A Christmas Carol

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A Christmas Carol

TV-G

1984

1h 40m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

50 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

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Critics Consensus

A Christmas Carol stands out as a beautifully atmospheric, faithfully Dickensian adaptation whose suspense, warmth, and richly shaded Scrooge make it a strong contender for the definitive screen version.

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John Leonard

New York Magazine/Vulture

Dec 4

As Scrooge, Scott is wonderful.

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Tom Shales

Washington Post

Dec 4

The adapter, Roger O. Hirson, and the director, Clive Donner, have reinvigorated the tale, and Scott gives Scrooge the breath of life. This version is so splendid it is likely to become the preferred edition for years to come.

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Carol Burton Terry

Newsday

Dec 4

It is a glorious tale, filled with suspense and wonder, a touch of mystery, and above all, warmth and love in jolly good measure.

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

Dec 4

3/5

Director Clive Donner laudably avoids cheap visual effects and makes atmospheric use of his Shrewsbury locations.

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Pam Grady

Reel.com

Dec 4

This is a handsome production, as well, with lavish production design and gorgeous (particularly for a TV movie) cinematography.

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Matthew B.

@bromley93 10h

George C. Scott's Scrooge is unforgettable

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Blu B

2d

This stands right with the very best adaptations of the timeless tale. Can't believe this is a TV movie. It's a sin this didn't get a Christmas release. As with all the best versions the editing and pacing are masterful here which is expected with such a timeless tale. Music is solid but it is a little forgettable. I do wish it was a bit more catchy like the Muppet one. Everything else is really well done. Scott is first rate as Scrooge and was born to play this role along with Patton. If I had to pick between Scott or Sims...man Sims by a hair. Even though it can be a little on the cheap side at times hence the TV trappings it's still very high quality all around and for most people I don't think they could tell. Great direction too but most of all it doesn't resort to adding any bells or whistles or making insulting changes/updates to a tale that's been told hundreds of times on film with many more to come. It succeeds at letting the core message shine like the best versions.

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David S.

6d

A great film that has aged remarkably well, this interesting and very dark adaptation of a Christmas Carol, is still the definitive version for me and it's my favorite Christmas film. A great George C Scott, a likeable British cast, and beautifully shot locations, it's a Christmas movie for people that like Christmas movies and I love this one!!!

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Orlando R.

@ManFromAnotherPlace Dec 15

One of George C. Scott’s best performances. He plays a grouch so well that at the end it’s awkward to see Scrooge being a happy guy with a new lease on life. Haha

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Kasey B.

@AtTheMovies7795 Dec 10

This is head & shoulders above all other adaptations of Dickens' masterpiece. It captures the essence of traditional old school London. It's mood is dark & eerie until it's time to change. Its well acted. It is a great holiday movie!!!

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Dec 1

Bar none the best adaption of a Christmas Carol.

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Clive Donner

Director

George C. Scott

Ebenezer Scrooge

Angela Pleasence

Ghost of Christmas Past

Edward Woodward

Ghost of Christmas Present

Nigel Davenport

Silas Scrooge

Frank Finlay

Jacob Marley

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Synopsis

Dickens' London miser Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) meets the ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come.

Director: Clive Donner
Producer: Alfred R. Kelman, William F. Storke
Screenwriter: Roger O. Hirson
Production Co: Entertainment Partners Ltd.
Rating: TV-G
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 40m

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