Synopsis
Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and the dire fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Scrooge is faced with his own story of growing bitterness and meanness, and must decide what his own future will hold: death or redemption.
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Cast
- Reginald OwenEbenezer Scrooge
- Gene LockhartBob Cratchit
- Terry Kilburn'Tiny Tim' Cratchit
- Barry MacKayScrooge's Nephew Fred
- Lynne CarverFred's Fiancee Bess
- Leo G. CarrollMarley's Ghost
- Ann RutherfordSpirit of Christmas Past
- Lionel BrahamSpirit of Christmas Present
- Ronald SinclairYoung Ebenezer
- Kathleen LockhartMrs. Cratchit
Recommendations
- 80
Screen Rant
Though faithful to the book in many ways, this adaptation, though serious in tone, removed many of the more upsetting elements of the story, including darker aspects of Scrooge's visions of his death and his past tragic romance. - 75
Chicago Tribune
Reginald Owen stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, the Christmas-hating curmudgeon who finally gets the spirit in this 1938 adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. [05 Dec 2014, p.C2] - 75
TV Guide Magazine
A great and eternally heart-warming film that can stand an appreciative viewing every year through every decade. - 75
USA Today
A decidedly sentimental American version, with much comedy (by mistake, Bob Cratchit actually knocks Scrooge's hat off with a snowball) and fortified with a Scrooge who is not so much a born-to-be-cruel wretch but a tortured soul who lost the meaning of Christmas along the way. [15 Dec 1992, p.6D] - 70
Los Angeles Times
The wonderful British character actor Reginald Owen hits all the right notes as the ultimate miser, Scrooge. Equally fine are Gene Lockhart and his real-life wife, Kathleen, as Bob and Mrs. Crachit. [21 Dec 2000, p.F36] - 67
Portland Oregonian
This is padded a bit but still faithful and entertaining. [11 Dec 1992, p.AE15]
