A Christmas Carol (1951) Simply the Best - WFP Review 

The one and ONLY version! Merry Christmas to one and all!

My Dad always said this was his favourite adaptation, and I'm sure I've seen it with him as a kid, but tonight was the first time I have watched this film as an adult. What struck me most was just how much development occurred over its relatively short run-time. Lots of small moments that I feel were omitted or maybe just out of focus in other versions. Like you mentioned, the brisk pacing told the story without a wasted beat, but it does not feel rushed at all. The catharsis at the end is also incredibly satisfying and I almost couldn't believe I was viewing the same character(nor could Scrooge). What a stellar performance by Alastair Sim.

This is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol.

A most excellent review. First rate. Like this film. Bravo! Thank you

Mervyn Johns, that great character actor of a time when this truly meant something. The manner in which he displays both joy and pathos in this film is a masterclass in acting. And Alistair Sim...sigh. While many others have attempted the task, some rather well (looking at you, Sir Patrick), he will always be in my mind the greatest of on-screen Scrooges. It is not Christmas in our household without this movie over the Holiday Season, on Christmas Eve if it can be arranged. As a Boomer, I purchased the DVD years ago as one cannot rely on streaming services; moreover, even TCM has failed to air this masterpiece in recent memory. Relying on others for one's happiness is a foolproof recipe for misery. Thank you for your insight and timely video. Just subscribed and am looking forward to watching past videos as well as viewing ones to come.

One of my favourite films. I cannot begin to count how many times I've seen it.

O yes, this is undoubtedly the best. There are several other excellent versions, but Alistair Sim and Mervyn John's hit it out of the park!

One of my favorite films. Good job...

Another goodun mate, there have been so many film versions of this, and there will probably be more in due course but I think this is the definitive. Alistair Sim is Ebenezer Scrooge, he was such a consummate Actor wasn't he. You have a great Christmas and thanks for another great review.

That's SIR Michael Hordern, thank you very much. I loved that the narrator read out the review from Variety. Variety has such an august history of always always disliking every film that is special. Really, their reviewers have an unerring eye. They never fail to get it wrong. You can set your watch by them.

Totally agree with you Walt, this is the best version of 'A Christmas Carol' I think but followed by it has to be said 'Muppet's Christmas Carol' both have got to be played at Christmas it's the law! Happy Christmas one and all ' God bless us everyone!'

What an incredibly well done documentary ... wonderful editing, perfect sound and the young man who is the narrator actually PRONOUNCES his words and does not mumble. Thanks for posting this.

This is my all time favorite version. There are seversl other versions I like, but this one will always be the definitive version. It was the version that I first saw as a child. 1 of out local stations always showed in on the Sunday afternoon before Christmas & at 10:30 pm on Christmas Eve. It was always shown uniterupted by commercials. Many years ago they lost the rights to it, but thankfully I have been able to always watch it, 1st on VHS & now on DVD.

Damn, this flick really does hold up, eh?

Jim is gonna love this!

Merry Christmas Walt to both you and your family! May you have continued success with your channel. I look forward to each and every review you do and the warmth of your comments and insight. You are like the cherished letter that shows up in my mail box. I cannot think of a better gift at this time of year than a Movie Review from you. Be well and we'll keep in touch with each other.

It's a film noir, like It's a Wonderful Life. Deep focus, high contrast b&w. How could it not be the best version.

What the hell? Where are you getting this magnificently clear footage?!

The best version of this very classic Christmas story ! What a great cast of actors and movie script story line. Black & White filming always does great impressions of human experiences. The only thing missing in these scenes is the cold vapor from the humans out in the cold...even old Scrooge's office and some sections of his house. And, I believe British actor Alistair Sims is the best Scrooge made. He did a great job in creating "the real E. Scrooge".

The Babe Ruth of Christmas Carol movies. Its that good.

Great review of my personal favourite version. There is a colourised version, shown on tv a few years ago. Avoid!!! Black and white is perfect for the film. I have to say, though, that I've always felt sorry for Jacob Marley. I mean, Scrooge gets his chance at redemption and a happy life, and presumably afterlife, but poor old Jacob will be dragging those chains and weights around for eternity. Hardly seems fair.

The best Christmas movie ever made.

I can't believe I agree with Bosley Crowther!

You can see a lot of later versions borrow from this movie. I feel Ghost of Christmas Past is the darkest of all, the death of Scrooge's sister, which shows why he has a problem with Fred.

Easily THE BEST adaptation of Dicken’s novel!

For about 2/3 I was thinking this is the weakest version, but it really nails the last third to great success

Great appreciation. Could you tell me the Christmas carol's name and rendition that you used to close the video.

The whole movie is on RU-vid if anyone wants to watch it!

Sorry to disappoint everybody but towards the end of the film when Scrooge looks in the mirror you can see the film crew reflecting in the background of the mirror. 👀