come from the book, but flow in a way most audiences will understand without being too heavy-handed.

8 Scott: Cold as Ice

Scott’s Scrooge is definitely one of the coldest, cruelest, and unfeeling adaptations of the character. When one thinks of Scrooge, they often think of a stingy and miserable old man behind a writing desk, but those familiar with the book know Scrooge can be down-right evil at times.

He has no sympathy, no empathy, and no warmth about him whatsoever. There’s a reason why he’s often considered one of the most iconic villains in all of literature.

7 Stewart: Most Accurate

This harkens back to Stewarts’ contribution to the script, but along with the Dickensian dialogue, Stewart’s Scrooge seemingly has all personality features exactly as the book depicts.

Though he lacks Scott’s sharp physical accents and white facial hair, he still both looks and acts the part of the book’s protagonist. Patrick Stewart is legendary for his Shakespearian prowess, but he definitely did his homework for this role and it shows.

6 Scott: More Repentant

Scrooge in the first act is not the man he is in the last, and rightfully so. While both actors definitely present this well in their own way, Scott’s performance is more repentant and knowledgable of what he has done.

There’s a certain acceptance in his performance that truly does stand out as if Scrooge is taking responsibility for his actions for the very first time. It’s a very mature and thought-provoking take on the character’s arc.

5 Stewart: More Emotional

Where Scott was more reasonable and practical in his performance, Patrick Stewart’s is much more emotionally fueled. Normally, Scrooge isn’t a man to show too much emotion, apart from malice, but as the spirits slowly work their magic over him, he becomes more compassionate and even vulnerable.

This is a side of Scrooge hardly ever seen, and leave it to a big shot like Patrick Stewart to knock it out of the park.

4 Scott: Most Watched

Both Stewart’s and Scott’s versions were made-for-TV adaptations, but the earlier iteration seems to be the most aired and most well-known. AMC airs this version every year, along with many other networks, and viewers are more than likely to be familiar with this one than any other on TV.

Stewart’s being a TNT original production limits it to just one station, and even then it’s airing has been somewhat sparse. Thank goodness for streaming services.

3 Stewart: Biggest Fanbase

Scott might have the most popular version of the story but when it comes to the bigger fanbase, points go to Captain Picard on this one. If modern audiences are familiar with George C. Scott, they are more than likely to know him more as Scrooge than any role outside of Dr. Strangelove.

Patrick Stewart, on the other hand, has more than his fair share of fans and arguably a more varied selection of viewers. That makes him a more receptive version.

2 Scott: Best Performance

Patrick Stewart is certainly a hard act to beat when it comes to performance alone, but George C. Scott definitely gives him a run for his money in this role. Stewart’s is still well-performed, but it’s still obviously Patrick Stewart playing Scrooge.

Meanwhile, Scott absolutely loses himself in the role. While he’s on screen, Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life as genuine as ever, and definitely gives him an edge over Professor Xavier.

1 Stewart: Best All-Around Movie

Both films are remarkable and solid adaptations of A Christmas Carol, but if it’s a question of which one is more accurate, well-performed, well-written, and represents the book the best, the point goes to Stewart’s version.

Scott’s version is a classic and ranks up there with Rudolf and Frosty in the realm of Christmas flicks, but what it all boils down to is representation. Stewart’s version is almost identical to the source material, as well as perfectly performed, giving it at least one leg over the 1985 adaptation.

About The Author