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A Christmas Carol (1951) โ€” Review, Streaming & Trivia

The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him the error of his selfish ways and give him a chance at redemption.

Released
1951
IMDb
8.1
Runtime
1h 26m

Last updated:

1951

A Christmas Carol

1951 Dir. Brian Desmond Hurst โ˜… 8.1/10 IMDb
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About A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol (1951), also known as Scrooge, is widely considered the definitive film adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved 1843 novella. Alastair Sim delivers a legendary performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted miser transformed by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. This atmospheric British production captures the dark, Victorian tone of Dickens' original tale while delivering a profoundly moving story of redemption and generosity that has defined the Christmas spirit for generations.

Cast

  • Alastair Sim
  • Kathleen Harrison
  • Mervyn Johns
  • Michael Hordern

Where to Watch

A Christmas Carol is currently available on the following platforms:

Amazon Prime
Tubi

Trivia & Fun Facts

  • Alastair Sim's performance is often cited as the greatest portrayal of Scrooge in any adaptation.
  • The film was released as 'Scrooge' in the United Kingdom and 'A Christmas Carol' in the United States.
  • Some scenes were shot on location in London, adding authenticity to the Victorian setting.
  • The film was colorized in 1989, though the original black-and-white version remains preferred by most fans.

More to watch and sing

Film picks, carol histories and what's newly streaming โ€” one email a week through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch A Christmas Carol?
A Christmas Carol is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime, Tubi. Availability may change by season and region, so check your preferred streaming service for the latest information.
Who directed A Christmas Carol?
A Christmas Carol was directed by Brian Desmond Hurst and released in 1951. The film stars Alastair Sim, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns.
Is A Christmas Carol a good family Christmas movie?
A Christmas Carol is a popular Christmas movie, though parents may want to preview it first as it may contain content more suited for older viewers. Check the rating before watching with young children.

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