A Christmas Carol

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A Christmas Carol

1951

1h 26m

Holiday

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

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36 Reviews

89%

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50,000+ Ratings

Crotchety Victorian businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim) has no use for festivity, even at Christmas. After resentfully allowing timid clerk Bob Cratchit (Mervyn Johns) to have the holiday to spend with his loving wife (Hermione Baddeley) and family, Scrooge is swept into a nightmare. The ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley (Michael Hordern), appears, warning that Ebenezer will be visited by three more spirits who will show the coldhearted man the error of his parsimonious behavior.

Critics Consensus

The 1951 adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless classic is perhaps the most faithful film version -- and Alastair Sim's performance as Scrooge is not to be missed.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

[Alastair Sim's] Dickens antihero is definitive, a cynical brute who nonetheless seems to be hiding tiny glimmers of kindness behind those huge, sad and soulful eyes.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 16, 2022

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

Watching most versions, the viewer is tempted to punch happy Scrooge. Here we yearn to share a sherry with the newly jolly rogue.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 10, 2017

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Monika Maurer

Empire Magazine

Lashings of festive cheer and a fair dollop of fine performances will leave you in the mood for mince pies and a renewed sense of seasonal goodwill to all men.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 5, 2012

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Many great actors have tackled the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, including George C. Scott, Michael Caine, and, of course, Scrooge McDuck. Yet the definitive Ebenezer Scrooge would be the great Alastair Sim’s interpretation.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 30, 2024

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Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

The cinematography is uniformly strong with gorgeous shadows, lighting and atmosphere.

Rated: A+

May 3, 2019

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PJ Nabarro

Patrick Nabarro

Inarguably the definitive and best adaptation of Charles Dickens' seminal Christmas fable.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 10, 2018

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Enjae O.

The ONLY version I watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

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Tom C

Quite simply this is the best adaptation Dickens novel ever put to film bar none. Alastair Sims portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge carries so much gravitas that even his uttering of the phrase “Humbug”, which in most other adaptations comes across as a laughably weak expression, comes across exactly as intended, a mean and ruthless condemnation of whatever it is directed at. And unlike the portrayal of the character in the 1938 version, which Rotten Tomatoes Rates 100% (Seriously?!?!) his redemption and change in attitude toward the world and those around him seems more genuine and heartfelt, including his own self awareness that he doesn’t deserve to be happy, he just can’t help it. A excellent supporting cast delivers on every note, including the best portrayal of Tiny Tim on film. Watch this one and pass on the rest.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/27/24

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John K

The best adaptation. Sims is the best Scrooge, with the right British accent. The scene at the beginning where he refuses to give a donation to the charity is epic and also happens to be a perfect expression of the attitude of money-worshippers even today! I also like the other early scenes in Scrooge's house, the director strikes just the right chord of eeriness while not outright horrifying or creepy. Later the movie bogs down and runs a bit too long. But still a great one.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

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Michael L

Personally I feel it's the best true adaptation of the story so if you want to experience the Dickens story in it's original way this is it Fortunately there are a number renditions of this tale George C Scott is excellent as well And then you have adaptions like An American Christmas Carol and The Twelve Days of Christmas that are also very good in my opinion But for the REAL flavor of the original story this is the one!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

Full Review

Greg H

It was good to go back to near the beginning, there is a 1931 version, see the attitudes and language of the era. Whilst the dialogue can sometimes be difficult to hear, it really does encompass the spirit of the work and Christmas and is atmospheric. Going to watch some of the later versions to see the evolution, including Scrooged, The Muppets and we saw A Christmas Karen the other night. Enjoy

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/22/24

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Linda F

I look forward to this classic every Christmas.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

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Brian Desmond Hurst

Director

Alastair Sim

Ebenezer Scrooge

Kathleen Harrison

Mrs. Dilber

Mervyn Johns

Bob Cratchit

Hermione Baddeley

Mrs. Cratchit

Clifford Mollison

Samuel Wilkins

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Synopsis

Crotchety Victorian businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim) has no use for festivity, even at Christmas. After resentfully allowing timid clerk Bob Cratchit (Mervyn Johns) to have the holiday to spend with his loving wife (Hermione Baddeley) and family, Scrooge is swept into a nightmare. The ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley (Michael Hordern), appears, warning that Ebenezer will be visited by three more spirits who will show the coldhearted man the error of his parsimonious behavior.

Director: Brian Desmond Hurst
Producer: Brian Desmond Hurst
Screenwriter: Noel Langley
Production Co: George Minter Productions
Genre: Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 28, 1951, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 20, 2016
Runtime: 1h 26m

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