Scrooged (1988)

Director:

Richard Donner

Writers (WGA):

Mitch Glazer (written by) &
Michael O'Donoghue (written by) ...

Release Date:

23 November 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

Tagline:

Bill Murray is back among the ghosts. Only this time, it's three against one.

Plot:

A cynically selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

Plot Keywords:

Christmas | Ghost | Executive | Christmas Carol | Selfishness

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Bill Murray	...	Frank Cross
Karen Allen	...	Claire Phillips
John Forsythe	...	Lew Hayward
John Glover	...	Brice Cummings
Bobcat Goldthwait	...	Eliot Loudermilk
David Johansen	...	Ghost of Christmas Past
Carol Kane	...	Ghost of Christmas Present
Robert Mitchum	...	Preston Rhinelander
Nicholas Phillips	...	Calvin Cooley
Michael J. Pollard	...	Herman
Alfre Woodard	...	Grace Cooley
Mabel King	...	Gramma
John Murray	...	James Cross
Jamie Farr	...	Jacob Marley
Robert Goulet	...	Himself

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario) | Iceland:12 | Netherlands:AL | Netherlands:6 | Australia:M | Finland:K-14 | Ireland:12 | Singapore:PG | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG-13 | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

The character name Calvin Cooley is a reference to President Calvin Coolidge who was known as a man of few words.

Goofs:

Continuity: After the encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Past, Frank decides to visit Claire at work. The business card she gave him says "Operation Reach Out" but the doors Frank walks into say "Operation Outreach".

Quotes:

[Props man tries to attach antlers to a mouse]
Props man: I can't get the antlers glued to this little guy. We tried Crazy Glue, but it don't work.
Frank Cross: Did you try staples?

Movie Connections:

Featured in A Hollywood Christmas (1996) (V)

Soundtrack:

It's Howdy Doody Time

THE perfect modern Christmas movie

I'm amazed by all the negative and mean-spirited comments for this movie. "Scrooged" is a cinematic gem, one of the most outstanding films of the '80s or any time for that matter. Bill Murray is at his comedic best, and he is entirely convincing as a bitter network exec who has lost sight of the important things in his life, like family and friends. You know the Dickens story, but Richard Donner's film version breathes life into the story and gives it extra meaning for modern audiences. Supporting actors all do wonders with their roles, from Robert Mitchum to Carol Kane to Michael J. Pollard. This film will make you laugh, and will certainly bring a little warmth into your Christmas season.

For those who sight this film as mean-spirited or dark, they surely must be missing something. This film is funny, charming, and sweet. Frightening and warm at the same time, "Scrooged" is a modern masterpiece that has been unjustly overlooked and unappreciated. While there are other enjoyable Christmas films of the '80s ("A Christmas Story" and "Christmas Vacation" seem to get more than enough praise), none can hold a light towards "Scrooged", an excellent Christmas movie for modern audiences.