Scrooge (U)

Scrooge (released as A Christmas Carol in the United States) is a British Christmas classic based on the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, starring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly man who despises Christmas. Scrooge started a business with Jacob Marley, who was very similar to Scrooge, but since Marley died Scrooge runs the business alone, treating one of his staff members, Bob Cratchit, very poorly.

One night Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge that if he does not become kinder he will have an awful fate after death. Marley tells Scrooge that in the coming nights he will be visited by three more ghosts. Initially Scrooge fails to take the warning seriously but as the ghostly visits become more terrifying, Scrooge begins to realise that he must change his ways.

There have been dozens of adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol but this, for many people, is one of the best. By the end of the story Scrooge has completely transformed, having learnt the importance of charity, friendship and generosity. Christmas is now his favourite time of the year and he does all he can to help Bob Cratchit and his family.

Upon its initial release, the movie was largely ignored by critics, and reactions were varied. Nevertheless, the movie attracted a cult following on television and for many Simm is the quintessential Scrooge.