A Christmas Carol

My first memories of holiday movies, and still my favourite...relive the timeless magic
As a child, I remember my mother watching this on TV every year. When I was slightly older, I became wrapped up in the magic of "A Christmas Carol," and would eagerly await this version on AMC every year. I never understood why Alastair Sims' 1951 version was heralded as the ultimate version; for me, it was too contrived, too melodramatic, and Sims chews up the scenery.

This 1938 version is a warmhearted take on Dickens' classic tale of greed and redemption. Bob Crachit's family is given a greater role than in the original novel, and the strength of the ensemble cast shines. Reginald Owen as Scrooge was a last-minute replacement, since Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life") was ill. Gene and Kathleen Lockhart shine as the Cratchits (their daughter June made her debut in this), Terry Kilburn is a hyper but cute Tiny Tim, Barry McKay makes a dashing Fred, and Leo G. Carroll makes for a frightening Marley's ghost.

The sets of wintertime London are...

This scrooge is my favorite version!
Although I give praise to the 1951 version of "A Christmas Carol" featuring Alastar Sim, I too, favor the 1938 version starring Reginald Owen, and wonder why it hasn't yet been released on DVD. I first saw this version in the mid '60s, and did my best to catch it every year on television (before video tapes). The cast was great, along with the acting! It will always be Number 1, with Alastar Sim's version Number 2!

An update to my review! Reginald Owen's 1938 version of "A Christmas Carol" is now available on DVD - I just got mine Dec. 8th, 2005 - get yours - now!

a Christmas Carol with Victorian feeling
Some people prefer the Alistair Sim version of this tale because Sim is a warmer, more sympathetic Scrooge from the start, but if you want a Scrooge who's more like the Ebeneezer we all remember from reading the book, Reginald Owen does a great job. He's a tough, cantankerous old bird, but that makes his transformation at the end all the more touching. Another wonderful feature of this movie is that it was made in the '30s, so there were people at the studio then who remembered Victorian Christmases firsthand, including Owen, who was born in 1887. Regardless of a few details that have been left out for the sake of brevity, this film has a very authentic look and atmosphere, and the script is excellent.

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