Cast: Reginald Owen - Ebenezer Scrooge Gene Lockhart - Bob Cratchit Kathleen Lockhart - Mrs. Cratchit Terry Kilburn - Tiny Tim Barry Mackay - Fred (Scrooge's Nephew) Lynne Carver - Bess (Fiancee of Scrooge's Nephew) Leo G Carroll - Marley's Ghost
Director: Edwin L Marin
Written by Charles Dickens
Sixty years after it was made, "A Christmas Carol" still ranks as one of the best adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic.
A film as heart-warming as an classic Christmas card from a long lost friend.
The director, Edwin L. Marin who usually handled B-grade MGM projects, with "A Christmas Carol" he redeems himself.
Screen writer, Hugo Butler's certainly captures the dim Dicksonian atmosphere perfectly, while the score by Franz Waxman is one of his best.
Originally Lionel Barrymore cast as Ebenezer Scrooge, when crippling arthritis confined him to a wheelchair. However it did not prevent him from putting in a memorable performance as Potter a la Scrooge performance in "It’s A Wonderful Life." (See last weeks' film review.)
Reginald Owen, a veteran of 40 years offers a vivid, solid performance as Scrooge. Terry Kilburn (the little boy who said "Goodbye, Mr. Chips") puts in the perfect Hollywood cute stuff portrayal of Tiny Tim.
However, it's Leo G. Carroll as the spirit is the best spookiest ghost with Ann Rutherford as the loveliest Ghost of Christmas Past.
A rare family film treat all around. Don't miss it.
Under no circumstances, view the colorised version. As the black-and-white cinematography play of light and shadow is essential aspect to film’s atmosphere.
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Over and above the 4 classic Christmas films I will review in December 2000, I would like to offer my readers a list of my 10 favorite Christmas films (all available on video or for purchase at Amazon.com) for your enjoyment.
A Merry Christmas from this movie buff to all you movie buffs. See you in the dark....
Babes in Toyland (1934) Cast: Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy
Bell of St Mary (1945) Cast: Bing Crosby & Igrid Bergman
As an Australian I would like to suggest a completely un-Hollywood but Aussie Christmas film experience...
Bush Christmas (1947) Cast: Chip Rafferty & Helen Grieve
Christmas in Connecticut (1945) Cast: Barbara Stanwyck & Dennis Morgan
Heidi (1937) Cast: Shirley Temple & Jean Hersholt
I’ll Be Seeing You (1944) Cast: Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotton & (an adult) Shirley Temple
Miracle in 34th Street (1947) Cast: Edmund Gwenn & Natalie Wood
Since You Went Away (1944) Cast: Caudette Colbert & Joseph Cotton
Meet Me In St Louis (1944) Cast: Judy Garland & Tom Drake
The Bishop’s Wife (1947) Cast: Loretta Young & Cary Grant
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