Mickey's Christmas Carol

When I think of 'A Christmas Carol' this is generally the version that comes to my mind first, second only to the Muppets which we will get to later on.

From the first note of the opening song, you know that we are in for a treat with this short film and even get a slightly more festive Mickey Mouse face title card. The story is more or less the same, as we are introduced to Ebenezer Scrooge and is played by none other than Scrooge McDuck himself. Mickey Mouse fills the role of Bob Crachit, and Donald plays Cousin Fred. Heading home late at night after closing up his business, Scrooge encounters the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley (played by Goofy). Marley informs him that if he does not change his ways that he too will wind up in chains and be forced to carry heavy blocks forever. However, before he leaves he also says that three ghosts will come to visit him.

It does not take long from Jiminy Cricket, the Ghost of Christmas Past, to arrive and show Scrooge the old days when he was far happier before money took over his life. Before Scrooge can even recover from the haunting memories of better days, Willie the Giant comes knocking and takes the old grump for a stroll down the street to show him how bad things are for Bob Crachit and his family. Leaving Scrooge alone in the cold, the final Ghost arrives and shows him the inevitable future that lays ahead if he stays the way he is. This is perhaps my favorite ghost of the three from this version, from the way Pete handles Scrooge, and the atmosphere and emotion that are present during Mickey's wordless scene as he sheds a tear over Tiny Tim's grave. The entire bit is well done, and is a great final push to Scrooge who now decides to change his ways thanks to the ghosts.

One of the most fun aspects of this version is just how large a cast there is. All of Mickey's main gang appears, with the surprising exception of Pluto who is absent, as well as many characters from various shorts and features making cameo's. A small list of such characters includes:

Mr. Toad - Fezziwig
Big Bag Wolf
Two of the little wolves
Toby Tortoise
Max Hare
Dasiy Duck (Isabel)
Grandma Duck
Clara Cluck
Gus Goose
Peter Pig
Paddy Pig
Chip an' Dale
Clarabelle Cow
Horace Horsecollar
Huey, Dewey, Louie
Ferdy and Morty (One of which is Tiny Tim)
Minnie Mouse (Mrs. Crachit)
Macbadger
Mole
Rat
Cyril Horse
Weasels
Skippy, Tagalong and Sis Rabbit
Toby Turtle
Grandma Owl
Otto the Hound Dog
Mother Rabbit
Secretary Bird
Melody Mouse
Uncle Waldo