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that that are not just parents but a couple who love each other very much.

The Cratchit children are not overly sugary but just seem like nice kids. I like when Mrs. Cratchit tells one of the children to go butter the bread and she adds, "Thinly." Tiny Tim is sickly looking, but not overplayed as the over-the-top doomed child.

Roger Rees as Fred is very good, and the casting directors actually made an effort to cast Scrooge's sister Fan and Fred resembling each other. Rees's Fred is just a little too reserved for me, but that may be a directorial choice to contrast him with his Uncle Ebenezer.

Frank Finlay (Marley's Ghost), performance is incredible; you really believe he is filled with regret for his lot. Finlay plays the role as just a bit crazy, just a bit over the top emotional; which is perfect for Jacob Marley.

The Ghost of Christmas Past is wonderful; Angela Pleasence conveys just the right balance of teacher/reminder and clear contempt for Ebenezer. What's interesting in this version is that the ghosts have obvious disdain for Scrooge - and aren't afraid to show it. When the Ghost of Christmas Past is departing as Scrooge insanely screams, "Leave me," she smiles wickedly. But she also prods him, sometimes gently:[The Ghost of Christmas Past and Scrooge are watching his past self dance with his great love, Belle:]
Christmas Past: "How long since you danced, Ebenezer?"
Scrooge: "Waste of time."
The Ghost of Christmas Past: "You didn't think so then."
Scrooge: "The was a REASON then."

GREAT writing. GREAT characterization. Honest regret over choices made and not made.

Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present is exceptional. He is full of life and humor, sarcastic when he needs to be, and he also doesn't hide his disapproval of Scrooge. He is bombastic at times, commanding, powerful, and a man (ghost) on a mission. He is enjoying his torment of Scrooge. I get the feeling he really doesn't care whether Scrooge repents or not.[Scrooge, observing the Cratchit's meal:]
Scrooge: "It's a very small goose."
The Ghost of Christmas Present: "It's all Bob Cratchit can afford."

And when the ghost reminds Scrooge of his "decrease the surplus population" comment he is positively venomous as he snarls, ""It may be that in the sight of Heaven you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child!" It's familiar dialogue but man, this ghost is seething when he says it.

Throughout the film, many of the actors communicate with facial expressions

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