Rin J Tohsaka

Only so far know this is the one with June Lockhart and Reginald Owen. Being almost 90 years ago today it still holds up. Not much of a fan of Cratchit looks here but not dissing the actor who plays him.

jarvis-8243417

One of the earliest cinematic adaptations of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, MGM’s 1938 _A Christmas Carol_ has all the magic of the season. Reginald Owen is cast as Scrooge and does and extraordinary job, really conveying the change that the character goes through. The actor who plays Tiny Tim, on the other hand, is dreadful; poisoning every scene he’s in (which are mercifully few). The special effects and costumes are well-done, especially for the ghosts; which have an ethereal quality to them. Also, the film does a good job at streamlining the plot to meet its rather short runtime (just over an hour). _A Christmas Carol_ may not be a perfect adaptation, but it captures the spirit of the novel exceptionally.

Tiger1983

This is the version I remember growing up seeing. It's the most charming family freindly version of The Christmas Carol capturing the dark edges of the Great Depression. Starring Seymour Hicks as Ebenezer Scrooge, this version shifts the familiar story into a grim, post-Victorian world where Scrooge is more a product of harsh economic times than a simple miser. His Scrooge feels aged by both life’s bitterness and the weight of a broken society. What sets this version apart is its gothic atmosphere. With the shadowy streets of London and the austere, claustrophobic interiors, the film’s setting emphasizes the social tensions of the 1930s—evoking both the hardship of the Depression and the specter of personal ruin. Scrooge's transformation under the weight of his greed feels relevant in a society teetering on the brink of economic despair. The film’s lasting legacy comes from its visual style—a reflection of a world struggling to recover from a decade of economic hardship. It was also one of the first films to use full-length sound format that really elevated some of the supernatural elements. This is my favorite adaptation.

jarvis-8243417

One of the earliest cinematic adaptations of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, MGM’s 1938 _A Christmas Carol_ has all the magic of the season. Reginald Owen is cast as Scrooge and does and extraordinary job, really conveying the change that the character goes through. The actor who plays Tiny Tim, on the other hand, is dreadful; poisoning every scene he’s in (which are mercifully few). The special effects and costumes are well-done, especially for the ghosts; which have an ethereal quality to them. Also, the film does a good job at streamlining the plot to meet its rather short runtime (just over an hour). _A Christmas Carol_ may not be a perfect adaptation, but it captures spirit of the novel exceptionally.

goldieaustein

This is one of the best versions.

jarvis-8243417

One of the earliest cinematic adaptations of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, MGM’s 1938 A Christmas Carol has all the magic of the season. Reginald Owen is cast as Scrooge and does and extraordinary job, really conveying the change that the character goes through. The actor who plays Tiny Tim, on the other hand, is dreadful; poisoning every scene he’s in (which are mercifully few). The special effects and costumes are well-done, especially for the ghosts; which have an ethereal quality to them. Also, the film does a good job at streamlining the plot to meet its rather short runtime (just over an hour). A Christmas Carol may not be a perfect adaptation, but it captures spirit of the novel exceptionally.

Jim222001

Improvises here and there and it works. I never realized how funny some of the changes are. Like Cratchit’s wife hiding in the closet from Scrooge. Or her thinking the kids were in danger from Scrooge in the end. The Cratchit family ate a little too good on Christmas in this version though. Scrooge fired Bob and even took some of his earnings for a new hat. Yet, he happily can afford a feast for his family.