A Christmas Carol (1951)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic 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.
Movie Info
Cast
as Ebenezer Scrooge
as Mrs. Dilber
as Bob Cratchit
as Mrs. Cratchit
as Jacob Marley
as Peter Cratchit
as Tiny Tim
as Scrooge as young man
as Alice
as Fan Scrooge's Sister
as Fred
as Fred's Wife
as Mr. Fezziwig
as Mrs. Fezziwig
as Mr. Wilkins
as Ghost of Christmas Past
as Ghost of Christmas Present
as Ghost of Christmas Future
as Undertaker
as Old Joe
as Laundress
as First Collector
as Collector
as First Businessman
as Businessman
as Snedrig
as Rosehed
as Groper
as Young Jacob Marley
as Mr. Jorkins
Critic Reviews for A Christmas Carol
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (5) | DVD (3)
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.
Other 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.
Audience Reviews for A Christmas Carol
It's a classic. The performances are wonderful and the atmosphere is suitably eerie and memorable. It loses a few points, though, for dragging in the middle, but besides a dip in energy, the film still resonates with all who see it as a beautiful and timeless achievement.
Super Reviewer
Perhaps not a definitive version, as there never could be one for this story. However, this is probably the most well rounded version. Great performances, especially from Sim, help to create a believable and emotionally taxing experience. The other high point of this film are the bits that are added. The book is expanded upon, with earlier scenes of Marley and Scrooge including an embezzling scam that shows their ruthless business technique. It all makes for a dense and almost perfect adaptation.
Super Reviewer
many still consider this the definitive film version of a Christmas carol, and in many ways it still is. alastair sim is brilliant as srooge, doing a great job of selling each emotion and change of perspective. despite this films reputation as the definitive version, its surprising that this version also adds more to the story than most versions. especially during the visions of scrooges past, this film contains quite a few scenes not found in the novel or any other film version, thankfully each of the additions work really well to create a complete and compelling version of this wonderful story.
Super Reviewer
A Christmas Carol Quotes
| Ghost of Christmas Present: | If he's like to die, he better do it and decrease the surplus population. |
| Tiny Tim: | God bless us everyone. |
| Jacob Marley: | Mankind should have been my business! |
| Ebenezer Scrooge: | It's all humbug, I tell you. |