I saw this one AFTER I had seen Mickey's, the Muppets and the George C. Scott(1984) versions.... and this one became my ABSOLUTE favorite. I have seen but don't care for the Reginald Owen version (1938) or the Patrick Stewart version (1995?). I like both of those actors but just can't get behind those versions. Mr. Sim makes me believe him at every stage of his character.... mean, scared, and joyous.... just a phenomenal performance!
The one quintessential version that realizes that it’s a horror movie. It’s not a dark comedy. It’s horror. It’s a ghost story. The intro music lets you know that right away. And while as a kid I preferred the colourized version, as an adult, I much prefer this black and white. It creates such atmosphere.
Agreed; the colourised version I've seen looked "washed out" in its colours, I've always thought. The black & white version just looks sharper, I reckon.
Thank you for reacting to my favorite version of the story! I make it a point to watch this every year on Christmas Eve. Part of what makes it such a great retelling is the contrast Mr Sim gives to the role... from the cold, world weary skinflint to the deliriously jubilant soul reborn. The high point is when his jubilation causes Mrs Dilbur to run screaming from the room! And, of course, their wonderful back and forth when he catches up with her!
It's not so much his jubilation that causes her to throw her pinafore over her face and run screaming from the room as the fact that Scrooge, wearing his night shirt, attempts to stand on his head right in front of her! A little piece of visual comedy not found in the book.
My personal thanks for doing this fabulous version. I've been trying to persuade reactors for years that it's the best screen version and am mostly ignored. Thanks!
@@Rocket1377 I guess they don't check because I've been recommending it futilely for 4 years. I recommend lots of fabulous movies and songs. People often thank me for the suggestion, but 99.5% of the time, no one tries. On the other hand, some things I recommend for years eventually do become popular on TH-cam for some reason, like, for example, the movies of Alfred Hitchcock or the Clint Eastwood "Dollars" trilogy.
I was born way after this one came out but I think it was the first adaptation I saw of the story (on TV, no doubt). Whenever I watch it there are little moments that I remember seeing as a small child.
This version of A Christmas Carol goes deeply in Scrooge's past. It is considered to be one of the best. It holds your interest nicely and it is fantastic. Marley's ghost has excellent special effects looking transparent. It is well worth your time.
@@RichardM1366 the reason it’s my favorite version. You get scenes that you don’t see in other versions that flesh out Scrooge as a human being. Sims is an amazing Scrooge as well.
I like this version of Scrooge the best. I see him not as angry so much as lonely and isolated. When he wakes up Christmas morning, he has a hard time trying no to laugh and smile, just because he is so "unburdened by what has been". (Sorry, I couldn't help it.) When he says, "I can't help it!" in the end, to me, it's the most heartwarming line of all. 5:42
Tiny Tim always gets the most attention. But Fred always touches me the most. This poor guy is the only one who truly loves Scrooge in the beginning. He has no interest in his money, only his familial love and companionship. It's not clear in this film what happened to his father, but since he's not around I think it's safe to assume he died. So "Uncle Ebenezer" is the only family Fred has left. After many years of being rebuffed, Scrooge finally comes to his Christmas party and accepts his wife. It's just so wholesome, it always makes me cry.
I was just about to comment that nobody appreciates Fred enough. I agree with everything you said. Fred modeled grace and hope. He knew his uncle was a mean miser, but he refused to give him back the same meanness. And he doesn't for a moment doubt Scrooge's redemption! His welcoming handshake and smile were exactly what Scrooge needed in that moment. May we all be like Fred.
You see why this is the favorite version of the story for so many people. Me included. Scrooge is really evil, but It explains in heart wrenching detail why. The flashbacks are excellent. So the story makes him very unlikable, yet sympathetic to why. Sims portrayal after the ghosts visit is very reminiscent to me of George Bailey in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the end. Just a great performance. I also like all the religious references. I think it’s important to remember what Christmas is really about.
So beautifully well put! I agree with everything! This has easily become one of my top, if not my top Christmas movie! Such an accurate adaptation that carries the true weight and beauty of the story! Thanks for watching :)
It remains the best, most faithful and brilliantly cast version. Done on a limited budget that you never sense or see, they deliver the true ghost story that it is. Sim understand the part completely and 'is' Scrooge and is the only actor ever who played the part, that totally achieves the transformation scenes at the story's end. You truly see the shift from ruthlessness to the joy from the lessons learned. And the black and white enhances the atmosphere needed for the piece. Most importantly and timely of all, mankind is our business. We haven't learned and the message is never more important than now. A great film and the real meaning of a classic .
This one got the Dickens family seal of approval as the most faithful adaptation of the book. Supposedly, Dickens's granddaughter was at the shoot and said that Charles would have liked Sim's portrayal.
This Alistair Sim version is the definitive film adaption of A Christmas Carol. I particularly enjoy the Cockney characters, the servants etc., who were played by veteran actors from the Old Vic Theater Company. It is no longer possible to cast these type of actors, who are so authentic, they no longer exist.
I'm only in my thirties but this is the version I watch the most, next to the Muppets. Alastair Sim portrays the redemption of Scrooge better than any other actor I've seen. His giddiness (great word!) at the end is so infectious, I always smile and laugh with him. It's the joy and freedom of feeling truly forgiven for the bad that he's done, with real hope for the future. On that note, I think my favorite part might be when he goes to Fred's party. He's so shy that the maid has to encourage him, but when he walks in the room his nephew JUMPS up immediately and welcomes him. Fred never gave up on old Uncle Scrooge.
I've watched this movie every year for the past 60 years. Started in 1964 when I was 6 years old. Now I'm 66. Always this movie with Alistair Sims. I'm glad you like it. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE 🎅🎅
Alastair Sim and George Cole (the young Ebeneezer) were amazing British character actors from this period. If you're interested in seeing them both in a very different light, check out the 1954 comedy, The Belles of St Trinian's. Very much of its time, obviously, but still funnier than the recent attempt to reboot the franchise.
The boy who played Tiny Tim grew up to become a director and producer of radio drama - and in 1990 he directed his own version of A Christmas Carol for BBC Radio, this time starring Michael Gough. Also, in 1971 Richard Williams produced an animated adaptation of the story for US TV - and he got Alistair Sim and Michael Hordern to reprise their roles as Scrooge and Marley in his version...
This has been my favorite version all my life, and I've seen many adaptations. Alistair Sim (with help from George Cole as Young Scrooge) perfectly captures the reason behind his miserly persona, and no one does the Christmas transformation as well as Sim does. It's also the best at capturing the atmosphere of the original story. Fun Fact: Noel Longley, as far as I can discover, only wrote one other screenplay - 1939's 'The Wizard of Oz'. The narrator is Peter Bull, who also plays the portly banker. Samuel Wilkins' debt of 20 pounds may not sound like much, but it's the equivalent of 1,000 pounds (roughly $1,500) today. If you are a fan of the British spy series 'The Avengers', Patrick MacNee (who played John Steed) is Young Jacob Marley here. Most people these days don't how horrific the workhouses were. They were run very strictly. Men and women were kept apart, even if they were married, the food was scant (think 'Oliver Twist'), and inmates could earn a few pennies by doing such work as picking old ropes apart to make oakum for ships. In effect, poor people who couldn't find work were being punished simply for being poor. When Scrooge says 'I'll retire to Bedlam', he's referring to Bethlehem Royal Hospital, a lunatic asylum where the inmates were treated in a manner that would be actionable today. You might enjoy the three-part Victorian Farm special on recreating a Victorian Christmas celebration. Of interest is the huge wood-fired 'copper' which was used for so many purposes, including laundry. I'll leave the link to the first episode. The other two follow on from it: th-cam.com/video/IzHRANWKvuU/w-d-xo.html A concert suite based on Richard Addinsell's score was released on CD a few years ago. The sheet music had disappeared in the intervening years, so the arranger had to watch the film repeatedly in order to obtain an accurate recreation of the original, and he succeeded admirably. th-cam.com/video/qC2iFe_wLHg/w-d-xo.html I'm glad you enjoyed this so much.
Thank you Cami. This is one of my favorites. I also have the Muppet one. They are both good for different reasons. I recently went to the public library and checked out the Patrick Steward adaptation. When first watched it, I wasn't sure about whether I liked it or not. Watched it again still not sure. I guess I got spoiled from the Alastair Sim version. It gets me emotional. I tear up. I can relate to Scrooge. The losses he suffered. Family members dying, the loss of love or in my case no love interest at all, the loneliness, depression, emptiness. I try but I feel like Scrooge at times Anyway. Back to the movie. This is considered to be the definitive adaptation from all the others including past, present and future. The actors at the time are well recognized British actors of stage and film. Merry Christmas ❄️⛄🎄🎁
At Fred’s house, when Scrooge almost cries while listening to the folk song Barbara Allen I see this as his recognition of how many years he’s lost. He won’t ever get those back. Nor will he get Alice back. That moment always moves me because of how much Alastair Sim conveys with a mere glance and shake of his head.
I have loved THIS version since I was a child (53 now). So beautifully shot and acted. It's my favorite Christmas story (so close to "It's A Wonderful Life" in my ranking). Thank you for viewing this one.
This version is consistently voted the best version of the story by the American Film Institute, and I overwhelmingly agree. Sim absolutely NAILS the character.
This is the ONLY version worth a damn. It is my favorite and is a classic. The acting, scenery and the way Mr. Sim's plays the role is Iconic. There are 100's of versions of this movie, but this one is the best, IMO. Thank you for reacting to this. Merry Xmas to you.
Thank you for watching! I was not expecting it to become my favorite version as well. This one captures the weight and the beauty of the message so perfectly! Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
This is my favorite version of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. I watch it several times a year haha I loved your reaction to this charming movie. Grazie and Buon Natale 🎄
This was the first version of a Christmas Carol that I had ever seen when I was younger, and it will always be my favorite! I even have the colorized version on DVD. 🎄🎉🥂
The screenplay was done by a young man named "Noel Langley". His best known work was done on "The Wizard of Oz". He changed the slippers from silver to ruby, made the farm workers turn into Dorothy's companions, and added the line "there's no place like home". His work on "Scrooge" was stellar also.
The other versions are good too, but this one is my favorite. When it's time to wrap gifts, I plug in this movie. As I have done this for many years, it's part of my tradition. "A very Merry Christmas, God bless us, everyone."
Interesting how almost all of the different versions of add their own interpretations of Dickens’ story. This one shows the death of Ebenezers sister. I don’t know any other that shows that. Some have Scrooge going to the Crachit home at the end of the movie (I don’t care for those) instead of his nephews home.
The actress who played Fan (Carol Marsh) appeared in the Hammer Films movie "Horror of Dracula" which introduced Christopher Lee as the Transylvanian count.
The brilliant writing of Noel Langley (who was credited with the screenplay for The Wizard of Oz)! He sprinkled a few short scenes that rounded this story out more than most (like showing Scrooge claiming the body of Marley).
This is a Christmas tradition in my house my mum and me watch it every Christmas the only Christmas we didn't was the Christmas my dad passed (26th of December)
Hi Cami, thankyou so much, as many have said, I`ve been trying to persuade someone to react to this for a few years. I`ve also voted in polls but to no avail. You have made my Christmas with this reaction, thanks again.
@@Letstunein Hi Cami, please consider another Traditional Xmas classic for next year, it`s called (The Bishop`s Wife) from 1947. It stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young & David Niven, so far I`ve only found 2 reactors who have seen it. It deserves to be seen just as much as Scrooge, it`s well worth it.
There is something about EVERY movie version of this story that I love! I grew up with the 1970 musical version with Albert Finny and the 1984 version with George C Scott and I LOVE both of those! The '84 version is scary as hell and the '70 version has a song in it that I ALWAYS remember when I think of A Christmas Carol.... "Thank you very much, thank you very much. That's the nicest thing that anyone's ever done for me!"
This is by far the best version of Dickens' classic tale, and Alastair Sim's legendary portrayal of Scrooge is in a league of its own. Kudos to you for viewing it, really enjoyed your video and reactions. I watch it every year myself but it looked like the version you were watching had much cleaner audio and video than the one that I see on cable TV every Christmas, or even my DVD copy of it. Would be curious to know if you were watching a remastered version, and if so, which one. Thanks and merry Christmas.
This film was a Christmas Eve tradition in my family for years. And today I maintain that tradition by watching it every Christmas Eve. Alister Sims’s performance was outstanding in this film. He brought a genuine humanity to the role and even a sense of humour and empathy. You can see through his performance that Scrooge hadn’t lost his humanity, he had merely forgotten it. And because of all the loss and tragedy in his life his affections turned from people to business and money. Life had hardened his heart. This is a ghost story but its focus is on redemption, hope and our shared human experience. Its message is at the core of Christmas. This is why this film despite its age and its occasional melodramatic and over the top acting has a warmth to it that other versions of it do not have; it understands and respects the source material. It’s a Christmas standard for me and I’m sure for a lot of other people as well. Merry Christmas. 🎄🎁 ☃️
Aw Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! I wholeheartedly agree, loved reading your comment. It was so beautiful to see his heart warm back up! Truly all he needed after burying his pain over the years! It’s such a beautiful film!!
Casting the last spirit was, i think, a brilliant move. They found a very tall Russian ballet dancer (I don't think he could speak any English) and covered him with a sheer black cloth.
This film was an immediate hit in the UK when released, but not accepted so well in the US. Distributors didn't particularly want it, and critics said it wasn't family-friendly enough. As one commentor already said below, it really is a horror movie. But after being shown on TV every year during the Sixties, it cemented an audience and became regarded as a classic. Definitely my favorite version.
The last few Christmas I’ve watched like 6 different versions of Christmas carol each year. This one has grown on me. I would rate it second. My favorite is still the musical with Albert Finney from 1971.
It is interesting to me that those lines in the movie that you note in your commentary are almost all word for word from the novella. This is the movie that best captures Dickens original and Sim is by far the best Scrooge. You might want to watch Sim in "Green for Danger."
Actually, of all film adaptations, the 1984 George C Scott version is closest to the novella. They had to change this title to "Scrooge" because it differed too much from the novella. But this is my favorite, as well.
@@KayQue-s3r It's strange a lot of people really live the George C Scott version. But I really struggle with the end of that version, When you compare Scott's Scrooge to Sim's I believe that Sims version by the end has not only learned his lesson, but has been truly humbled where as in no Scott's version he still seems quite proud of himself and seeks to educate his nephew Fred's wife on the game they play. Sim's version instead humbly seeks her forgiveness and accepts her invitation to dance.
Growing up my mum and I listened to Christmas Carol on cassette tape every year when decorating the tree so I love the story. This one is by far my favourite followed by the George C Scott version with The Muppets and Capt. Picard versions fighting for 3rd place!😊
The very best version, as has been said already. It doesn't treat the story in any way as cutesey or charming; the original story is meant to be a dark and chilling horror - that's why this version will always stand the test of time, in my opinion.
Nice to see that I'm not the only one who thinks (knows) this is the best version. Alastair Sim was the only Scrooge for me. Even though I was also a big Georges C. Scott fan, his portrayal, along with all others just didn't do it for me. This is THE version for me.
I've watched this movie ever since I was a kid in the 1960's. I tried watching other versions but none of them came close to this one. The 1980's version, 'Scrooged' with Bill Murray was, at the time, an updated version of this classic. My kids grew up watching it and became one of their favourites over the years.
For decades this was (and possibly still is) the one all other versions were judged against. While it’s not my personal favorite it is a very good version.
Great reaction to a great film - lovely to see you again Cami! 😊 This is a brilliant version - Alastair Sim and George Cole give great performances and I think it's the most authentic adaptation put to screen. I'm with Cami on The Muppet Christmas Carol - it's highly under-rated - some may scoff because it has Muppets in it, but it has more heart and is so well made that it truly is another fantastic interpretation of the story, together with a great performance from Michael Caine - I actually rate it nearly as highly as this one!
Aw it’s great to be back and see you all again!! Thank you for watching! And I totally agree! Just a fantastic heartwarming film! I’m definitely watching it again next year!
The yound lad who plays Fezziwig's boy in this film appeared in another classic interpretation of a Dickens tale when he played young Pip in David Lean's 1946 version of Great Expectations.
This movie is still my favorite Scrooge - A Christmas Carol interpretation by far because Alistair Sim and the others did such a great job at portraying this classic tale. You can also watch this movie in a colorized version which was done quite well.
The problem has gotten worse todays Vulture Capitalists have allegiance to no country. They are International Vulture capitalists. This movie carries more weight now then it did in 51.
My father was a narcissist, and literally exactly like Scrooge. I was raised by my grandmother growing up, and she was a Late Victorian/Early Edwardian woman and she'd have me watch this movie with her every year at Christmas - she's say that if I turned out to be as selfish as my father that she'd haunt me every night forever! Needless to say, I turned out out to be a very nice and caring person!
This is my new favorite version! Absolutely loved it!!! It lifted my spirits! Merry Christmas everyone!!
It's my first version, and therefore my go-to. All the rest take a back seat.
@ I can see why! Not many have the impact of this!✨
I saw this one AFTER I had seen Mickey's, the Muppets and the George C. Scott(1984) versions.... and this one became my ABSOLUTE favorite.
I have seen but don't care for the Reginald Owen version (1938) or the Patrick Stewart version (1995?).
I like both of those actors but just can't get behind those versions.
Mr. Sim makes me believe him at every stage of his character.... mean, scared, and joyous.... just a phenomenal performance!
FINALLY! Someone chose to review my very favorite version of this classic! Thank you so much!
Same feeling. So many reactors missing out. As well as those voting for the other versions over this because they've never seen it.
An interesting thing about this version is it treats the story as an actual ghost story. It's definitely frightening in many places. Superb movie.
The very best version.
The one quintessential version that realizes that it’s a horror movie. It’s not a dark comedy. It’s horror. It’s a ghost story. The intro music lets you know that right away. And while as a kid I preferred the colourized version, as an adult, I much prefer this black and white. It creates such atmosphere.
Agreed; the colourised version I've seen looked "washed out" in its colours, I've always thought. The black & white version just looks sharper, I reckon.
Despite this version being my favourite I had never seen the colourised until yesterday and I agree the black/white version looks far better.
I have this version on DVD, and there are several features that talk about the extent to which this is not just a ghost story but also a horror film.
No one ever watches this version and it is the best. All because it is in black and white. Thank you for doing it.
Thank you for reacting to my favorite version of the story! I make it a point to watch this every year on Christmas Eve. Part of what makes it such a great retelling is the contrast Mr Sim gives to the role... from the cold, world weary skinflint to the deliriously jubilant soul reborn. The high point is when his jubilation causes Mrs Dilbur to run screaming from the room! And, of course, their wonderful back and forth when he catches up with her!
It's not so much his jubilation that causes her to throw her pinafore over her face and run screaming from the room as the fact that Scrooge, wearing his night shirt, attempts to stand on his head right in front of her! A little piece of visual comedy not found in the book.
My personal thanks for doing this fabulous version. I've been trying to persuade reactors for years that it's the best screen version and am mostly ignored. Thanks!
All they need do is check out its IMDB rating. This film is ranked higher than any other adaptation.
@@Rocket1377 I guess they don't check because I've been recommending it futilely for 4 years. I recommend lots of fabulous movies and songs. People often thank me for the suggestion, but 99.5% of the time, no one tries. On the other hand, some things I recommend for years eventually do become popular on TH-cam for some reason, like, for example, the movies of Alfred Hitchcock or the Clint Eastwood "Dollars" trilogy.
I was born way after this one came out but I think it was the first adaptation I saw of the story (on TV, no doubt). Whenever I watch it there are little moments that I remember seeing as a small child.
This version of A Christmas Carol goes deeply in Scrooge's past. It is considered to be one of the best. It holds your interest nicely and it is fantastic. Marley's ghost has excellent special effects looking transparent. It is well worth your time.
@@RichardM1366 the reason it’s my favorite version. You get scenes that you don’t see in other versions that flesh out Scrooge as a human being. Sims is an amazing Scrooge as well.
I like this version of Scrooge the best. I see him not as angry so much as lonely and isolated. When he wakes up Christmas morning, he has a hard time trying no to laugh and smile, just because he is so "unburdened by what has been". (Sorry, I couldn't help it.) When he says, "I can't help it!" in the end, to me, it's the most heartwarming line of all. 5:42
Tiny Tim always gets the most attention. But Fred always touches me the most. This poor guy is the only one who truly loves Scrooge in the beginning. He has no interest in his money, only his familial love and companionship.
It's not clear in this film what happened to his father, but since he's not around I think it's safe to assume he died. So "Uncle Ebenezer" is the only family Fred has left.
After many years of being rebuffed, Scrooge finally comes to his Christmas party and accepts his wife. It's just so wholesome, it always makes me cry.
I was just about to comment that nobody appreciates Fred enough. I agree with everything you said. Fred modeled grace and hope. He knew his uncle was a mean miser, but he refused to give him back the same meanness. And he doesn't for a moment doubt Scrooge's redemption! His welcoming handshake and smile were exactly what Scrooge needed in that moment.
May we all be like Fred.
@PrinceofArfon Well said!
You see why this is the favorite version of the story for so many people. Me included. Scrooge is really evil, but It explains in heart wrenching detail why. The flashbacks are excellent. So the story makes him very unlikable, yet sympathetic to why. Sims portrayal after the ghosts visit is very reminiscent to me of George Bailey in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the end. Just a great performance. I also like all the religious references. I think it’s important to remember what Christmas is really about.
So beautifully well put! I agree with everything! This has easily become one of my top, if not my top Christmas movie! Such an accurate adaptation that carries the true weight and beauty of the story! Thanks for watching :)
This is positively THE BEST version of Dicken's story! Thanks for reviewing it.
This is my favorite "SCROOGE" movie. I'm so glad to see someone reacting to it.
It remains the best, most faithful and brilliantly cast version. Done on a limited budget that you never sense or see, they deliver the true ghost story that it is. Sim understand the part completely and 'is' Scrooge and is the only actor ever who played the part, that totally achieves the transformation scenes at the story's end. You truly see the shift from ruthlessness to the joy from the lessons learned. And the black and white enhances the atmosphere needed for the piece. Most importantly and timely of all, mankind is our business. We haven't learned and the message is never more important than now. A great film and the real meaning of a classic .
This one got the Dickens family seal of approval as the most faithful adaptation of the book. Supposedly, Dickens's granddaughter was at the shoot and said that Charles would have liked Sim's portrayal.
This Alistair Sim version is the definitive film adaption of A Christmas Carol. I particularly enjoy the Cockney characters, the servants etc., who were played by veteran actors from the Old Vic Theater Company. It is no longer possible to cast these type of actors, who are so authentic, they no longer exist.
Yep the best version
Without any shadow of a doubt!
This is the version that other adaptations are measured by.
I'm only in my thirties but this is the version I watch the most, next to the Muppets. Alastair Sim portrays the redemption of Scrooge better than any other actor I've seen. His giddiness (great word!) at the end is so infectious, I always smile and laugh with him. It's the joy and freedom of feeling truly forgiven for the bad that he's done, with real hope for the future.
On that note, I think my favorite part might be when he goes to Fred's party. He's so shy that the maid has to encourage him, but when he walks in the room his nephew JUMPS up immediately and welcomes him. Fred never gave up on old Uncle Scrooge.
This has been my favorite version of "The Christmas Carol" for at least 20 yrs. Alastair Sim is by far the best Scrooge!
Wonderful! Watch this every year at Christmas. Alistair Sim definitely my favourite Scrooge.
God bless you for reacting to my favorite Christmas Movie. No one else has touched it. Merry Christmas and thank you for a wonderful reaction. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I've watched this movie every year for the past 60 years. Started in 1964 when I was 6 years old. Now I'm 66. Always this movie with Alistair Sims.
I'm glad you like it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE 🎅🎅
@@jamesleonard9703
*Sim, not Sims
I will agree this is by far the best,allister to me is the only Scrooge.
Alastair Sim and George Cole (the young Ebeneezer) were amazing British character actors from this period. If you're interested in seeing them both in a very different light, check out the 1954 comedy, The Belles of St Trinian's. Very much of its time, obviously, but still funnier than the recent attempt to reboot the franchise.
I’ve watched this every Christmas Eve since I was a kid 🎉it’s my tradition
This is absolutely the best version! His housekeeper at the end cracks me up every time I see it!
@@KazyReed
Played by the wonderful actress Kathleen Harrison. I read that she lived to be 103 years old, bless her heart.
The boy who played Tiny Tim grew up to become a director and producer of radio drama - and in 1990 he directed his own version of A Christmas Carol for BBC Radio, this time starring Michael Gough. Also, in 1971 Richard Williams produced an animated adaptation of the story for US TV - and he got Alistair Sim and Michael Hordern to reprise their roles as Scrooge and Marley in his version...
For me, this is my favourite version. I wish more reactors would watch it.
Maybe we will start a trend if this video gets a ton of views haha
@@popcornroulettereactions I do hope so, it definitely deserves the attention !!
This has been my favorite version all my life, and I've seen many adaptations. Alistair Sim (with help from George Cole as Young Scrooge) perfectly captures the reason behind his miserly persona, and no one does the Christmas transformation as well as Sim does. It's also the best at capturing the atmosphere of the original story.
Fun Fact: Noel Longley, as far as I can discover, only wrote one other screenplay - 1939's 'The Wizard of Oz'.
The narrator is Peter Bull, who also plays the portly banker.
Samuel Wilkins' debt of 20 pounds may not sound like much, but it's the equivalent of 1,000 pounds (roughly $1,500) today.
If you are a fan of the British spy series 'The Avengers', Patrick MacNee (who played John Steed) is Young Jacob Marley here.
Most people these days don't how horrific the workhouses were. They were run very strictly. Men and women were kept apart, even if they were married, the food was scant (think 'Oliver Twist'), and inmates could earn a few pennies by doing such work as picking old ropes apart to make oakum for ships. In effect, poor people who couldn't find work were being punished simply for being poor.
When Scrooge says 'I'll retire to Bedlam', he's referring to Bethlehem Royal Hospital, a lunatic asylum where the inmates were treated in a manner that would be actionable today.
You might enjoy the three-part Victorian Farm special on recreating a Victorian Christmas celebration. Of interest is the huge wood-fired 'copper' which was used for so many purposes, including laundry. I'll leave the link to the first episode. The other two follow on from it: th-cam.com/video/IzHRANWKvuU/w-d-xo.html
A concert suite based on Richard Addinsell's score was released on CD a few years ago. The sheet music had disappeared in the intervening years, so the arranger had to watch the film repeatedly in order to obtain an accurate recreation of the original, and he succeeded admirably. th-cam.com/video/qC2iFe_wLHg/w-d-xo.html
I'm glad you enjoyed this so much.
Thank you Cami. This is one of my favorites. I also have the Muppet one. They are both good for different reasons. I recently went to the public library and checked out the Patrick Steward adaptation. When first watched it, I wasn't sure about whether I liked it or not. Watched it again still not sure. I guess I got spoiled from the Alastair Sim version. It gets me emotional. I tear up. I can relate to Scrooge. The losses he suffered. Family members dying, the loss of love or in my case no love interest at all, the loneliness, depression, emptiness. I try but I feel like Scrooge at times Anyway. Back to the movie. This is considered to be the definitive adaptation from all the others including past, present and future. The actors at the time are well recognized British actors of stage and film. Merry Christmas ❄️⛄🎄🎁
At Fred’s house, when Scrooge almost cries while listening to the folk song Barbara Allen I see this as his recognition of how many years he’s lost. He won’t ever get those back. Nor will he get Alice back. That moment always moves me because of how much Alastair Sim conveys with a mere glance and shake of his head.
I have loved THIS version since I was a child (53 now). So beautifully shot and acted. It's my favorite Christmas story (so close to "It's A Wonderful Life" in my ranking). Thank you for viewing this one.
Thanks for watching! I’m so happy to have watched this film! It’s beautiful!!
You’re watching the very best film version of A Christmas Carol. 😊
The best version of a Christmas Carol
This version is consistently voted the best version of the story by the American Film Institute, and I overwhelmingly agree. Sim absolutely NAILS the character.
This is the ONLY version worth a damn. It is my favorite and is a classic. The acting, scenery and the way Mr. Sim's plays the role is Iconic. There are 100's of versions of this movie, but this one is the best, IMO. Thank you for reacting to this. Merry Xmas to you.
Thank you for watching! I was not expecting it to become my favorite version as well. This one captures the weight and the beauty of the message so perfectly! Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
Absolute best version of
Thank you, Cami! 💎 This is my favorite of all renditions.
Mine too now! :) thank you for watching! Merry Christmas!!
@@Letstunein You're so very welcome! 🫂 Here's hoping your holiday celebrations are pleasant and that your 2025 be peaceful. ❄
This is my favorite version of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. I watch it several times a year haha I loved your reaction to this charming movie. Grazie and Buon Natale 🎄
Glad u enjoyed it hope your Christmas was wonderful I’m from England 🏴 it’s lovely meeting you ❤😍
This was the first version of a Christmas Carol that I had ever seen when I was younger, and it will always be my favorite! I even have the colorized version on DVD. 🎄🎉🥂
Awesome, this is my fav version by far
This has always been my favorite version. I’m glad you watched it.
This is the best version and the only version that I watch yearly
The screenplay was done by a young man named "Noel Langley". His best known work was done on "The Wizard of Oz". He changed the slippers from silver to ruby, made the farm workers turn into Dorothy's companions, and added the line "there's no place like home". His work on "Scrooge" was stellar also.
I loved the writing in this film! Thank you for these insights!! :)
The other versions are good too, but this one is my favorite. When it's time to wrap gifts, I plug in this movie. As I have done this for many years, it's part of my tradition. "A very Merry Christmas, God bless us, everyone."
This has always been my favorite version of the Scrooge stories. I so enjoyed watching it with you
Interesting how almost all of the different versions of add their own interpretations of Dickens’ story. This one shows the death of Ebenezers sister. I don’t know any other that shows that. Some have Scrooge going to the Crachit home at the end of the movie (I don’t care for those) instead of his nephews home.
One of the movies I watch every Christmas
The actress who played Fan (Carol Marsh) appeared in the Hammer Films movie "Horror of Dracula" which introduced Christopher Lee as the Transylvanian count.
The brilliant writing of Noel Langley (who was credited with the screenplay for The Wizard of Oz)! He sprinkled a few short scenes that rounded this story out more than most (like showing Scrooge claiming the body of Marley).
Thr best version and definitive Scrooge, Alistair Sim was a brilliant actor 😊😊😊😊
This is a Christmas tradition in my house my mum and me watch it every Christmas the only Christmas we didn't was the Christmas my dad passed (26th of December)
Hi Cami, thankyou so much, as many have said, I`ve been trying to persuade someone to react to this for a few years. I`ve also voted in polls but to no avail. You have made my Christmas with this reaction, thanks again.
Aw thank you so much for watching! I was honored to be the one to watch it!! You all are awesome, loved this movie so much!
@@Letstunein Hi Cami, please consider another Traditional Xmas classic for next year, it`s called (The Bishop`s Wife) from 1947. It stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young & David Niven, so far I`ve only found 2 reactors who have seen it. It deserves to be seen just as much as Scrooge, it`s well worth it.
There is something about EVERY movie version of this story that I love! I grew up with the 1970 musical version with Albert Finny and the 1984 version with George C Scott and I LOVE both of those! The '84 version is scary as hell and the '70 version has a song in it that I ALWAYS remember when I think of A Christmas Carol.... "Thank you very much, thank you very much. That's the nicest thing that anyone's ever done for me!"
This is by far the best version of Dickens' classic tale, and Alastair Sim's legendary portrayal of Scrooge is in a league of its own. Kudos to you for viewing it, really enjoyed your video and reactions. I watch it every year myself but it looked like the version you were watching had much cleaner audio and video than the one that I see on cable TV every Christmas, or even my DVD copy of it. Would be curious to know if you were watching a remastered version, and if so, which one. Thanks and merry Christmas.
Thank you. This is certainly the best screen version of the story.
This film was a Christmas Eve tradition in my family for years. And today I maintain that tradition by watching it every Christmas Eve. Alister Sims’s performance was outstanding in this film. He brought a genuine humanity to the role and even a sense of humour and empathy. You can see through his performance that Scrooge hadn’t lost his humanity, he had merely forgotten it. And because of all the loss and tragedy in his life his affections turned from people to business and money. Life had hardened his heart. This is a ghost story but its focus is on redemption, hope and our shared human experience. Its message is at the core of Christmas. This is why this film despite its age and its occasional melodramatic and over the top acting has a warmth to it that other versions of it do not have; it understands and respects the source material. It’s a Christmas standard for me and I’m sure for a lot of other people as well. Merry Christmas. 🎄🎁 ☃️
Aw Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! I wholeheartedly agree, loved reading your comment. It was so beautiful to see his heart warm back up! Truly all he needed after burying his pain over the years! It’s such a beautiful film!!
This is the best Scrooge movie. There were a couple before and many afterwards. None have equaled this adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Casting the last spirit was, i think, a brilliant move. They found a very tall Russian ballet dancer (I don't think he could speak any English) and covered him with a sheer black cloth.
This film was an immediate hit in the UK when released, but not accepted so well in the US. Distributors didn't particularly want it, and critics said it wasn't family-friendly enough. As one commentor already said below, it really is a horror movie. But after being shown on TV every year during the Sixties, it cemented an audience and became regarded as a classic.
Definitely my favorite version.
The last few Christmas I’ve watched like 6 different versions of Christmas carol each year. This one has grown on me. I would rate it second. My favorite is still the musical with Albert Finney from 1971.
This is a good one. I also loved the musical version circa 1970 with Albert Finney.
A masterpiece. Up there with its a wonderful life.
It is interesting to me that those lines in the movie that you note in your commentary are almost all word for word from the novella. This is the movie that best captures Dickens original and Sim is by far the best Scrooge. You might want to watch Sim in "Green for Danger."
Actually, of all film adaptations, the 1984 George C Scott version is closest to the novella. They had to change this title to "Scrooge" because it differed too much from the novella. But this is my favorite, as well.
@@KayQue-s3r It's strange a lot of people really live the George C Scott version. But I really struggle with the end of that version, When you compare Scott's Scrooge to Sim's I believe that Sims version by the end has not only learned his lesson, but has been truly humbled where as in no Scott's version he still seems quite proud of himself and seeks to educate his nephew Fred's wife on the game they play. Sim's version instead humbly seeks her forgiveness and accepts her invitation to dance.
This is my favorite Christmas Carol and the only one I choke back tears in. No other rivals it.
Now that I have seen it , I totally agree!
@Letstunein I'm basically an old young guy. 🤣 My parents raised me on all the old stuff which I'm glad of.
The one version that all the others are measured by.
I think this one is the best one, among those that are serious in their presentation of the story. I enjoyed watching it here with you.
Best Christmas Carol ever. Merry Christmas 🎄
Growing up my mum and I listened to Christmas Carol on cassette tape every year when decorating the tree so I love the story. This one is by far my favourite followed by the George C Scott version with The Muppets and Capt. Picard versions fighting for 3rd place!😊
The absolute best version ever!!! I love it!
The best film version of this immortal tale. Sim is the definitive Scrooge. Dickens would approve.
Merry Christmas to All from Sydney 🇦🇺
Agree best version
The best version ever made 🇬🇧
The very best version, as has been said already. It doesn't treat the story in any way as cutesey or charming; the original story is meant to be a dark and chilling horror - that's why this version will always stand the test of time, in my opinion.
Favorite version of my favorite Christmas story. I love the others, but this is the best (imho)
Thanks great reaction Merry Christmas
This is , like many have said, the best version of. I love it. My second favorite is the Mr Magoo Christmas Carol.
Nice to see that I'm not the only one who thinks (knows) this is the best version. Alastair Sim was the only Scrooge for me. Even though I was also a big Georges C. Scott fan, his portrayal, along with all others just didn't do it for me. This is THE version for me.
Echoing others here. My favorite version. Alastair Sim was the best Scrooge.
I've watched this movie ever since I was a kid in the 1960's. I tried watching other versions but none of them came close to this one. The 1980's version, 'Scrooged' with Bill Murray was, at the time, an updated version of this classic. My kids grew up watching it and became one of their favourites over the years.
My 2nd favorite version, after the 1961 animated musical "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol."
It's a shame that the Mr Magoo version is rarely shown on TV or cable any more, as it's quite good. It's my #2 favorite behind "Scrooge."
For decades this was (and possibly still is) the one all other versions were judged against. While it’s not my personal favorite it is a very good version.
Great reaction to a great film - lovely to see you again Cami! 😊 This is a brilliant version - Alastair Sim and George Cole give great performances and I think it's the most authentic adaptation put to screen. I'm with Cami on The Muppet Christmas Carol - it's highly under-rated - some may scoff because it has Muppets in it, but it has more heart and is so well made that it truly is another fantastic interpretation of the story, together with a great performance from Michael Caine - I actually rate it nearly as highly as this one!
Aw it’s great to be back and see you all again!! Thank you for watching! And I totally agree! Just a fantastic heartwarming film! I’m definitely watching it again next year!
@@Letstunein Yay! Always look forward to more from our Cami! 👍🌹
One of the best Carol movies also the 1938 version, Walt Disney, Jim Carrey is a good animated version, good reaction and Merry Christmas 🎄
The yound lad who plays Fezziwig's boy in this film appeared in another classic interpretation of a Dickens tale when he played young Pip in David Lean's 1946 version of Great Expectations.
This movie is still my favorite Scrooge - A Christmas Carol interpretation by far because Alistair Sim and the others did such a great job at portraying this classic tale. You can also watch this movie in a colorized version which was done quite well.
This and Albert Finney musical version are my favorites
Merry Christmas🎅🎄!
....easily the best Scrooge ever...........thanks for sharing.
The problem has gotten worse todays Vulture Capitalists have allegiance to no country. They are International Vulture capitalists. This movie carries more weight now then it did in 51.
This is the best version, I love this movie
The best version by far! Alistair Simms was a superb actor!
My father was a narcissist, and literally exactly like Scrooge. I was raised by my grandmother growing up, and she was a Late Victorian/Early Edwardian woman and she'd have me watch this movie with her every year at Christmas - she's say that if I turned out to be as selfish as my father that she'd haunt me every night forever! Needless to say, I turned out out to be a very nice and caring person!
“surplus population” -
enjoyed it thx
My favourite version. Alistair Sim was such a good actor
This is my favorite version of all of them. Alistair Sim to my mind is the most believable.