• A Christmas Carol (1951 film)

12/7/18 (Fri), Tokyo

One of the most loved of the many film versions of the novel. I was curious to watch it after seeing the latest stage version in LA. As usual, this was somewhat dark in approach as opposed to the humorous style of the book. In a major plus, however, it offers many added scenes that fill in the story in the absence of a narrator, who was quoted only in the opening lines. The invented story of Scrooge’s rise in business was particularly good, including his betrayal both of Fezziwig when Scrooge is hired away by another businessman and then of the businessmen when Scrooge takes over that company. The scene with the dying Marley was another great touch (Scrooge: “Is that the doctor?” Maid: “No, the undertaker” Scrooge: “Already?” Undertaker: “It’s a very competitive business”), including Marley’s final gasping words urging his partner to change himself. Those new bits give the story and characters greater depth, making this an invaluable addition to the Xmas Carol canon.

The ghosts were underwhelming other than a scary Marley due to the feeble special effects. The director could also have reined in the sentimentality, which became gooey in parts, especially (predictably) concerning Tiny Tim. But the script was sharp – even the new dialogue was perfectly Dickensian in style – and the characters were nicely drawn and well cast. It was overall an unexpectedly intelligent rendering of the book.

Alistair Sims ably managed to play Scrooge without veering into caricature, though honing to the film’s heavier treatment. He looked the part and had a way of making his dialogue sound spontaneous. The acting in general was fine throughout. I still think cartoons do a better job of the story (I have fond memories of Mr Magoo) because they are by nature lighter. But the film is a great period piece and very much worth watching.