Rating: 
Summary: Everything said about this film is true
Review: Just about everyone consider this 1951 film version of the oft-told tale to be the definitive movie adaptation, and I am inclined to agree with them (Although the 1984 George C. Scott version is a good rival). Okay, I do think the 'Christmas Past' sequence is a tad too lengthy, but the whole film fits together so well that this little complaint doesn't carry that much weight. Director Brian Desmond Hurst gives the right balance of heart and darkness, but the major credit belongs to Alastair Sim. He gives out a full 3-dimensional characterization of the aged Miser: cruel, witty, smug in his deviousness, bewildered, pathetic, reluctant, pleading, and repentant. Also, being a comic actor, Sim successfully injects humor in several scenes (most emphasized in his jolly transformation on Chritmas morning). At the end of the film Scrooge suprises the audience by almost changing back to his old gloomy self (before exploding with an outburst of the giggles. 'I can't help it'). Of course that is not to say Sim is the only good performance; There's Michael Hordern in agony as a memorably melodramatic Jacob Marley, Mervyn Johns gives dignity in his meek Bob Cratchit, Carol Marsh is moving as Scrooge's sister (especially in her visit to her lonely brother in school) and Glyn Dearman's Tiny Tim succeeds in being cute and endearing without being a little too much. The production, special effects, and music (using strains of 'Barbara Allen') are also well done. A memorable show rightly praised.
Rating:
Summary: The Only Christmas Carol.
Review: I've watched this film so many times, I know all the lines. This is not just the best telling of Dickens tale, but a classic film for all time, all seasons. Alistair Sim is incomprable as Scrooge. All the actors are wonderful, they so perfectly convey the feeling of 19th century London. Look for Patrick McNee, who later gained fame as "John Steed" in the wonderful "Avengers", as the young Jacob Marley, and Hermione Baddely, who was an accomplished stage actress and favorite of Tennessee Williams, she also later played "Mrs. Naugatuct",the tipsy housekeeper, on t.v.'s "Maude", as Mrs. Bob Cratchet. The only reason to see any of the other versions is to reinforce just how superior this one is, though the Reginald Owen and George C. Scott versions are respectable. I found the Patrick Stewart version abominable, as expected. This is too good a film to be watched only once a year, it will transport you so realisticly to Olde London. And the storys lessons of forgiveness and remorse are just as meaningful now as then. Oh, not to ruin the illusion, but in the scene when Scrooge awakens Christmas Day, after having had his "epiphany", watch as he's looking in the mirror, as he tells his housekeeper about his ordeal. You will see, reflected in the mirror, the reflection of a modern-day (circa 1950) person, more than likely one of the crew. Don't know if this bit of trivia is common knowledge, but I find it interesting. Also, though Simm is only known by most for his role as Scrooge, check out his very funny "St. Trinians" films, where he plays headmaster at a boys school. A wonderful, different look at this great actor. This heartwarming film will be THE Christmas classic for all time.POSTSCRIPT!!!I just noticed I reviewed the "colorized" version. DANGER!! DANGER!! Do NOT watch this version, it MUST be seen in black & white!!! WHAT was I thinking??!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: It's Got One Thing Going For It...
Review: ...And that's Alastair Sim's definitive performance as Ebenezer Scrooge. His transformation from pathetic wretch to hysterical exuberance is beyond words. I'm not sure any actor will be able to duplicate such a performance. Other actors (like George C. Scott and Michael Caine) have been able to successfully provide their own interpretations however.That said, I cannot bring myself to rate the 1951 version of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol as high as other versions. Though it's one of the shortest renditions at less than 90 minutes, it seems like one of the longest. Part of the reason why is that it spends so much time visiting Ebenezer Scrooge's past. Not only does the film touch on aspects that the other films do (the break-up with his girlfriend, etc), but they also cover his sister's death while giving birth, his first meeting with Jacob Marley, his and Marley's takeover of the business (I don't care what anyone says, no child watching this "family" film will be interested in watching business transactions like the one depicted in this scene - neither will some adults), and they even show Marley on his deathbed. I haven't counted, but this film must devote at least 30 minutes to Scrooge's past, which doesn't leave much room to cover his present and future. This is a problem, because they spend more time on how Scrooge became a bitter old miser and less time on his emotional transformation toward good-heartedness...thank goodness they had Sim to pick up the slack. As much as it pains me to say I also have a problem with how dated the film seems to be. This movie looks more like it's from the 30's or 40's instead of 1951. I don't know if it's due to budget constraints or if they just haven't taken good care of the original film. It just looks old and washed out...and I love films from the 50's many of my favorites are from that era. There's one more thing. It's not a big deal, but have you noticed the young actor playing Tiny Tim? I mean, he has to be at least 15 years old! I might be wrong, but I don't think "Tiny" Tim was in his mid-teens! The sight of Bob Cratchet carrying around this adolescent on one of his shoulders is hilariously absurd. For years, the 1951 production of A Christmas Carol has been considered by many to be the best interpretation of the Dickens' classic, thanks primarily to Alastair Sim's brilliant portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. To that, I say "Bah, humbug!" The best treatment of this tale not only needs a great performance from its lead actor, but from the entire cast. The film should also be told with just the right atmosphere and pacing. The 1951 version meets none of these criteria. When regarding the classic story of A Christmas Carol, we don't have to settle for a film that rides on the coattails of its lead actor's performance! For my money, the 1984 production of A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott has always been the best...and after viewing the 1999 Patrick Stewart film, it still is!
Rating:
Summary: A Christmas classic not to be missed
Review: This superb movie is a Christmas Eve tradition in my home. It is the definitive Christmas movie guaranteed to warm your heart and restore all the wonderful Christmas feeling in you.
Alistair Sim is of course superb as Scrooge, the famous old miser created by Charles Dickens, who has his faith in people and life in general restored one Christmas Eve when he is visited by three spirits. What is so wonderful about this story, and indeed also as a result of Sim's superb performance, is that Scrooge ultimately comes across as a tragic figure who you can't help feeling for totally by movie end. The scenes from his past are in particular very moving and indeed tragic and go a long way to explaining why Scrooge has ended up bitter with the world in general
All the performances are top rate and the production itself is lavish and very authentic bringing alive a Victorian Christmas in London complete with snow, children singing carols, gas lamps etc all those things you see on traditional Christmas Cards nowadays.
While there have been many other superb versions of this great story, this version is by far and away the best of the lot. If you buy one film for your collection this year make sure it is the Alistair Sim version of "A Christmas Carol" you will never regret purchasing it and year after year it will fill you and your home with Christmas spirit and good cheer
Rating:
Summary: A haunting ghost story
Review: Somehow, across the years, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghosts has been transformed from it's spooky roots to light-hearted family fare. Scrooge is not so much evil, as grumpy. The ghost's tend to amuse rather than frighten. This black-and-white version of "A Christmas Carol" maintains the horror roots of the story. Jacob Marley is one of the most frightening ghosts to haunt the silver screen. He grows intolerant of the idea that Scrooge is not frightened, and howls his rage and frustration. The Ghost of Christmas Past is an impersonal specter, cold and distant. Present is jolly and yet quick to anger. Future is the grim shade that he is supposed to be. The back story of Scrooge is told in greater detail here than in any other version. He resents Fred, not because of his Christmas cheer but because his birth caused the death of Scrooge's beloved sister. He not only remembers the good times at Fezzywig's, he remembers putting Fezzywig out of business later in life. Alastair Sim brings this character to fullness more than any other actor. The Christmas morning scene is a delight, and worth the wait. As a bonus, the Fleischer "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" is included on this disk. This is clearly Santa Claus by the people who gave us the first animated Superman. The animation is fluid and dynamic. One of the best extras on any DVD.
Rating:
Summary: 50+ Years a Fan!
Review: I was 15 when this film was first shown, in 1951, and I have watched it as often as possible, ever since. Since the advent of home video machines, I have watched it every year, and not only at Christmastime. In my opinion, this production of A Christmas Carol is by far the best one ever done. The direction and casting were brilliant, the supporting cast was excellent, and Alastair Sim was/is the quintessential Scrooge. I doubt that anyone else could ever equal Sim's masterful portrayal, both subtle and powerful, poignent and moving. He truly brought Scrooge to life. Who could possibly forget the joyful awakening on Christmas morning? And, for that matter, who could forget actor Mervyn Johns' portrayal of Bob Cratchit, as he was greeted by Scrooge upon his late arrival at work the following morning? Perfect and priceless! A superb film!
Rating:
Summary: Best of the Litter
Review: This version emotionally takes you back to the time and spirit of Dickens. You will need to look out the window every once in a while to make sure you have not been time transported to 160 years ago. It is very close to the original manuscript which I read once per year just before Christmas as well as viewing this version of the video.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: Despite some tinkering with the storyline, this is the best-ever film adaptation of Dickens's classic tale about a hard-hearted old miser who rediscovers his capacity for love and kindness one Christmas Eve when ghosts force him to re-examine his life. The poignant ghost of Christmas past dredges up Scrooge's memories, good and bad, reminding him of his early idealism and the bad choices that destroyed it. The jolly ghost of Christmas present shows Scrooge a vision of joy and abundance and the goodwill in most people's hearts--and ends with a chilling reminder of need in the midst of plenty. The terrifying ghost of Christmas yet to come forces Scrooge to confront his own mortality and to see the meaninglessness of his selfish life in the starkest possible terms. Sobbing with penitence, Scrooge vows to change his ways, and when he awakens on Christmas morning his joy produces film's most delirious fit of glee. The film is perfectly true to the spirit and even the language of the original book, and drives its moral home with powerful, unforgettable performances. Alistair Sim is magnificent as Scrooge.
Rating:
Summary: THE Christmas Movie
Review: After the Gosepl of Luke, the best Christmas story I've come upon is Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol". I have to admit that I've never actually read the book but I feel as if I know it for all the movie and TV versions of it that I have seen. By far the best one the Alastair Sim version which is titled "A Christmas Carol" but also shows up occassionally as "Scrooge" (the opening credits show "A Christmas Carol" and the closing credits show "Scrooge"). I am probably a bit biased in my preference for this version because it was the first one I saw. As a young boy, I was very much impressed by the story and especially by Alastair Sim's portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge. Sim doesn't have to yell or boil over to convey the right image. His sneering looks of disdain and rude rebuttals are enough to give you the measure of the man. Likewise, after his visit with the three Christmas spirits, his metamorphasis as a redeemed believer is a joy to watch. The way his joy bubbles over in his giddy behavior is most memorable. The other actors, mostly unknown names to American movies audiences, all fit their roles very well. The special effects are about what you could expect from a 1951 English movie. However, that is just as well because the story, not the visual effects, are what we are focussed on. After all, the beauty of Dickens's story doesn't require any glitz. I feel that this version does the best job of delivering story that to the audience. If you haven't seen it before, you really need to. Don't be put off by the black and white film, enjoy the story as it was meant to be presented.
Rating:
Summary: Alastair Sim WAS Scrooge
Review: BY far the best film version ever made of this classic. A must own DVD if ever there was one. The music alone is worth it....
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