A Christmas Carol

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A Christmas Carol

Released Nov 28, 1951

1h 26m

Holiday

Fantasy

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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

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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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

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Audience Member

My all time favorite Christmas movie. Allistir Sim is a perfect Scrooge and it's a perfect movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

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Kim D

Probably the best version of this classic. Very well well acted

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/12/24

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Matthew D

A frozen over Christmas classic with a formidable acting performance from Alistair Sim as the holiday grump Ebeneezer Scrooge.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/11/24

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Mark J

Definitely one of the best adaptions. Sometimes the redemption of Scrooge does not feel earned, due to the amazing acting this is one where the redemption feels genuine. Not overall my favourite with the ghosts not connecting fully and some bits of the story not being fully needed in the flow.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/09/24

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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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