Ebenezer the Traveler (2024) Movie Script
1
[soft piano playing]
Where did you come from?
You just wandered
in here, didn't you?
There is a process, you know.
I understand why you're here.
You're curious, aren't you?
About him.
Ebenezer Scrooge
in the middle of 21st
century Oklahoma.
It's his first time about
since that last
Christmas, you know.
I'll grant you,
I'm a bit curious
how this goes myself.
You know the story, do you?
Are you certain?
You know what comes
after the happy ending?
Well, sometimes
an ending is just
a place for an
all-new beginning.
But for that,
you need an all-new book.
My book.
My name is Simon Onyx,
Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
And trust me, someday
that will mean
a great deal more to you.
But for now, I'm simply
here to prepare you
for what's about to come.
Something we call
the second chance.
The untold twist
in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge.
[dramatic music playing]
[soft piano playing]
[carriage rattling]
[Simon] For those
with short memories.
Jacob, Ebenezer, away with
the books, away, away!
'Tis Christmas Eve.
Jacob, go downstairs
and help bring the
food in for the party.
Ebenezer, go help
clear the tables
for the warehouse.
The guests will be
here at any minute.
And remember you two,
there are more important
joys in life than money.
[Simon] A valuable lesson,
though too soon forgotten.
[Belle] Isn't it wonderful?
Can't you just imagine
us living here someday?
[Scrooge] Here?
Well, maybe not here per se,
but someplace like it.
I can imagine the costs.
I mean, the taxes alone
make it less wonderful.
It's not always about
money, Ebenezer.
There's happiness and love.
But without money,
you can't have one
or hold on to the other.
That's horrible.
That's life, Belle,
money is key.
It's not the life I dream
of. I want something better.
So do I.
I've got to go.
[Simon] And with that, his
first true love was gone.
Forever.
To be replaced by
something very different.
[winds howling]
But you know that
story, don't you?
Everyone knows that story.
The spirits, the redemption.
[voice echoing]
Ebenezer Scrooge...
you will be haunted
by three spirits.
[Simon] The second chance.
But very few know
what happened next.
You there, young man.
What day is it?
What day is it?
Yes, what day is it?
Why, it's Christmas Day.
[laughing] Christmas Day.
The spirits did it
all in one night.
This...
is a letter I want you
to take to my doctor,
instructing him to do
whatever your boy needs.
No matter what the
cost, he's to bill me.
I don't know what to say, sir.
Why not say thank you?
Thank you, thank you.
It's a Christmas
miracle, indeed.
God bless you, Mr. Scrooge.
And God bless us, everyone.
[Simon] And so, Ebenezer
Scrooge had his happy ending.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
[Simon] He'd awoken
Christmas morning after all.
And strangely, even to
himself, a changed man.
So glad you could finally
join us for dinner,
Uncle Ebenezer.
Yes, thank you so
much for coming.
Thank you very much for
keeping the invitation open,
though I really don't
think I deserved it.
Oh, nonsense, you're family.
You'll always be welcome here.
She's very much how I
remember your mother, Fred.
Consider yourself very lucky.
Oh, I do, dear
uncle, I truly do.
Well then, thank you again.
Madam.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Whatever do you suppose
finally changed his mind?
It's Christmas. Perhaps
he was due a miracle.
[Simon] Ah, yes,
perhaps that was it.
He was due a miracle.
[mysterious melody playing]
It's said the more
things change,
the more they remain the same.
And there were those who
were counting on that.
Huh, seems to be some profits
in this goodwill
season, after all.
[grunts]
[voice echoing]
Really, Ebenezer?
Not even a day?
[Simon] Not even a
day yet, but almost.
One perhaps overdone
with goodness,
Scrooge wondered,
considering the strange
unsteadiness he suddenly felt.
Maybe this joy business
was best practiced
in moderation.
That must be it.
Oh well, a good night's rest
and tomorrow would
bring a bright new day.
He had no idea.
[Scrooge] Wait.
You're not the Ghost
of Christmas Future.
Who are you?
And what am I doing back here?
I did everything
they asked of me.
We had a deal.
[voice distorts] Not with I.
No, I was good, I promise you.
It's too late for you.
Your time has expired.
No, no, it's not too
late, it's never too late.
Just give me another chance.
That's not for me to decide.
[indistinct]
[man] Why do you
doubt your senses?
[woman 1] Who suffers
by his own will.
Himself always.
[Fan] I've come to bring
you home, dear brother.
[woman 2] Our
contract is over.
I release you with a full heart
for the love of
whom you once were.
[boy] God bless us. Everyone.
[Scrooge] Spirits, please.
Show me no more.
[pensive music playing]
[crickets chirping]
[ominous music playing]
[people whispering]
Mistress Abigail
Prescott, I presume?
Um, no, sir.
No.
Obviously not.
I hope.
Well, an unexpected arrival.
Not originally on the docket.
But I think you
should see him, sir.
Where is this place?
Not where you're supposed to be.
Well, I seem to be winding
up there quite often lately.
Where am I not
supposed to be now,
if you don't mind?
Ebenezer Scrooge, I see.
You're one of the
special circumstances.
Won't you have a seat?
You seem to have the
advantage over me, sir.
You know me, but
I don't know you.
My name is Simon Onyx,
Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
Undead Affairs?
You mean to tell me that
I'm not dead, I'm alive?
Well, it's a bit of a
gray area at the moment.
A gray area?
What do you mean by
that, a gray area?
It means that you're
not supposed to be here.
Not yet, anyway.
Well, that doesn't
tell me anything.
Of course I'm here,
wherever here may be.
And I expect...
no, no,
I demand to know where I
am and what I'm doing here.
I understand your
conundrum, Mr. Scrooge.
However, you are in absolutely
no position to demand anything.
And I owe you nothing.
Not now, and
especially not here.
Bring me my book.
- Your book, sir?
- Yes, my book.
You must admit, you
lived a wretched life.
- I changed.
- Oh, please, spare me.
I changed, I
promised the spirits.
Your promise was too
little and too late.
No, Ebenezer Scrooge,
your greed filled you,
and in the end, your
greed killed you.
Tell me, do you still taste its
bitterness upon your tongue?
Well, what of me, then?
To be neither dead nor alive?
Neither here nor there?
Oh, hardly anything
quite so meaningless.
After all, I did say you
were a special circumstance.
You did say that, didn't you?
"Special circumstances,"
what does that mean?
That means that since
you were offered
a second chance at redemption,
but were denied through
no actions of your own...
You mean I'm to be sent back?
In a way, exactly.
But with certain
different parameters.
What parameters?
Oh, nothing too unusual, really.
Especially not for here.
You will still get a
chance at redemption
by helping others
to find their own.
Like Jacob?
Exactly, like Mr. Marley.
I'll have you know
I was very good
at negotiating in my lifetime.
And look at where
it's gotten you.
Also, like Mr. Marley...
due to your multiple
mitigating factors,
you will spend seven
years waiting to begin.
Seven years?
Seven years for what?
Consider it an opportunity
for self-improvement.
You do have a great
deal to improve.
No, I won't go.
I will not be detained for
seven whole years, sir!
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
[ominous sound playing]
See you soon, Ebenezer Scrooge.
Next.
[ominous melody playing]
- How much longer?
- He won't be late.
No, sir.
I would assume a man as
successful as Mr. Scrooge
would make it a habit to
be punctual, wouldn't he?
That, and the fact that he's
no choice in it, anyway.
[calm piano playing]
Right on time.
Welcome, Ebenezer.
Jacob?
Tiny Tim?
Not quite as tiny as
you remember me, sir.
Huh, and who are you?
I'm Fan.
Fan.
Fan.
Well, if you're both here...
- where am I?
- Dead.
- Dead?
- As a doornail.
- For how long?
- Seven years now.
The same as I had
been on that night.
[Scrooge laughing]
You can't be real.
I'm still trapped in
these wretched dreams.
I must remember to discard the
last of the kidney pudding.
This isn't a dream, and
we aren't manifestations
of your dinner gone bad.
What exactly do you remember,
dreams or otherwise?
I was visited by three spirits.
And Jacob, you were there.
Mm-hmm.
What else do you
remember, Ebenezer?
I journeyed with the spirits.
They showed me the
errors of my ways,
and I vowed to repent.
Unfortunately, a
vow made too late.
I was too lost to be redeemed?
Was I judged so
utterly unworthy?
Oddly enough, you weren't.
Otherwise, this is not
the place you'd be.
No, sir, sadly,
you were murdered before
your final journey.
Murdered?
Murdered and not redeemed?
[sorrowful piano playing]
Well, I guess I should
be very grateful
I'm not in the other place
where the heat is equal
to the lighting in this room.
I told you we should have
at least dimmed the lamps.
It's not that bright.
It is when you're in
a box for seven years.
Is that the last
thing you remember?
Nothing of who
murdered you, perhaps?
No, no, nothing.
This must be some mistake.
We don't make
mistakes, I assure you.
Simon Onyx,
Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
Finally in the
correct place, I see.
You!
It's funny.
In better lighting, you
don't look a thing like him.
A thing like who?
Yes, a thing like who?
Old Scratch.
It appears to be one
of your common names,
but I fail to see
the resemblance.
Perhaps a bit around
the cheekbones?
Well, now that you're here,
you seem to be in
charge of something.
I'll have you know that
as the Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs,
you will find that I'm in charge
of practically everything.
Except for the actual
secretary, of course.
Oh, shut up.
What is your name, anyway?
Uh, Tim Cratchit, sir.
Right.
Neither of you have
yet to instruct
Mr. Scrooge on the conditions?
Well, he did just get here,
right before you came in.
Fine.
You two, sign this.
Here.
And here.
Initial there.
- How old are you again?
- Fourteen, sir.
Eh, you're exempt.
Would you like me to sign?
I haven't been fourteen in
a little while, you know.
He is now your responsibility.
- The three of you...
- Four, sir.
Fine, four of you
are now bound
contractually by the terms
of the Redemption
Advancement Compact,
per your request,
which is noted.
Contractually bound by what?
By a standard RAC
Revision 3 form.
Now, if you will all excuse me,
I have pressing
matters to attend to.
Good day.
Well, that's always
a pleasure, isn't it?
What does he mean,
contractually bound?
And what about my conditions?
It means that the four of us
are now dependent
upon each other,
for better or worse.
Dependent on each
other for what?
Redemption.
Your second chance
will have to be
here now, Ebenezer.
The same as ours.
All tied to whether
or not we succeed
and are finally
permitted to rest.
Or not.
And after fourteen years now,
I'm tired.
So, don't muck it up.
[heartfelt piano playing]
Simon.
I need to speak to you.
About?
Why doesn't he remember me?
He's forgotten a lot of
things over the years.
Being human, for one.
This isn't one of
your blasted games!
I'm his sister!
When father banished him
to that boarding
school as a boy,
I got him home again.
I tried to make things
different for him, even then.
I know.
He remembers Jacob and Tim.
Why not me?
Human beings are complex things.
Mixed mash of emotions,
irrationality,
impulses, habits, influences.
It's a long list.
Which makes us human.
Quite.
In your brother's case,
Misters Marley and Cratchit
are recent influences.
Part of who he'd become.
Part of who must be changed.
You, on the other hand,
were part of who he was,
before he chose the
path which led him here.
Part of who he
needs to rediscover,
if he is to even be redeemed.
So, I can't even tell him?
No.
For it to be real, he must
discover it from within.
But I knew he'd need me.
I stayed here all this time.
Waiting.
I never said this, and I
will deny it vociferously.
But...
I'm sorry.
[cunning music playing]
So what city is this, then?
Obviously, we're not
in London anymore,
but it does bear a
strange resemblance to it.
No, not London.
Nor any other earthly
town or village.
This is Purgatory, Ebenezer,
or at least our place in it.
Purgatory, you say?
A lot less bleak than
I thought it might be.
Dare I even say it's pleasant?
Except for him, of course.
Don't make light.
He's failed his redemption,
and is so bound here
now, awaiting...
- his next stop.
- His next stop?
- Hell.
- Hell?
[Scrooge grunts]
Well, last I saw you, Jacob,
you were bound in chains
similar to these poor souls.
Indeed I was.
And I still am, as are we all.
I see no chains on you, Jacob,
nor do I see any shackles
on neither Tiny Tim nor Fan.
- I have none.
- But you do.
We all do, I'm afraid to say,
to varying degrees.
Have you not felt burdened
since you first arrived?
Heavy as if there's
a great weight
on your shoulders?
I merely took it as being
cramped up for so long,
or rigor mortis.
Frankly, I'm surprised
you're still upright.
This is our next stop.
[crafty music playing]
[customers talking]
So is this what the
dearly departed do?
- They shop?
- [Fan chuckling]
I am in Hell.
I recognize that man.
The clerk, Iggy?
No.
The man with the green robes.
That's the Ghost of
Christmas Present.
He's dead and alive?
Father Christmas? Oh no, sir.
He's an immortal, or
practically so, anyway.
His is the ability to
transverse many plains.
So he comes and
goes as he pleases?
I'd imagine he knows
as many or more
on this side than the other.
Oh, my dearest Mr. Iggy.
I do trust the season is
finding you well and prospering.
Always, my friend, and I
trust it finds you busy.
And parched.
[laughs] Just a bit,
just a bit to fight off the
cold and ease my rheumatism.
Hopefully, this
will help with both.
I will be needing just a
bit more help than that,
if you please.
The winters are getting colder.
And I'm getting older, you know.
Aren't we all?
To the joy of Christmas.
May it never get old.
Before I forget.
Just a little Christmas present
for you and your missus.
Oh, thank you, Mr. Iggy.
And a Merry Christmas
to you, sir.
Merry Christmas.
Maybe I should
have spoken to him.
Why?
Maybe he could have shed
some light on that night.
I'm sure more will
come to you in time.
Hopefully.
There are so many
things that are unclear.
- You, for instance.
- Me?
Yes, you.
I recognize Jacob,
and Tiny Tim, although
a few years older,
and not so tiny anymore.
But you,
I feel I should know
you, but I don't.
[Fan] In time, Ebenezer.
All things will become
clear to you again.
And trust me,
now you have all the
time in the world...
And beyond.
Ah.
Were you able to fill
my rather special order?
It wasn't easy, but I did.
Anything for a lovely lady.
Your effort is
greatly appreciated.
Madame, sir.
- They'll function properly?
- Of course they will.
I could have found any old
garden variety mirrors.
I assure you, these are not.
Observe.
[magical sparking]
Oh, splendid.
I apologize for
ever doubting you.
- Is this all they do?
- Certainly not.
That wouldn't be much
of a trick by itself,
now would it?
Here.
What's this?
The instructions.
That's for you.
Ah, and I've got yours as well.
You've got something for me?
What's this?
No, thank you, mine is fine.
Trust me, it isn't.
Instructions.
Thank you very much.
[heartfelt orchestral
music playing]
[joyful melody playing]
Ebenezer, would you
please sit down?
The view, it never changes.
Same old thing,
each and every day.
Yes, well, welcome to Purgatory,
or at least your
little corner of it.
Just be glad there
aren't vultures
picking at your kidneys all day.
I guess I should be thankful
to learn of the little things.
Among other lessons, but
you're getting there.
Ebenezer, sit.
[playful music playing]
- How do you do that?
- Do what?
Bark, and cause me
to yield that way,
on occasion.
Let's just say I've
had some practice.
Now, would you please sit down?
Have some tea with me and maybe
you'll begin to figure it out.
I'm still not quite used
to that either, you know.
I never imagined that being
dead would be so unsettling.
[coughing in disgust]
Oh, that's not tea. It's syrup.
Oh, my mistake, I'm sorry.
You never were the sweet one.
Try it now.
[magic chiming]
Better.
Now that tastes like tea.
Obviously, I'm sweet enough.
Like horseradish.
Oh, well, hello to you,
my crickety cadaver friend.
You rattle any
good chains lately?
Don't tempt me.
I'm already overwhelmed
and out of sorts today
and it's still early.
Overwhelmed by what?
By the evil men can do
and the times they
choose to do it.
Seems like nothing
changed, eh, Jacob?
It seems it takes both
of you to save an angel.
Angel?
- How am I to do that?
- Calm down, Saint Scrooge.
We're not girding you in
holy armor to slay a dragon.
Just... almost.
Be clear.
What do you need
Ebenezer and I to do?
Oh.
[magical sparking]
Mama, we're about out of milk.
Do you want me to pick some
up before I go to work?
Do you have any money?
Yes, ma'am, I can afford a
gallon of milk just fine.
Do you need anything else?
Well, I'm fine, but, uh...
I think Winton could
use some cookies.
Oh, Winton, huh?
He's a growin' boy.
Okay, Mama,
but I think he can
get by until tomorrow.
I'll pick some up then.
[soft piano playing]
[Mama grunts]
Are you going to be
okay while I'm gone?
Of course I am.
I'm not completely
falling apart, you know.
You treat me like I'm
an old woman sometimes.
Well, I should know better.
- Yes, you should.
- [both giggling]
- Mama, Mama!
- There you are.
I was wondering if you were
going to come tell me goodbye.
- Sure, I was.
- Now, you be a good boy
for your mama today, all right?
- You take care of your grandma.
- I will.
That young lady is
who you have to save.
So her name is Angel...
but what are we
to save her from?
A monster, a man
named Big Ed Rangle.
Big Ed Rangle?
And pray tell, what does
the "Big" stand for?
Don't worry.
I have to worry when
it's my neck on the line,
especially going back
to the mortal realm.
[Fan clears throat]
And Fan's, of course.
Look, I've already been
murdered once back there.
It wasn't very pleasant.
You don't have to worry,
Mr. Scrooge, you have us.
Fourteen years in purgatory,
dragging chains, most of them.
You want to compare
unpleasantness?
[Tim] Please forgive us.
As I said earlier,
we've been very
overwhelmed today.
I understand.
Well, I don't.
But then again, why
should that matter?
Eccentricity must
go post and parcel
with being a spirit around here.
Why are we there?
What are we to do?
Things are fluid, Fan,
in life and death.
Decisions, actions, choices,
even chance, are
the only constants.
And once those are
set for a moment,
the future is plotted.
Everything is still in play.
But there's more
and more of a chance
that something will
set Angel's future
on a horrible and sad path.
- How so?
- It's unsure,
but the time draws
near, very near.
This isn't simply a matter
of saving someone's
Christmas spirit, Ebenezer.
This is a matter
of saving her life,
and perhaps her soul.
How much time do we have?
And where do we to start?
[tense melody playing]
You've less than 24 hours.
- Not even a day?
- No.
By her tomorrow, everything
that's to come to be, will,
and destiny's decision
shall be made.
You best get going.
We'll continue to do what
we can from this end.
Come along then, we don't
have much time to waste.
[sighs] Not much time to waste,
nor much to go on, it seems.
More spirited riddles
and portents of doom.
And a chance for
redemption, Ebenezer.
Never forget.
Believe me, that's
constantly on my mind.
[venturesome music playing]
Before you go off
this first time,
there's something
I want to show you.
Well, I'm not sure I really
am up for a pep talk.
And I'm not sure I want to spend
an eternity in chains either,
so here we are.
You know, I was going
to ask you about those.
They're always there,
whether we show them or not.
So, even though they're unseen?
They're never unfelt.
This is the way a
lifetime of mistakes
and misdeeds bears
upon a soul, Ebenezer.
But they can be changed.
Mistakes can always be changed,
unlike some things...
- which never will.
- [Scrooge laughing]
Remember when we first opened
our own counting house?
We were so sure of ourselves.
We almost starved.
We had to stretch everything,
even down to the
last lumps of coal,
which we had to break
up just to keep warm.
If we hadn't landed
our first account.
Oh, yes.
Mr. Fezziwig.
Your old boss.
If it weren't for his faith,
we'd have been forced to
close before we even began.
I remember.
Faith, Ebenezer.
Never forget.
Begging your pardon, sir,
but Miss Fan needs
to speak with you.
Duty calls.
- First mission nerves, sir?
- Not really.
Don't worry, you
have us and these.
- What's this?
- Instructions.
Instructions?
Instructions for?
Your walking stick,
[indistinct] with the mirrors.
We best be going, Miss
Fan is waiting for us.
We can't keep the woman
waiting now, can we?
Wait, before you go...
I have something to ask you.
[pensive piano playing]
Now, it's not that I'm
not happy to see you, lad,
but why are you here?
Now, I don't remember much.
But I do remember
arranging for a doctor.
Aye, sir, I'm very
grateful for that.
That's why I no
longer need my crutch.
Yes, I see that,
but why are you here?
What you did for my
family that Christmas,
it changed our lives.
I saw hope in my parents'
eyes I'd never seen before.
But after you passed...
After I was murdered?
Right, yes, sir, after
you were murdered...
things changed.
Um, it was as if
everything you had
was suddenly gone.
Gone? Everything gone?
[Tim] It was like someone
had blown out a candle.
We... we best be going, sir.
Give me a minute.
Wherever you are, sir...
wherever you may be...
we will meet.
[eerie hissing]
[majestic music playing]
[guitar strumming]
Welcome to Oklahoma.
Well, it isn't Cardiff,
that's for sure.
[chuckles] You have no idea.
[man] Whoa, partner,
excuse me there.
Um, no harm done, um, partner?
[laughs] Last minute shopping.
I never know what to buy folks,
so I end up running around like
a chicken with my head cut off.
- You know what I mean?
- Uh, no, I'm afraid I do not.
[Scrooge chuckling]
I apologize there, ma'am.
I swear I wasn't
meaning to be rude.
I'd tip my hat if I could.
It's quite all right,
you have your hands full.
Just a tad, ma'am.
Anyways, I apologize.
Y'all have a Merry Christmas...
Uh, wait, wait, wait,
before you go, sir.
Have you heard of an
establishment called the...
Boar's Den?
The Boar's Den?
That can be a rough place,
are you sure you
want to go there?
Well, I'm afraid
we'll eventually have
to wind up there.
Well, it's about a quarter
of a mile right up the road.
Turn left on the
county road a ways,
you won't miss it.
[Fan] Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
[man] If you want to go
there, you be careful.
[uplifting country
music playing]
This stupid stick is...
bent.
[indistinct]
What's wrong with this
pool table anyway?
This table ain't letting
me make any shots.
[chuckles] Well, maybe
it's not the table.
It is the table!
And these sticks.
This one's bent.
It's a bunch of junk in here.
[manager] Is there
a problem out there?
[chuckles] No problem.
Just someone who
can't shoot pool.
What'd you say, boy?
Just sit down over there
and finish your beer.
[laughing] All right.
It's 'cause it's Christmas.
I hate to whip a
man at Christmas.
[country music intensifying]
You hate to whip a man
at Christmas, do you?
Yeah, well,
you're a real tough
guy, aren't you?
There was one
person in this world
I was ever afraid of...
and it ain't you.
- [glass shattering]
- [groans]
Where's your
Christmas spirit now?
[man on floor grunting]
You came into the
wrong place, buddy.
[man on floor grunting]
This just isn't a good idea.
Of course it is,
we have a deadline.
No pun intended.
Jacob, would you please tell
him this isn't a good idea?
It's a stupid idea.
You haven't even heard it yet.
What idea?
My perfectly sound
idea to deal with this
in the most meaningful
way possible.
These things take
finesse, Ebenezer.
We can't just dictate terms.
Humbug.
Just like in business,
there's gains and losses,
profits and penalties.
All we have to do is
enforce the penalties.
Change cannot be forced, sir,
it must be accepted willingly.
It's free will.
Marley, when you showed
up rattling your chains
and set those spirits upon
me, was that your free will?
Not mine, yours, Ebenezer.
What is it you're
planning to do?
I'm going in there to speak
to this big-head fellow
and explain to him
that he has to do right
by this young lady or else.
Sounds like a marvelous plan.
Let me know how it turns out.
[wacky country music playing]
[Scrooge grunting]
[loud clattering]
Next time, it's
really gonna hurt.
- Bad.
- Old man.
Merry Christmas, you
Ebenezer wannabe.
What kind of guy
wears a ponytail?
He's an Ebenezer...
I thought it was
George Washington.
I take it all went
well with the big-head?
No, not really.
I thought that being dead
was good for something.
That was really painful.
It's a matter of location.
Being dead where you're dead
means you're fairly safe.
Being dead here, though,
it's a lot different.
- You're telling me this now?
- I've...
We've tried to tell you a
lot of things, Ebenezer,
it's just sometimes
you don't listen.
I see.
Ebenezer, this isn't your
counting shop any longer.
Here, you're basically
an apprentice.
You mentioned something
about finesse?
Among other things.
Let's go.
Do you think that was wise, sir?
What?
Agreeing with
Mr. Scrooge's plan?
Seemed rather reckless to me.
It did to me, too.
Reckless and foolish.
Then why let him do it?
Because it was his plan.
And none of us would
convince him not to do it.
I guess I just don't understand.
Look, lad, Ebenezer and I
were friends and
partners for many years.
Practically our whole lives.
I know him as well
as I know myself.
When he gets
something in his head,
there's no talking
him out of it.
Even if it's something bad?
The only way Ebenezer Scrooge
ever learned any lesson
was by having to learn it.
Why do you think it took
three spirits that night?
And you knew he'd be all right?
I had faith.
[Scrooge] Are you sure
this is the place?
[Fan] Yes, this is the
address we were given.
Have you figured out what
you're going to say yet?
[Scrooge] Well,
of course I have.
Generally.
I suppose.
No.
I'll just wing it.
- [bell chimes]
- [Fan] Well, I suppose
that will be your cue.
Salvation Army?
Oh, no, ma'am, we have
no military affiliation.
What we mean to say
is that we aren't here
collecting for charity.
Charity? Oh, no,
ma'am, not at all.
You needn't worry about that.
I wasn't worried
about you collectin'.
We don't have much to collect.
I was more wondering if
you were dropping off.
Not... not that we would have
accepted anything anyway.
We're... we're doing fine and...
and there's plenty
of others who ain't.
So, what can I help
you folks with?
Um, we're looking for Angel.
Would by chance she be home?
She's at work.
What are you looking
for her about?
We really are here
to help, I promise.
You're showbiz
folks, aren't you?
That explains the costumes.
Well, I... I suppose
we are, uh...
We specialize in
Christmas miracles.
Oh, my.
Well, that is one thing we
sure could use around here.
Come in, come in.
Wipe your feet.
[festive melody playing]
Well, this should
be interesting.
Would you like some
coffee or anything?
Oh, no, thank you, we're fine.
I'm sorry.
It's not often that
anyone comes to visit,
so, I really don't
have much to offer.
Don't apologize.
We're grateful that
you invited us in
and are speaking with us.
[sighs] You have a
lovely home, by the way.
It used to be, a long time ago,
when my... my husband
was still here.
He kept the place up.
Things just got harder and
harder after he passed.
I'm sorry.
This time of year when, um,
when Angel was still little,
we had a big tree in that corner
with lights and candles
and presents all under it,
and... and music.
I think that's where
she gets that from.
There was always music.
How long has it been
just the two of you?
Three of us.
Angel's little boy, Winton,
he's down for a nap now.
And me and Angel.
Her, uh, her daddy passed
away when she was ten,
and, uh...
well, her husband
got himself killed
working on a rig while
she was pregnant.
Well, he was supposed
to be down for his nap.
Who are they?
I'm Fan and this is Ebenezer.
Ebenezer? That's funny,
like his clothes.
- [Fan chuckling]
- Winton Richard.
You mind your manners
- and apologize.
- Yes, ma'am.
I'm sorry, Mr. Ebenezer,
but they are kind of funny.
He's not wrong.
Oh, and he is off.
And I'm sorry.
So, um, where were we?
How do you get by?
Oh, well, we manage.
I get my little bit from
Social Security and...
and Angel, she
does what she can.
I worry about her, though.
Why do you worry about her?
Other than what I believe
parents naturally do.
Oh, you don't have, uh,
children of your own?
Uh, no, I do not.
I was never blessed in
that way, I suppose.
Nor do I guess any child
was ever cursed that way either.
[emotive piano playing]
Well, you always worry.
But, uh...
she works down at, uh,
the thrift store to
get by in the daytime,
and, uh...
while she sings down
at that bar at night.
That place scares me.
Why does it scare you?
It's not somewhere a mother
wants her kids hanging around.
Especially not her daughter.
I know she is a good girl,
and she is a real good singer.
Well, she has won contests,
and she even sang
on the radio once.
I have faith in my daughter.
I know she can do better,
and one day she will.
[sighs]
She tells me that, uh,
well, it takes time
to be discovered,
and you just gotta do what
you have to do until then.
But, uh...
she and Winton, well...
they're all I have, and...
well, I'm not gonna
be here much longer.
I'm sorry, I...
I just get so worried sometimes.
[Scrooge] Well...
we're here to make sure
you don't have to worry longer.
I promise.
Mr. Scrooge.
You seem to be almost...
Human?
How can people just ignore
those in need like that,
pretend they don't exist?
Unfortunately, it's a lot
easier than you may think.
Well, I think it's an
absolutely horrible thing.
I know you do, but then again,
you tend to think with
your heart and your head.
Not many other people
think that way.
Believe me, I
ignored far too many
far too easily in the past.
And the past is the key part
to that sentence, Ebenezer.
- Yes, it is.
- [bell dinging]
Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!
[chuckles] Merry
Christmas to you as well.
Hey, back off, mack.
Social distancing.
I am... I'm terribly sorry,
you look like someone
I thought I'd known.
Of course I do, I'm,
uh, Santa Claus!
Father Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!
Uh, not the one I know,
but a very good
resemblance, mind you.
Um, tell me,
the donations, where do they go?
They don't lie in some
administrator's pockets,
now, do they?
Uh, no, sir, they go straight
to Mrs. Keeler's
21st Street mission.
They're a little out there,
a little preachy at times,
but she does all
that she can do.
- [coin jangling]
- Oh, thank you, sir.
- [bell dinging]
- Merry Christmas!
[Fan] [indistinct].
What was that all about?
What was what all about?
Don't all what me, I saw you
drop a crown into that bucket.
Yes, indeed I did, and?
And you heard what he said
about how far it had
to go, and how many.
Well, that's why I gave
him the whole crown.
Was I being too generous?
Uh, would you like me to
go and ask for it back?
You certainly shall not!
Sometimes, Ebenezer, I
don't understand you.
I think you've
changed, and then...
My dear Fan,
what is the one true
talent I possessed
throughout my whole
wretched life?
- [sighs] Money.
- Exactly.
The one thing I knew
above all others.
Now, you saw me drop
one shiny, bright crown
into that man's
donation box, hmm?
One bright, shiny crown,
about 180 years old.
So it's not just worth
a crown any longer?
I highly doubt it.
Probably about 2 or
300 colonial dollars.
I misjudged you,
and spoke harshly
without reason.
Can you forgive me?
- [Fan chuckles]
- [bell dinging]
Come along, we must hurry.
[wind howling]
[heartfelt music playing]
[footsteps approaching]
Can I help you with anything?
Yes, ma'am.
My son is picking me up
for Christmas dinner,
and I haven't seen him
in such a long time.
- Well, that sounds very nice.
- Yes, I think so, too.
I got a grandson, you know,
and he just turned seven.
I've got a little boy,
he just turned nine.
They grow up awful fast,
and you just don't get enough
time to spend with them.
I know.
So, are you looking
at this train set?
I sure am.
I remember getting his
daddy one for Christmas.
We used to play with it
all Christmas morning,
till his mama called
us up for dinner.
- The best Christmas ever.
- I can just imagine that it was.
Would you like me to
wrap this up for you?
Yes, ma'am.
How much you want for it?
It looks like
it's 19 dollars and 50 cents.
$19. Okay.
[man grunts]
I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'm afraid I'm a little short.
Sorry to bother you.
Sir. Sir.
- Yes, ma'am?
- I'm so sorry.
I don't know what's
wrong with me,
but I completely misread
the price tag for
this train set.
It's actually $15,
if you'd still like to buy it
for your grandson's Christmas.
Really? Thank you, ma'am.
There you go, sir.
I hope you both enjoy
this Christmas morning
as much as the last.
Thank you, and have
a merry Christmas.
Have a very merry Christmas.
What's that all about?
Well, I sold that old train
set to that gentleman.
I saw that. For $15.
It was marked 20.
Well, it was donated for free,
just like everything
else in here.
That's supposed to be sold to
help out the less fortunate.
Exactly.
That poor old man was
the less fortunate.
He had $17 to his name,
and he wanted to
buy something nice
for his grandson for Christmas.
So you could have
gotten 17 for it
instead of 15?
No, I couldn't have.
I'm not going to
take his last penny.
For heaven's sakes,
Max, it's Christmas.
Exactly.
This is our best
time of the year.
Not if you [indistinct]
the whole store.
Well, isn't that what
we're supposed to be doing?
This is Helping
Hands Thrift Shop.
Aren't we supposed
to be helping people?
We're not helping handouts.
There's expenses,
overhead, salary.
So, how much does
go to helping, Max?
Huh? How much?
- A percentage.
- Well, how much of a percentage?
A reasonable one.
Sound familiar?
Uh, he's got to make a profit.
And costs and expenses involved.
See? That guy knows
how to run a business.
Um, maybe not so
much about fashion,
but he knows business.
Oh, well, I... [laughs]
Maybe I should fire you
and hire that guy instead.
Hey, old timer, you want a job?
You know what?
I quit.
Oh, miss? Miss?
- Miss, mind holding up, please?
- Well, why should I?
You are Angel Lynn, are you not?
Maybe. Who wants
to know, and why?
We're here to help you.
My name is Ebenezer,
and this is Fan.
We truly are here
to help if we can.
Look, I'm sorry.
It's just not been
a wonderful day.
We've noticed.
That was a very kind
thing you did back there.
[Angel] Well, I
thought that it was.
And look where it got me.
I'm not sure it can get
much worse than that.
Oh, it can always get worse.
But then again, it'll
always get better.
If you choose to let it.
Well, that sounds real nice.
But right now,
I just don't have
any choices left.
Oh, you mustn't think that.
You'll always have choices.
But sometimes it takes
extraordinary ones
to bring out the correct ones.
Uh, we went to see your mother.
[Angel] You spoke
with my mother?
You went to my house?
[Ebenezer] We're here to
help you and your family.
Look, whoever you two are,
it's just not a
good day for this.
And I don't know you
from Adam [indistinct].
So I'd really appreciate
it if you would just leave.
Well, we're here to save you.
Save me? You know what?
You two and Max can
all just go to...
She may very well get her wish.
This isn't going
very well, is it?
I'm afraid it's going
pretty much the way
it's supposed to be going,
all things considered.
We have to think this through.
I suggest we take a moment,
settle ourselves,
and we discuss this.
[rain pattering]
You think Mr. Scrooge
meant to do that?
I'm sure he meant to.
Unfortunately, I'm also sure
that he had no idea it
would turn out that way.
So, he miscalculated?
He mucked it up.
- [thunder rumbling]
- Where did this rain come from?
[ominous music playing]
So...
is that house done now?
Um, it's not very
polite to eavesdrop.
So I've been told.
Clearly one of my
brother's projects.
I wasn't aware
Mr. Scrooge had a brother.
He doesn't.
Who are you?
I appear to be out of cards.
Suffice it to say...
I'm just another
player in grand scheme.
Nothing more.
Looks like you
gentlemen have your work
cut out for you.
I'll let you get
on with it then.
Good day.
[thunder rumbling]
What do you make of that, sir?
I don't know.
Yet.
[uplifting music playing]
If only.
[Alex] Alex Matthews.
What?
They can't cancel, not now.
We're days away.
No, I do understand, but...
'Cause here with you
Is where I will stay
The thought of losing you
Just tears my soul away
Did you hear what I just heard?
No, not you. The singing.
Listen, I think I may
have it taken care of.
I gotta go. I'll call you back.
And I'll be here
With tears in my eyes
Could this be
Love in disguise?
Excuse me, miss.
That was fantastic.
I just stepped inside
to get out of the
cold for a bit.
And to sing.
I heard you, I was in the wings.
Like the Phantom of the Opera?
Oh, well, except I hopefully
don't need the mask.
[scoffs] Look, it's just
been one of those days
and it's still being one
and I don't care if
you haunt the theater
or ring cathedral bells,
I'm just not interested.
You're very good.
Call me.
Hmm.
This place will do.
[chuckles] Um, Ebenezer,
hold on a moment.
Uh, this may not be
exactly what you expect.
It's tea.
I mean, granted, things
have changed all around,
but it's tea.
It's... it's as solid as
the... the British Empire.
Uh, well, about that. Um...
Hail Britannia,
Britannia rule the waves
I'll show you that things
have never really changed
I see that. Fine then. Shall we?
[upbeat music playing]
[man slurping]
Good afternoon, madam.
May I please have two teas?
Um, iced or hot?
Iced tea?
Uh, no.
Two hot proper teas,
one with two sugars, please.
Let me rescind that
order, if you don't mind.
May I please have
two hot proper teas,
one with three sugars...
and the other simply
tasting of tea.
May I ask you also
for that little
square sweet cake?
- Please cut it in half.
- Okay.
Tea and cake?
Have you seen the time?
When you're in Rome,
you do as the Romans do.
And even if we're not in Rome,
we're doing what we want to do.
And besides, I'm famished.
There you go. That'll be $5.74.
$5.74 American?
Um, yeah, that
would be preferable.
- [Ebenezer] Right.
- [waitress chuckles]
$5.74 American.
[chuckles] Thank you.
[coins jangling]
[rock music playing]
Yeah, I should be out on
a motor ride today, man.
My bike is just...
[exhales]
[knocking on door]
Well...
To what do I owe this
unexpected pleasure?
I need to talk to
you about something.
Well, you know, my door is
always open to you, sweetheart.
Come on in, sit down.
Here you go, Angel baby.
I was wondering if I could
maybe pick up another set,
or maybe even some
waitressing hours.
I'll bus tables. I
just... I need something.
Time's getting rough, huh?
Just a little bit,
and it's Christmas.
Well...
I bet you're a girl...
of many talents besides singing.
[somber music playing]
I'm sure we could find
something worthwhile extra
for you to do around here.
You know, make a
few extra bucks.
Why don't you come
see me after your set?
Park your little
butt in that chair,
and we're gonna talk
about this a little more.
All right, baby, there you go.
Oh, God, I love to watch
you walk away all day.
Oh.
[upbeat music playing]
This is the correct
one, is it not?
You didn't do anything
to it, did you?
Yes, that is your cup. Bitter.
- What was that?
- Hmm? Oh, nothing.
- I asked if you were better.
- Quite.
Not only am I feeling better,
but I also have something
I want to tell you
all about a new idea.
I am certainly
anxious to hear it.
[slurping]
[coughing]
[laughs]
It is bitter.
[laughs]
[melancholic music playing]
I don't know how I got here
I don't know where I'm at
Am I staying for reasons
that are not my own?
I'm hoping I'm
smarter than that
Is it wrong that I'm
looking for something
That wasn't
supposed to be mine?
Believing is meant
for believers
I'm hoping I'm
not out of time
If you see me crying
without any tears
It's 'cause I wasted
them all on a dream
But the last thing I want
is to live with regret
Before writing my
one final scene
I'm aware that I
should be much stronger
But sometimes it's
hard to stay true
When you're
fighting for people
You love more than life
You do what you have to do
You do what you have to do
[audience applauding]
Thank you all so much.
It's been so much fun
hanging out with
you all tonight.
- [man] I love you.
- Well, I love you, too.
Without any of you, I wouldn't
get to do all of this.
On, now, come on, we
are not going to go
and ruin our
relationship like that.
Anyways, anyways, we also
will be back tomorrow night.
Take care till then.
And for the rest of y'all,
have a very merry Christmas.
Thank you.
It's tea. Why does it
have to be so, so...
[Jacob] Mucked completely up.
It's not just bad now,
Ebenezer. It's worse.
- What's worse?
- [Jacob] Everything.
Whatever you did,
things have sped up.
What do you mean?
[Jacob] You no
longer have hours,
maybe not even minutes.
Whatever changes are happening,
get to the Boar's Den.
- Now!
- We have to get there then.
We have no time.
We have no time.
Psst. You got plenty of time.
I used to drive a
cab in New York.
Come on, get in.
[ominous music playing]
[Big Ed] Angel,
can I talk to you for a minute?
Well, I was just
about to head home.
I'm really tired, Mr. Rangle.
We had a good show.
Yeah, well, uh, you
can head home after.
Come on in for a minute.
That a girl. That's my girl.
Nice night out here
tonight, don't you think?
Yeah, it is.
Should be out on my
bike tonight, man.
Oh.
- You know.
- Not too much traffic out there.
This could be a problem.
[laughs] Don't worry,
I'll handle them.
You go on to handle Big Ed.
How are you going
to handle them?
Remember what happened
the last time?
[sighs] That was you.
I have much more experience
dealing with this
time and these types.
Now go.
I need to go out with
Marley for a ride soon.
The garage's too much.
I'm working on...
[rock music playing]
- Howdy, boys.
- How you doing?
[Fan] I'm good.
Um, can you help a
girl out, please?
I seem to have locked
my purse in my car,
and I just don't
know what to do.
That happens all
the time, ma'am.
Luckily, you found
the right man.
Yeah, because he knows the guy
who can handle stuff like that,
and that would be me.
Come on.
[upbeat music playing]
Please pardon the interruption.
Or actually don't. It
was quite purposeful.
Now's your chance.
Go meet Fan outside.
Who in blue blazes
do you think you are
coming to my place of business?
And...
I know who you are.
You're the guy they
threw out of here today.
Quite right. Where
are my manners today?
My name is Ebenezer Scrooge.
[laughs] Yeah, well,
I think you know
what my manners are.
Indeed I do, sir.
That's what I came to
speak to you about today.
Yeah.
But not in the
presence of a woman.
Yeah, well, there's
no women here anymore.
You know, you've
got a lot of guts
for a Yankee, you know that?
A lot of brain in your
fancy little head.
And I plan on finding out.
I'm not a Yankee.
I'm from Edinburgh.
Don't you understand? He's
gonna kill your friend.
Oh, it won't be the first time.
You don't have to
worry, I promise.
My friend is much more
capable than you'd imagine.
I'm certain they'll
just have a nice chat
about the error of
your boss's ways.
My boss?
Oh, my God, I'm... I'm
so sorry about earlier.
I... I really am.
And I don't know
what I'm gonna do.
Not that. [sighs]
Your mother has faith
in her daughter.
And I know your little
boy loves his mom so much.
You have so much and
deserve so much more.
Oh, here now.
Remember I told you
we were here to help?
I do. Thank you.
Oh, don't thank me quite
yet. We're not through.
There's someone I
want you to meet.
- Ladies.
- Mr. Matthews.
I'm so glad you could
make it tonight.
This is the young
lady I told you about.
Angel Lynn.
I know, I caught your
act. You were amazing.
The Phantom of the Opera.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
You know, normally I don't
come out blind like this.
Honestly, I would never
come out blind like this.
But when you called...
- I could be very persuasive.
- Apparently so.
Whatever made me do
it, I'm glad I did.
Sorry.
Here, this is my card.
I manage several local artists,
and I'd like to talk to
you about managing you.
That is, if you're
not with anyone else.
[Fan] As a matter of fact,
she is recently open
to new management.
With the proper
person, of course.
And I'd like to think
it might be me, then.
Remember what we
said about choices?
Not really.
Make this one an
extraordinary one.
How did you do this?
Believe it or not, I finally
read the instructions.
I really hated to do
this to you, you know,
but you left me little choice.
What kind of trick are
you trying to pull here?
Oh, I assure you,
sir, it's no trick.
Those shackles are as
real as real can be.
And it is my understanding
that people like you
tend to wear them forever.
Oh, I do understand
they're very uncomfortable,
rather binding and terribly
hard to get used to.
I have a friend who's
been wearing them
for the better part
of 14 years now.
You dirty piece of...
Oh, I understand he was
quite disagreeable as well.
Look, what do you want?
The girl, is it?
That's who you want,
Angel, is that it?
You don't understand.
That girl is not
yours in any way,
shape or form, neither
to give nor take,
you miserable cretin, you.
Of course she is. I
have her under contract.
I'm her manager,
so what I say goes.
That's how it works.
That, sir, is how slavery works.
Well, it's show business.
Same thing.
Where did you get that? How.
- How did you get that?
- Yada, yada, yada.
The first part, et cetera,
et cetera, et cetera.
This contract is not worth
the paper it's written on.
The paper it was
written on, anyway.
Morally, ethically,
and especially legally,
This little pile of ash
is now null and void.
You know, I am
gonna skin you alive
when I get out of here.
Nobody does this to Big Ed.
Nobody!
You simply will not
listen, will you?
Will not or cannot see?
See what? What am
I supposed to see?
You tell me.
You're a monster and
you lost your humanity
and you're on your way to
losing your soul as well.
Don't you care about that?
Wouldn't you rather trade
redemption for
certain damnation?
Redemption? Damnation?
What, are you gonna start
preaching to me now?
Cause I ain't buying it.
[Ebeneezer] Fine.
I tried.
I can see when bigger
guns are required,
and it's more than I can do to
get through your thick skull.
What are you talking about?
I'm referring to,
my dear Big Ed...
Now, do you mind if
I simply call you Ed?
It sounds so silly to
me when I say Big Ed,
and there's nothing silly
about this situation.
I'm referring to, Ed,
Or shall I say, Edward R...
to the one person who might
yet get through to you.
Oh, no, no, no.
No, it can't be.
No, it can't be.
It can't be.
MeMaw?
She's been watching you, Ed,
and she's very disappointed.
MeMaw. MeMaw, I didn't...
What...
Edward R...
What am I gonna do with you?
You were raised
better than that.
I... I didn't...
I can take it from
here, young man.
[Ed] No, don't go. Don't go!
No, no, no, no, no,
no, don't go. Don't...
- [belt cracks]
- You've been very, very naughty.
You need a time out.
No, no! [screaming]
No! No! No!
I'm gonna punish you
until you see stars.
You are never gonna
see the light of day
until you know how to
act like a gentleman.
You were bad to that young
girl and now you're gonna pay.
You knew better
than that, Edward R.
You knew better than that.
[sobbing] I'm sorry.
I'm sorry!
I take it all went
well with Big Ed.
I suppose. It depends.
Let's say I definitely
had faith in the process.
And, um, [indistinct]
the outcome.
That's all anyone could ask for.
Indeed.
But what about on your end?
I would say that
Angel has been given
an opportunity to make
an extraordinary choice.
Will she, though?
Let's say that I definitely
have faith as well.
...Like you wanted me
Saying boy come
on, [indistinct]
I just had to try
That's a good sign.
I'll drink to that. If
we ever get any service.
So. Can I get y'all something?
Could you bring us two
decent pints, please?
Pints of what, darlin'?
- [woman] In your dreams!
- [loud slap]
I'll have what she's having.
I guess I'll just take
a large sherry then.
You found her, darling.
That's my name.
Oh, God save us.
Follow along with
your hips, feet
Heartbeats on the floor
and dress in your hair
Girl it ain't fair
whatever you do
Just don't stop
[grand instrumental]
[Fan] Isn't this a much better
way to spend your Christmas Eve?
Where do you think you're going?
Well, into the
theater, of course.
Not that way you're not.
What way would you have
us go in then, please?
Around the back with
the other performers.
- You should know that.
- It's his first time.
I just wanted him to see
what it was all about.
Well, then buy tickets
and put those moth eaten
costumes in a trunk.
Who's supposed to be
performing anyway?
Old Man Winter?
Well, then, can you please lead
us in the proper direction?
Okay, fine. Follow
me, this way.
You know, people tell
me I should be an actor.
To be or not to be,
- that is the question.
- [tinkling sound]
- What do you think?
- [Ebeneezer] Humbug.
No more eggnog on
break for you, Ray.
[audience applauding]
Ladies and gentlemen,
good evening
and of course,
Merry Christmas Eve.
It's our pleasure to present to
you the Wonders of Christmas.
A collection of
music and stories
from the most
joyous time of year.
Tonight, as a very special gift,
I'm proud to
introduce a young lady
that just recently joined us.
I know you'll love her
as much as we do...
Miss Angel.
I've forgotten what
the meaning was
Lost so much no longer care
So uncertain if I'd
ever come around
Living life so unaware
You showed me how
I was missing out
On the things that
mattered most to me
Letting go of all the
weighing down of doubts
The magic of Christmas
is what I needed to see
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to you?
Families gathered round
the Christmas tree
Children opening
presents, laughing merrily
Couples that end up
below the mistletoe
Dreaming of a white Christmas
and seeing it start to snow
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to me?
Never thinking I
would see you again
Thought my happy endings
had come to an end
But like an angel who
was just given wings
A new light is shining
and everybody sings
It's been so long
since we felt alive
Something missing
all these years
Dreams forgotten and
were pushed aside
But now are
becoming so clear
A new day is dawning
around the bend
The future is starting anew
It's time to step
in the light again
This feeling of Christmas
Is inside all of you
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to us?
Spending time sitting
round the fire
Roasting chestnuts,
hearing caroling choirs
A time for giving
some holiday cheer
And starting the countdown
to a brand new year
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to me?
Cherishing moments,
grateful each day
Through good times and
bad times, come what may
Remembering our loved ones
and the ones that we've lost
The spirit of giving
No matter what the cost
Christmas
Christmas
How I missed you, Christmas
[audience applauding]
[cheering]
[quiet instrumental]
You know, it's really good
to be home, I suppose.
All things being considered.
Of course, I wouldn't want
to remain here in perpetuity.
What you mean to say
is you're comfortable.
Quite. As comfortable
as one can be in this...
parlor in purgatory.
Remember, vultures.
You know, I worry
about you sometimes.
By the way,
what are you constantly
writing about over there?
Or dare I ask?
Well, obviously you
dare, because you did.
However, it's nothing
you need to know about.
At least not right now.
Well, that's not
curious now, is it?
I hear congratulations
are in order.
You're one step closer to
your redemption, Mr. Scrooge.
I had my doubts about this one.
I'm glad you proved me wrong.
Oh, ye of little faith.
What happened with Angel?
I gather we acted in time.
You did.
And her life, as
well as her family's,
are much the better for it.
Would you like to see?
Turkey's done cooking.
It's a big bird.
It sure is.
It'll be nice to have
company over for a change.
And the house looks
beautiful, Mama.
Just like when you were
little. Do you remember?
I do.
I'm surprised because I thought
I'd forgotten all about it.
Never forget.
For a long time, you and
those memories were...
all I had left.
[doorbell ringing]
Well, hello, Santa Claus.
I've definitely
been called worse.
Come on in.
Welcome, Alex.
I am so glad you could join us.
Of course. Thank
you for having me.
Mama's under the mistletoe.
So, who's hungry?
All right, who wants
to carve the turkey?
Alex, do you want
to do the honors?
Come along, sir. We still
have some work to do.
No rest for the
wicked, eh, Marley?
As you'll no doubt find out.
Oh, and by the way,
even Big Ed was
redeemed in the end.
[Jacob] You only get half
credit for that, though.
For using unorthodox methods,
sicking someone's
grandmom on them. Really?
Timothy Cratchit!
Quite frankly, I thought
that was very original.
I'd have to agree.
[man] So would I.
You.
You're the gentleman who
bought that train set.
I had to be certain.
She's a fine young lady.
And he is a fine young man.
Well, of course he is.
That's my grandson.
Well, seeing as how
everything turned out,
and since Tim isn't here,
don't you think someone
ought to say it?
Say what?
[scoffs] You know.
Really?
[sighs] Okay, I will.
God bless us, everyone.
Humbug.
[festive music]
Mr. Scrooge.
Where would you be now?
That will be all.
[man] Hmm.
Something certainly smells
better than the one I'm used to.
Your sense of timing
leaves a bit to be desired.
But you were
expecting me, right?
Of course.
Just not now.
Yeah, I actually get that a lot.
New outfit.
Not exactly the regulation
uniform, now, is it?
What do you think?
Pretty snazzy, ain't it?
Look, custom made just for me.
I'm sure it's very snazzy.
However, it is not
what death wears.
And it is certainly
not how he speaks.
Yeah, you know,
I've been meaning to
talk to you about that.
Don't do that.
Capiche?
Don't do that, capiche?
Very well.
Would you mind explaining
all of all of this, then?
I just need to change, you know?
Some fresh air,
some new scenery.
I mean, this whole
bag with the robe
and the bones and the scythe?
[chuckles] It's really
starting to take a toll on me.
I mean, it's like this:
being the Grim Reaper,
it's just that, it's grim,
it's not popular, no
one's ever glad to see me.
It's all dark and depressing.
You're death.
Isn't that somewhat the
majority of the job description?
You've been doing this
for your whole life...
death... forever.
[Death] Exactly.
And that's just too long.
So I found this nice little
side gig where I can go out,
have a few drinks,
tell some stories,
sing some songs, even
mingle a little bit.
Have a little fun.
You've gone mad, haven't you?
It's not really
surprising, I suppose.
You really need to loosen
that collar a little bit.
I think it's
affecting your brain.
No, I'm not going mad.
I'm just gonna do it my way.
What about your actual
responsibilities?
Collecting souls,
harvesting the dead.
I got it taken care of.
Don't worry about it.
I'm the Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
It's my job to worry about it.
What you need to do
is learn to relax.
You know what?
Stop by the show tonight.
Take a load off.
Have a drink.
It's on me.
How can you even do this?
I'm in the hottest
show at the Strip.
And I'm a star.
That's how I do.
Listen, I gotta run.
Just because Death's
taking a holiday
doesn't mean he can sit still.
Oh, and by the way,
the 7 o'clock shows
are the dinner shows,
so if you're gonna order the
prime rib, that's on you.
Mrs. Dilbert.
Where exactly is The Strip?
[man clearing throat]
Dinner with my brother?
Eh, not exactly.
Just happened to drop in
while he was having his.
Oh.
I bet that went over
well, didn't it?
Not really, but...
But you knew it wouldn't,
yet you did it anyway.
That's what I like about you.
Well, I try.
Of course you do.
Which is also why I
know that [indistinct].
If I can count on you.
Absolutely you can.
No doubt about
it. Can I, then?
Whatever I can do.
Hey, how about a
ticket to my show?
VIP pass.
Even includes dinner.
[man cackling]
Prime rib?
[man] I'm a vegan.
[soft piano playing]
Where did you come from?
You just wandered
in here, didn't you?
There is a process, you know.
I understand why you're here.
You're curious, aren't you?
About him.
Ebenezer Scrooge
in the middle of 21st
century Oklahoma.
It's his first time about
since that last
Christmas, you know.
I'll grant you,
I'm a bit curious
how this goes myself.
You know the story, do you?
Are you certain?
You know what comes
after the happy ending?
Well, sometimes
an ending is just
a place for an
all-new beginning.
But for that,
you need an all-new book.
My book.
My name is Simon Onyx,
Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
And trust me, someday
that will mean
a great deal more to you.
But for now, I'm simply
here to prepare you
for what's about to come.
Something we call
the second chance.
The untold twist
in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge.
[dramatic music playing]
[soft piano playing]
[carriage rattling]
[Simon] For those
with short memories.
Jacob, Ebenezer, away with
the books, away, away!
'Tis Christmas Eve.
Jacob, go downstairs
and help bring the
food in for the party.
Ebenezer, go help
clear the tables
for the warehouse.
The guests will be
here at any minute.
And remember you two,
there are more important
joys in life than money.
[Simon] A valuable lesson,
though too soon forgotten.
[Belle] Isn't it wonderful?
Can't you just imagine
us living here someday?
[Scrooge] Here?
Well, maybe not here per se,
but someplace like it.
I can imagine the costs.
I mean, the taxes alone
make it less wonderful.
It's not always about
money, Ebenezer.
There's happiness and love.
But without money,
you can't have one
or hold on to the other.
That's horrible.
That's life, Belle,
money is key.
It's not the life I dream
of. I want something better.
So do I.
I've got to go.
[Simon] And with that, his
first true love was gone.
Forever.
To be replaced by
something very different.
[winds howling]
But you know that
story, don't you?
Everyone knows that story.
The spirits, the redemption.
[voice echoing]
Ebenezer Scrooge...
you will be haunted
by three spirits.
[Simon] The second chance.
But very few know
what happened next.
You there, young man.
What day is it?
What day is it?
Yes, what day is it?
Why, it's Christmas Day.
[laughing] Christmas Day.
The spirits did it
all in one night.
This...
is a letter I want you
to take to my doctor,
instructing him to do
whatever your boy needs.
No matter what the
cost, he's to bill me.
I don't know what to say, sir.
Why not say thank you?
Thank you, thank you.
It's a Christmas
miracle, indeed.
God bless you, Mr. Scrooge.
And God bless us, everyone.
[Simon] And so, Ebenezer
Scrooge had his happy ending.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
[Simon] He'd awoken
Christmas morning after all.
And strangely, even to
himself, a changed man.
So glad you could finally
join us for dinner,
Uncle Ebenezer.
Yes, thank you so
much for coming.
Thank you very much for
keeping the invitation open,
though I really don't
think I deserved it.
Oh, nonsense, you're family.
You'll always be welcome here.
She's very much how I
remember your mother, Fred.
Consider yourself very lucky.
Oh, I do, dear
uncle, I truly do.
Well then, thank you again.
Madam.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Whatever do you suppose
finally changed his mind?
It's Christmas. Perhaps
he was due a miracle.
[Simon] Ah, yes,
perhaps that was it.
He was due a miracle.
[mysterious melody playing]
It's said the more
things change,
the more they remain the same.
And there were those who
were counting on that.
Huh, seems to be some profits
in this goodwill
season, after all.
[grunts]
[voice echoing]
Really, Ebenezer?
Not even a day?
[Simon] Not even a
day yet, but almost.
One perhaps overdone
with goodness,
Scrooge wondered,
considering the strange
unsteadiness he suddenly felt.
Maybe this joy business
was best practiced
in moderation.
That must be it.
Oh well, a good night's rest
and tomorrow would
bring a bright new day.
He had no idea.
[Scrooge] Wait.
You're not the Ghost
of Christmas Future.
Who are you?
And what am I doing back here?
I did everything
they asked of me.
We had a deal.
[voice distorts] Not with I.
No, I was good, I promise you.
It's too late for you.
Your time has expired.
No, no, it's not too
late, it's never too late.
Just give me another chance.
That's not for me to decide.
[indistinct]
[man] Why do you
doubt your senses?
[woman 1] Who suffers
by his own will.
Himself always.
[Fan] I've come to bring
you home, dear brother.
[woman 2] Our
contract is over.
I release you with a full heart
for the love of
whom you once were.
[boy] God bless us. Everyone.
[Scrooge] Spirits, please.
Show me no more.
[pensive music playing]
[crickets chirping]
[ominous music playing]
[people whispering]
Mistress Abigail
Prescott, I presume?
Um, no, sir.
No.
Obviously not.
I hope.
Well, an unexpected arrival.
Not originally on the docket.
But I think you
should see him, sir.
Where is this place?
Not where you're supposed to be.
Well, I seem to be winding
up there quite often lately.
Where am I not
supposed to be now,
if you don't mind?
Ebenezer Scrooge, I see.
You're one of the
special circumstances.
Won't you have a seat?
You seem to have the
advantage over me, sir.
You know me, but
I don't know you.
My name is Simon Onyx,
Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
Undead Affairs?
You mean to tell me that
I'm not dead, I'm alive?
Well, it's a bit of a
gray area at the moment.
A gray area?
What do you mean by
that, a gray area?
It means that you're
not supposed to be here.
Not yet, anyway.
Well, that doesn't
tell me anything.
Of course I'm here,
wherever here may be.
And I expect...
no, no,
I demand to know where I
am and what I'm doing here.
I understand your
conundrum, Mr. Scrooge.
However, you are in absolutely
no position to demand anything.
And I owe you nothing.
Not now, and
especially not here.
Bring me my book.
- Your book, sir?
- Yes, my book.
You must admit, you
lived a wretched life.
- I changed.
- Oh, please, spare me.
I changed, I
promised the spirits.
Your promise was too
little and too late.
No, Ebenezer Scrooge,
your greed filled you,
and in the end, your
greed killed you.
Tell me, do you still taste its
bitterness upon your tongue?
Well, what of me, then?
To be neither dead nor alive?
Neither here nor there?
Oh, hardly anything
quite so meaningless.
After all, I did say you
were a special circumstance.
You did say that, didn't you?
"Special circumstances,"
what does that mean?
That means that since
you were offered
a second chance at redemption,
but were denied through
no actions of your own...
You mean I'm to be sent back?
In a way, exactly.
But with certain
different parameters.
What parameters?
Oh, nothing too unusual, really.
Especially not for here.
You will still get a
chance at redemption
by helping others
to find their own.
Like Jacob?
Exactly, like Mr. Marley.
I'll have you know
I was very good
at negotiating in my lifetime.
And look at where
it's gotten you.
Also, like Mr. Marley...
due to your multiple
mitigating factors,
you will spend seven
years waiting to begin.
Seven years?
Seven years for what?
Consider it an opportunity
for self-improvement.
You do have a great
deal to improve.
No, I won't go.
I will not be detained for
seven whole years, sir!
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
[ominous sound playing]
See you soon, Ebenezer Scrooge.
Next.
[ominous melody playing]
- How much longer?
- He won't be late.
No, sir.
I would assume a man as
successful as Mr. Scrooge
would make it a habit to
be punctual, wouldn't he?
That, and the fact that he's
no choice in it, anyway.
[calm piano playing]
Right on time.
Welcome, Ebenezer.
Jacob?
Tiny Tim?
Not quite as tiny as
you remember me, sir.
Huh, and who are you?
I'm Fan.
Fan.
Fan.
Well, if you're both here...
- where am I?
- Dead.
- Dead?
- As a doornail.
- For how long?
- Seven years now.
The same as I had
been on that night.
[Scrooge laughing]
You can't be real.
I'm still trapped in
these wretched dreams.
I must remember to discard the
last of the kidney pudding.
This isn't a dream, and
we aren't manifestations
of your dinner gone bad.
What exactly do you remember,
dreams or otherwise?
I was visited by three spirits.
And Jacob, you were there.
Mm-hmm.
What else do you
remember, Ebenezer?
I journeyed with the spirits.
They showed me the
errors of my ways,
and I vowed to repent.
Unfortunately, a
vow made too late.
I was too lost to be redeemed?
Was I judged so
utterly unworthy?
Oddly enough, you weren't.
Otherwise, this is not
the place you'd be.
No, sir, sadly,
you were murdered before
your final journey.
Murdered?
Murdered and not redeemed?
[sorrowful piano playing]
Well, I guess I should
be very grateful
I'm not in the other place
where the heat is equal
to the lighting in this room.
I told you we should have
at least dimmed the lamps.
It's not that bright.
It is when you're in
a box for seven years.
Is that the last
thing you remember?
Nothing of who
murdered you, perhaps?
No, no, nothing.
This must be some mistake.
We don't make
mistakes, I assure you.
Simon Onyx,
Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
Finally in the
correct place, I see.
You!
It's funny.
In better lighting, you
don't look a thing like him.
A thing like who?
Yes, a thing like who?
Old Scratch.
It appears to be one
of your common names,
but I fail to see
the resemblance.
Perhaps a bit around
the cheekbones?
Well, now that you're here,
you seem to be in
charge of something.
I'll have you know that
as the Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs,
you will find that I'm in charge
of practically everything.
Except for the actual
secretary, of course.
Oh, shut up.
What is your name, anyway?
Uh, Tim Cratchit, sir.
Right.
Neither of you have
yet to instruct
Mr. Scrooge on the conditions?
Well, he did just get here,
right before you came in.
Fine.
You two, sign this.
Here.
And here.
Initial there.
- How old are you again?
- Fourteen, sir.
Eh, you're exempt.
Would you like me to sign?
I haven't been fourteen in
a little while, you know.
He is now your responsibility.
- The three of you...
- Four, sir.
Fine, four of you
are now bound
contractually by the terms
of the Redemption
Advancement Compact,
per your request,
which is noted.
Contractually bound by what?
By a standard RAC
Revision 3 form.
Now, if you will all excuse me,
I have pressing
matters to attend to.
Good day.
Well, that's always
a pleasure, isn't it?
What does he mean,
contractually bound?
And what about my conditions?
It means that the four of us
are now dependent
upon each other,
for better or worse.
Dependent on each
other for what?
Redemption.
Your second chance
will have to be
here now, Ebenezer.
The same as ours.
All tied to whether
or not we succeed
and are finally
permitted to rest.
Or not.
And after fourteen years now,
I'm tired.
So, don't muck it up.
[heartfelt piano playing]
Simon.
I need to speak to you.
About?
Why doesn't he remember me?
He's forgotten a lot of
things over the years.
Being human, for one.
This isn't one of
your blasted games!
I'm his sister!
When father banished him
to that boarding
school as a boy,
I got him home again.
I tried to make things
different for him, even then.
I know.
He remembers Jacob and Tim.
Why not me?
Human beings are complex things.
Mixed mash of emotions,
irrationality,
impulses, habits, influences.
It's a long list.
Which makes us human.
Quite.
In your brother's case,
Misters Marley and Cratchit
are recent influences.
Part of who he'd become.
Part of who must be changed.
You, on the other hand,
were part of who he was,
before he chose the
path which led him here.
Part of who he
needs to rediscover,
if he is to even be redeemed.
So, I can't even tell him?
No.
For it to be real, he must
discover it from within.
But I knew he'd need me.
I stayed here all this time.
Waiting.
I never said this, and I
will deny it vociferously.
But...
I'm sorry.
[cunning music playing]
So what city is this, then?
Obviously, we're not
in London anymore,
but it does bear a
strange resemblance to it.
No, not London.
Nor any other earthly
town or village.
This is Purgatory, Ebenezer,
or at least our place in it.
Purgatory, you say?
A lot less bleak than
I thought it might be.
Dare I even say it's pleasant?
Except for him, of course.
Don't make light.
He's failed his redemption,
and is so bound here
now, awaiting...
- his next stop.
- His next stop?
- Hell.
- Hell?
[Scrooge grunts]
Well, last I saw you, Jacob,
you were bound in chains
similar to these poor souls.
Indeed I was.
And I still am, as are we all.
I see no chains on you, Jacob,
nor do I see any shackles
on neither Tiny Tim nor Fan.
- I have none.
- But you do.
We all do, I'm afraid to say,
to varying degrees.
Have you not felt burdened
since you first arrived?
Heavy as if there's
a great weight
on your shoulders?
I merely took it as being
cramped up for so long,
or rigor mortis.
Frankly, I'm surprised
you're still upright.
This is our next stop.
[crafty music playing]
[customers talking]
So is this what the
dearly departed do?
- They shop?
- [Fan chuckling]
I am in Hell.
I recognize that man.
The clerk, Iggy?
No.
The man with the green robes.
That's the Ghost of
Christmas Present.
He's dead and alive?
Father Christmas? Oh no, sir.
He's an immortal, or
practically so, anyway.
His is the ability to
transverse many plains.
So he comes and
goes as he pleases?
I'd imagine he knows
as many or more
on this side than the other.
Oh, my dearest Mr. Iggy.
I do trust the season is
finding you well and prospering.
Always, my friend, and I
trust it finds you busy.
And parched.
[laughs] Just a bit,
just a bit to fight off the
cold and ease my rheumatism.
Hopefully, this
will help with both.
I will be needing just a
bit more help than that,
if you please.
The winters are getting colder.
And I'm getting older, you know.
Aren't we all?
To the joy of Christmas.
May it never get old.
Before I forget.
Just a little Christmas present
for you and your missus.
Oh, thank you, Mr. Iggy.
And a Merry Christmas
to you, sir.
Merry Christmas.
Maybe I should
have spoken to him.
Why?
Maybe he could have shed
some light on that night.
I'm sure more will
come to you in time.
Hopefully.
There are so many
things that are unclear.
- You, for instance.
- Me?
Yes, you.
I recognize Jacob,
and Tiny Tim, although
a few years older,
and not so tiny anymore.
But you,
I feel I should know
you, but I don't.
[Fan] In time, Ebenezer.
All things will become
clear to you again.
And trust me,
now you have all the
time in the world...
And beyond.
Ah.
Were you able to fill
my rather special order?
It wasn't easy, but I did.
Anything for a lovely lady.
Your effort is
greatly appreciated.
Madame, sir.
- They'll function properly?
- Of course they will.
I could have found any old
garden variety mirrors.
I assure you, these are not.
Observe.
[magical sparking]
Oh, splendid.
I apologize for
ever doubting you.
- Is this all they do?
- Certainly not.
That wouldn't be much
of a trick by itself,
now would it?
Here.
What's this?
The instructions.
That's for you.
Ah, and I've got yours as well.
You've got something for me?
What's this?
No, thank you, mine is fine.
Trust me, it isn't.
Instructions.
Thank you very much.
[heartfelt orchestral
music playing]
[joyful melody playing]
Ebenezer, would you
please sit down?
The view, it never changes.
Same old thing,
each and every day.
Yes, well, welcome to Purgatory,
or at least your
little corner of it.
Just be glad there
aren't vultures
picking at your kidneys all day.
I guess I should be thankful
to learn of the little things.
Among other lessons, but
you're getting there.
Ebenezer, sit.
[playful music playing]
- How do you do that?
- Do what?
Bark, and cause me
to yield that way,
on occasion.
Let's just say I've
had some practice.
Now, would you please sit down?
Have some tea with me and maybe
you'll begin to figure it out.
I'm still not quite used
to that either, you know.
I never imagined that being
dead would be so unsettling.
[coughing in disgust]
Oh, that's not tea. It's syrup.
Oh, my mistake, I'm sorry.
You never were the sweet one.
Try it now.
[magic chiming]
Better.
Now that tastes like tea.
Obviously, I'm sweet enough.
Like horseradish.
Oh, well, hello to you,
my crickety cadaver friend.
You rattle any
good chains lately?
Don't tempt me.
I'm already overwhelmed
and out of sorts today
and it's still early.
Overwhelmed by what?
By the evil men can do
and the times they
choose to do it.
Seems like nothing
changed, eh, Jacob?
It seems it takes both
of you to save an angel.
Angel?
- How am I to do that?
- Calm down, Saint Scrooge.
We're not girding you in
holy armor to slay a dragon.
Just... almost.
Be clear.
What do you need
Ebenezer and I to do?
Oh.
[magical sparking]
Mama, we're about out of milk.
Do you want me to pick some
up before I go to work?
Do you have any money?
Yes, ma'am, I can afford a
gallon of milk just fine.
Do you need anything else?
Well, I'm fine, but, uh...
I think Winton could
use some cookies.
Oh, Winton, huh?
He's a growin' boy.
Okay, Mama,
but I think he can
get by until tomorrow.
I'll pick some up then.
[soft piano playing]
[Mama grunts]
Are you going to be
okay while I'm gone?
Of course I am.
I'm not completely
falling apart, you know.
You treat me like I'm
an old woman sometimes.
Well, I should know better.
- Yes, you should.
- [both giggling]
- Mama, Mama!
- There you are.
I was wondering if you were
going to come tell me goodbye.
- Sure, I was.
- Now, you be a good boy
for your mama today, all right?
- You take care of your grandma.
- I will.
That young lady is
who you have to save.
So her name is Angel...
but what are we
to save her from?
A monster, a man
named Big Ed Rangle.
Big Ed Rangle?
And pray tell, what does
the "Big" stand for?
Don't worry.
I have to worry when
it's my neck on the line,
especially going back
to the mortal realm.
[Fan clears throat]
And Fan's, of course.
Look, I've already been
murdered once back there.
It wasn't very pleasant.
You don't have to worry,
Mr. Scrooge, you have us.
Fourteen years in purgatory,
dragging chains, most of them.
You want to compare
unpleasantness?
[Tim] Please forgive us.
As I said earlier,
we've been very
overwhelmed today.
I understand.
Well, I don't.
But then again, why
should that matter?
Eccentricity must
go post and parcel
with being a spirit around here.
Why are we there?
What are we to do?
Things are fluid, Fan,
in life and death.
Decisions, actions, choices,
even chance, are
the only constants.
And once those are
set for a moment,
the future is plotted.
Everything is still in play.
But there's more
and more of a chance
that something will
set Angel's future
on a horrible and sad path.
- How so?
- It's unsure,
but the time draws
near, very near.
This isn't simply a matter
of saving someone's
Christmas spirit, Ebenezer.
This is a matter
of saving her life,
and perhaps her soul.
How much time do we have?
And where do we to start?
[tense melody playing]
You've less than 24 hours.
- Not even a day?
- No.
By her tomorrow, everything
that's to come to be, will,
and destiny's decision
shall be made.
You best get going.
We'll continue to do what
we can from this end.
Come along then, we don't
have much time to waste.
[sighs] Not much time to waste,
nor much to go on, it seems.
More spirited riddles
and portents of doom.
And a chance for
redemption, Ebenezer.
Never forget.
Believe me, that's
constantly on my mind.
[venturesome music playing]
Before you go off
this first time,
there's something
I want to show you.
Well, I'm not sure I really
am up for a pep talk.
And I'm not sure I want to spend
an eternity in chains either,
so here we are.
You know, I was going
to ask you about those.
They're always there,
whether we show them or not.
So, even though they're unseen?
They're never unfelt.
This is the way a
lifetime of mistakes
and misdeeds bears
upon a soul, Ebenezer.
But they can be changed.
Mistakes can always be changed,
unlike some things...
- which never will.
- [Scrooge laughing]
Remember when we first opened
our own counting house?
We were so sure of ourselves.
We almost starved.
We had to stretch everything,
even down to the
last lumps of coal,
which we had to break
up just to keep warm.
If we hadn't landed
our first account.
Oh, yes.
Mr. Fezziwig.
Your old boss.
If it weren't for his faith,
we'd have been forced to
close before we even began.
I remember.
Faith, Ebenezer.
Never forget.
Begging your pardon, sir,
but Miss Fan needs
to speak with you.
Duty calls.
- First mission nerves, sir?
- Not really.
Don't worry, you
have us and these.
- What's this?
- Instructions.
Instructions?
Instructions for?
Your walking stick,
[indistinct] with the mirrors.
We best be going, Miss
Fan is waiting for us.
We can't keep the woman
waiting now, can we?
Wait, before you go...
I have something to ask you.
[pensive piano playing]
Now, it's not that I'm
not happy to see you, lad,
but why are you here?
Now, I don't remember much.
But I do remember
arranging for a doctor.
Aye, sir, I'm very
grateful for that.
That's why I no
longer need my crutch.
Yes, I see that,
but why are you here?
What you did for my
family that Christmas,
it changed our lives.
I saw hope in my parents'
eyes I'd never seen before.
But after you passed...
After I was murdered?
Right, yes, sir, after
you were murdered...
things changed.
Um, it was as if
everything you had
was suddenly gone.
Gone? Everything gone?
[Tim] It was like someone
had blown out a candle.
We... we best be going, sir.
Give me a minute.
Wherever you are, sir...
wherever you may be...
we will meet.
[eerie hissing]
[majestic music playing]
[guitar strumming]
Welcome to Oklahoma.
Well, it isn't Cardiff,
that's for sure.
[chuckles] You have no idea.
[man] Whoa, partner,
excuse me there.
Um, no harm done, um, partner?
[laughs] Last minute shopping.
I never know what to buy folks,
so I end up running around like
a chicken with my head cut off.
- You know what I mean?
- Uh, no, I'm afraid I do not.
[Scrooge chuckling]
I apologize there, ma'am.
I swear I wasn't
meaning to be rude.
I'd tip my hat if I could.
It's quite all right,
you have your hands full.
Just a tad, ma'am.
Anyways, I apologize.
Y'all have a Merry Christmas...
Uh, wait, wait, wait,
before you go, sir.
Have you heard of an
establishment called the...
Boar's Den?
The Boar's Den?
That can be a rough place,
are you sure you
want to go there?
Well, I'm afraid
we'll eventually have
to wind up there.
Well, it's about a quarter
of a mile right up the road.
Turn left on the
county road a ways,
you won't miss it.
[Fan] Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
[man] If you want to go
there, you be careful.
[uplifting country
music playing]
This stupid stick is...
bent.
[indistinct]
What's wrong with this
pool table anyway?
This table ain't letting
me make any shots.
[chuckles] Well, maybe
it's not the table.
It is the table!
And these sticks.
This one's bent.
It's a bunch of junk in here.
[manager] Is there
a problem out there?
[chuckles] No problem.
Just someone who
can't shoot pool.
What'd you say, boy?
Just sit down over there
and finish your beer.
[laughing] All right.
It's 'cause it's Christmas.
I hate to whip a
man at Christmas.
[country music intensifying]
You hate to whip a man
at Christmas, do you?
Yeah, well,
you're a real tough
guy, aren't you?
There was one
person in this world
I was ever afraid of...
and it ain't you.
- [glass shattering]
- [groans]
Where's your
Christmas spirit now?
[man on floor grunting]
You came into the
wrong place, buddy.
[man on floor grunting]
This just isn't a good idea.
Of course it is,
we have a deadline.
No pun intended.
Jacob, would you please tell
him this isn't a good idea?
It's a stupid idea.
You haven't even heard it yet.
What idea?
My perfectly sound
idea to deal with this
in the most meaningful
way possible.
These things take
finesse, Ebenezer.
We can't just dictate terms.
Humbug.
Just like in business,
there's gains and losses,
profits and penalties.
All we have to do is
enforce the penalties.
Change cannot be forced, sir,
it must be accepted willingly.
It's free will.
Marley, when you showed
up rattling your chains
and set those spirits upon
me, was that your free will?
Not mine, yours, Ebenezer.
What is it you're
planning to do?
I'm going in there to speak
to this big-head fellow
and explain to him
that he has to do right
by this young lady or else.
Sounds like a marvelous plan.
Let me know how it turns out.
[wacky country music playing]
[Scrooge grunting]
[loud clattering]
Next time, it's
really gonna hurt.
- Bad.
- Old man.
Merry Christmas, you
Ebenezer wannabe.
What kind of guy
wears a ponytail?
He's an Ebenezer...
I thought it was
George Washington.
I take it all went
well with the big-head?
No, not really.
I thought that being dead
was good for something.
That was really painful.
It's a matter of location.
Being dead where you're dead
means you're fairly safe.
Being dead here, though,
it's a lot different.
- You're telling me this now?
- I've...
We've tried to tell you a
lot of things, Ebenezer,
it's just sometimes
you don't listen.
I see.
Ebenezer, this isn't your
counting shop any longer.
Here, you're basically
an apprentice.
You mentioned something
about finesse?
Among other things.
Let's go.
Do you think that was wise, sir?
What?
Agreeing with
Mr. Scrooge's plan?
Seemed rather reckless to me.
It did to me, too.
Reckless and foolish.
Then why let him do it?
Because it was his plan.
And none of us would
convince him not to do it.
I guess I just don't understand.
Look, lad, Ebenezer and I
were friends and
partners for many years.
Practically our whole lives.
I know him as well
as I know myself.
When he gets
something in his head,
there's no talking
him out of it.
Even if it's something bad?
The only way Ebenezer Scrooge
ever learned any lesson
was by having to learn it.
Why do you think it took
three spirits that night?
And you knew he'd be all right?
I had faith.
[Scrooge] Are you sure
this is the place?
[Fan] Yes, this is the
address we were given.
Have you figured out what
you're going to say yet?
[Scrooge] Well,
of course I have.
Generally.
I suppose.
No.
I'll just wing it.
- [bell chimes]
- [Fan] Well, I suppose
that will be your cue.
Salvation Army?
Oh, no, ma'am, we have
no military affiliation.
What we mean to say
is that we aren't here
collecting for charity.
Charity? Oh, no,
ma'am, not at all.
You needn't worry about that.
I wasn't worried
about you collectin'.
We don't have much to collect.
I was more wondering if
you were dropping off.
Not... not that we would have
accepted anything anyway.
We're... we're doing fine and...
and there's plenty
of others who ain't.
So, what can I help
you folks with?
Um, we're looking for Angel.
Would by chance she be home?
She's at work.
What are you looking
for her about?
We really are here
to help, I promise.
You're showbiz
folks, aren't you?
That explains the costumes.
Well, I... I suppose
we are, uh...
We specialize in
Christmas miracles.
Oh, my.
Well, that is one thing we
sure could use around here.
Come in, come in.
Wipe your feet.
[festive melody playing]
Well, this should
be interesting.
Would you like some
coffee or anything?
Oh, no, thank you, we're fine.
I'm sorry.
It's not often that
anyone comes to visit,
so, I really don't
have much to offer.
Don't apologize.
We're grateful that
you invited us in
and are speaking with us.
[sighs] You have a
lovely home, by the way.
It used to be, a long time ago,
when my... my husband
was still here.
He kept the place up.
Things just got harder and
harder after he passed.
I'm sorry.
This time of year when, um,
when Angel was still little,
we had a big tree in that corner
with lights and candles
and presents all under it,
and... and music.
I think that's where
she gets that from.
There was always music.
How long has it been
just the two of you?
Three of us.
Angel's little boy, Winton,
he's down for a nap now.
And me and Angel.
Her, uh, her daddy passed
away when she was ten,
and, uh...
well, her husband
got himself killed
working on a rig while
she was pregnant.
Well, he was supposed
to be down for his nap.
Who are they?
I'm Fan and this is Ebenezer.
Ebenezer? That's funny,
like his clothes.
- [Fan chuckling]
- Winton Richard.
You mind your manners
- and apologize.
- Yes, ma'am.
I'm sorry, Mr. Ebenezer,
but they are kind of funny.
He's not wrong.
Oh, and he is off.
And I'm sorry.
So, um, where were we?
How do you get by?
Oh, well, we manage.
I get my little bit from
Social Security and...
and Angel, she
does what she can.
I worry about her, though.
Why do you worry about her?
Other than what I believe
parents naturally do.
Oh, you don't have, uh,
children of your own?
Uh, no, I do not.
I was never blessed in
that way, I suppose.
Nor do I guess any child
was ever cursed that way either.
[emotive piano playing]
Well, you always worry.
But, uh...
she works down at, uh,
the thrift store to
get by in the daytime,
and, uh...
while she sings down
at that bar at night.
That place scares me.
Why does it scare you?
It's not somewhere a mother
wants her kids hanging around.
Especially not her daughter.
I know she is a good girl,
and she is a real good singer.
Well, she has won contests,
and she even sang
on the radio once.
I have faith in my daughter.
I know she can do better,
and one day she will.
[sighs]
She tells me that, uh,
well, it takes time
to be discovered,
and you just gotta do what
you have to do until then.
But, uh...
she and Winton, well...
they're all I have, and...
well, I'm not gonna
be here much longer.
I'm sorry, I...
I just get so worried sometimes.
[Scrooge] Well...
we're here to make sure
you don't have to worry longer.
I promise.
Mr. Scrooge.
You seem to be almost...
Human?
How can people just ignore
those in need like that,
pretend they don't exist?
Unfortunately, it's a lot
easier than you may think.
Well, I think it's an
absolutely horrible thing.
I know you do, but then again,
you tend to think with
your heart and your head.
Not many other people
think that way.
Believe me, I
ignored far too many
far too easily in the past.
And the past is the key part
to that sentence, Ebenezer.
- Yes, it is.
- [bell dinging]
Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!
[chuckles] Merry
Christmas to you as well.
Hey, back off, mack.
Social distancing.
I am... I'm terribly sorry,
you look like someone
I thought I'd known.
Of course I do, I'm,
uh, Santa Claus!
Father Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!
Uh, not the one I know,
but a very good
resemblance, mind you.
Um, tell me,
the donations, where do they go?
They don't lie in some
administrator's pockets,
now, do they?
Uh, no, sir, they go straight
to Mrs. Keeler's
21st Street mission.
They're a little out there,
a little preachy at times,
but she does all
that she can do.
- [coin jangling]
- Oh, thank you, sir.
- [bell dinging]
- Merry Christmas!
[Fan] [indistinct].
What was that all about?
What was what all about?
Don't all what me, I saw you
drop a crown into that bucket.
Yes, indeed I did, and?
And you heard what he said
about how far it had
to go, and how many.
Well, that's why I gave
him the whole crown.
Was I being too generous?
Uh, would you like me to
go and ask for it back?
You certainly shall not!
Sometimes, Ebenezer, I
don't understand you.
I think you've
changed, and then...
My dear Fan,
what is the one true
talent I possessed
throughout my whole
wretched life?
- [sighs] Money.
- Exactly.
The one thing I knew
above all others.
Now, you saw me drop
one shiny, bright crown
into that man's
donation box, hmm?
One bright, shiny crown,
about 180 years old.
So it's not just worth
a crown any longer?
I highly doubt it.
Probably about 2 or
300 colonial dollars.
I misjudged you,
and spoke harshly
without reason.
Can you forgive me?
- [Fan chuckles]
- [bell dinging]
Come along, we must hurry.
[wind howling]
[heartfelt music playing]
[footsteps approaching]
Can I help you with anything?
Yes, ma'am.
My son is picking me up
for Christmas dinner,
and I haven't seen him
in such a long time.
- Well, that sounds very nice.
- Yes, I think so, too.
I got a grandson, you know,
and he just turned seven.
I've got a little boy,
he just turned nine.
They grow up awful fast,
and you just don't get enough
time to spend with them.
I know.
So, are you looking
at this train set?
I sure am.
I remember getting his
daddy one for Christmas.
We used to play with it
all Christmas morning,
till his mama called
us up for dinner.
- The best Christmas ever.
- I can just imagine that it was.
Would you like me to
wrap this up for you?
Yes, ma'am.
How much you want for it?
It looks like
it's 19 dollars and 50 cents.
$19. Okay.
[man grunts]
I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'm afraid I'm a little short.
Sorry to bother you.
Sir. Sir.
- Yes, ma'am?
- I'm so sorry.
I don't know what's
wrong with me,
but I completely misread
the price tag for
this train set.
It's actually $15,
if you'd still like to buy it
for your grandson's Christmas.
Really? Thank you, ma'am.
There you go, sir.
I hope you both enjoy
this Christmas morning
as much as the last.
Thank you, and have
a merry Christmas.
Have a very merry Christmas.
What's that all about?
Well, I sold that old train
set to that gentleman.
I saw that. For $15.
It was marked 20.
Well, it was donated for free,
just like everything
else in here.
That's supposed to be sold to
help out the less fortunate.
Exactly.
That poor old man was
the less fortunate.
He had $17 to his name,
and he wanted to
buy something nice
for his grandson for Christmas.
So you could have
gotten 17 for it
instead of 15?
No, I couldn't have.
I'm not going to
take his last penny.
For heaven's sakes,
Max, it's Christmas.
Exactly.
This is our best
time of the year.
Not if you [indistinct]
the whole store.
Well, isn't that what
we're supposed to be doing?
This is Helping
Hands Thrift Shop.
Aren't we supposed
to be helping people?
We're not helping handouts.
There's expenses,
overhead, salary.
So, how much does
go to helping, Max?
Huh? How much?
- A percentage.
- Well, how much of a percentage?
A reasonable one.
Sound familiar?
Uh, he's got to make a profit.
And costs and expenses involved.
See? That guy knows
how to run a business.
Um, maybe not so
much about fashion,
but he knows business.
Oh, well, I... [laughs]
Maybe I should fire you
and hire that guy instead.
Hey, old timer, you want a job?
You know what?
I quit.
Oh, miss? Miss?
- Miss, mind holding up, please?
- Well, why should I?
You are Angel Lynn, are you not?
Maybe. Who wants
to know, and why?
We're here to help you.
My name is Ebenezer,
and this is Fan.
We truly are here
to help if we can.
Look, I'm sorry.
It's just not been
a wonderful day.
We've noticed.
That was a very kind
thing you did back there.
[Angel] Well, I
thought that it was.
And look where it got me.
I'm not sure it can get
much worse than that.
Oh, it can always get worse.
But then again, it'll
always get better.
If you choose to let it.
Well, that sounds real nice.
But right now,
I just don't have
any choices left.
Oh, you mustn't think that.
You'll always have choices.
But sometimes it takes
extraordinary ones
to bring out the correct ones.
Uh, we went to see your mother.
[Angel] You spoke
with my mother?
You went to my house?
[Ebenezer] We're here to
help you and your family.
Look, whoever you two are,
it's just not a
good day for this.
And I don't know you
from Adam [indistinct].
So I'd really appreciate
it if you would just leave.
Well, we're here to save you.
Save me? You know what?
You two and Max can
all just go to...
She may very well get her wish.
This isn't going
very well, is it?
I'm afraid it's going
pretty much the way
it's supposed to be going,
all things considered.
We have to think this through.
I suggest we take a moment,
settle ourselves,
and we discuss this.
[rain pattering]
You think Mr. Scrooge
meant to do that?
I'm sure he meant to.
Unfortunately, I'm also sure
that he had no idea it
would turn out that way.
So, he miscalculated?
He mucked it up.
- [thunder rumbling]
- Where did this rain come from?
[ominous music playing]
So...
is that house done now?
Um, it's not very
polite to eavesdrop.
So I've been told.
Clearly one of my
brother's projects.
I wasn't aware
Mr. Scrooge had a brother.
He doesn't.
Who are you?
I appear to be out of cards.
Suffice it to say...
I'm just another
player in grand scheme.
Nothing more.
Looks like you
gentlemen have your work
cut out for you.
I'll let you get
on with it then.
Good day.
[thunder rumbling]
What do you make of that, sir?
I don't know.
Yet.
[uplifting music playing]
If only.
[Alex] Alex Matthews.
What?
They can't cancel, not now.
We're days away.
No, I do understand, but...
'Cause here with you
Is where I will stay
The thought of losing you
Just tears my soul away
Did you hear what I just heard?
No, not you. The singing.
Listen, I think I may
have it taken care of.
I gotta go. I'll call you back.
And I'll be here
With tears in my eyes
Could this be
Love in disguise?
Excuse me, miss.
That was fantastic.
I just stepped inside
to get out of the
cold for a bit.
And to sing.
I heard you, I was in the wings.
Like the Phantom of the Opera?
Oh, well, except I hopefully
don't need the mask.
[scoffs] Look, it's just
been one of those days
and it's still being one
and I don't care if
you haunt the theater
or ring cathedral bells,
I'm just not interested.
You're very good.
Call me.
Hmm.
This place will do.
[chuckles] Um, Ebenezer,
hold on a moment.
Uh, this may not be
exactly what you expect.
It's tea.
I mean, granted, things
have changed all around,
but it's tea.
It's... it's as solid as
the... the British Empire.
Uh, well, about that. Um...
Hail Britannia,
Britannia rule the waves
I'll show you that things
have never really changed
I see that. Fine then. Shall we?
[upbeat music playing]
[man slurping]
Good afternoon, madam.
May I please have two teas?
Um, iced or hot?
Iced tea?
Uh, no.
Two hot proper teas,
one with two sugars, please.
Let me rescind that
order, if you don't mind.
May I please have
two hot proper teas,
one with three sugars...
and the other simply
tasting of tea.
May I ask you also
for that little
square sweet cake?
- Please cut it in half.
- Okay.
Tea and cake?
Have you seen the time?
When you're in Rome,
you do as the Romans do.
And even if we're not in Rome,
we're doing what we want to do.
And besides, I'm famished.
There you go. That'll be $5.74.
$5.74 American?
Um, yeah, that
would be preferable.
- [Ebenezer] Right.
- [waitress chuckles]
$5.74 American.
[chuckles] Thank you.
[coins jangling]
[rock music playing]
Yeah, I should be out on
a motor ride today, man.
My bike is just...
[exhales]
[knocking on door]
Well...
To what do I owe this
unexpected pleasure?
I need to talk to
you about something.
Well, you know, my door is
always open to you, sweetheart.
Come on in, sit down.
Here you go, Angel baby.
I was wondering if I could
maybe pick up another set,
or maybe even some
waitressing hours.
I'll bus tables. I
just... I need something.
Time's getting rough, huh?
Just a little bit,
and it's Christmas.
Well...
I bet you're a girl...
of many talents besides singing.
[somber music playing]
I'm sure we could find
something worthwhile extra
for you to do around here.
You know, make a
few extra bucks.
Why don't you come
see me after your set?
Park your little
butt in that chair,
and we're gonna talk
about this a little more.
All right, baby, there you go.
Oh, God, I love to watch
you walk away all day.
Oh.
[upbeat music playing]
This is the correct
one, is it not?
You didn't do anything
to it, did you?
Yes, that is your cup. Bitter.
- What was that?
- Hmm? Oh, nothing.
- I asked if you were better.
- Quite.
Not only am I feeling better,
but I also have something
I want to tell you
all about a new idea.
I am certainly
anxious to hear it.
[slurping]
[coughing]
[laughs]
It is bitter.
[laughs]
[melancholic music playing]
I don't know how I got here
I don't know where I'm at
Am I staying for reasons
that are not my own?
I'm hoping I'm
smarter than that
Is it wrong that I'm
looking for something
That wasn't
supposed to be mine?
Believing is meant
for believers
I'm hoping I'm
not out of time
If you see me crying
without any tears
It's 'cause I wasted
them all on a dream
But the last thing I want
is to live with regret
Before writing my
one final scene
I'm aware that I
should be much stronger
But sometimes it's
hard to stay true
When you're
fighting for people
You love more than life
You do what you have to do
You do what you have to do
[audience applauding]
Thank you all so much.
It's been so much fun
hanging out with
you all tonight.
- [man] I love you.
- Well, I love you, too.
Without any of you, I wouldn't
get to do all of this.
On, now, come on, we
are not going to go
and ruin our
relationship like that.
Anyways, anyways, we also
will be back tomorrow night.
Take care till then.
And for the rest of y'all,
have a very merry Christmas.
Thank you.
It's tea. Why does it
have to be so, so...
[Jacob] Mucked completely up.
It's not just bad now,
Ebenezer. It's worse.
- What's worse?
- [Jacob] Everything.
Whatever you did,
things have sped up.
What do you mean?
[Jacob] You no
longer have hours,
maybe not even minutes.
Whatever changes are happening,
get to the Boar's Den.
- Now!
- We have to get there then.
We have no time.
We have no time.
Psst. You got plenty of time.
I used to drive a
cab in New York.
Come on, get in.
[ominous music playing]
[Big Ed] Angel,
can I talk to you for a minute?
Well, I was just
about to head home.
I'm really tired, Mr. Rangle.
We had a good show.
Yeah, well, uh, you
can head home after.
Come on in for a minute.
That a girl. That's my girl.
Nice night out here
tonight, don't you think?
Yeah, it is.
Should be out on my
bike tonight, man.
Oh.
- You know.
- Not too much traffic out there.
This could be a problem.
[laughs] Don't worry,
I'll handle them.
You go on to handle Big Ed.
How are you going
to handle them?
Remember what happened
the last time?
[sighs] That was you.
I have much more experience
dealing with this
time and these types.
Now go.
I need to go out with
Marley for a ride soon.
The garage's too much.
I'm working on...
[rock music playing]
- Howdy, boys.
- How you doing?
[Fan] I'm good.
Um, can you help a
girl out, please?
I seem to have locked
my purse in my car,
and I just don't
know what to do.
That happens all
the time, ma'am.
Luckily, you found
the right man.
Yeah, because he knows the guy
who can handle stuff like that,
and that would be me.
Come on.
[upbeat music playing]
Please pardon the interruption.
Or actually don't. It
was quite purposeful.
Now's your chance.
Go meet Fan outside.
Who in blue blazes
do you think you are
coming to my place of business?
And...
I know who you are.
You're the guy they
threw out of here today.
Quite right. Where
are my manners today?
My name is Ebenezer Scrooge.
[laughs] Yeah, well,
I think you know
what my manners are.
Indeed I do, sir.
That's what I came to
speak to you about today.
Yeah.
But not in the
presence of a woman.
Yeah, well, there's
no women here anymore.
You know, you've
got a lot of guts
for a Yankee, you know that?
A lot of brain in your
fancy little head.
And I plan on finding out.
I'm not a Yankee.
I'm from Edinburgh.
Don't you understand? He's
gonna kill your friend.
Oh, it won't be the first time.
You don't have to
worry, I promise.
My friend is much more
capable than you'd imagine.
I'm certain they'll
just have a nice chat
about the error of
your boss's ways.
My boss?
Oh, my God, I'm... I'm
so sorry about earlier.
I... I really am.
And I don't know
what I'm gonna do.
Not that. [sighs]
Your mother has faith
in her daughter.
And I know your little
boy loves his mom so much.
You have so much and
deserve so much more.
Oh, here now.
Remember I told you
we were here to help?
I do. Thank you.
Oh, don't thank me quite
yet. We're not through.
There's someone I
want you to meet.
- Ladies.
- Mr. Matthews.
I'm so glad you could
make it tonight.
This is the young
lady I told you about.
Angel Lynn.
I know, I caught your
act. You were amazing.
The Phantom of the Opera.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
You know, normally I don't
come out blind like this.
Honestly, I would never
come out blind like this.
But when you called...
- I could be very persuasive.
- Apparently so.
Whatever made me do
it, I'm glad I did.
Sorry.
Here, this is my card.
I manage several local artists,
and I'd like to talk to
you about managing you.
That is, if you're
not with anyone else.
[Fan] As a matter of fact,
she is recently open
to new management.
With the proper
person, of course.
And I'd like to think
it might be me, then.
Remember what we
said about choices?
Not really.
Make this one an
extraordinary one.
How did you do this?
Believe it or not, I finally
read the instructions.
I really hated to do
this to you, you know,
but you left me little choice.
What kind of trick are
you trying to pull here?
Oh, I assure you,
sir, it's no trick.
Those shackles are as
real as real can be.
And it is my understanding
that people like you
tend to wear them forever.
Oh, I do understand
they're very uncomfortable,
rather binding and terribly
hard to get used to.
I have a friend who's
been wearing them
for the better part
of 14 years now.
You dirty piece of...
Oh, I understand he was
quite disagreeable as well.
Look, what do you want?
The girl, is it?
That's who you want,
Angel, is that it?
You don't understand.
That girl is not
yours in any way,
shape or form, neither
to give nor take,
you miserable cretin, you.
Of course she is. I
have her under contract.
I'm her manager,
so what I say goes.
That's how it works.
That, sir, is how slavery works.
Well, it's show business.
Same thing.
Where did you get that? How.
- How did you get that?
- Yada, yada, yada.
The first part, et cetera,
et cetera, et cetera.
This contract is not worth
the paper it's written on.
The paper it was
written on, anyway.
Morally, ethically,
and especially legally,
This little pile of ash
is now null and void.
You know, I am
gonna skin you alive
when I get out of here.
Nobody does this to Big Ed.
Nobody!
You simply will not
listen, will you?
Will not or cannot see?
See what? What am
I supposed to see?
You tell me.
You're a monster and
you lost your humanity
and you're on your way to
losing your soul as well.
Don't you care about that?
Wouldn't you rather trade
redemption for
certain damnation?
Redemption? Damnation?
What, are you gonna start
preaching to me now?
Cause I ain't buying it.
[Ebeneezer] Fine.
I tried.
I can see when bigger
guns are required,
and it's more than I can do to
get through your thick skull.
What are you talking about?
I'm referring to,
my dear Big Ed...
Now, do you mind if
I simply call you Ed?
It sounds so silly to
me when I say Big Ed,
and there's nothing silly
about this situation.
I'm referring to, Ed,
Or shall I say, Edward R...
to the one person who might
yet get through to you.
Oh, no, no, no.
No, it can't be.
No, it can't be.
It can't be.
MeMaw?
She's been watching you, Ed,
and she's very disappointed.
MeMaw. MeMaw, I didn't...
What...
Edward R...
What am I gonna do with you?
You were raised
better than that.
I... I didn't...
I can take it from
here, young man.
[Ed] No, don't go. Don't go!
No, no, no, no, no,
no, don't go. Don't...
- [belt cracks]
- You've been very, very naughty.
You need a time out.
No, no! [screaming]
No! No! No!
I'm gonna punish you
until you see stars.
You are never gonna
see the light of day
until you know how to
act like a gentleman.
You were bad to that young
girl and now you're gonna pay.
You knew better
than that, Edward R.
You knew better than that.
[sobbing] I'm sorry.
I'm sorry!
I take it all went
well with Big Ed.
I suppose. It depends.
Let's say I definitely
had faith in the process.
And, um, [indistinct]
the outcome.
That's all anyone could ask for.
Indeed.
But what about on your end?
I would say that
Angel has been given
an opportunity to make
an extraordinary choice.
Will she, though?
Let's say that I definitely
have faith as well.
...Like you wanted me
Saying boy come
on, [indistinct]
I just had to try
That's a good sign.
I'll drink to that. If
we ever get any service.
So. Can I get y'all something?
Could you bring us two
decent pints, please?
Pints of what, darlin'?
- [woman] In your dreams!
- [loud slap]
I'll have what she's having.
I guess I'll just take
a large sherry then.
You found her, darling.
That's my name.
Oh, God save us.
Follow along with
your hips, feet
Heartbeats on the floor
and dress in your hair
Girl it ain't fair
whatever you do
Just don't stop
[grand instrumental]
[Fan] Isn't this a much better
way to spend your Christmas Eve?
Where do you think you're going?
Well, into the
theater, of course.
Not that way you're not.
What way would you have
us go in then, please?
Around the back with
the other performers.
- You should know that.
- It's his first time.
I just wanted him to see
what it was all about.
Well, then buy tickets
and put those moth eaten
costumes in a trunk.
Who's supposed to be
performing anyway?
Old Man Winter?
Well, then, can you please lead
us in the proper direction?
Okay, fine. Follow
me, this way.
You know, people tell
me I should be an actor.
To be or not to be,
- that is the question.
- [tinkling sound]
- What do you think?
- [Ebeneezer] Humbug.
No more eggnog on
break for you, Ray.
[audience applauding]
Ladies and gentlemen,
good evening
and of course,
Merry Christmas Eve.
It's our pleasure to present to
you the Wonders of Christmas.
A collection of
music and stories
from the most
joyous time of year.
Tonight, as a very special gift,
I'm proud to
introduce a young lady
that just recently joined us.
I know you'll love her
as much as we do...
Miss Angel.
I've forgotten what
the meaning was
Lost so much no longer care
So uncertain if I'd
ever come around
Living life so unaware
You showed me how
I was missing out
On the things that
mattered most to me
Letting go of all the
weighing down of doubts
The magic of Christmas
is what I needed to see
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to you?
Families gathered round
the Christmas tree
Children opening
presents, laughing merrily
Couples that end up
below the mistletoe
Dreaming of a white Christmas
and seeing it start to snow
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to me?
Never thinking I
would see you again
Thought my happy endings
had come to an end
But like an angel who
was just given wings
A new light is shining
and everybody sings
It's been so long
since we felt alive
Something missing
all these years
Dreams forgotten and
were pushed aside
But now are
becoming so clear
A new day is dawning
around the bend
The future is starting anew
It's time to step
in the light again
This feeling of Christmas
Is inside all of you
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to us?
Spending time sitting
round the fire
Roasting chestnuts,
hearing caroling choirs
A time for giving
some holiday cheer
And starting the countdown
to a brand new year
Christmas
Christmas
What does it mean to me?
Cherishing moments,
grateful each day
Through good times and
bad times, come what may
Remembering our loved ones
and the ones that we've lost
The spirit of giving
No matter what the cost
Christmas
Christmas
How I missed you, Christmas
[audience applauding]
[cheering]
[quiet instrumental]
You know, it's really good
to be home, I suppose.
All things being considered.
Of course, I wouldn't want
to remain here in perpetuity.
What you mean to say
is you're comfortable.
Quite. As comfortable
as one can be in this...
parlor in purgatory.
Remember, vultures.
You know, I worry
about you sometimes.
By the way,
what are you constantly
writing about over there?
Or dare I ask?
Well, obviously you
dare, because you did.
However, it's nothing
you need to know about.
At least not right now.
Well, that's not
curious now, is it?
I hear congratulations
are in order.
You're one step closer to
your redemption, Mr. Scrooge.
I had my doubts about this one.
I'm glad you proved me wrong.
Oh, ye of little faith.
What happened with Angel?
I gather we acted in time.
You did.
And her life, as
well as her family's,
are much the better for it.
Would you like to see?
Turkey's done cooking.
It's a big bird.
It sure is.
It'll be nice to have
company over for a change.
And the house looks
beautiful, Mama.
Just like when you were
little. Do you remember?
I do.
I'm surprised because I thought
I'd forgotten all about it.
Never forget.
For a long time, you and
those memories were...
all I had left.
[doorbell ringing]
Well, hello, Santa Claus.
I've definitely
been called worse.
Come on in.
Welcome, Alex.
I am so glad you could join us.
Of course. Thank
you for having me.
Mama's under the mistletoe.
So, who's hungry?
All right, who wants
to carve the turkey?
Alex, do you want
to do the honors?
Come along, sir. We still
have some work to do.
No rest for the
wicked, eh, Marley?
As you'll no doubt find out.
Oh, and by the way,
even Big Ed was
redeemed in the end.
[Jacob] You only get half
credit for that, though.
For using unorthodox methods,
sicking someone's
grandmom on them. Really?
Timothy Cratchit!
Quite frankly, I thought
that was very original.
I'd have to agree.
[man] So would I.
You.
You're the gentleman who
bought that train set.
I had to be certain.
She's a fine young lady.
And he is a fine young man.
Well, of course he is.
That's my grandson.
Well, seeing as how
everything turned out,
and since Tim isn't here,
don't you think someone
ought to say it?
Say what?
[scoffs] You know.
Really?
[sighs] Okay, I will.
God bless us, everyone.
Humbug.
[festive music]
Mr. Scrooge.
Where would you be now?
That will be all.
[man] Hmm.
Something certainly smells
better than the one I'm used to.
Your sense of timing
leaves a bit to be desired.
But you were
expecting me, right?
Of course.
Just not now.
Yeah, I actually get that a lot.
New outfit.
Not exactly the regulation
uniform, now, is it?
What do you think?
Pretty snazzy, ain't it?
Look, custom made just for me.
I'm sure it's very snazzy.
However, it is not
what death wears.
And it is certainly
not how he speaks.
Yeah, you know,
I've been meaning to
talk to you about that.
Don't do that.
Capiche?
Don't do that, capiche?
Very well.
Would you mind explaining
all of all of this, then?
I just need to change, you know?
Some fresh air,
some new scenery.
I mean, this whole
bag with the robe
and the bones and the scythe?
[chuckles] It's really
starting to take a toll on me.
I mean, it's like this:
being the Grim Reaper,
it's just that, it's grim,
it's not popular, no
one's ever glad to see me.
It's all dark and depressing.
You're death.
Isn't that somewhat the
majority of the job description?
You've been doing this
for your whole life...
death... forever.
[Death] Exactly.
And that's just too long.
So I found this nice little
side gig where I can go out,
have a few drinks,
tell some stories,
sing some songs, even
mingle a little bit.
Have a little fun.
You've gone mad, haven't you?
It's not really
surprising, I suppose.
You really need to loosen
that collar a little bit.
I think it's
affecting your brain.
No, I'm not going mad.
I'm just gonna do it my way.
What about your actual
responsibilities?
Collecting souls,
harvesting the dead.
I got it taken care of.
Don't worry about it.
I'm the Assistant Undersecretary
for Undead Affairs.
It's my job to worry about it.
What you need to do
is learn to relax.
You know what?
Stop by the show tonight.
Take a load off.
Have a drink.
It's on me.
How can you even do this?
I'm in the hottest
show at the Strip.
And I'm a star.
That's how I do.
Listen, I gotta run.
Just because Death's
taking a holiday
doesn't mean he can sit still.
Oh, and by the way,
the 7 o'clock shows
are the dinner shows,
so if you're gonna order the
prime rib, that's on you.
Mrs. Dilbert.
Where exactly is The Strip?
[man clearing throat]
Dinner with my brother?
Eh, not exactly.
Just happened to drop in
while he was having his.
Oh.
I bet that went over
well, didn't it?
Not really, but...
But you knew it wouldn't,
yet you did it anyway.
That's what I like about you.
Well, I try.
Of course you do.
Which is also why I
know that [indistinct].
If I can count on you.
Absolutely you can.
No doubt about
it. Can I, then?
Whatever I can do.
Hey, how about a
ticket to my show?
VIP pass.
Even includes dinner.
[man cackling]
Prime rib?
[man] I'm a vegan.