ckmate23 I've seen almost all the iterations of this classic novel's film adaptations. The acting is solid by the cast. The screenwriting and direction is compelling. The only reason I have marked down the rating is because I feel there is not enough of it. I don't know if it was written that way or if too much was left on the cutting room floor. It's 69 minute run time is apparently not enough to do justice to the tale. It almost feels like it's rushed and cannot wait to get to the ending credits, particularly in the visitations of the spirits and their education of Scrooge. Scrooge seems to flip from "Bah Humbug" to "Merry Christmas" like an on/off light switch when his conversion should be more gradual. Maybe it's just picking at nits, but that aspect of the movie really bothered me. Hence, the 6 rating.

Kirpianuscus it has the virtue to be warm and comfortable version of a lovely book. to give the chance to Reginald Owen to do a real great job. and to preserve, in wise manner, the spirit of Dickens universe. it is not the best version but it is one of the most seductive. for the crumbs of Frank Capra spirit, for the taste of "30 productions, for a form of lost innocence who today seems exotic. and for the admirable performances who transforms the old story of Scrooge in a personal message to the viewer. it is a great version. and this is result of admirable manner to translate on screen not only the message of the book but the message of Christmas. in a time of tricks and blockbusters, "A Christmas Carol" by Edwin L. Martin remains an useful oasis.

Byrdz Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios presented viewers with many a Classic Story re-written to suit their style. Their 1938 version of "A Christmas Carol" continues this tradition. Reginald Owen plays Scrooge in this version.Not to say that the film is bad .. it's actually pretty good BUT ... it's often not really like the book. There have been several crucial changes inflicted on the plot.. adding some incidents and eliminating others. If other versions of the story have not been viewed, it might not be all that noticeable OR if the story were not so well known BUT( <-- there it is again ) it is just so "HOLLYWOOD" to have Scrooge fire Bob Cratchit on Christmas Eve. All that sliding on the ice and throwing of snowballs ... Dickens would have shaken his head.When they stick to the story, it's no worse than some of the other shorter versions. The actors all do what they were hired to do with no one standing out as outstanding. "Tiny Tim" is way too big to be carried about by his poor short rotund dad and is not an attractive child even on his better days.. but I have a problem with the "tiny" thing and the general robust condition of almost all of the "tims".Complete-ists. Go for it. It's Not all that bad, really.

TheLittleSongbird Not the best version of A Christmas Carol(one of Charles Dickens' most famous, best and most accessible stories)- the Alastair Sim and George C. Scott versions, the 1994 Jetlag and 2001 animated films are the only versions below average- and is not perfect. The Ghost of Christmas Past section is too brief and should have been much more- more time, more detail-, the reason why Scrooge seems to have repented too soon in this version, and Terry Kilburn's Tiny Tim is too healthy and overwrought, the character should have a lot of pathos but Kilburn seems to be trying too hard. There is still a lot to like though. The Ghost of Christmas Present section is very heart-warming, definitely of the Three Ghosts sections the one with the most heart, and the one of Christmas-Yet-to-Come will have youngsters diving under the covers, the people in the section observing and commenting on the situation are quite realistically drawn. While not lavish or big in budget, the film still has splendid period detail and shot in lovely black and white. The special effects are not too shabby, though not award-worthy. The whimsical music score, mean-meaning script, heartfelt message that gets its point across and the ceaselessly entertaining and poignant storytelling are other selling points. And the acting is fine on the most part. Reginald Owen does make a great account of himself as Scrooge(if not quite embodying the character like Sim did), while Leo G. Caroll is very spooky if soft-spoken Jacob Marley and Barry MacKay is possibly the best and most likable Fred on screen. Lionel Brahurn's Ghost of Christmas Present is wonderfully jovial, Ann Rutherford is utterly beguiling though deserving of more screen time and Gene Lockhart appeals in how humble he is. Overall, warm, charming and entertaining though not definitive. 8/10 Bethany Cox