A Christmas Carol

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A Christmas Carol

Released Dec 16, 1938

1h 9m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

100%

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13 Reviews

74%

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50,000+ Ratings

Crotchety miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen) hates Christmas and mistreats his long-suffering employee, devoted family man Bob Cratchit (Gene Lockhart). But a visit from the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley (Leo G. Carroll) and three Christmas spirits (Lionel Braham, Ann Rutherford, D'Arcy Corrigan) might convince him to change his ways and become more kindhearted. This adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic became a holiday staple for decades.

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

[A] typically polished MGM version of Charles Dickens's yuletide favourite.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 19, 2019

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Effective adaptation of Charles Dickens novel, well acted by Reginald Owen and the rest of the cast.

Rated: B

Jul 18, 2011

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Scott G. Mignola

Common Sense Media

A gentle, less scary version of the classic.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 2, 2011

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Steve Biodrowski

Cinefantastique

Although slightly corn-ball, this 1938 production...should appeal to fans of old-fashioned Hollywood-style filmmaking.

Nov 11, 2009

Full Review

TV Guide

A great and eternally heart-warming film that can stand an appreciative viewing every year through every decade.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 27, 2007

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

The movie is nothing if not sincere, which goes a long way in a sentimental tale like this one.

Rated: 7/10

Nov 23, 2005

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Cade H.

A classic that set the standard for every Christmas movie created afterwards. While the film is definitely dated and other adaptations are better suited for modern audience’s tastes and production expectations, this film has served as a benchmark writing wise for not only other adaptations of the story, but Christmas movies in general.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

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Troy B

Definitely the best version of a Christmas carol. Watch it every December.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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Don L

The best. It captures the magic of the Dickens story with a few, minor, Hollywood twists. But they add to the movie, not detract from Dickens novella. The best of all the film adaptations.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

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mar q

Dreamy. Great scrooge. Pretty Good for a 90 year old film. Short and sweet

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/11/24

Full Review

Alexander C

Production and Casting wise, it's mostly fine. But the plot strays so far from Dickens, you'd barely notice his name in the credits.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/12/24

Full Review

Mitch C

Passable and entertaining enough. But future versions, specially the early 80s George C. Scott version, are far superior.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/07/24

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Edwin L. Marin

Director

Reginald Owen

Ebenezer Scrooge

Gene Lockhart

Bob Cratchit

Kathleen Lockhart

Mrs. Cratchit

Terry Kilburn

Tiny Tim Cratchit

Barry MacKay

Fred

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Synopsis

Crotchety miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen) hates Christmas and mistreats his long-suffering employee, devoted family man Bob Cratchit (Gene Lockhart). But a visit from the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley (Leo G. Carroll) and three Christmas spirits (Lionel Braham, Ann Rutherford, D'Arcy Corrigan) might convince him to change his ways and become more kindhearted. This adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic became a holiday staple for decades.

Director: Edwin L. Marin
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Screenwriter: Hugo Butler
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Loew's Inc.
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 1938, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 19, 2008
Runtime: 1h 9m

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