A Christmas Carol

It has been estimated that there have been over 1,000 versions (since the first 1910 silent one) of this timeless classic, and I know that a lot of people credit the Alistair Sim version as being most faithful to the original text--while factually it is far-and-away among the LEAST faithful to the Dickens' tale. I don't say that to disparage Sim's version as I find it a thoroughly enjoyable and well done classic. That said, however, its divergence from the original text begins with the title "Scrooge" instead of the actual name "A Christmas Carol". It changes Belle's name to Alice, it has her ending up as a lonely spinster working in some poorhouse for sick elderly instead of happily married and mother to the children Scrooge might have called his own; Fan is anything but "little" and the abandoned boy at school is hardly a "boy"... the list of other deviations goes on and on for this alleged "truest to the original" version; but that is NOT what this critique is about--it's about Stewart's version; yet I felt it necessary to mention that to make my point. I am a Dickens purist, and while I enjoy ALL of the versions of this classic (and the Sim, and Reginald Owen and George Scott versions are among my favorite --as is the Mr. Magoo version among the many animated ones), THIS one (with Patrick Stewart is far and away the very BEST if you want to see it as close to the way Dickens wrote it as possible. That said, it DOES have its senseless deviations. For one inexplicable thing the producers saw fit to change the name of his sister Fan, to "Fran" (I really think that is the silliest thing they did and by far the most egregious infidelity with no justification beyond using a more common name). At least she IS a little girl... and Scrooge a little boy at the time. The book DOES begin with a brief snippet from Marley's funeral but only to get in the lines about Marley being "dead as a doornail" followed by a reference to it's not being the "deadest bit of ironmongery" (directly from the text)... then quickly changes to the scene in Scrooge's counting house, with Cratchit busily at work in his little tank while the mercenary Scrooge watches greedily. From this point on the movie follows the actual story with remarkable accuracy. It even shows the ghost of Christmas Present as a MALE!!! as opposed to the Politically Correct penchant of so many producers to make one of the Spirits a female (despite the FACT that the Ghost of Christmas Present refers to his 1800 plus BROTHERS). Joel Grey is perfect as the diminutive Spirit who looks both old and young at the same time. The Spirit of Christmas Present also is great, and takes Scrooge to all those places, (the lighthouse, the ship at sea, down in the "bowels" of the Earth, to the almshouses and prisons), and later we actually see him AGE... something NO other version I've seen depicts. After his frightful trek with the Ghost of Christmas yet to Come (NOT the Ghost of Christmas Future--never mentioned in the book)... he more accurately reacts... we see him go to church (not shown in any other)... and his pacing in front of the nephew's house before dashing for the door. Little things like this make it just perfect among ALL versions. -- OH! And Cratchit actually DOES live in a hovel... truly a poor residence, and is skinny and looks the Cratchit we envision while reading the tale. And again unlike all other versions, depicts Bob going upstairs to say one last farewell to Tiny Tim who is obviously waked in his bed after his demise--another thing NO other version I know of shows. Okay... I'm not going to go on any further and doubt many will have read this far; but I was only too happy to critique this version simply because I'm always excited when I see a movie that, unlike most, is truly faithful to the actual text. Beyond the irksome moniker of "Fran" and a few changing of words to a more modern lexicon hither and yon... this made for TV movie is without peer as a screen adaptation of the most filmed and most timeless Christmas Classic ever put to pen--or on screen. No doubt -- Five stars and a big thumbs UP! Loved it!

There are many fine versions of "A Christmas Carol" out there to chose from, but this one is my favorite. Patrick Stewart is excellent (as always) in the role, sweeping you up and into the story. A great version for both young and old. The rest of the cast shined as well, especially Joel Grey.

My favorite movie made from this classic. Patrick Stewart's performance is the best. What a wonderful story. I read it every year and I watch this every year.

My favorite version of a Christmas Carol! Patrick Stewart is brilliant as Scrooge. The laugh he gives when he wakes up Christmas morning is the best part of the movie. A must watch during the holidays!

The 1999 adaptation of A Christmas Carol stands out as a deeply engaging retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. This version immerses viewers in a cold, oppressive atmosphere that perfectly captures the grim realities of Victorian life, contrasting sharply with the warmth of the Christmas spirit depicted through the Cratchit family. One of the film’s greatest strengths is its fidelity to the source material. It includes scenes often omitted from other adaptations, such as the celebrations of lighthouse keepers and miners, enriching the narrative and grounding it in the broader social context of Dickens’ time. This attention to detail brings the story to life, reminding us of the diverse experiences surrounding Christmas. Visually, while the film’s atmosphere effectively conveys the story's themes, some aspects show their age, particularly the CGI effects during flight sequences, which can feel clunky by today’s standards. Additionally, the television budget is apparent in the simpler sets and limited camera work compared to larger theatrical productions. The supporting cast, including Richard E. Grant as Bob Cratchit and Joel Grey as the Ghost of Christmas Past, contributes solid performances, though they may not leave as lasting an impression as those in earlier adaptations. Ultimately, this version of A Christmas Carol offers a heartfelt and nuanced exploration of redemption and the Christmas spirit. Its emotional weight, combined with a commitment to Dickens’ original vision, makes it a worthwhile addition to any holiday viewing lineup.

Patrick Stewart is now my favorite Scrooge. This adaptation of A Christmas Carol is the best. Details previously overlooked in other versions fill out the story and make you want to watch it at any time of year. The cast is excellent, with Richard E. Grant marvelous as Bob Cratchit and Stewart brilliant as Ebenezer Scrooge. Beautifully filmed and directed, you lose yourself in the story and appreciate the happy ending more than ever before.

Buono.

I've always loved Dickens' Christmas Carol and this filming is my absolute favorite among all the filmings.

Una delle versioni più belle mai fatte, ma non capisco come sia possibile che non viene venduto anche in lingua italiana. Fino a pochi anni fa veniva trasmesso su Canale 5 in italiano, ma non capisco la mancanza di una versione in italiano. Se mai venisse venduta consiglio chiunque di acquistarla, è veramente un film da vedere.

Whilst watching I kept thinking there is something not right about this version of Dickens Classic story. The simple fact is that it was made for an American audience and unfortunately it comes across in the film. Stewart's performance is reasonable, but for someone who has played the part of Scrooge over a number of years I anticipated better. The Ghost of Christmas past looks more like a camp fairy on a Christmas tree rather than a phantom from a bygone Christmas. I don't think I'll be going back to watch this version, which is a pity as the story is great.