I always like to check out new versions A Christmas Carol so I watched this year’s FX Christmas Carol. The cultural propaganda police worked overtime on this one. It’s 1843 England , Bob Cratchit‘s marriage is mixed race, Mrs Cratchit is black, there are only two children, it is mentioned that older sister is very smart, Tiny Tim seems to be a dwarf.
Scrooge was sexually abused by the headmaster of his boarding school, his father had arranged for him to stay with the headmaster over the holidays in exchange for tuition. Scrooge’s sister comes to take him home and does so by drawing a pistol on the headmaster, she explains father has left and mother has sent her, first I ever heard of Scrooge’s mother. Wasn’t his sister always described as frail? She does die but not in childbirth, she’ll be back as the Spirit of Christmas Present where she describes herself as a scientist , how many women scientists were there in early 19th century England?
Scrooge and Marley aren’t just greedy businessman but by cutting corners on safety they cause mine collapses and fires leading to deaths.
Seven years earlier when Tiny Tim needed an operation Mrs Cratchit was forced to ask Scrooge for 30 pounds, he gives her 10 but forces her to return on Christmas Day for what she thinks is an assignation for the remainder , he doesn’t go that far but does humiliate her by making her strip.
After the unsatisfying conclusion , Mrs. Cratchit still hates him and as the movie ends there’s an implication that she somehow brought about the haunting.