Christmas Movie Advent Calendar Day 18: A Christmas Carol

Numerous movies have been made from Charles Dickens‘ classic novel A Christmas Carol (including The Muppet Christmas Carol), but we especially love the 1951 classic starring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, and that’s why it’s No. 8 in Disc Dish‘s countdown of the 25 best Christmas movies.

This version of A Christmas Carol is perhaps the closest to Dickens’ original story of a miser whose outlook — and Christmas spirit — is changed when he’s visited by three ghosts: the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Like many could’ve-been movies (including fellow top 25 film The Family Man), seeing his life in a different light makes Scrooge realize what’s missing. And, of course, after the experience, he’s a changed man — for the better.

Although faithful to the book, the 1951 movie does have some digressions, but they’re done so well, we think Dickens himself would approve. For example, we see the death of Scrooge’s partner Marley, in which, after hearing of his partner’s imminent demise, Scrooge waits until after closing hours to go and see him. All the added scenes make the story all the more tragic and all the more sweet at the end.

The original film was shot in black and white, however, colorized versions are now available too.

Alastair Sim’s A Christmas Carol is available on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD combo from VCI Entertainment.

Check out the rest of the Disc Dish Christmas Movie Advent Calendar.