Fredric March Presents Tales from Dickens (TV Series) A Christmas Carol (1959) User Reviews

Condensed TV version of A Christmas Carol

[surman-2 · 6/10 · 8 December 2006]

I just recently read Basil Rathbones' autobiography, and he talked about this version of a Christmas Carol. He didn't think very much about TV in general basically saying it can take great works like Dickens and turn them into mediocrity which pretty much sums up this TV movie. AT less than half an hour you get condensed version of this classic tale, minimal sets and less than than stellar performances. I never expected to ever see this movie but a friend found it in the dollar bin of DVD's in a grocery store. If your a fan of Basil Rathbone or A Chistmas Carol or both like me it is worth a dollar, and a half hour of your time.

Quite satisfactory as a short version of the Scrooge story.

[Byrdz · 26 December 2016]

This 1959 television version of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is introduced by Fredric March. Scrooge is portrayed by Basil Rathbone. In a previous incarnation of the story, March had played Scrooge and Rathbone was Marley's Ghost. I found this one more satisfying.

This is an abbreviated telling of the tale but they fit all of the really important elements into the story. There is no omission of Fezziwig or the selling of the curtains in this one.

Marley's ghost is one of the better portrayals. He does not slip into sudden wails but is pretty calm about his situation. For once, Tiny Tim really is on the small and sickly side and the story does not revolve around him.

I liked Basil Rathbone. He was a good "fit" in the part without over playing it. I also liked the minimal sets and fog effects.

All in all... not bad and better than some of the other versions. It's on-line. A look is recommended.