It didn’t take long for me to get one of these films did it. I can’t remember exactly how many versions of ‘A Christmas Carol’ I watched last year, but I know that I barely even scratched the surface of the number of films there are based on this story. However, today's version, ‘Scrooge’ (1951). Is considered to be one of the best. It is one that I am very much aware of despite having never seen it all the way, which seems incredible as it is seemingly on TV every Christmas. But there is no better time as the present as they say and so let’s get on with seeing how this one holds u in the ranking of ‘A Christmas Carol’ films. For all the aliens who have not yet been to Earth, the film tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim), a cruel and bitter man who has a penchant for money and a disdain for Christmas. On one Christmas eve, he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley (Michael Hordern), who warns him that that night he will be visited by three spirits in an attempt to save his soul from eternal damnation.
It has gotten to a point with these films where I can pretty much say the dialogue before it happens, regardless if I have seen the film before or not. There is no surprise really in anything and so, despite how strong the story is, it will always be a bit of a battle to win me over. There was no problem in this film. On a technical level, it is good with a few great aspects. There are some really great shots throughout the film, with one in particular where Scrooge comes home and is hearing his name being whispered to him as he climbs the stairs being a particularly great shot. The lighting throughout is also really well done, helped by the fact the film is in black and white. The whole look of the film is great in fact. As well as being a Christmas film, it is also a period piece and the costumes and mise en scene are great in creating a look and environment of the period brilliantly. And the special effects in the film are also really well done. It probably isn’t all that impressive these days with what films are able to accomplice with their special effects, but in the context of when the film came out, they still look great. Performance-wise the film is also solid. Of course, it is melodramatic and there are moments in the performance of Michael Hordern as Marley which are a little comical in how melodramatic they are. I am 99% sure he says ‘woe is me’ in the scene which basically shows you where that performance goes at parts. But overall, they are all solid and do a good job in telling a compelling narrative.
But of course, as with any film of ‘A Christmas Carol’ they live and die on who is their Scrooge. You get yourself a bad Scrooge you have yourself a bad film. And while I don’t think this film is the best version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in many of its aspects, it may very well have the best Scrooge. Alastair Sim is superb in the role. He can also be melodramatic at times, but the whole film is melodramatic, and he captures the right level of melodrama needed perfectly. I especially think he is brilliant when he is being true dickhead Scrooge. He plays it spot on, being grumpy and cold-hearted without ever losing his temper necessarily. Many other versions of the character have Scrooge being quick to anger at those who annoy him, but Sim plays it much cooler. He seemingly only gets angry at those who aren’t put down by his lack of Christmas spirit, otherwise, he seems to revel in treating people badly and I really like how Sim plays it. He is also great once he turns his life around, especially when he first wakes up and realises it is Christmas. He plays being uncountably joyous brilliantly and you can see why his housemaid thinks he has gone mad. Sim plays both sides of the Scrooge character brilliantly and he is definitely up there in the ranking of best portrayal of the classic character.
This may not be my favourite version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ but I can see why so many people would say that it is. Obviously, the narrative is top tier and the way the film tells the story is as good as any version of the film. It looks great visually and technically and the costumes and sets are all great. The performances are also solid while being a little melodramatic, and Alastair Sim is brilliant in the role of Scrooge. It is an obvious recommendation. It is a classic story and if you don’t watch at least 49 versions of this film before Christmas you’re doing it wrong.
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