Scrooge on Netflix: Who is Leslie Bricusse? (dedication explained)

Who is Leslie Bricusse? If you watched the original Netflix animated Christmas movie Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with your family, you might be wondering this very question, and you aren’t the only one wanting more information on the film’s dedication.

After the final scene in Scrooge and before the credits start rolling, a beautiful golden end card shares the message “in loving memory of Leslie Bricusse,” which will inspire some curiosity among viewers who aren’t familiar with the name or his work.

Most often, dedications at the end of movies or shows are a way for the title to honor the legacy of a late member of the cast or crew or someone connected to a cast or crew member. That’s the case here, as Scrooge pays homage to a musical legend.

So what exactly was Bricusse’s connection to Netflix’s latest animated Christmas movie?

Scrooge on Netflix: Leslie Bricusse dedication explained

While some fans might already be familiar with Leslie Bricusse, others might not have known before watching the movie that he was the British composer, playwright, and lyricist who wrote the 1970 movie Scrooge as well as the 1992 stage musical.

Bricusse also wrote the screenplay for the 2022 Netflix animated adaptation, which also featured a number of the songs he had written for the movie and subsequent play. Seeing Bricusse have the chance to continue the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge once more is so special for fans of his work, the character, and the story.

Sadly, the Oscar and Grammy-winning (and Tony-nominated) composer passed away in October 2021, before the film’s release. He was 90 years old and passed away in his sleep.

Obviously, when it comes to the Scrooge legacy in pop culture, Leslie Bricusse plays a large part. It’s wonderful that the movie honors the legendary composer’s impact since he didn’t get to see the final product he wrote and helped create be released and enjoyed by a whole new generation. Here’s to hoping he’ll be celebrated once more with award nominations for the film.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol is now streaming on Netflix.