A Christmas Carol (1984 TV Movie)

Roger Rees: Fred Holywell, Narrator

Photos 

Quotes 

• Fred Holywell : Uncle Ebenezer, this is my wife Janet. Janet this is Uncle Ebenezer.

  Janet Holywell : It's a pleasure.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : More like a surprise, wouldn't you say?

  Janet Holywell : Well, that too.

  Fred Holywell : That's quite true. Quite honestly, it is a surprise. At least yesterday, you made it quite clear, it seemed to me at least, that you had no intention of accepting my annual invitation.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : I made other things clear too, didn't I, Fred? That Christmas was a humbug - a waste of time and money. A false and commercial festival, devoutly to be ignored.

  Fred Holywell : Yes, basically, that was it.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : Well, I've come for three reasons. First, to beg your pardon for the things I said about Christmas. That was a humbug, Fred.

  Fred Holywell : Was it?

  Ebenezer Scrooge : I didn't know it then, but I know it now. Secondly, I've come to meet your wife.

  Fred Holywell : Well, here she is.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : Yes, and a very beautiful woman she is too.

  Janet Holywell : Thank you.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : I uh... I was in love once. Would you believe that?

  Janet Holywell : Yes.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : But I possessed neither the courage nor the optimism nor perhaps the depth of feeling that you two have. Thirdly, if the invitation to dine with you today is still in force, I accept.

  Fred Holywell : Of course, it's still in force! Hurrah! I was sure that one day...

  Ebenezer Scrooge : You were sure? Well, apparently you were right. Yes, I should like to dine with you and your friends.

  Janet Holywell : You'll be more than welcome!

• Fred Holywell : [on his Uncle Ebenezer]  ... His wealth is quite useless to him, really. He doesn't do any good with it; he doesn't even make HIMSELF comfortable with it.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : [whom nobody else can see or hear]  I haven't SQUANDERED it, if that's what you mean by "making myself comfortable!"

  Ghost of Christmas Present : You mustn't argue with those we visit. It's useless, and even tactless.

  Ebenezer Scrooge : Tact is a quality I despise.

  Ghost of Christmas Present : *That* I can see.