Scrooge (1951)

 

I didn't bother with 'A Christmas Carol' in 3D with Jim Carrey. It just didn't seem right somehow. For me the definitive version of Dickens's seasonal tale is, of course, the 1951 Alastair Sim version, as near to a perfect Christmas film as anyone is ever likely to make.

Despite one or two Dickens purists protestations about the added narrative around Jack Warner (a big star at the time), I think this is a reasonably faithful adaptation of the book and, when delivered in its intended form (high contrast black and white and solid mono sound) is a near perfect piece of cinema.


It boasts a sterling cast of fine British actors, including, alongside the simply brilliant Sim, a young George Cole (playing the early Scrooge pretty seriously) as well as first-class appearances from Kathleen Harrison, Jack Warner, Michael Hordern, Mervyn Johns, and a young Patrick MacNee. 


 
Sim plays the rolly-eyed Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who, despite his considerable wealth has no interest in charity of in giving his employees any more than the bare minimum. On Christmas Eve is is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who was equally as selfish and mean as Scrooge in his own life but who has returned to beseech Scrooge to change his ways before he too is condemned to an eternity of wondering the earth in shackles.

 
Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits who will take him on a journey of Christmases past, present and yet to come. As he is visited by each, and forced to see his miserable life through the eyes of other people, he learns the error of his ways and upon awaking the next day has a complete change of heart. This is particularly effective as Sim plays out his uncontained excitement brilliantly with barely suppressed giggles and guffaws as he confounds his employees, family and associates by re-emerging as a picture of generosity itself.


 It's a wonderfully thought-provoking film  that moves forward at a spritely pace, making it ideal Christmas viewing and is certainly a film you will want to watch again and again - at least once a year, alongside the equally thought provoking 'It's a Wonderful Life'.


 It's worth mentioning that, despite the fact that there have been some shockingly bad transfers released of this film (particularly the awful colourised version with echoey sound), that this is a much improved transfer with high contrast black and white, heavily crushed blacks (with no signs of digitising)  and a decent enough mono sound track.



Also, though it appears to be in 4:3, it is just a tad wider than that, and is no pan and scan version. This is its original aspect ratio. You will be able to appreciate the full Dickensian splendour of C.M. Pennington-Richards superb cinematography at last!


 
Extras are a little superfluous as they comprise principally of a few colourised scenes. They look suitably dreadful.

 
I would heartily recommend the purchase of this edition. The fact that I'm posting this on Christmas eve shouldn't put you off an immediate purchase. The film is fun whatever time of the year you chose to view it in but you will want to reserve at least one annual outing for this special day.