Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
A Christmas pause: As I have done now for several years on Christmas day, I bring you the classic 1951 version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Alastair Sim. Still by far the best adaption of the book and a truly wonderful movie.
And as I noted in a previous year:
Dickens did not demand the modern version of charity, where it is imposed by governmental force on everyone. Instead, he was advocating the older wiser concept of western civilization, that charity begins at home, that we as individuals are obliged as humans to exercise good will and generosity to others, by choice.
It is always a matter of choice. And when we take that choice away from people, we destroy the good will that makes true charity possible.
It is also most important that we all heed the words of Christmas Present: ‘This boy is ignorance, this girl is want. Beware them both, but most of all beware this boy.’”
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Thank you for this. I confess I was introduced to the classic by Mr Magoo!
Gary: The Magoo version is actually pretty good too. And it has a few really good songs that should not be forgotten.
Thank you, Bob. But I’ll always regard the 1938 MGM version, starring Reginald Owen, as my favorite. His conversion on Christmas morning is sublime. And the young actors (Barry McKay and the exquisite Lynne Carver) playing Fred and Bess are delightful. Likewise Gene Lockhart as Bob Cratchit and Terry Kilburn as “Tiny” Tim. It’s one of the studio’s masterpieces. Still, I also hold a warm place for “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.” And you’re right, some of the songs are lovely. Albert Finney’s “Scrooge” is a bit overblown but has some excellent moments as well.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God bless us, every one!
Yes, this version is The One. We watch it every year. Besides Sim’s perfect performance, it includes one of the most startling and bloodcurdling screams in cinematic history!
A Christmas Carol (1910)
https://archive.org/details/AChristmasCarol1910
“Marc McDermott stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this silent film version.”