Has ever a story been filmed more often than Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL? I venture to say not, particularly when you add in all the adaptations that make use of the story without quoting it literally.
In any case, the Edison studio made this version, and it shows the strengths and weaknesses of their film making in this period. The strength is their ability to rely on performances, and cut down on the titles. They would continue in this manner for another couple of years before they were swamped by the rising tide of the more subtle pantomime and elaborate productions that competitors like Biograph and Vitagraph were introducing.
The major weakness is that this is a movie for those who are familiar with the source, well-versed in the book or stage versions of the story, but more a highlights version than a flowing tale of redemption.
In any case, the Edison studio made this version, and it shows the strengths and weaknesses of their film making in this period. The strength is their ability to rely on performances, and cut down on the titles. They would continue in this manner for another couple of years before they were swamped by the rising tide of the more subtle pantomime and elaborate productions that competitors like Biograph and Vitagraph were introducing.
The major weakness is that this is a movie for those who are familiar with the source, well-versed in the book or stage versions of the story, but more a highlights version than a flowing tale of redemption.