Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)

Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) (1951)

  • 85% of critics liked it
    (26 reviews)

  • 73% of users liked it
    (52,977 ratings)

Widely considered to be the definitive of the many film versions of Charles Dickens' classic novel is this 1951 British adaptation, starring Alastair Sim (entitled "Scrooge" in its U.K. release). Sim plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a London miser who, despite his wealth, refuses to make… More

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In Theaters
Nov 28, 1951 Limited
United Artists

Critic Reviews

  • Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

    A sturdy 1951 British mounting of the Dickens tale, with Alastair Sim contributing a definitive Scrooge.

  • , TIME Magazine

    Though Dickens' frank sentimentality calls for broad treatment, Brian Desmond Hurst's direction is too often heavy as well.

  • Leah Beth Reisman, Entertainment Weekly

    Other Christmas Carols need not apply.

  • Derek Adams, Time Out

    You have what Scrooge himself might call 'Ho-hum-bug.'

  • Bosley Crowther, New York Times

    What we have in this rendition of Dickens' sometimes misunderstood Carol is an accurate comprehension of the agony of a shabby soul.

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Matthew Samuel M


    It's a classic. The performances are wonderful and the atmosphere is suitably eerie and memorable. It loses a few points, though, for dragging in the middle, but besides a dip in energy, the film still resonates with all who see it as a beautiful and timeless achievement.

  • Luke B


    Perhaps not a definitive version, as there never could be one for this story. However, this is probably the most well rounded version. Great performances, especially from Sim, help to create a believable and emotionally taxing experience. The other high point of this film are the bits… More

  • danny d


    many still consider this the definitive film version of a Christmas carol, and in many ways it still is. alastair sim is brilliant as srooge, doing a great job of selling each emotion and change of perspective. despite this films reputation as the definitive version, its surprising… More

  • Jennifer X


    this movie made me incomparably happy. christmas classic.

  • Lanning :


    This one and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE are the holiday season for me. Alastair Sim's a fascinating actor.

Read all 12 featured audience ratings

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