SCROOGE

1970, Ronald Neame, 114 mins.

A musical version of the Dickens classic.

This attempt to cash-in on the success  of Oliver isn’t in the same league, largely because Leslie Bricusse isn’t Lionel Bart and Ronald Neame isn’t Carol Reed. However, the material is just about impossible to spoil and the film, while wildly inconsistent and boasting a mediocre song score, has numerous virtues. The chief one is Albert Finney whose performance as Scrooge is serious and thoughtful, which is essential if the material is going to work and make his eventual transformation dramatically satisfying. There’s a strong supporting cast amongst which Edith Evans, Kenneth More and Alec Guinness stand out – the latter’s camp take on the role is particularly good value in the added scenes in hell towards the end – and the best musical number features Anton Rogers making the most of “Thank You Very Much” as he dances on Scrooge’s coffin.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

1979, Jeff Stein, 111 mins.

A celebration of fiteen years of The 'Orrible Who

Sheer pleasure from start to finish, this is a collection of songs and interviews from the first fifteen years of The Who. It was originally intended to commemorate fifteen years together but when Keith Moon died during production, it became a tribute to the greatest drummer in rock history. He’s on wonderful form here, whether going mad during “Baba O’Reilly” or taking his clothes off on the Russell Harty show. The insight comes largely from the reliably eloquent Pete Townshend seen in conversation with Melvyn Bragg and a young Jeremy Paxman. But the songs are the thing and they’re quite wonderful. Pride of place goes to the almighty diptych from “Who’s Next” – “Baba O’Reilly” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” but we’re also treated to clips from Woodstock and superb versions of “A Quick One While He’s Away”, and “Magic Bus”.