A Christmas Carol (DVD, 1999)

Of all the productions of Dickens' masterpiece this version is the most
transporting and eloquent. Alastair Sims' portrayal of the curmudgeon skin-flint Ebeneezer Scrooge sets the bar for all others. His harshness and bitter-tempered personality pre-visitation by Marley and the spirits is so deep seated one wonders first, how it came to be and, second, if it can be broken through. The self-afflicted cocoon of lonliness into which he has wound himself is brilliantly explained in the telling of the tales from his 'Christmas' past'. The losses to death in his past, the changing way of the world and the supremacy of cut-throat business, his own guilt at losing his sensitivity, as when he takes away Feziwig's business, all combine to create a wretched dried up soul.
All portrayals of the spirits are done well with the least attractive performance belonging to the most difficult, that of the Spirit of Christmas Yet-to-be. As a character with no spoken word the actor relied completely on body language which I have seen done better by others but for the times and talent one must still say "well done".
The insight into the times of 19th century England make this story a favorite. The manner of relationships in families of the socio-economic levels represented is portrayed quite well. Whether the middle class Fred, nephew of Scrooge, or the quite poor clerk Bob Cratchet, the family and friends are touching in their warmth and geniality. Even the joy of the past celebration of the Feziwigs was charming.
The attention to detail in this production is excellent. Look at the toys in the toy shop that Tiny Tim (Patrick McNee) gazes longingly into. Notice Tim's fleeting sadness as the ship he so desires (yet his father cannot afford) is sold. But sadness is replaced as the laughter of the clown makes him joyful again. Scrooges' gradual transformation during the three visits is quite believable, again a tribute to Sim.
The transformed Scrooge of Sim is one of the most entertaining of any I have seen. I laugh out loud to hear him sing an impromptu song and to see him run to stand on his head frightening his servant (brilliantly portrayed by Kathleen Harris) into a screaming fit. The interchange with the boy in the courtyard is precious. The gentle way he enters Fred's home and engages his niece brilliantly portrays humility and tenderness born of repentance.
All this and so much more go into making this version of A Christmas Carol
far and away the best. I take nothing away from Patrick Stewart, my second favorite, nor George C. Scott, a close third. But each year I eagerly desire to see Sim in his transfixing role. This year I saw him not once on cable, therefore, owning a copy, was a must, and getting the black and white version was a bonus! The portrayal along with that of the others has motivated me to invest in a copy of Dickens novel and I'll perhaps be reading it to my grandson in a very short time.

It is with not doubt the one of the best movies ever made. We have watched it twice and the deliverey was faster then I could of hoped for from the U.S.A. that was great. We will treasure it for years to come as it is favorite of the whole family and a delight to watch. Thanks for it. Roger.

Great service--all time favorite movie and this version is far and away the best! Would order again.

This is my absolute FAVORITE Christmas movie. I bought it because it should have been added to my video library years ago. I don't recall ever seeing this movie on store shelves; that's probably why I'd never bought it.

Dickens "A Christmas Carol" is good no matter how it's done, or who acts in it. But Alistair Sim just does it better! Scrooge is more evil, and in the end, more reformed, than in any other version. The final wake-up scene when Scrooge realizes he has been given a chance to change his ways is an amusing and extremely moving delight! It is true repentance that you are watching, and the joy that comes from turning back to good - Sim has it down! This one is worth owning just to watch that scene once and again and remind ourselves that we could change ourselves as well. Surely, this was Dicken's intention!

The movie brought back fond memories of Christmas past. I bought it for my Grandaughter who had never seen the original movie.She was fascinated by it. Thank you very much.

never received this product whats up with that. you folks need to keep your word your word is your word.

never received this item even though i paid for it.would never buy from this seller ever again.wanted it for my sister.this item and one other from this seller also was not received. so far nothing has been done about this problem.

I attempted to purchase this product as a "Buy it now" item. After many days and many emails, I was informed this product was no longer available even though it was listed. It was an administrative nightmare.

The two versions with Reginald Owen & Alastair Sim were the best of the lot when it came to making something out of Dickens' classic. It's nice to have these in both B&W and Colorized. Both are great depending on my mood.

Jon DeLong

This is an all time favortie of mine since I was a kid. Christmas time
can not go by without seeing this movie at least once if not more. The
true meaning of the season.

I decided to buy this movie because my mom has been looking for the original black and white version for a long time. She was upset this Christmas because she missed it on TV, so I bought it for her. I used Ebay because I have a 2 1/2 year old and it's easier clicking the mouse than dragging her through a store.

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Fast delivery, order very close to Christmas and received before Christmas, Would buy from vender again.

great classic movie, my family had watched this video for years every christmas and when we were able to find it on DVD, we were very excited about viewing it. Though I have not seen it, my mother has and she is delighted to have it.

I never recieved the movie and was refunded 35 days later..SO i can write any kind of review on this movie

In my opinion, this is the best version of A Christmas Carol starring Alastair Sim. All of the characters are good. I have seen many versions and by far the british version is the best.

No one in my family likes this version of A Christmas Carol ... it has poor sound quality, weird music, and the actors are horrible.

This version made a lot of changes to the story, at times it's not even close.