MovieChat Forums > Scrooge (1951) Discussion > the best version of a Christmas carol?

the best version of a Christmas carol?


its up there for me
thoughts?

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There is only opinion. Everyone finds something in every adaptation that they love and that one becomes their favorite. For instance, how can anyone love the Finney version is beyond me, but people clearly do. I can't tell if that version is supposed to be a comedy or campy, although I suspect the latter.

Alastair Sim is, to me, the quintessential Scrooge. Despite being primarily known a comedic actor, he shows the range of emotion this character's transformation should show. I marvel each and every time I see it.

1984's Carol with George C. Scott surprised me as I was expecting to not like it going in. While Scott does a fine job as Scrooge, he's a distant second to Sim in this role. The rest of Scott's cast was fabulous. I loved the actors, sets, characters, costumes and music of this production. I put it as a close second to 1951's Scrooge.




Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.

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I agree with you regarding this version and Sim's portrayal and yet this too has flaws which make me think "Oh why did they do that" or "why did they cut that important piece out?".

I like and enjoy the Finney version very much, and I do see the flaws in that as well. Adapting it for a musical was always going to make it "different". That said I think it is about the impression it has on you when you first see it. I saw the Finney version in the cinema on Christmas eve in 1972. It made a massive impression and I have enjoyed it since, warts and all. But the 1951 is my favourite.

Let's pray the human race never escapes Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere. C.S Lewis

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1951, Alistair Sim, & it's not close. A+, this is my #41 all time.
What I love is how old & aged the film looks & feels, even for the 50's. I'm afraid to say it's flawless, & yet I can't pinpoint any flaw.

...my essential 50 http://www.imdb.com/list/ls056413299/

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It depends on what you mean by flaw.

As a stand alone, it is produced, directed and acted brilliantly. The mood is excellent. However, because of the book...and because of the fact that the "collectors for the poor" are introduced to us in the beginning, their omission at the end when Scrooge would apologise to them and state that "there are a good many back-payments included" is a flaw. However it is still a great film and the best version in my eyes.

Let's pray the human race never escapes Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere. C.S Lewis

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The Alistair Sim version is the best, easily.

I also like the 1938 Reginald Owen version, and also the 1999 Patrick Stewart is pretty good.

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This 1951 version is the definitive version.

Others have had things to offer. And, yes, the 1984 version with George C. Scott was better than expected and has the better Tiny Tim, but it's an '80s TV production and therefore feels a bit rushed and choppy in its pacing.

But no version could surpass the forlorn, ice cold, Victorian gothic vibe of the 1951 version with Alastair Sim.

You just can't hit the nail on the Dickensian head any closer.



--
LBJ's mistress on JFK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcXeutDmuRA


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The gold standard!

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Most definitely. This one is my favorite, with the 1984 version starring George C. Scott a close second.

My Reviews: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbYVmhjEJi9UAB4pZqseAGM9CSmMooF0n

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I'm a big fan of the story in the first place, so I quite like most of the different versions.

But in my opinion, this is the very best. I make a point of watching it every year - it never fails to bring a tear to the eye and warmth to the heart. Such fantastic performances by all concerned, especially Alastair Sim, whose performance is wonderful.

(As you may have guessed, I've just watched it today and have once again been hugely entertained).

Merry Christmas!

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I grew up in the late 50s/early 60s, and this is the version that was on TV every year. This and "Whistle Down the Wind," which I haven't seen for years.

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It's my favorite. Alastair Sim makes it for me. Though the George C.Scott version isn't bad.

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I enjoy bits and pieces of the many versions but Alastair Sim nails it.

The best revenge: Live well, enjoy life and be happy. Drives any haters crazy.

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