A Christmas Carol (1938) User Reviews

Hard to Believe this was a rushed production

[Thetruthhurtsss · 8/10 · 15 November 2017]

This is one of the fastest films ever to reach the screen. It started shooting in October and was in theaters in December. This production however is the standard in which all other versions since have copied.

This was the first production to have the "Spirits" come in one night! It also fleshed out Bob Cratchit family more. This is also one of those film that the older it gets the better the film becomes.

In case you don't know the story "Scrooge" is a cranky old man. He hates Christmas and people in general. He has more in life than the people that surround him and yet he is poor.

This 1938 film is in black and white and that seems like a huge asset. The cast is perfect!

If you have never seen this version then what are you waiting for?

One of the Most Beautiful Christmas Tales

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 2 December 2012]

In the Nineteenth Century, in London, the bitter, greedy and cranky Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen) hates Christmas and people. He runs his business exploiting his employee Bob Cratchit (Gene Lockhart) and spends unfriendly treatment to his nephew Fred (Barry MacKay) and acquaintances.

In the Christmas Eve, he is visited by the doomed chained ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley (Leo G. Carroll), who died seven years ago and tells him that three spirits would visit him that night. The first one, the spirit of past Christmas, recalls his happy childhood and coming of age; the spirit of the present Christmas shows him the poor situation of Bob's family and the happiness of Fred and his fiancée Bessy; and the spirit of future Christmas shows his fate. Scrooge finds that life is good and finds redemption changing thoughts about Christmas, Bob, tiny Tim, his nephew and people in general.

"A Christmas Carol" is one of the most beautiful Christmas tales in the cinema. I do not recall how many adaptations of one of the most known Charles Dickens' short story I have seen but this 1938 is also wonderful. I do not have much more to say but recommend this magnificent family entertainment. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Um Conto de Natal" ("A Christmas Tale")

Entertaining version, though not faithful to novel

[roghache · 8/10 · 6 April 2006]

We are tremendous enthusiasts of A Christmas Carol in our household and watch virtually all the versions each Christmas, including the modern 1984 George C. Scott and the 1999 Patrick Stewart. Our overall favorite, however, is the 1951 black & white classic with Alastair Sim, who absolutely IS Ebeneezer Scrooge, his conversion ringing the truest. (See my comments on these other films, if interested) This older 1938 version makes a delightful story with a fine, though Hollywood generated, atmosphere. Of course one could never expect in those days to see all the location filming or special effects available today.

Reginald Owen, with his stooped figure and awkward gait, makes a likely looking Scrooge. My main problem with this movie is that he simply repents far too early. Before the Spirit of Christmas Past has taken leave, this Scrooge regrets his past miserliness and is ready to give generously & make merry. What is the point of the other two Spirits?

In addition to Scrooge's totally premature conversion, however, this movie takes far too many liberties with the novel. To name but a few... First, during Marley's ghostly visit, Scrooge summons to his chambers a trio of police officers from the street below his window. Not only is this unfaithful to the book, but totally destroys the ghostly, eerie, haunted atmosphere of the spectre's visit and poor Scrooge's resulting terror.

This adaptation makes no mention whatsoever of the young apprentice Scrooge's sweetheart, Belle, or his tragically failed romance. It does depict his sister, Fan, as younger, in keeping with the novel ...unlike most versions, which erroneously portray her as older, and claim that Scrooge's mother died in childbirth when he was born. However, Fan is, frankly, an annoying little chatterbox here!

The nephew, Fred, is supposed to be married, but in this tale he is engaged to Bess, their marriage apparently contingent on an improvement in his financial prospects. Lots of fabricated scenes, with the pair sliding in front of a church. However, I can forgive all this as Fred is wonderfully jolly & hearty, true to the book. In fact, he's one of the best Freds.

Bob Cratchit is jolly & likable but a wee bit too plump for the role of the poor clerk! Also, there's a fabricated story here in which Scrooge sacks Bob altogether. Tiny Tim is cute but far too old for the role; he's practically as tall as his father. Mrs. Cratchit is convincing, except that she is actually the one who proposes a toast to Scrooge after their Christmas dinner...quite the opposite of the novel's Mrs. Cratchit, who must be coaxed and cajoled by Bob before deigning to lift her glass to the health of her long-suffering husband's oppressive, stingy employer. That being said, otherwise it's one of the better versions of the Cratchit family's dinner, the goose & pudding scenes all beautifully done.

The worst offense is a complete elimination of the 'morning after Christmas' office scene, in which Scrooge normally shows his newfound benevolence to the flabbergasted Bob. This is usually my favorite scene in the entire movie. In this version, Scrooge actually delivers his Christmas turkey to the Cratchits personally himself on Christmas Day, with nephew, Fred, and his fiancée, Bess, both in tow.

However, the Spirits are well depicted, Christmas Past a beautiful & ethereal young lady, Christmas Present a hearty & benevolent giant (who sprinkles from his torch the essence of Christmas cheer five times distilled), and Christmas Yet To Come the typical darkly shrouded & foreboding figure. It's all well intended and difficult to really ruin this wonderful story. For all its omissions, embellishments, and deviations, it still makes for entertaining and heartwarming holiday viewing.

A Triumph For Reginald Owen

[Ron Oliver · 10/10 · 25 December 2001]

The wretched life of a disagreeable old man is forever altered one haunted Christmas Eve...

Charles Dickens' wonderful Yuletide story, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, is given the full MGM deluxe treatment in this superior Holiday film. The production values & acting are both excellent, with just enough sentiment to appeal to the tenderhearted, and with liberal doses of horror & hilarity stirred into the mix, until, like a fine Christmas punch, the result appeals to all.

The film's rather short running time keeps the action moving along briskly, with one famous & beloved episode after another coming alive before the viewer's eyes.

Reginald Owen, in his best film role, is perfect as the grasping, clutching, tightfisted, covetous old sinner, Ebenezer Scrooge. Replacing the ailing - and highly respected - Lionel Barrymore, Owen makes the part his own, revealing the old miser's misery & heartache, making the part thoroughly human. When he rejoices in his spiritual regeneration at the climax, so do we.

The roles of Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's amiable clerk & Fred, Scrooge's friendly nephew, are both fleshed out more fully than in other versions. The acting skills of Gene Lockhart & Barry MacKay turn them into something very memorable.

Special mention should also be made of Leo G. Carroll as Marley's morose Ghost; Lionel Braham as an impressively jolly Ghost of Christmas Present; and Kathleen Lockhart & Terry Kilburn as Mrs. Cratchit & Tiny Tim. All add fine brushstrokes to the overall picture.

Movie mavens will recognize Billy Bevan as an officer of the Watch; Forrester Harvey as an ebullient Fezziwig; Halliwell Hobbes as a jolly Vicar; and young June Lockhart, in her film debut, as Belinda Cratchit - all uncredited.

A Cozy Carol

[telegonus · 9/10 · 23 December 2002]

This Hollywood version of the Dickens Christmas classic is overshadowed by a later British version featuring Alastair Sim. The British film is more realistic, and captures in its incidentals more of Dickens' radical spirit than this more stately American film, which as directed by the able Edward Martin, is done on a more modest scale. I find the American film cozier and warmer.

Reginald Owen is a less flamboyant Scrooge than Sim, which tends to make one concentrate more on the story. The movie was made on a medium budget, and it shows. However, this is not a bad thing, for while the later version gives has a dank, drafty Victorian mood,--one can almost feel the winter wind,--this one benefits enormously from its hearth-like intimacy. It's a very fine movie in its own right, with a mood all its own.

My favorite version...my favorite Christmas movie!

[estabansmythe · 14 December 2003]

There's just something about this one that, while not close to being the most faithful it nonetheless remains my favorite of all the many film versions of Dicken's Christmas Carol.

I guess it's those old classic MGM production values. It's Gene Lockhart's sometimes cowed, sometimes impish, sometimes heroic & joy-filled Bob Cratchett.

And it's definitely the way Reginald Owen turns Scrooge around far earlier than the other productions. I get so tired of seeing that rotten old Scrooge stay rotten until ten minutes before the film ends, when, poof, he sees the light & is miraculously transformed form the meanest man in the world to the nicest. Here, Owen's Scrooge begins to turn fairly quick, and I enjoy that - it really makes him so much easier to root for.

Every time I see it I'm reminded about how marvelous & truly important Franz Waxman's score is to this version. It's delightfully bouncy & upbeat when it's called for & dark forboding during the grim scenes. It's wonderful; dead-on perfect.

For me, it's far and away the most entertaining version. Sit back for its brief 69 minutes, watch and enjoy.

"I'd like to stroke it!"

[cleoew · 7/10 · 13 December 2006]

Although not a masterpiece, I love this version of Dickens' classic, A CHRISMAS CAROL. With its many shortcomings, I like to think of this as the happy, feel good version. Reginald Owen tries too hard to be mean and cranky, and his theatrical makeup is just plain terrible, as are some of his lines (ie. the silly dialog between he and the ghost of Christmas present on the streets with the horn). The score equally reflects the more light-hearted nature of this film, and provides none of the depth and eeriness present in the king of all kings version with Alastair Sim (1951). The liberties taken with the storyline are also amusing, but seem right at home for 1930s Hollywood for some reason. Scrooge's nephew Fred, played by the wonderful Barry MacKay, is perhaps my favorite Fred in all versions. His infectious good-nature keeps this film upbeat and non-threatening. The Lockharts also add a warm, familial strength, although Gene and Kathleen seem far too happy considering their predicament in life. Perhaps the most criticism I can attach to it is that Terry Kilburn is the most irritating/annoying of all the Tiny Tims to date. That being said, there is, however, something very pleasing about this 1938 version that offers what others don't. It is the child-friendly version that leaves you happy. It's well worth the watch, although the most impressive adaptation, in my opinion, goes to the 1951 Alastair Sim masterpiece, SCROOGE.

My Favorite Version of often told tale

[Christmas-Reviewer · 10/10 · 2 August 2016]

I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES.

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. I HAVE NO AGENDA! I AM HONEST!.

I am a child of 1970's. I grew up in the Los Angeles area. On Christmas Eve this film came on at 11:00pm on Channel 11. Every year my family would all gather together to watch this classic! Remember you could only watch this ONCE A YEAR and you had to catch it when it aired! . There was no such thing as Home Video or On Demand. Watching this film with my family is my happiest childhood memory. It was better than a trip to Disneyland.

This production of "A Christmas Carol" was produced by MGM in its heyday. The film was shot In October and in theaters by December! So this rushed production over the years has been over shadowed by more lavish productions but casting wise this film has no equal.

In this film Scrooge is a crusty old business man in old Victoria England. He seems to thrive on making money and not caring about anything else! He has alienated his only living family member and seems to thrive on making his trusted employee Bob Cratchit life a living hell.

On Christmas Eve of course he gets visited by not 3 but 4 ghost. Bob Marley (his late former business partner) and the Ghost of Christmas Past Present and Future. The ghost of course come to teach Scrooge about the joy of not only giving but also the joy of living.

This I think is the first film that makes the Ghost come in one night. In the book they come on different nights.

What also is great about this version is that its never boring! It moves quit quickly and watching this in black and white gives this a the correct tone. It is a delight!

I am not lying at when I say my Christmas Season is not complete without watching this! This film plus "Christmas Vacation" are mandatory viewing in my home.

Please if you have never seen this version you should. The Jim Carey version borrowed heavily from this adaption.

I beg all of you to watch it with your family. There is something so special to me about this film and viewing it with family.

An ingratiating version of the oft-filmed tale.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 5 December 2021]

Charles Dickens' immortal story certainly has resonated over the centuries, both in print and through the various cinematic interpretations of the tale. Here, Reginald Owen plays the central role of miserable, greedy old cretin Ebenezer Scrooge, a character with no use for the Christmas season. It isn't until four spirits, starting with that of his deceased business partner Jacob Marley, visit him one Christmas Eve and work hard at making Scrooge see the error of his ways.

There is enough individuality in this adaptation (scripted by Hugo Butler) to make it interesting enough to watch, although it does sort of race through the story, clocking in at a mere 70 minutes. The sequence with the Spirit of Christmas Past (the gorgeous Ann Rutherford) IS over pretty quickly, with not enough time devoted to showing us how Scrooge started adopting his present demeanor. That said, it's full of endearing, engaging performances. Owen is a solid Scrooge, although he won't make anybody forget cinemas' most memorable Scrooge, Alastair Sim. In this version, he begins repenting sooner, and plays it more low-key than Sim when Scrooge sees the light.

Gene Lockhart is appealing as put-upon clerk Bob Cratchit, and the casting makes this a bit of a family affair: his real-life wife Kathleen plays Mrs. Cratchit, and their daughter June makes her film debut as one of the Cratchit children. Terry Kilburn is a wonderful Tiny Tim, Barry MacKay is a delight as the upbeat, optimistic Fred, and that great English character actor Leo G. Carroll is an excellent Marley's ghost. One amusing touch here is that when Marley's ghost appears in Scrooges' abode, he attempts to have some gentlemen remove the "intruder", whom of course they cannot see.

This 1938 adaptation is overall definitely not as potent as the 1951 classic, but it still gets enough right to rate as decent holiday fare.

Seven out of 10.

MGM's take on the Dicken's classic

[johno-21 · 8/10 · 11 March 2006]

I've seen this along with the 1951 version on TV every Christmas and although the '51 version is preferable this is still a very good movie in it's own telling of the Dicken's classic. Gene Lockhart as Bob Cratchit and Reginald Owen as Ebenezer Scrooge are both great and Leo G. Carrol does a good ghost of Jacob Marley. Lionel Braham, Ann Rutherford and D'Arcy Corrigan turn in good performances as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. MGM Cinematographer Sidney Wagner does a wonderful job with the photography. Cedric Gibbons is the Art Director here. He had a contract made in 1924 that his name would appear on every MGM movie made in the United States so until 1956 his name was on 1500 movies even if he was just head of the Production department and didn't actually work on a film. He did work on 150 films himself during that time and this is one of them. He's the guy who designed the Oscar and was nominated for 39 of them and won 11. Longtime MGM set Director Edwin Willis designed the sets here. This is Director Edwin Martin's best film in a career of largely forgettable films. This is a good Christmas film and some prefer it to the more popular 1951 version and it may be more stylish and charming in it's big studio MGM way but I prefer the '51 British version with Alistair Sim as Scrooge. I do really like this too and would give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Pretty Good But......

[Hitchcoc · 6/10 · 26 December 2014]

This a pretty decent, fairly reliable version of Dickens' famous story. Reginald Owen is an above average Scrooge, much more formidable than he is often portrayed. He is lithe and athletic in appearance and quite frightening to those who encounter him. He is lacking depth of character, not being the actor that Alistair Sim is, but still manages to do the job. Sim's Scrooge has a kind of depth, a touch of melancholy, that none of the others, including George C. Scott and Patrick Stewart, had. What I don't care for in this is some plot elements that could have been left alone. Cratchitt getting fired for throwing snowball at Scrooge seemed silly. It eliminated the tender scene at the end where Scrooge waits for the tardy clerk in his office. The scene here where he actually shows up at Bob's house is frantic and silly. Gene Lockhart is a reasonably good Cratchitt, but in most of the renditions he is seen as a bit too well fed and his family a bit too affluent, considering his circumstances. For me, however, the actors playing Tiny Tim and Fred, Scrooge's nephew are so distracting and so giddy, I can hardly stand to watch them. I suppose the screenwriters felt they were better storytellers than Dickens.

Five Times Distilled. The Spirit of Christmas Cheer!

[xclbr · 10/10 · 25 December 2021]

When I was a child in the 70s, they would show this on WGN-TV channel 9 in Chicago, usually the Sunday before Christmas every year on a show called Family Classics. Reginald Owen and Gene Lockhart turn in my favorite performances as Ebenezer and Bob. Every year since on TV, then on VHS tapes, then DVD, now streaming, I have watched this film on Christmas Eve. I just finished streaming it for this year. It is now December 24, 2021 at 11:50 p.m. Close enough to wish the world a Merry Christmas! And God bless us, every one! I would also recommend An American Christmas Carol with Henry Winkler.

And how do you keep your Christmas?

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 24 December 2016]

Lionel Barrymore's loss was the gain of Reginald Owen in this adaption of A Christmas Carol. In that age of radio Lionel Barrymore's radio version of the Dickens classic was a holiday staple and I dare say that there are many places on the globe now which are hearing it. But when it came to doing a film version Barrymore became unavailable so another of MGM's contract players substituted.

Much as I would like to have seen Lionel as Scrooge, Reginald Owen makes one fine Christmas miser. And MGM gave Owen a fine supporting cast with Gene Lockhart and his wife Kathleen Lockhart as Bob Cratchit and his good wife and a very precious Terry Kilburn as Tiny Tim.

One interesting person in the cast was Barry MacKay who I can't believe came over from the United Kingdom just to play Scrooge's nephew Fred. Across the pond MacKay was a popular light leading man who did several well received films with among others Jessie Matthews. Yet this supporting role seems to be the reason MGM brought him over here. I can't believe they didn't have more in mind.

Anyway this version of A Christmas Carol is one great adaption of Charles Dickens's Christmas classic. Even without Lionel Barrymore.

A Fairly Pleasant Diversion On A Cold, Holiday Season Evening

[bohn007 · 5/10 · 4 December 2003]

I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. I have read the short story many times – Always during the Christmas Season – Over the past few years, and it is my most favorite piece of literature ever written. It therefore follows, that I am also a huge fan of the major cinematic productions based on the story, which I have seen over the years (Though that doesn't necessarily mean that I like them all).

The many different filmed versions of this story are practically uncountable. I have seen most of them, and have chosen the following 8 of them as my favorites, based on their adherence to Dickens' original story. Under the title of 'Scrooge': The rather obscure 1935 version, with Sir Seymour Hicks, the 1951 British production, with Alastair Sim, and the 1970 musical, with Albert Finney. Under the title of 'A Christmas Carol': The new Disney version, with Jim Carrey, the made-for-TV productions: 1984 – With George C. Scott, 1999 – With Patrick Stewart, and the 2004 musical, with Kelsey Grammar. And… This one, released by MGM in 1938, which I rank at #4.

I must begin by saying, very simply, that Reginald Owen makes a 'pretty good' Ebenezer Scrooge . His performance, and his characterization, overall, are merely average, meaning - In other words - That I've seen better, and I've seen worse.

Barry MacKay is excellent, and very likable as Scrooge's Nephew, Fred. Leo G. Carroll plays a rather drab, soft-spoken Ghost Of Jacob Marley, and makes what should be a terrifying character downright boring. Lionel Braham is quite pleasant as The Ghost Of Christmas Present, and Ann Rutherford – Only 21, at the time – Does very well with her turn as The Ghost Of Christmas Past, but her screen time is way too short, thanks to the omission of some of the 'Christmas Past' sequences, from the book.

A rather rotund Gene Lockhart does well as Bob Cratchit, but doesn't fit the role, physically. Two of Mr. Lockhart's real-life family members play two members of his on-screen family. His Wife, Kathleen, plays Mrs. Cratchit, and his Daughter, June (Later, of TV's 'Lassie', and 'Lost In Space'), plays the younger Cratchit Daughter, Belinda. Mrs. Lockhart does quite well, but it bothered me a bit, that her character doesn't seem to have a hateful-enough attitude toward her Husband's employer.

Elvira Stevens, in a very brief 'Christmas Past' sequence, is delightful as Fran ('Fan' in the book), Scrooge's young Sister, and was very close to the character described by Dickens. Terry Kilburn was hard to accept, as Tiny Tim. He was too old (13 at the time), and definitely too big for the part, and appears way too healthy to be afflicted with the unnamed debilitating disease of Dickens' story.

I was disappointed that some sequences from the book were left out, in favor of some made-up scenes. The Christmas Eve dance at Fezziwig's warehouse, Scrooge's ill-fated love affair with Belle, and the 'Rag and bone shop' scenes are the most notable absences. The producers apparently wanted to keep this film short, but it seems to me that they could have included at least one of these book scenes in place of – For instance – The snowball-throwing scene, which isn't in the original story.

Overall, this is a pretty good movie. Though not nearly as faithful to Dickens' story as it could have been, some good sets and costumes convey well, the Old London atmosphere, and the special effects aren't bad, if you don't judge them by later standards. If one can overlook some writing, acting, and casting shortcomings, it's a fairly pleasant diversion for a cold holiday season evening.

It's now available on DVD, but try to catch it on TCM, during the holiday season (As I did), before you buy, and judge for yourself.

One of the Great Christmas Movie of All-Time!

[BobLib · 6 August 1999]

More that sixty years after it was made, MGM's 1938 version of "A Christmas Carol" still ranks as one of the best adaptations of the Dickens classic ever.

First, there's that terrific cast. Lionel Barrymore was to have played Ebeneezer Scrooge, when the accident that confined him to a wheelchair prevented it. Reginald Owen, whose career in US films alone spanned more than 40 years, was given the part, and, if not as vivid a Scrooge as Alistair Sim, he is more than up to the task. Terry Kilburn (The little boy who said "Goodbye, Mr. Chips!" the following year) goes perhaps a bit overboard with the cute stuff as Tiny Tim, but at least he tries. Gene and Kathleen Lockhart (And daughter June, making her film debut at 12) make as good a pair of Cratchits as you will ever see, with Gene Lockhart underplaying more than was usually his wont. Barry McKay and Lynne Carver (The latter perhaps best remembered as "Dr. Kildare's" girlfriend during the '40's) add just the right spirit as Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and his fiancee, respectively. And, speaking of spirits, there's Leo G. Carroll as probably the out-and-out spookiest Marley's Ghost there ever was, and Ann Rutherford (That's Polly Benedict to you "Andy Hardy" fans!) as probably the loveliest Ghost of Christmas Past.

Atmospherically, the movie is as comfortable and heartwarming as an old Christmas card. As a director, Edwin L. Marin was, frankly, a hack, and, as such, usually handed a lot of forgettable "B" properties at MGM. With "Christmas Carol," though, he redeems himself. One wonders, though, if executive producer Joseph L. Manckiewicz wasn't responsible for at least some of the directing chores, as well. Hugo Butler's screenplay captures the feel of it all perfectly, and Franz Waxman's score is one of his best.

A rare treat all around. Don't miss it. But do not, under any circumstances, see the colorized version. The black-and-white play of light and shadow in this film is essential to its' atmosphere.

Incidentally, there's a substantial article, including an interview with June Lockhart, on this film in the book "AMC Presents the Great Christmas Movies."

still great after all these years

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 23 December 2006]

What would the holiday season be without Charles Dickens's classic story? This version is actually a little bit lighter than what we're usually used to, but that doesn't weaken it at all. Reginald Owens turns Ebenezer Scrooge into just the sort of mean old grouch who we all sort of wish that we were. Gene Lockhart also does a good job as Bob Crachit, although much of the other cast comes across as just the tiniest bit silly. I think that my favorite character is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. But no matter, "A Christmas Carol" remains a formidable part of literary and cinematic history. Equally good was the Bill Murray vehicle "Scrooged". Merry Christmas and Bah Humbug! PS: "Humbug" is defined as someone or something intended to deceive; a falsity.

The Best Version

[christmasfever · 10/10 · 29 May 2017]

I love this version. I have seen almost every variation of Charles Dickens Classic Tale. Some of course are great but many of the Television movies that do a twist on this story never really capture what this films has and that is "PLENTY OF Christmas SPIRIT" and is cast with good actors. Nobody here is CW material.

We all know the story but this version did help set the standard and many films since this have used it as a template. The changes from the book that this film did was smart WHICH IS WHY the films that followed made the same change.

This film should be seen on a very cold December Night with a nice hot cup of Hot Chocolate. It runs 69 Minutes and trust me it is the best version out there.

A sound, solid version of a classic

[ckmate23 · 6/10 · 16 December 2017]

I've seen almost all the iterations of this classic novel's film adaptations. The acting is solid by the cast. The screenwriting and direction is compelling. The only reason I have marked down the rating is because I feel there is not enough of it. I don't know if it was written that way or if too much was left on the cutting room floor. It's 69 minute run time is apparently not enough to do justice to the tale. It almost feels like it's rushed and cannot wait to get to the ending credits, particularly in the visitations of the spirits and their education of Scrooge. Scrooge seems to flip from "Bah Humbug" to "Merry Christmas" like an on/off light switch when his conversion should be more gradual. Maybe it's just picking at nits, but that aspect of the movie really bothered me. Hence, the 6 rating.

The Epitome of Christmas

[bekki-jones · 10/10 · 31 July 2006]

I have been watching the 1938 version of "A Christmas Carol" since a was a small child. No other version captures the emotions that this movie does. It re-reminds me of what Christmas is really about. The whole concept of looking at your life in the past, present and future is creative in and of itself. After watching the movie, you may look at your life from the same perspectives. I have been looking for a copy of it for a couple of years,but it's always "unavailable"! Reginald Owen (Ebenezer Scrooge), Gene Lockhart (Bob Crachit), Terry Kilburn (Tiny Tim) and Barry MacKay(Fred) give a superb performance. Now I finally have the chance to watch the movie. I am so excited!!!!

A good Christmas movie for the whole family

[ComedyFan2010 · 7/10 · 17 December 2013]

I never watched any other version of this Charles Dickens story, so i will not compare it to any, besides the novel itself.

One thing which I find disappointing is how they avoided so many parts of the past that explain why Scrooge became the bitter man that he was. Especially him losing Belle. To me it was an important part of the story and seeing it cut out of a movie that is very short in itself makes no sense to me, especially since they added other elements.

But I guess the explanation is that this movie was made as an entertainment for the whole family. And the original story may be too grim for the children. This is why it avoids Scrooge's grim past an also shows more of the happiness that fun character Fred shares with the neighbourhood kids.

I really like the actors. Back in the days acting was more over the top than it is now, actors sometimes act as if they are on stage and not on screen. But this is suiting to this story and adds some old fashioned charm to it.

I especially like Reginald Owen as Scrooge. He seems to be like two completely different people, super performance.

The three spirits are captured perfectly. I like all 3 of them and the fitting mood that they bring.

Terry Kilburn seems a bit out of cast as Tiny Tim. He seems way too healthy for me to worry about him dying. But this could also be because he represents the happiness that Scrooge misses.

Very beautiful setting as well. The black and white cinematography is beautifully done. The buildings and costumes really transfer us in time.

All in all a beautiful Holiday classic to have in one's collection.

ALSO A WORTHY VERSION

[Sunsphxsuns · 9/10 · 5 December 2021]

I belong to an incredibly small and probably forgotten group of film fans who have seen every filmed version of this classic Charles Dickens novella: "A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas." Yep! You read that correctly. That is actually the official title of Dicken's masterful story, though today it is more commonly known as "A Christmas Carol."

First published in London, England, on December 19, 1843, it's an astonishing revelation when you consider how popular this piece of literature continues to be given that it is now (2021) 178 years old. Redwood and Sequoia trees last that long, while certain animals such as Greenland sharks, Koi fish, Bowhead Whales, and even certain sea urchins live much longer. There is even a clam called the "Ocean Quahog" that is believed to live more than 500 years. And though the average human lifespan is just under 80 years, it would seem that even the aforementioned trees and creatures may not ever be as immortal as A Christmas Carol.

Dickens penned and quickly published A Christmas Carol during a period when he was nearly broke, and had a large family to care for. Unfortunately, the book wouldn't lift him completely out of debt, but it would help.

The real tragedy of the Christmas Carol films is that Scrooge is depicted similarly in each version, even though he is absolutely a multidimensional character. Reginald Owen does an admirable job portraying the irascible, nasty old Ebenezer Scrooge. But the problem is, Scrooge, the character, is so much more than that. He's bitter, yes, but he wasn't born that way. An older, wiser, and no doubt, wearier Scrooge, sees the duplicity of people who wish each other a "Merry Christmas" only to callously push them aside the next day. He doesn't hate the Christmas holiday. He despises the people who celebrate it and he absolutely loathes their hypocrisy.

My only complaint with this version is that it reconstructs the storyline far too often. These "variations" have the effect of diluting the most important threads of the story itself. (If you read the book, or compare this version with the others, you'll see what I mean).

Still, even with the above mentioned flaws, the cast is quite memorable: Bob Cratchit is played by Gene Lockhart, Mrs. Cratchit is played by Kathleen Lockhart (Gene's real wife), Belinda Cratchit is played by June Lockhart (Gene and Kathleen's real daughter), Jacob Marley is played by Leo G. Carroll, who later found a rekindled career as the bumbling and lovable Cosmo Topper in the hit TV series, Topper).

As usual, no spoilers here, but I will reveal that this was the first film appearance of June Lockhart (who would later find fame in the TV series Lassie), and the only film where the Lockhart family, Gene, Kathleen and June, would appear together.

Good Version

[utgard14 · 7/10 · 20 December 2013]

This version of A Christmas Carol is one of the better ones. Not the best, but top five for sure. Reginald Owen gives a decent, if somewhat exaggerated, performance as Scrooge. He's ably helped by a fine MGM cast, including Gene Lockhart, Leo G. Carroll, and the always-adorable Ann Rutherford as the (blonde!) Ghost of Christmas Past. British actor Barry Mackay makes a fine, jovial Fred. This film also features the screen debut of June Lockhart. There are several parts of the novel cut out, as well as a few new bits added. But, all in all, it works as a mostly faithful, fun adaptation. It's also barely over an hour so it doesn't waste a lot of time.

Wonderfully done, great cast and my personal favourite of the timeless Dickens classic

[basford · 9/10 · 7 February 2006]

This 1938 version of Charles Dickens immensely popular novel is overshadowed by later versions, but still stands out as one of the best. Everyone knows the story, a tight-fisted and mean old miser Ebenezer Scrooge causes misery for everyone in the business world is visited by the ghost of his former partner and told that if he does not change his ways, he will suffer the same fate as him. He is then shown by three spirits his past, his present and his future. The miser then changes his ways and has one the happiest and heart warming endings ever. This story has been filmed several times and I shall say that of all of them, I love this one the most.

The MGM company stared British actor Reginald Owen as Scrooge, who played the character brilliantly. He looks more of the embodiment of Scrooge than any of the others. He looks utterly bitter, mean and angry. Gene Lockhart played Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's long suffering clerk who is only ever given one day in the whole year off as a holiday, Lockhart played him wonderfully. He made the character lovable, joyful and doting on his family and the bond he had with Tiny Tim was more touching than the others, however, he was a bit too plumb and jolly for the character. Lockhart's wife, Kathleen Lockhart played Mrs Cratchit and was also perfect, even though she might have had too much good nature towards Scrooge (not in the book). Leo G Caroll played Marley's ghost, perhaps the spookiest one ever. Although he was a bit soft spoken, he was all the more creepy and seemed all the more tormented. The distinctly British stage actor Barry Mackay played Scrooge's good hearted nephew and was probably the best performance. He made the character very likable and easy going, exactly what Dickens would have wanted. A very young Ann Rutherford played the Ghost of Christmas Past (on for a VERY brief space of time), Lionel Braham played a jolly yet serious Ghost of Christ mas Present, again perfect from the book and D'Arcy Corrigan playing the scary Ghost of Christmas Future (again VERY brief). Other characters were Lynne Carver as Fred's 'fiance' (his wife in the book) Bess, Ronald Sinclair as the young Scrooge and Terry Kilburn who gives the weakest performance, he was a bit too old for Tiny Tim and was too happy and lively, not to mention healthy looking. But he tried and was acceptable. All the cast gave just about their best in this film and it is that what makes you really enjoy it.

The story has been pretty well done on screen, the sets and costumes are all truly Dickensian. It conveys a different type of spirit to the book, it is lighter and more...how shall I say it?...Christmas like. It was a bit more hard hitting than the book. My grandfather recorded this film one Christmas when I was three and since then it has not been shown on British T.V. It was the first film I ever watched and I have treasured it. I read the book at the age of eight and since then I have read nearly all the other books by Charles Dickens and have taken the view that he is the greatest novelist ever.

Whilst this version remains my favourite, I sadly cannot help but find several faults with it. Dickens is my favourite author and I ms feel I should defend the book. Firstly, why did it have to be so short? it runs for 69 minutes on VHS. There are so many scenes left out from the book and others just changed. For a start is the scene where Cratchit was fired...why? It wasn't in the book and didn't particularly make the story any better. Then there is the bit where Scrooge calls in the watchmen to come and arrest Marley's ghost. Then there is the ending, where Scrooge turns up at the Cratchits for Christmas lunch as opposed to him raising his salary and vowing to help his struggling family on Boxing Day. These changes don't make the story any better and I don't see the point in tampering with a great story just for the sake of it, but I suppose that there is no harm in experimenting. There were so many scenes left out from the book, the ghostly undertaking carriage going up Scrooge's staircase, the tormented spirits hovering outside Scrooge's window, the Fezziwig ball, Scrooge's ill-fated affair with Belle, Belle's future family, the ignorance and want scene, the Old Joe and Mrs Dilber scene and several others. It wouldn't have tormented the to have made the film a bit more faithful to Dickens' original and those are really the only things about his film that disappoint me.

However, I know most of my comments seem to be very confusing and I don't make it clear whether I like something or not. I'll put it straight. This version is highly enjoyable and holds up very well to the story, it will always be my personal favourite and shouldn't cast aside as much as it is. By the way, film buffs should recognise Billy Bevan as the leader of the watch, Forrester Harvey as Fezziwig, June Lockhart as Belinda Cratchit, Harry Cording as the waiter, Halliwell Hobes as the vicar, Olaf Hytten as the schoolmaster and Lumsden Hare as one of Scrooge's business associates, all uncredited.

Other versions of this story are the 1935 version with Sir Seymour Hicks (which I haven't seen), the definitive 1951 version with Alistair Sim which is widely regarded as the best of all and the most popular, the camp 1970 musical with Albert Finney which Dickens would have despised, the moody and dark 1984 version with George C Scott, the hilarious Muppet version in 1992, another brilliant 1999 version with Patrick Steward and the frightfully awful musical 2004 version with Kelsey Grammar.

God Bless us...everyone!

This movie is not quite worth caroling for. It was a really disappointing watch.

[ironhorse_iv · 7/10 · 27 December 2019]

One of the earliest film screen adaptations of author Charles Dickens' 1843 novel of the same name. This MGM motion picture directed by Edwin L. Marin tells the story of elderly miserable greedy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owens) having to learn the error of his ways on Christmas Eve after being visited by three haunting spirits. For the most part, within the 69 minute time frame, the movie somewhat does that. Still there were a lot of problems. Some of the gloomy melancholy aspects of the story were taken out in order to make the film more family friendly turning it cheesy. Because of this, I never felt like Scrooge got scare of any of the ghosts. He pretty much laughs at all their faces and try to bravely attack one of them by trying to choke the ridiculous Glinda the Good Witch from 1939 film 'Wizard of Oz' lookalike out. It's really bizarre. Just think if they went along with the young child-like spirit from the novel. Now that would be outrageous. They even ruin Jacob Marley (Leo G. Carroll)'s haunting warnings with a silly joke where Scrooge ask watchmen to check his bedroom. So badly done. Also his turn toward the good came a little too soon into the film to the point that the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come didn't really have to convince him much. Owens acting is all over the place because the lack of tone. It was somewhat jarring. Much in the same way that the film open up without the cold hearted titular character in sight. Instead, we spent a good amount of time with Fred (Barry MacKay) having fun with the neighborhood kids including Tiny Tim Cratchit (Terry Kilburn) sliding down on some ice. He had so much joy, the film had to repeat it yet again eating up more screen time. In total nearly 5 minutes of filler. Then the opening also focus a little too much with Bob Cratchit (Gene Lockhart) doing yet childish things like throwing snowballs at random people until he got caught by his boss and fired like an idiot. This additional scene of him getting sacked which isn't in the novel didn't really enhance the story much. There was no payoff. Also the scenes where Bob buys all the Christmas goodies could had work better if the filmmakers put that in the Ghost of Christmas Present along with Fred goofy off with the children. The opening should had focus only on establishing how cruel and lonely Scrooge is. Even the sequences of Christmas past should had shown how shallow he was becoming but the film fails to deliver that as well. By showing how much he was looking forward to spending time with Fran (Elvira Stevens) on Christmas rather than studying at the boarding school, you take away how money driven he really is. However the biggest crime is cutting away all the scenes involving his neglected fiancée Belle. I can't believe the filmmakers took away those wonderful moments in order to spend more time with Christmas Present; which they pointless wasted on, by showing in detail how surreal a chocolate pudding cake on fire is. They also ruin the idea of loving your fellow man by showing that a silly magically bell causes and forced people act nice to each other on X-Mas rather than something deep in their hearts like compassion. It's so bad. At least they didn't show the two hideous emaciated children named Ignorance and Want from the novel. So that's a plus. But they kinda ruin it by spoiling Scrooge's demise so early in the Christmas Yet to Come segment; rather than build upon it by showing Tiny Tim's death first. It's not very focus. They even cut the scene of the thieves that ransack Scrooge's house. It killed the gloom and doom feel. Because of that I found Ebenezer's redemption arch unsatisfied. Regardless of that I just surprised that this movie even got made. It was highly rushed into production, only having a few months to film before being released in December. Along with that, original actors had to be replaced such as Scrooge's main actor Lionel Barrymore who suffer a hip injury and had to be confined in a wheelchair. He was replaced by Owens who was pretty weak in the role. Even Lockheart got hurt as he burns his hand when removing coal. Parts of the accident was left in the movie. Still Lockhart's performance was admired but he is often criticized for looking too well fed for the role. As for MacKay. His acting as Fred was decent. Everybody else besides Bob and Fred was highly forgettable. Despite that the audio is pretty clear for a film this old. However the dated visuals weren't amazing to look at even for that time. At least, it didn't have much of any speckles or dust spots for such an old film. It was clean enough be shown local television stations in the United States on various local networks until the advent of cable television. Since the late 1990s it has been broadcast on Turner Classic Movies airing several times during December. The film can also be seen on DVDs and VCRs tapes often tagged along with featurettes like 1931 short 'The Christmas Party' & 1939 cartoon 'Peace on Earth'. However the question is if the movie is worth seeing. The answer is not really. There are far more entertaining & well-made various film versions of this story. One of them is the 1951 masterpiece of the same name. It matches the novel so very well. Even the 1992's children musical 'A Muppet Christmas Carol' is better than this movie. Overall: Those were the best rendition of this timeless classic. A must see for anybody looking for the true meaning of Christmas. This one besides its historical value is pretty Scrooged up. It's more of a secondary watch.

Not as good as some others

[dane-92 · 5/10 · 25 December 2018]

Everybody has their own expectations about what they feel makes the ideal portrayal of this classic story. For some people, this 1938 rendition is just right. But personally, I just can't get into it. The acting is over the top, awful liberties are taken with the original story, and Scrooge is kind of a stooge (with a bad make-up job). There are a number of other versions that are much more real-life-feeling, better acted, and more faithful in their storyline. Alastair Sim, George C. Scott, and Patrick Stewart are all more believable as the lead character than "Admiral Boom."