A fine actor, from Stage Fright, Cottage to Let and Hue & Cry etc etc, such wonderful performances in each role he played, and for me Christmas wouldn’t be the same without watching A Christmas Carol, Alastair Sim as Scrooge is supreme and the finest ever.
Such a brilliant actor, subtly funny, classic actor with amazing presence. Alistair Sim will never be forgotten. A great biography. Thank you for sharing.
This is just wonderful. I wish more of Alastair Sim's movies were readily available in the U.S. "Scrooge" is immortal, but we need Alastair Sim more than once a year!
"An Inspector Calls" at 61 its my first vivid memory of Alister Simms, and what an outstanding performance he delivered, always used to watch his movies with my late mother as a small girl and still watch him today, Wonderful Memories Gone By
Loved Alastair Sims so much. Scrooge could only be played by him in my opinion, he owned every part he played. You wish people like him could live forever.
His daughter Merlith is really lovely, both to look at and to listen to. Her voice has the same lightness and precision as her father's, and she seems constantly on the verge of giggling. Lucky was the man who married her.
What a brilliant man and actor. I was mesmerised by his performance in School For Scoundrels and An Inspector Calls. It does not get any better than that!
I don't think I've ever seen a version of A Christmas Carol that I didn't enjoy but Alistair's seems the best above all to me. Thanks for posting this exploration of his work.
I saw "Scrooge" with Alastair Sim when I was ten - 1953 - and never forgot it. Was able to get the DVD a couple of Christmases ago. It is so brilliant!
I absolutely agree. It was a Christmas tradition for our family to watch his version every year on Christmas Eve. With other actors, you either never really believe that they were truly nasty or, conversely, you only see that they are relieved to have been 'reprieved' at the end. With AS, you really saw him as a horrible, empty person at the beginning, and then see him really learn from his past mistakes, I always tear up at, "Forgive me, Fan", and feel he has truly had a tranformative experience. And when he awakens, to find himself still alive on Christmas Day, he is not just 'relieved', he has a reborn: exhibiting a childlike, absolute joy not just because he is alive, but because he has been given a chance to make changes in his own life they will benefit other people.
Alaistair Sim was a fabulous actor. An illustration of just how influential he was can be seen in a performance he didn't give. He turned down the role of Professor Marcus in "The Ladykillers". Alec Guinness, who accepted the part, played Professor Marcus as a version of Alistair Sim.
I saw him in a Glasgow theatre on a school trip as a boy in the early 1960's - my first experience of a professional play. I feel privileged to have seen him in a live performance.
Thanks so much for uploading this. My friend and I watch old films on Netflix every week and just over a year ago we came across An Inspector Calls. We had no idea who Alastair Sim was but we just loved his performance and have watched a lot of films he starred in by now on Netflix and TH-cam. Really an amazing actor, he's got some new fans in us!
Since about '60. it is a yearly tradition usually watch it when wrapping gifts . the direction and acting is superb . Ole Joe, ' It's always been a weekness of mine I always give to much to the ladies. Thats how I came to me ruin . " humor way over the top of the kiddies .
I had the incredible joy of seeing the Chichester The Magistrate and to this day remember the washing up scene like it was yesterday. Many years later on a train going across Canada I had dinner with an English couple. Somehow the conversation turned to that performance and the lady told me it was her first job as Assistant Stage Manager all those years ago. She use to time that scene - which apparently in Pinero’s script is a mere one line stage direction - and said that every night was slightly different because Mr Sim always judged by the audience reaction how far he could take it. It was one of the finest pieces of comedy I had ever since and I still can recall it all this years after.
MY ALL TIME FAVOURTE COMEDY ACTOR,. HE HAD NO CLOSE RIVALS. I HAD NEVER SEEN THIS VERY GOOD TRIBUTE BEFORE, IT IS WELL MADE. I ALSO HAD NO IDEA HIS FILM CAREER HAD BEGUN IN THE 1930'S, I SHALL SEEK THEM OUT. HIS DAUGHTER IS THE VERY LIKENESS OF HER MOTHER, WITH NO HINTS OF BEING ALISTAIR'S DAUGHTER, APART FROM HER VERY LIKEABLE PLEASANT CHARACTER.
i absolutely agree on that score. I have seen many different versions of that story and no one does it better than Alastair Sim. Having read the original story, it's also the one that holds the best to the story itself, Christian overtones and all.
When was this doc made? Early 90s? Mr Sim was a consummate actor who belongs with the likes of John Mills, Bernard Miles, Alec Guinness, in that time that wasnt too long ago but is rapidly becoming out of reach. The sort of actor who would appear in a film during the week if you were off school or work. He reminded me physically and ( when his Edinburgh accent was used) of my late grandad who was born very close to Mr Sims birthplace. Like most on here, Christmas Carol is an annual treat for me. Beautifully made documentary about a superb person. Lovely to see both his wife and daughter on there too.
Thank you George. Have always admired Alastair Sim. And how nice to see his wife speak. My dad went to school with George Cole, so a delight to see him, too.
A brilliant actor and a true professional. From Cottage to Let to The Belles of St Trinian's, this man amazed us with so many great performances. The 1951 Scrooge film is a Xmas staple in our household and never fails to entertain us. I think he'd be proud to think he's still remembered. Farewell Alastair ❤ 😊
One of my favorite actors. He could be sinister without being actually evil! How many actors could pull that off? Even in his sinister roles, there was a very subtle humorous quality. Truly a great actor.
My favourite is the lost series "Misleading Cases" in the second half of the 1960's with Alastair Sim as Justice Swallow and Roy Dotrice as Albert Haddock. Brilliant believable comedy and two actors who worked so harmoniously well together.
I've always been a huge fan, I have a photo or him and Margaret Rutherford (together from happiest days of your life) on a Mug. Always makes me smile to see them both, and I'm convinced the tea is better in that mug than any other I have.
Such a brilliant actor. In A Christmas Carol when he gives Mrs Dilber her present and says "of course for you", the warmth with which he says the words is palpable.
Love all his films,and one of these actor's that brought who he was playing to life,Cottage to let and Scrooge my favorite's,truly sad the actor's of old were the greatest.
What a treasure! ….. Imagine another Epic That Never Was! Alistair Sim and Charles Laughton co-starring. I must stand on my head! (wonder if they knew one another?)
Same for me Magoo... started watching Alastair in the late 1950’s and Mr Magoo is the BEST cartoon Scrooge for me and started watching when it debuted on TV in 1962
By far his Christmas Carol is the best version but as much as it might seem sacrilege, I like the non-restored version better since the fading and darkness and scratches added a sense to the atmosphere. And by all means it should not be viewed on high definition unless you want to determine the thread count on their costumes! LOL.
I first saw Alistair Sim in the movie School For Scoundrels...and it still remains my all time favorite Alistair Sim movie....so much so that I managed to collect all the principal stars in the movie autographs...including Sim's (Signed at a play in London)
A brilliant actor and a thoroughly decent man. He had a amazing career that spanned everything from comedy to serious drama. My particular favourites of his include Scrooge, The Belles of St Trinian's, The Green Man and School for Scoundrels. He left behind a body of work that continues to inspire us all God bless you Alastair ❤ 😊
When my dad was in hospital the doctor was doing the round with his students and asked them not a medical question but who my dad reminded them of. They didn't have a clue, he proudly answered Alastair Sim of course.
You are correct. He was a natural. I always loved the carefree, breezy attitude that masked a very serious thinker, as in "Green for Danger" and "An Inspector Calls.
Cecil Brown: I enjoy the movie either way, although I get what you're saying. For me Alastair Sim's portrayal of his character plus the equally fine performances of the entire cast, is what makes this movie so SPECIAL. They all behave with a realness to them, nothing too overdone or outlandish.
I saw that movie in the line up but I have never before seen it or the one I mentioned. I love B&W movies the most and both Coleman and Fairbanks are some of my favorites though I think my absolute favorite star from those days would have to be Charles Laughton.
There are so many moments of acting genius in his role as Scrooge, that I knew even as a young kid that this was such an emotionally charged experience
Me, too...I like the one with George C Scott, also. I think both are exceptional. No one is better than the other because they're different enough. If I had to choose, I'd have to go with Alistair Sim, though. (I think George C. Scott version was 70s.)
this actress in the opening scene is the "poor distant unmovable " Miss Flora in "Scrooge" when she responds to the wretched bachelor outcast Mr Topper as "really most incorrigible " ....a beauty
What a wonderful actor Alistair was.The definitive Scrooge. One of my favourites.
A fine actor, from Stage Fright, Cottage to Let and Hue & Cry etc etc, such wonderful performances in each role he played, and for me Christmas wouldn’t be the same without watching A Christmas Carol, Alastair Sim as Scrooge is supreme and the finest ever.
Such a brilliant actor, subtly funny, classic actor with amazing presence. Alistair Sim will never be forgotten. A great biography. Thank you for sharing.
This is just wonderful. I wish more of Alastair Sim's movies were readily available in the U.S. "Scrooge" is immortal, but we need Alastair Sim more than once a year!
"An Inspector Calls" at 61 its my first vivid memory of Alister Simms, and what an outstanding performance he delivered, always used to watch his movies with my late mother as a small girl and still watch him today, Wonderful Memories Gone By
Loved Alastair Sims so much. Scrooge could only be played by him in my opinion, he owned every part he played. You wish people like him could live forever.
His daughter Merlith is really lovely, both to look at and to listen to. Her voice has the same lightness and precision as her father's, and she seems constantly on the verge of giggling. Lucky was the man who married her.
What a brilliant man and actor. I was mesmerised by his performance in School For Scoundrels and An Inspector Calls. It does not get any better than that!
ABSOLUTELY, TWO MORE GREAT EXAMPLES.
I don't think I've ever seen a version of A Christmas Carol that I didn't enjoy but Alistair's seems the best above all to me. Thanks for posting this exploration of his work.
I saw "Scrooge" with Alastair Sim when I was ten - 1953 - and never forgot it. Was able to get the DVD a couple of Christmases ago. It is so brilliant!
George Pollen Thank You SO much, for sharing this. 100% solid golden magic. Also the respect and analysis from other actors is a delight.
One of the greatest comedic actors of all time.
Not just comedic. A brilliant actor all round. A real treat to watch.
He was “The” Scrooge, the best ever film version done, class Dickensian acting at its Scottish and British best!
I absolutely agree. It was a Christmas tradition for our family to watch his version every year on Christmas Eve. With other actors, you either never really believe that they were truly nasty or, conversely, you only see that they are relieved to have been 'reprieved' at the end. With AS, you really saw him as a horrible, empty person at the beginning, and then see him really learn from his past mistakes, I always tear up at, "Forgive me, Fan", and feel he has truly had a tranformative experience. And when he awakens, to find himself still alive on Christmas Day, he is not just 'relieved', he has a reborn: exhibiting a childlike, absolute joy not just because he is alive, but because he has been given a chance to make changes in his own life they will benefit other people.
@@pfschuman Without a doubt, never look forward to Christmas but this film makes it bearable
yer ding danged right!
Yes. He was the best Bob Cratchet ever.
Scottish and English ....Britain is the whole of the island
A Christmas Carol 1951, best Christmas movie of all time.
A wonderful actor! Every film he was in is a classic!
One of the greatest actors ever
Every performance was an absolute joy 🤗
Alaistair Sim was a fabulous actor. An illustration of just how influential he was can be seen in a performance he didn't give. He turned down the role of Professor Marcus in "The Ladykillers". Alec Guinness, who accepted the part, played Professor Marcus as a version of Alistair Sim.
One of my favourite actors ❤ Thanks for sharing
I saw him in a Glasgow theatre on a school trip as a boy in the early 1960's - my first experience of a professional play. I feel privileged to have seen him in a live performance.
Wish I could have saw him too.....great actor and I understand, a great human being....would have Loved to meet him
I envy you - in a good way! 😊
Ooooo 💖
YES YOU WERE
Thanks so much for uploading this. My friend and I watch old films on Netflix every week and just over a year ago we came across An Inspector Calls. We had no idea who Alastair Sim was but we just loved his performance and have watched a lot of films he starred in by now on Netflix and TH-cam. Really an amazing actor, he's got some new fans in us!
Simply a genius. Totally unique and much missed.
I count myself privileged to have grown being entertained by the greats like Sim, Ustinov, Sellers and Milligan.
Christmas isn't Christmas with out my favourite film Scrooge
jean boyd same in our house!
Same for me..... I have been watching Alistair Sim as Scrooge since 1958...the BEST And always will be
jean boyd
Nobody ever could do Scrooge better.
Since about '60. it is a yearly tradition usually watch it when wrapping gifts . the direction and acting is superb . Ole Joe, ' It's always been a weekness of mine I always give to much to the ladies. Thats how I came to me ruin . " humor way over the top of the kiddies .
Jean Boyd....... SOoooooooooo true Jean
I had the incredible joy of seeing the Chichester The Magistrate and to this day remember the washing up scene like it was yesterday. Many years later on a train going across Canada I had dinner with an English couple. Somehow the conversation turned to that performance and the lady told me it was her first job as Assistant Stage Manager all those years ago. She use to time that scene - which apparently in Pinero’s script is a mere one line stage direction - and said that every night was slightly different because Mr Sim always judged by the audience reaction how far he could take it. It was one of the finest pieces of comedy I had ever since and I still can recall it all this years after.
MY ALL TIME FAVOURTE COMEDY ACTOR,. HE HAD NO CLOSE RIVALS. I HAD NEVER SEEN THIS VERY GOOD TRIBUTE BEFORE, IT IS WELL MADE. I ALSO HAD NO IDEA HIS FILM CAREER HAD BEGUN IN THE 1930'S, I SHALL SEEK THEM OUT. HIS DAUGHTER IS THE VERY LIKENESS OF HER MOTHER, WITH NO HINTS OF BEING ALISTAIR'S DAUGHTER, APART FROM HER VERY LIKEABLE PLEASANT CHARACTER.
Oh I just adore this great man and actor!
I've been his fan since I was 3, when "A Christmas Carol" aired every year in the 50s-60s at Christmas-time. Thanks for sharing this!
Top class actor - and he also nurtured George Cole to become a fine performer.
A fine actor, a fine actress ("The Belles of Saint Trinians"). There was never a better Scrooge.
Film critics will always say Albert Finney does the best Scrooge, where most people including myself would say Alastair Sim is the best Scrooge.
i absolutely agree on that score. I have seen many different versions of that story and no one does it better than Alastair Sim. Having read the original story, it's also the one that holds the best to the story itself, Christian overtones and all.
Both great I think.
Definitely
Alastair Sim will always be Scrooge in my eyes. It just isn't Christmas until I see him in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Alistair Sim was wonderful, and he left behind so many fabulous films...and SUCH a beautiful daughter.
Saw him in Scrooge in my 7th grade(1983ish) English class.It has been my most favorite version of Christmas Carol ever scene
When was this doc made? Early 90s?
Mr Sim was a consummate actor who belongs with the likes of John Mills, Bernard Miles, Alec Guinness, in that time that wasnt too long ago but is rapidly becoming out of reach. The sort of actor who would appear in a film during the week if you were off school or work. He reminded me physically and ( when his Edinburgh accent was used) of my late grandad who was born very close to Mr Sims birthplace.
Like most on here, Christmas Carol is an annual treat for me.
Beautifully made documentary about a superb person. Lovely to see both his wife and daughter on there too.
The world has never seen his like before, nor since.
rambler241 ......VERY !! True
Thank you George. Have always admired Alastair Sim. And how nice to see his wife speak. My dad went to school with George Cole, so a delight to see him, too.
A brilliant actor and a true professional. From Cottage to Let to The Belles of St Trinian's, this man amazed us with so many great performances. The 1951 Scrooge film is a Xmas staple in our household and never fails to entertain us. I think he'd be proud to think he's still remembered. Farewell Alastair ❤ 😊
One of my favorite actors.
He could be sinister without being actually evil! How many actors could pull that off?
Even in his sinister roles, there was a very subtle humorous quality.
Truly a great actor.
My favourite is the lost series "Misleading Cases" in the second half of the 1960's with Alastair Sim as Justice Swallow and Roy Dotrice as Albert Haddock. Brilliant believable comedy and two actors who worked so harmoniously well together.
Andy Jay Scrooge and An Inspector Calls, but he was brilliant at comedy too
BRAVO! THE ULTIMATE SCROOGE!
One of my favourite actors ever.
I've always been a huge fan, I have a photo or him and Margaret Rutherford (together from happiest days of your life) on a Mug. Always makes me smile to see them both, and I'm convinced the tea is better in that mug than any other I have.
Such a brilliant actor. In A Christmas Carol when he gives Mrs Dilber her present and says "of course for you", the warmth with which he says the words is palpable.
For me his performance as Scrooge is an acting masterclass and defines the role .
There was something creepy and even sinister about him. Those cavernous eyes and sepulchral voice. Perfect as Scrooge.
Love all his films,and one of these actor's that brought who he was playing to life,Cottage to let and Scrooge my favorite's,truly sad the actor's of old were the greatest.
"Green for danger" is my all time A. Sim fave...a pity the film didn' t spark sequels as first planned....
Alistair Sim......the best scrooge by far ...🎄❄ merry Christmas everyone watching in 2019 ❄🎄
A marvellous tribute to a great comic actor-thank you, watching this brought back some happy memories of this wonderful human being.
What a treasure! ….. Imagine another Epic That Never Was! Alistair Sim
and Charles Laughton co-starring. I must stand on my head!
(wonder if they knew one another?)
He has been with me every Christmas since I was a boy, and that is over 50 years.
Same for me Magoo... started watching Alastair in the late 1950’s and Mr Magoo is the BEST cartoon Scrooge for me and started watching when it debuted on TV in 1962
What a legend, loved his face, HILARIOUS 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
RIP🙏♥️ wonderful man/actor🌹
Big thank you Mr Pollen for making these videos! Xxxx
Yes, a true great! Just see him for a moment and it's uplifting
He should've gotten an Oscar nod for his portrayal of Scrooge.
By far his Christmas Carol is the best version but as much as it might seem sacrilege, I like the non-restored version better since the fading and darkness and scratches added a sense to the atmosphere. And by all means it should not be viewed on high definition unless you want to determine the thread count on their costumes! LOL.
A national treasure for sure.
Brought back many memories. Thankyou for uploading this!
I Wonderful Actor who I grew up with during my youth in the 1950's
Alistair Sims was a Excellent 👍 Actor
A true master of his craft. A brilliant brilliant actor
I first saw Alistair Sim in the movie School For Scoundrels...and it still remains my all time favorite Alistair Sim movie....so much so that I managed to collect all the principal stars in the movie autographs...including Sim's (Signed at a play in London)
And Mr. Sim didn't give autographs. Lucky pup. Treasure that autograph.
My favourite film of all time, with or without him. Brilliant in everything he was ever in
5:52 Naomi was adorable and adored her husband. I wasn't even aware of this excellent actor. Thanks.
A brilliant actor and a thoroughly decent man. He had a amazing career that spanned everything from comedy to serious drama. My particular favourites of his include Scrooge, The Belles of St Trinian's, The Green Man and School for Scoundrels. He left behind a body of work that continues to inspire us all God bless you Alastair ❤ 😊
A really great actor.......Mr Scrooge himself
A wonderful national treasure, a true great of British cinema
I never knew he had such a career I only saw him in a christmas carol and his is the only version I watch.
Same.
If any actor could play a man and a lady in the scene it would be Alistair Sim loved St Trin
Also a marvellous "medium" in "London Belongs To Me". A wonderful, wonderful actor.
When my dad was in hospital the doctor was doing the round with his students and asked them not a medical question but who my dad reminded them of. They didn't have a clue, he proudly answered Alastair Sim of course.
Those clever Brits horn there craft from the Cradle to the Grave , to Alistair Sim acting was as natural as breathing... Bravo🎭
"horn there craft" should read "honed their craft".
You are correct. He was a natural. I always loved the carefree, breezy attitude that masked a very serious thinker, as in "Green for Danger" and "An Inspector Calls.
Well said. (I think you mean "hone" their craft).
The VERY BEST "Mr. Scrooge" EVER!
Cecil Brown: I enjoy the movie either way, although I get what you're saying.
For me Alastair Sim's portrayal of his character plus the equally fine performances of the entire cast, is what makes this movie so SPECIAL.
They all behave with a realness to them, nothing too overdone or outlandish.
I always thought so as if the role was created just for him, and he created just for it.
I wonder if I saw that back in the early 1970's on late night tv? Hmmmm.
I see one they did together was Rogue Male but that was about Nazis.
I saw that movie in the line up but I have never before seen it or the one I mentioned. I love B&W movies the most and both Coleman and Fairbanks are some of my favorites though I think my absolute favorite star from those days would have to be Charles Laughton.
A class act without a doubt
I LOVE!!! Thank you.
Brilliant actor, love him xx
Didn’t realize what a truly attractive man he was.
Right up there with the greats...when I was young I used to get him mixed up with Alec guinness...
THE VERY BEST EVER ---- "SCROOGE " R.I.P. ALSTAIR SIM. FROM U,K, (2022).
I loved Alistair Sim.
I LOVE THIS GUY ,HIS STYLE OF COMEDY AND TIMING WAS THE BEST.
There are so many moments of acting genius in his role as Scrooge, that I knew even as a young kid that this was such an emotionally charged experience
I love, love, LOVE! this man!!! Xxxx
My favorite of all the Scrooge's.
Me, too...I like the one with George C Scott, also. I think both are exceptional. No one is better than the other because they're different enough. If I had to choose, I'd have to go with Alistair Sim, though. (I think George C. Scott version was 70s.)
One of our "National treasures"!
Except he was born in Edinburg...
Definitely the best actor that played scrooge. I've drawn a caricature picture of him as scrooge if anyone want to take a look at my video. 😀
Yes, I would like to take a look at your video. How do I do that? Where do I find it?
The skill and precision Mr simm had was platinum.
Evocative and unbridled...
Great opening to the documentary!
Sim is one of the best actors
Simply the best
One of the three great Ebenezers.
THE Best Scrooge ever and the best film of "The Christmas Carol" for all time!
I Love Him , he would have been a great husband to me , he's extremely intelligent and he's gorgeous 💖
My all time favorite Scrooge! 🤗🤗😍😍💯💯
Watch his comedy genius in "School For Scoundrels" with Ian Carmichael and Terry Thomas. It never dates and should never be remade.
Loved this guy.
He was nonpareil in "Green for Danger" and "An Inspector Calls." He made acting look so darn easy.
this actress in the opening scene is the "poor distant unmovable " Miss Flora in "Scrooge" when she responds to the wretched bachelor outcast Mr Topper as "really most incorrigible " ....a beauty
oldtimedrumcorps
The actress is Eleanor Summerfield.
It's a shame that the vast majority of this films are never seen in the US.
He was a absolut genius.❤
Such beautiful pronunciation!