Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) (1951)
Average Rating: 7.7/10
Reviews Counted: 26
Fresh: 22 | Rotten: 4
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.
Average Rating: 5.4/10
Critic Reviews: 6
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 2
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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Movie Info
Widely considered to be the definitive of the many film versions of Charles Dickens' classic novel is this 1951 British adaptation, starring Alastair Sim (entitled "Scrooge" in its U.K. release). Sim plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a London miser who, despite his wealth, refuses to make charitable contributions and treats his sole employee, Bob Cratchit, as an indentured servant. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who was as selfish as Scrooge
Nov 28, 1951 Limited
Nov 3, 1998
United Artists
Cast
-
Alastair Sim
Ebenezer Scrooge -
Kathleen Harrison
Mrs. Dilber -
Mervyn Johns
Bob Cratchit -
Michael Hordern
Jacob Marley -
Hermione Baddeley
Mrs. Cratchit -
John Charlesworth
Peter Cratchit -
Glyn Dearman
Tiny Tim -
George Cole
Scrooge as young man -
Rona Anderson
Alice -
Carol Marsh
Fan Scrooge's Sister -
Brian Worth
Fred -
Olga Edwardes
Fred's Wife -
Roddy Hughes
Mr. Fezziwig -
Hattie Jacques
Mrs. Fezziwig -
Clifford Mollison
Mr. Wilkins -
Michael Dolan
Ghost of Christmas Past -
Francis De Wolff
Ghost of Christmas Pres... -
C. Konarski
Ghost of Christmas Futu... -
Ernst Thesiger
Undertaker -
Miles Malleson
Old Joe -
Louise Hampton
Laundress -
Noel Howlett
First Collector -
Fred Johnson
Collector -
Peter Bull
First Businessman -
Douglas Muir
Businessman -
Eliot Makeham
Snedrig -
Henry Hewitt
Rosehed -
Hugh Dempster
Groper -
-
Patrick Macnee
Young Jacob Marley -
-
-
-
Jack Warner
Mr. Jorkins -
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All Critics (26) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (4) | DVD (8)
A sturdy 1951 British mounting of the Dickens tale, with Alastair Sim contributing a definitive Scrooge.
Though Dickens' frank sentimentality calls for broad treatment, Brian Desmond Hurst's direction is too often heavy as well.
Top CriticOther Christmas Carols need not apply.
You have what Scrooge himself might call 'Ho-hum-bug.'
What we have in this rendition of Dickens' sometimes misunderstood Carol is an accurate comprehension of the agony of a shabby soul.
At a reasonably short 85 minutes, this is nevertheless a complete experience, and the strength and depth of its drama makes it the most memorable of any adaptation of the tale.
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.
The classic book brought to life.
One of the handful of best Christmas movies ever made.
For many decades, this 1951 production was considered to be the best adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," and it is easy to see why: it features excellent production values and a wonderful performance by Alastair Sim as Scrooge.
If I dare to say it, a more dramatically successful work than Dickens's novella.
The film never looked better than it does now in high definition and lossless sound. (60th Anniversary Blu-ray Edition)
Of the many film versions, this one from 1951 with Alastair Sim as Scrooge is the most faithful to the spirit of the book.
Moves through a brisk 86 minutes with just enough time to linger on poignant moments.
A bland, stodgy movie.
Still an effective and wonderful holiday film with great performances, top notch direction, and utterly fantastic visuals...
Alastair Sim's performance in Dickens' hoary holiday classic provided one of the defining moments of his career; the result is the definitive filming of the story, breathing life into the familiar plot while earnestly hewing to the author's vision.
Sadly this 1951 rendition has aged terribly.
Most agree that Alastair Sim's 1951 spin as Scrooge is the best, and truest to the novel.
Audience Reviews for Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
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Foreign Titles
- Scrooge (1951) (DE)
- Scrooge (UK)
