Long before television became America’s most dominant medium, families would gather in the living room each evening to enjoy the latest radio drama, which captivated the imagination without the need for elaborate sets or flashy technology.
Hanging on every plot twist of “The Shadow“ and “The Lone Ranger,” our ancestors didn’t need screens or expensive special effects. They used their imagination.
RELATED: To read more stories from Michael Foust on faith and entertainment, click here.
Radio drama is mostly a thing of the past, but a new faith-focused series based on a beloved story offers today’s families a chance to step back in time and rediscover the power of this lost art form.
“Scrooge: A Christmas Carol“ is a free four-part audio drama presented by Hope Media Group and Compassion International that includes names you know and a faith-centric plot adapted from Charles Dickens’ popular novel.
No doubt, it’s one of the most enjoyable and uplifting ways to pass the time while traveling this holiday season.
It features John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings,” “Indiana Jones“) as the narrator, Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings,” “Rudy“) as Scrooge, Bethany Joy Lenz (“One Tree Hill”) as Elizabeth and Ben Barnes (“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian“) as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
‘Journey of redemption’
It’s included on all major platforms and follows the redemptive story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter, self-centered man who carries a disdain for all things cheerful and festive. After life-changing visits from the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Scrooge undergoes a remarkable transformation, embracing joy, mercy and hope.
“Scrooge goes on this journey of redemption,” Joe Paulo, president and CEO of Hope Media Group, told The Baptist Paper. “And that’s the story that God has designed for every human being.”
Mark Ramsey, the creator and director of “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol,” said the script was designed “so it will be most impactful in audio.”
“Audio by its nature rewards attention and inspires imagination,” Ramsey said.
The story incorporates new elements, including thoughtful themes about faith, that were absent from the films. For example, we learn about Scrooge’s broken relationship with his father. It creates tension: Will he forgive him for a lifetime of sins?
Of course, audio theater already is a beloved tradition among many of today’s families, led by Focus on the Family’s “Adventures in Odyssey.”
“Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” welcomes you back to the world of audio theater, delivering engaging, screen-free entertainment that ignites the imagination.
Visit ScroogePodcast.com.
Also worth watching this month:
White Bird (Home Video) — A young boy struggling to find his way in life learns the power of kindness and courage through his grandmother’s vivid recounting of her life during the Holocaust. “White Bird“ is both a prequel and sequel to the film “Wonder“ and opens with the story of Julian, the boy who was suspended from school in that earlier movie. It’s a tale of hope and resilience. Rated PG-13 for some strong violence, thematic material and language.
Reagan (Home Video) — A small-town boy from Illinois grows up to be president. This faith-focused biopic follows the story of Ronald Reagan and includes everything you remember about his administration: his quick wit, his unwavering optimism and his staunch opposition to communism. Dennis Quaid portrays Reagan. Rated PG-13 for violent content and smoking. It includes mild language. Clearplay offers a filter.
A Little Women’s Christmas (Great American Family) — Four sisters navigate love and loss in this contemporary adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic “Little Women.” Set in a small Tennessee town, this new film brings a fresh perspective to the timeless story, with an ensemble cast led by Jen Lilley, Laura Osnes, Jillian Murray and Julia Reilly. It’s part of Great American Family’s annual Great American Christmas event.
The Wild Robot (Home Video) — A robot named Roz unexpectedly washes ashore on a remote, wild island and must learn to live in harmony with the animals around her. The film is based on a popular book of the same name and follows Roz as she raises a gosling, teaching it to survive and fly. It’s an inspiring family film with solid lessons about family, adoption and parental love. It’s the best animated movie of the year. Rated PG for action/peril and thematic elements.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and entertainment for 20 years. He is the husband to Julie and the father of four children.
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