Favorite Scene Friday! Scrooged: Frank's Speech

As Perry Como said, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It’s easy to get stressed out this time of year, considering all of the planning, shopping, and traveling that comes with this season. It’s important to stop every now and then and appreciate the holidays – call someone you haven’t spoken with in a few years. Sing along to some holiday tunes. Build a snowman, weather permitting.

But forget about all that for right now and watch this scene! It’s from 1988’s Scrooged, my favorite Christmas film. 

IMDb

Bill Murray, as Frank Cross, spends the whole movie being a modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge, an irredeemable prick that’s completely lost touch with humanity. Watch this scene if you need a refresher. Free bonus laughs included.

Something happens to Frank, however. Several encounters with Christmas ghosts show him how he used to be before becoming a scumbag, how his selfishness affects others, and what’s in store for him if he doesn’t change his ways.

Murray’s at his best when he’s playing an ass that finds redemption, and I think it’s because the actor can play a jerk and a wonderful person with equal ease. I love this scene because it’s so rewarding to see Frank completely transformed into a caring person. The speech he gives is totally genuine, and the song that breaks out at the end of the scene says it best – the world really can be a better place if you care about others.

I could understand if some people find Murray a little corny at the end of his speech, but I think it’s great. Bill’s truly a fine actor. And it always warms my heart and gives me goosebumps when little Calvin – Scrooged’s version of Tiny Tim – has his moment. If Frank hadn’t completely found his miracle by then, there was no denying it after hearing Calvin speak.

Check out ole’ Lumpy and the gang below. And have a Happy Friday and an even Happier Holiday season!

“Oh, by the way, HERE!”