Ebbie (1995)

Ebbie Poster

In this updated retelling of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," ruthless business-woman and shopping store owner Elizabeth "Ebbie" Scrooge is taught the true spirit of Christmas by three Spirits who visit her.

Introduction to "Ebbie"
"Ebbie" is a 1995 tv film that provides a distinct twist on Charles Dickens' traditional tale "A Christmas Carol". Directed by George Kaczender and starring Susan Lucci as Elizabeth "Ebbie" Scrooge, the film reimagines the original story with a contemporary, female-centric point of view. Set in a modern context, Lucci's character is a callous outlet store owner who goes through a life-altering journey on Christmas Eve.

Summary of "Ebbie"
Elizabeth Scrooge, played by Susan Lucci, is a cold-hearted, effective businesswoman with a sharp tongue and an unforgiving nature. As the owner of Dobson's outlet store, she is seen by her employees as a tyrant who focuses on earnings over individuals. Her assistant, Roberta "Robbie" Cratchet, has a hard time under Ebbie's severe leadership while caring for her child Tim, who is coping with an extreme impairment. Ebbie's business focus indicates that she has ignored her friends and family, pushing away those who when appreciated her, including her ex-lover, Paul.

On Christmas Eve, as the world around her commemorates, Ebbie remains indifferent to the season's delight and festivities. Nevertheless, her life takes a turn when she is gone to by her previous mentor and organization partner, Jacob Marley, now a doomed spirit encased in chains, signifying the consequences of his greed. Marley's ghostly apparition alerts Ebbie that she will be gone to by three spirits that night who will show her the error of her methods.

The Ghost of Christmas Past
The first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, resembles Ebbie's beloved sibling Francine, who passed away of an illness. This spirit reveals Ebbie her past, her modest beginnings, her increase in the business world, and how aspiration gradually eclipsed her concepts, love, and decency. The audience witnesses Ebbie's transformation from a kind-hearted young woman with dreams and relationships to a solidified business tycoon, exposing her initial engagement to Paul, which breaks down as she ends up being increasingly consumed by greed.

The Ghost of Christmas Present
The Ghost of Christmas Present is represented as a spunky, contemporary lady who brings Ebbie to see the life she is losing out on by not engaging with those around her. It highlights the Cratchet family's battles and the warmth and love that still flourish even in difficulty. Ebbie sees how her selfishness directly affects her employees' livelihoods and lives and how her indifferent attitude towards Tim's medical needs is specifically harsh.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Maybe the most effective encounter for Ebbie is with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, a quiet, foreboding figure who reveals a future in which Ebbie's death is met with indifference by society. The dark, dystopian future reveals the terrible fate of Tim and how Ebbie's absence of empathy leads to a legacy of bitterness and sorrow.

Redemption and Conclusion
As dawn techniques, Ebbie is shaken to her core by these visions and fixes to alter her ways. The experience propels her to welcome the spirit of Christmas, transform her relationships, and utilize her wealth and influence for excellent. She reconnects with Paul, enhances the working conditions for her personnel, and takes an active role in supporting Tim's health care requirements. The film ends on a note of hope as Ebbie commemorates Christmas with a newfound appreciation for life, kindness, and love, signifying her redemption.

"Ebbie" functions as a modern-day morality tale that keeps the essence of Dickens' initial work while exploring modern styles of personal transformation and the effect of one's actions on society. It offers a heartfelt reminder of the effects of greed and the power of redemption, particularly throughout the holiday.

Top Cast

  • Susan Lucci (small)
    Susan Lucci
    Elizabeth "Ebbie" Scrooge
  • Wendy Crewson (small)
    Wendy Crewson
    Roberta "Robbie" Cratchet
  • Ron Lea (small)
    Ron Lea
    Paul
  • Molly Parker (small)
    Molly Parker
    Francine/Frannie
  • Taran Noah Smith (small)
    Taran Noah Smith
    Tiny Tim
  • Jeffrey DeMunn (small)
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    Jake Marley
  • Jennifer Clement
    Ghost of Christmas Past #1
  • Lorena Gale (small)
    Lorena Gale
    Rita/Ghost of Christmas Present
  • Laura Harris (small)
    Laura Harris
    Martha Cratchet
  • Bill Croft (small)
    Bill Croft
    Luther / Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come
  • Nicole Parker (small)
    Nicole Parker
    Ghost of Christmas Past #2