Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ gives Scrooge a new ending

Johnny Depp’s “Ebenezer” recasts the ending of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” giving Scrooge a more direct role in changing the fortunes of people he has mistreated. In the film, Scrooge offers Bob Cratchit a business partnership and a substantial pay increase intended to help cover medical care for Cratchit’s son, Tiny Tim.

The ending also changes how Scrooge approaches the Cratchit family. Rather than visiting them at home, he watches through a window as they celebrate Christmas. The scene places him outside their household as he observes their affection and happiness, while the proposed raise and partnership offer a way to improve their financial circumstances.

The partnership goes beyond the pay increase Scrooge promises Cratchit in Dickens’ novella. The film has Scrooge propose renaming the business Scrooge and Cratchit, giving his employee a stake in the company. The film’s ending coverage presents the offer as a shift from simply sharing money to sharing business opportunity and authority.

Scrooge also makes a separate gesture toward his nephew Fred and Fred’s wife, Clara, delivering them a turkey. In Dickens’ story, the turkey is sent to the Cratchit family. The...