A Christmas Carol -- Barbara Allen

[@mrstrongest]

Sounds absurd, but for me, the maid's face and her nod of encouragement are one of the most affecting moments in film history. Sim's magnificent, the whole scene's magnificent, but that nod takes it up to some incalculable level.

[@obo7707]

" Go on , it'll be okay " is sometimes some of the most encouraging heartwarming words there are. And to say it without words is sometimes more loving and simple.

[@gregdelaney119]

I don't think it is absurd to mention this. I concur. The first time I saw this film, long ago, I got chills and teary-eyed from it, and I still do.

[@juliehawkins3816]

Sound weird but I started crying!

[@gregdelaney119]

@@juliehawkins3816 You understand the meaning and impact of her gesture. :)

[@johnmh1000]

The little maid plays an incredible part (I understand that AS wasn't all that welcoming to her on set). But for me the look on Fred's wife's face when she sees Scrooge first of all is concern and fear about what this seemingly vile man is here to do. After Scrooge's speech then the look on her face is radiant! A very pretty girl. Great acting by all involved.

[@cookiesandmilk3207]

I am a film fan of 70 years and one thing I know: this is the greatest Christmas Carol ever put on film and this scene, with this song, is exquisite beyond compare.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur !

[@realUlfricStormcloak]

This song plays in every scene his sister Fan is in. A distorted version plays as she's dying. Fred is her son, so it plays here as Scrooge finally accepts him as an extension of her.

[@luthermcgee7586]

The expression of the girl that answered the door is what captivated me. I've never seen a comment on her, so I'm making this one- she's pretty, and vastly underrated.

[@BOK602]

The maid steals the scene. Never says a word, but her eyes haunt you forever.

[@jimduffy1967]

How does this guy afford a maid ? Uncle Ebeneezer scoffed at him and told him , you'll be a nothing.

[@kyriakospentheides]

@@jimduffy1967 Fred is still pretty wealthy and from a wealthy family, he's just not as much as Scrooge and could be wealthier indeed if he treated people poorly like Scrooge did.

[@Katu195]

It's hard not to get teary-eyed at this scene. The director was smart enough to know how touching it was for Scrooge to turn to the housemaid, and she to nod with a "go ahead.' The whole scene is heartwarming.

[@skipbosco7467]

+Katu195 Yup, this is always when I tear up...

[@Mark.H.9192]

Beautiful comment ! Well said. Thank you for it. Gets me teary every time too.

[@tiptop5695]

yep..I always lose it here....my favorite scene in the whole movie.

[@jimstanga6390]

Katu195 - the writers and director took some liberties with Dickens Story....but they were very clever about it and it adds to the story and fleshes out some of the characters so well.....the director knew his audience well enough to put some scenes in to make things work at an emotional and visceral level. The subplot of Fan and her deathbed request that he missed always shatters me.....this is such a great film....

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

I cry every time I watch this scene. It's perfect: "Can you forgive the pig-headed old fool. . ."

[@71superbee3]

This is my favorite scene. It embodies repentance, redemption and forgiveness. Merry Christmas.

[@mikekaroules2820]

71superbee3 ; He who broke hearts now has a heart that is broken. Luke 4:18

[@keithmccaslyn2527]

Indeed.

[@bshuler2185]

71superbee3 ~🙏🏻God Bless you, God bless us, everyone.🕊

[@carminemurray6624]

Tiny Tim was so wonderful 💖

[@Frenchblue8]

Here come my tears, every single time. When Scrooge turns to look at the maid, for reassurance that its ok to go in, and she nods so sweetly - oh my goodness.

[@Tommy-76]

The young lady never says a word, but she speaks volumes...she says it with her eyes "Go on, go in!!"

[@MrAitraining]

The best and only version we watch - for over 40 yrs. This scene always chokes me up. I also love how the servant at the door gives him that look of innocent encouragement when he hesitates to go into the living room.

[@Frenchblue8]

I just typed this same comment, above, before I read yours. what a moment. And Scrooge's apology to Fred's wife, and her reaction, that second kiss,. Just the best. We watch it every Christmas Eve, without fail.

[@Frenchblue8]

wow - I just typed the exact same thing, before I read what you wrote I have had the immense joy, over a lot of years, of turning all kinds of people I've known onto this version - the ONLY version - of this amazing and beautiful story for Christmas, evermore.

[@markhard8219]

The best version. Beautiful. Of course, with grandkids, we also watch A Muppet Christmas Carol.

[@Frenchblue8]

Mark Hard Lol, same here. But believe it or not they seem to already love best the ones from my childhood in the 60s and 70s, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, and Frosty. Really there are so many new ones I'm discovering with them, and ones that are christmas specials of the shows they love on nick junior. But now I'm ready for a really great spring!

[@jamescastner7870]

I am touched by everyone's comments. The emotion you express makes me feel that maybe there is hope for the world yet. A wonderful scene and a wonderful song!

[@isoamylnitrite]

Far and away the best version of Christmas Carol and also a superb rendering of Barabara Allen!

[@lisa_vincent1243]

The singing of "Barbara Allen" in this scene moved me, from the first time I saw the film 40+ years ago (I was about 10 at the time). I had been taking piano lessons for about 3 years and music was becoming a budding passion for me. Music would also become a means of connecting with my father, in an otherwise emotionally distant relationship. So much packed into this one brief scene!

[@richardrogerreed]

Agreed

[@sketchartist1964]

@@lisa_vincent1243 I was looking for a good version of that tune here on KZbin but ended up going back to this one. Something about it ...very moving.

[@leaonardland9001]

Yes!

[@johnmh1000]

@@sketchartist1964 Yep I know what you mean very well, it's haunting, but you can't say why...

[@clemdane]

I choke up every time I see this scene and Barbara Allen strikes up. The way they tied Fan and Fred together with this theme was exquisite.

[@jubalcalif9100]

You speak the truth, Kemo Sabe !!

[@RS-yd2bp]

Amazing scene. They can't make movies like this today. Amazing version of Barbara Allen... The best I have ever heard. I would pay a decent price to have a full recording of it as sung by those singers.

[@jons4418]

Yes, they can make movies like this today-I do love this movie, though.

[@kyriakospentheides]

@@jons4418 They pretty much can't because corporate suits control movies too much, making them soulless and bland vehicles for shallow and insincere politics.

[@jons4418]

@@kyriakospentheides Maybe you should read a little about how the film business operated in the 1950’s. I don’t have time for a lecture, but society has changed tremendously since 1950. Tastes and desires have changed, but I absolutely guarantee that there are movies made today every bit as good as this movie was.

[@an-tm3250]

Sim captures trepidation, hesitation, embarressment, hope, repentence and more in gestures only. He was a magnificent actor and we are blessed to have him on film.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Well said and well put !!

[@VidkunQL]

For those who don't know, "Barbara Allen" is a beautiful old ballad about a maiden's remorse for her cold-heartedness.

[@lisasez]

You unknowingly brought to my attention the answer to a question expressed in my post above.. God sent.. Thank u too...

[@joyearls8879]

VidkunQL .It is and I grew up with this song constantly being sang , amongst a lot off other ballads .

[@foxteen8721]

So then no wonder this was included. Thank you so much for sharing! Merry Christmas!

[@janicetilley5540]

Just googled the song the other day. Always thought it was a beautiful song but only heard the part from the movie.Tells a sad story

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I included this version of Barbara Allen in my latest "Phonograph to Folk Revival" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuranuXiLlogKM The series compares similar recordings of the same traditional songs by traditional singers and popular musicians. Feel free to subscribe to my channel if you're interested in traditional folk music!

[@audreyhepburngal00]

I have seen and own a great amount of the classic A Christmas Carol and this is my favorite version. Alistair Sim is in my opinion the greatest Scrooge anyone has ever played.

[@morbius109]

My absolute favorite rendition of the Christmas Carol. Alistair Sim was beyond brilliant in this role. He portrayed the bitter, cold hearted Victorian money lender and the man redeemed with equal mastery. The scenes from after he awoke from the visit of the third spirit are among my most beloved scenes of any Christmas movie I've ever seen. His bubbly, high energy cheer and delight bring a smile to my face every time. Truly, Sim portrayed a man freed from the weight of his past and who reveled in the freedom the joy of his redemption brought. RIP Alistair.

[@markforster4398]

The marvellous sensitivity of the director comes out fully in this clip. In Dicken's book there is no encouragement from the housemaid, no singing of Barbara Allen, no asking for forgiveness from his niece-by-marriage, no graceful acknowledgement by her and no dancing of the polka with her (which comes directly after this clip finishes). And these additions make one of the sublimest scenes in all cinema.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I agree 100 per cent ! Well said and well put, indeed !

[@cowsongs]

Oh man, so TRUE. The delicacy of scenes like this, and the simple gestures (like the maid's little nod to Scrooge to go in) are genius. And this isn't the only scene with such brilliant subtlety. When the well-wishers come to ask Scrooge if he will donate to the poor at the beginning of the film, his simple look upward, and one-word answer, "Why?", are more powerful than if he had spoken for 5 minutes.

[@theodorethomas8022]

I've heard Alistar Sim was a very kindly man, yet his most famous role was depicting Ebenezer Scrooge: "Can you forgive a pigheaded old fool for having no eyes to see with nor ears to hear with all these years?"...... Timeless. Thank you Mr. Sim.

[@michaelc.6532]

Theodore Thomas watching this version on an old VHS was a family tradition for many many years when I was a kid. I have shared this with my own family now the past 12 years. This IS the best version of Scrooge. Barbara Allen is significant in that Barbara Allen was a hard hearted women, but Scrooge changed the script so to speak seeking forgiveness and opening his heart before Fred his nephews death or possibly his own

[@scottmiller6495]

A fabulous actor and a kind human being!!!!!

[@jamescanzoneri1698]

The epitome of repentance.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

His portrayal of Scrooge after the redemption is so brilliant - I think we're seeing the real Alastair Sim as the smiling, happy, kind-hearted, generous man at the end of the story!

[@heatherwatterson590]

It is ironic. Also true of Margaret Hamilton, who played The Wicked Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz. That womam terrified as a child, but everything I ever read about her says she was a wonderful, kind lady.

[@milwright]

For over 40 years this version has been my Christmas eve go to. Even if no one watches it with me, I’m ok.

[@ohger1]

I've been watching this version for almost 50 years now, and I still am in awe of the amount of range of emotion Alastair shows entering the house in this wondrous scene. On his face you can see his reclamation yes, but we also see fear, anticipation, timidness, and even hope. Absolutely amazing acting. If only we could have had the 1984 version with Alastair.

[@bralingii1635]

Theresa Derrington! Her smile and nod slays me every time.

[@jnoller49]

The best and only Christmas Carol to me still brings a tear to my eye everytime I watch it. I love this movie

[@Meedav]

I watched this so many times when I was a kid.... Loved it.... and I still get 'Choked-Up' when I see this scene. Merry Christmas to All.

[@jubalcalif9100]

This powerful scene never fails to choke me up too !!

[@DerekRobertsonUoDedu]

This scene makes me and my dad shed a tear every year we watch this.

[@joyearls8879]

Derek Robertson Iove this scene always cry .Grew up with the song Barbara Allen was a favourite in my family.

[@TheLimeinacoconut]

I get misty eyed every time I watch this at Christmas

[@carminemurray6624]

I cry like a wee lass. 😭😥😭

[@rexlibris99]

My favorite scene in my favorite Christmas movie. Alastair Sim was remarkable. You might watch films with him to see other actors but you end up watching him. This film version of Dickens' classic will likely never be topped because you can't replace him as Scrooge.

[@doubleghod]

Yea, Sim was unequaled

[@blairone100]

i have watched this video a hundred times and will continue to watch it a hundred more times, It's my all time favorite as well, The song Barbara Allen dates back over 400 years

[@TGHibiki]

rexlibris99 Alastair Sims is truly one of a kind, but I have always found Sir Seymour Hicks' performance has always remained the true Ebenezer to me. You can find his, the 1932 version it on KZbin now.

[@rexlibris99]

I seen it and it is good...my opinion remains unchanged.

[@MrCristoforoantonio]

I refuse to watch any other version. This is the only real one, as far as I am concerned.

[@zeppelin523]

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, and it only takes an instant.

[@johngruen5274]

Too err is human. To forgive, divine!

[@carminemurray6624]

Forgiveness yeilds fruit in the here and now and also in the World to come.

[@000RainbowChick000]

I really wish there was a full version sung buy these actors because they have BEAUTIFUL VOICES

[@cleocatra9324]

Irk! When i try to sing my cat bites me

[@KathrineJKozachok]

I just got done making the same comment on another video! I haven't found another version with such lovely harmony!

[@heatherwatterson590]

The very closest thing I have found to the beauty of this cover is Simon Garfunkel, but no harmony like this. It's quite pretty though.

[@markforster4398]

The woman singer was played by Eleanor Summerfield. Whether she was actually singing or being dubbed I don't know. Here's a clip of her in another film that year with Alastair Sim "Laughter in Paradise": kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIu5i3WtZcydqZI

[@1earflapping]

Especially their harmonies.

[@zephyr755]

Exquisite arrangement of "Barbara Allen" lyrical, ineffably English and yet universal. The matchless Alistair Sim as Scrooge, walking into a Victorian parlour (and into our hearts) for reconciliation and forgiveness - freely granted. Stupendously moving..

[@cmcapps1963]

So good and so universal. My southern appalachian great grandmother sang it to me when I was little. For me its a little odd to think of it as a Victorian song but of course it was that too.

[@rstein926]

I am from Edinburgh and I still can't get over the fact Edinburgh had the honor to have someone play the best Ebenezer Scrooge in cinema history.

[@beentheredonethatb4]

That scene always brings tears to my eyes and I've been watching it since I was a child in the 1950's.

[@faeryquene]

What a joyful scene. Alistair Sims will forever be the greatest Scrooge! And this to me is the best version ever of "A Christmas Carol". This is my favorite version of this traditional ballad. I first heard it watching Scrooge (A Christmas Carol). And this is my favorite scene in "A Christmas Carol".

[@oldschoolm8]

Oh dear. Tears every Christmas time when Alistair Sim enters the scene and declaims himself as an old fool. The expression on his face and the reaction he gets is beautiful and, obviously, is a wonderful script from Dickens.

[@trinitymplayers]

With some additional lines (like the "pigheaded old fool" speech) from scriptwriter Noel Langley.

[@oldschoolm8]

Hugh S, I know it’s embellished and altered but it fits the overall feel of the novel.

[@trinitymplayers]

Never said it was wrong. Just pointing it out. And it was a moving scene.

[@moirasinclair1554]

Alistair Sim cannot be beaten in this role!

[@inoshikachokonoyarobakayar2493]

As a child of the 80s, my Mom always made me watch this version before my favorite, which, of course, was the George C. Scott version. 🙂

[@cdbefus]

most beautiful version of this song I've ever heard

[@KingGeorge24]

Hamm & Beef Art Garfunkel has a very beautiful rendition. I would highly recommend it.

[@32gunfrigate]

@@KingGeorge24 Agreed. His version and this movie are the best.

[@Mihoyminoy124]

Art garfunkles rendition is beautiful

[@carymiller2403]

This scene can bring tears to your eyes. The facial expressions between Scrooge and the maid and their silent interaction are heartwarming. Scrooge is fulfilling the promise he didn't know about to look after his late sister's son and also be a kind hearted person. A Christmas Classic for the ages. Timeless

[@jubalcalif9100]

So very very true !!

[@harkrum]

Tears, Tears, Tears,...always watched this as a kid, no family connections...

[@IDriveAnAudi]

My favorite movie of all time of any genre. I'm 52 and have watched this nearly every Christmas eve as far back as I can remember. I know every scene by heart and still tear up at this one every time. To me, this is a part of Christmas as much as anything.

[@cowsongs]

What a wonderful thing to read! I am 59, and I have done the same every year. I am sure there are millions like us out there. This film takes you from the depths of despair and heartbreak to the heights of romance, love, and forgiveness. Anybody who isn't moved by this amazing story, and by Alistair Sim's simply glowing portrayal, must have a soul as hardened as Scrooge's. Merry Christmas.

[@IDriveAnAudi]

@@cowsongs Well I’m 60 now and watched it again a couple weeks ago before Christmas. Happy New Year!

[@gordeauxd]

This scene is so poignant in the film because they used the music from Barbara Allen, without the singing, at many of the more emotionally charged points earlier on. For example, when Scrooge is taken by the Ghost of Christmas Past to see his sister on her deathbed, having just given birth to the nephew who also appears in this scene, the music is played very softly and slowly. That tune becomes subconsciously connected to a number of tense scenes throughout the film, the accumulated tension from which is released here when Scrooge finally goes to Christmas dinner at his nephew's. One of the many reasons why this is the best version of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol on film.

[@lyzzlyzzy1023]

gordeaux d wow, I had no idea. Perhaps that's why I am crying hysterically every time I watch this lovely scene.

[@joyearls8879]

That is it put so eloquently and you have put it to words.I cry every time and also because I grew up with the beautiful ballad Barbara Allen .

[@realUlfricStormcloak]

@@joyearls8879 that song is about the ultimate simp

[@joyearls8879]

Ulfric Stormcloak . In Northern Ireland my home was singing and poetry .My late mum wrote poems by the hundreds , which I am getting all now collated into one book. Music and poetry , very essence of my soul.

[@timothyj1966]

as many times I have watched this Film, and knew it was Barbara Ellen, the way you described them weaving the tune in and out of sciences with the tension is EXACTLY the way to describe it. Set, Wardrobe, Screen play, Cast, SCORE, cannot be beat CLASSIC FILM.

[@anthonyat2401]

One of the most perfectly directed and acted scenes of any film ever - and with that music too. Modern cinema is politicised garbage for the generation of ignorance. What they are missing...

[@SuperSerge7777]

I've, no we've (family) have been watching this version since I was a kid... the best version and the best scene...a heartbreaker

[@carminemurray6624]

Just thinking about Tiny Tim dying made me cry at age 9, I had just lost my best friend to cancer. Scrooge begged for Tiny Tim's life, yet Tiny Tim was a great advocate of Ebeneezer and said he was sure it was him that sent the Goose. The smile on Tiny Tim was truly awesome.

[@TheJacaranda01]

A beautiful moment of a beautiful film enhanced by a beautiful song. Does it get better than this? I think not.

[@zephyr755]

Correct!

[@jdm3770]

My favorite scene also. Great melody, lovely message, and the cute little pixie maid who seals Scrooge's resolve

[@emg8810]

+Jeff M The scene when Scrooge (Alastair Sim) enters his nephew's home, met by the maid, is one of the most moving scenes ever in a movie as "Barbara Allen" is played in the background. Tears come to my eyes every time I watch it. "God Bless Us, Everyone."

[@josearturogarza5114]

JD M her name is Theresa Derrington. Guess she made Big impression on all of us.

[@maggier]

I wish there was a full version of this harmony. It's like we just get a tiny glimpse of perfection.

[@rskearns]

Agreed - When I was young, we had to wait until Christmas to watch it on TV, with ads of course, and though Mom read us the book each year, and we sometimes listened to a record narrated by Reginald Owen), we especially looked forwad to the Alistair Sim version, treasuring every nuanced moment. And for me, one of the highlights was this scene, for its gentle humanity so touchingly accompanied by this sweet tune and the rich though simple harmony. I would play it on the piano as best as I could remember it, and years later, got to use playback on the DVD to make sure I had the harmony right - especially in the verse before they stop as Scrooge entered. Perfect Christmas.

[@johnathanryan2117]

Fred's unconditional love for his uncle despite everyone else's reservations, and scrooge redemption. Masterful performance , in literature and on the screen. Superb.

[@johngruen5274]

Just watched it again this Christmas. This is THE great scene in one of my greatest movies. Scrooge's apology, the warmth of the forgiveness without condition, and the music! Hats off Alistair Sim and the maid with her minimal yet monumental nod that gives him license to start this redemption. Too good!!!

[@leaonardland9001]

The greatest Christmas movie, the greatest film of A Christmas Carol, and the most memorable version of "Barbara Allen".

[@gurugenis]

If you don't have a tear in your eye at this moment from the movie, with this song as a background... surely you are not human!

[@Frenchblue8]

Indeed So true!

[@gurugenis]

God Bless Us, Everyone!

[@Frenchblue8]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge - In keeping with the situation!

[@gurugenis]

Merry Christmas. my friend, in keeping with the situation... lol... how eloquent

[@Frenchblue8]

Robert Genis I could have written word for word your original comment here. One always feels one is the only person who has that exact feeling/ reaction

[@mje881]

I, like so many others, are 'over the moon' that finally after all these years the identity of Fred's maid has been solved, (Theresa Derrington, (Cozens-Hardy) I really enjoyed reading the 'dickensblog' inteview and those photo's of Thersa, thanks for posting the links Steven Brant, and to all those who made helped solve this mystery. Trouble is, what do I do now every Christmas which I used to spend many hours searching the web trying to find Fred's maid? I know! will read the blog time and again.....Best wishes... Mike

[@mmagliaro]

That someone else made a point of selecting out this clip, simply because it is the segment where they sing "Barbara Allen", darn near restores my faith in humanity. THANK YOU for this. My family and I always considered this song and this sequence of the story to be an especially touching moment. I am so happy to see so many other people who were touched by the simple hearing of this song.

[@moirasinclair1554]

No other actor can hold a candle to Alistair Sim as Scrooge!

[@chop471]

TRUTH.

[@scottmiller6495]

@@chop471 Superb!!!!!

[@FedorManiac90]

Not even in a thousand years from now will their ever be an actor to play this part better.

[@CaptApril123]

He was a comedian, this was his only dramatic role.. and he owned it. This scene always guts me.

[@papa-3895]

He was a brilliant actor and a kind man.

[@lakewalker11]

The theme of "Barbara Allen" recurs in the movie, first associated with Scooge's lost sister Fan, then his newly discovered niece, wife of Fan's nephew Fred. Brilliant use of a musical theme. One of the greatest and most moving scenes in any film, ever. Alastair Sim is absolutely wonderful.

[@domenicoonorati566]

The Fact this movie is played Every Christmas Tells you It's Greatness

[@rackinfrackin]

Yes, it's THE emotional high point of a film that's practically ALL high points. My other favorite scenes are the famous "morning after" with the charwoman Mrs. Dilber (a hilarious Kathleen Harrison), and the little boy that goes to butcher shop for the goose. Wonderful movie.

[@rskearns]

All of the above, plus at the very end, when the folk tune (Gathering Nuts in May?) changes into the last part of Silent Night as Tiny Tim runs up to Scrooge and leads him in the opposite direction with such joy.

[@37terraplane]

So beautiful, cry every time.......it's a work of genius!!!

[@drtwatman]

Beautiful ballad, beautiful piece of cinematography, masterpieces of acting. Few films are able to so strongly elicit so many emotions so completely. I'm a 50 year old professional, but, at different times in the film, I feel empathy, anger, pity, guilt, bewilderment, wonderment, sadness, overwhelming joy to the point of true tears... If you can sit through the entire film and not choke out a few tears, I'm astounded. When the spirit of Christmas present answers scrooge's question about what resources the boy and girl clinging to the spirit have, and he answers "are there no prisons?...are there no workhouses?...I lose it.

[@dorothyevans4101]

A movie from childhood that influenced my behavior for my entire life, Love it still.

[@Frenchblue8]

My brother and I knew nearly every word.

[@Classicalstephen]

I watch Scrooge every Christmas and this moment of the film affects me the same way every time. The timeless Alastair Sim and the timeless Barbara Allen. Like many of your correspondents, it moves me to tears always. The maid's encouragement in the opening sequence is enough! Classical Stephen

[@matawanjohn]

This version of the Christmas Carol makes it feel like Christmas for me. I have watched this for the last 50 years and never get tired of it

[@rickw1100]

No version of A Christmas Carol exudes the true spirit of Dicken's masterpiece as does the Alistair Sim's version.- and no single scene in the film communicates that same spirit more than this one. Thank you for posting.

[@ohger1]

I read Dicken's novella every Christmas, and I have to say that this version (and 1984's) of A Christmas Carol is actually superior to the book

[@alpspitz1]

When I was watching this movie,I couldn't get this song out of my head afterwards. Made me go and buy the DVD just to hear it ! Enchanting song....

[@johnopone]

The servant,Scrooge, and the music ...... something we will never see again. Lord love you England and Charley Dickens !!

[@amytaint9389]

Along with all the other marvelous things about this scene, this is my favorite rendition of Barbara Allen and wish could hear them sing the whole thing❤

[@timdooley1414]

Many years ago We listened to this movie on 33 vinyl, always on Christmas Eve, just prior to going to bed. Wonderful memories !!!

[@AB-vp4lh]

Best Christmas Carol im 13 and my nan said she watched this a kid and i think this is the best Christmas Carol for my favorite Christmas story and i love this version

[@troyharper2042]

My favorite scene from "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" . I love this old ballad. I remember hearing my Great Grandmother sang this when I was a child. I loved it. She sang it with this old favorite melody.

[@rabattaglia]

I tear up every time this scene comes on. Waaah!

[@jamesdrynan]

This film has been a part of my Christmas for over sixty years. I've seen other adaptations over the decades but no actor has yet portrayed Scrooge as well as Alistair Sims. His transformation from an avaricious, mean-spirited man to a joyful and caring fellow is sublime! The scene on the stairs with Mrs. Dilber is so sweet I get a lump in the throat.

[@stevencohen624]

This is the best version of "A Christmas Carol", in my opinion. Alastair Sim was magnificent. Also great was George Cole as young Scrooge. I loved the scenes involving Alice with the elder Scrooge looking on in despair.

[@michaelc.6532]

I absolutely agree! I don't know how many different Scrooge's there have been, but this one is absolutely the best. Allistar Sim IS Scrooge! I have to watch the black and white version also.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Her giving him back the ring is the hardest scene for me.

[@jamescanzoneri1698]

The script, cast and production are well-crafted art at its finest. My favorite adaptation of the Dickens classic.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Could not agree more !!

[@Tinsby]

Couldn't agree more! Love the song and the performers, a great part of this wonderful movie.

[@jubalcalif9100]

How right you are !!

[@celebratingthesoaps]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who prefers this Scrooge the most, and this scene was always my favorite.

[@taurotar]

Absolutely THE best version in spite of cinematic flaws at the end. Brilliantly acted and moving. Alistair Sim, sheer genius.

[@gordeauxd]

Cinematic flaws? You mean that you can see the cameraman in the mirror in Scrooge's bedroom on Christmas morning? Most people do not notice that until they've seen the film a number of times.

[@taurotar]

Yes, that exactly. It had been years before I even noticed it. It doesn't matter though as the film is so great. In fact, these days it could be digitally removed but I doubt any would have the interest.

[@gordeauxd]

taurotar I assume the director noticed it. But it was about a 5 minute long one-take scene that Sim absolutely killed from an acting standpoint. I think the director likely decided the flaw was a worthwhile trade-off for the acting performance.

[@taurotar]

As obvious as it is, once you spot it, the film is still superb.

[@harkrum]

Also, when 'Old Scrooge was better than his word', he walks into a certain type alley, and when young Tiny Tim calls, he walks out of a different alley...

[@PaulGoodeK]

The best scene in the film. The wide-eyed maid is wonderful without saying a word. After all of the angst and guilt, it is the nod of a quiet working class girl that that removes Scrooge's last bit of hesitation and gives him the courage to open the door to the warmth and love of the human family.

[@jessknowland102]

Out of all the shows about scrooge over the years, this is still my absolute favorite. The look on that maids face is absolutely fantastic. It lights the entire room and still brings a tear to my eye every time I watch it. Besides all that, I have never heard a rendition of Barbara Allen that was so wonderful. I wish someone would repeat that again with the same inflections.

[@lornablewettandlee504]

Probably the best 2 minutes on youtube.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I agree 100 per cent !!

[@calcuttarugs]

I only wish that this gorgeous version of “Barbara Allen” could have continued on. The verse that begins with “So slowly, slowly she came up” introduces a harmony vocal by the male singer that grabs me every time. I have always wished that I could hear the remainder of the song with his harmony vocal sung in tandem with her beautiful melody.

[@LazlosPlane]

Lovely string orchestration of the tune, somehow, magically, enhances the theme of "redemption" which of course, it the them of "A Christmas Carol," and, I think, of Christianity, (therefore, Christmas) itself.

[@clamroll200]

This is BY FAR the best version of this song.... Ever! So simple and the harmony is amazing.... : ) Too bad its incomplete.

[@robertseaman3920]

Wonderful observation about the maid and her part in making this such a classic scene and one that truly brings out all the beauty of a song like "Barbara Allen!"

[@jubalcalif9100]

How right you are !!

[@lpecevich]

I love this song, and it makes this version of "A Christmas Carol" my favorite.

[@catmandude1800]

I choke up every time on this scene- so well done. I like the added bit where he hesitates & the sympathetic maid waves him in.

[@CarlB_1962]

One of the most heartwarming, beautifully acted scenes ever committed to film. I never tire of watching it and it chokes me up every time.

[@kimc3024]

The 1951 version was and will always be the best one!! Love ya, Alastair!!

[@williamdavies6241]

This scene is so atmospheric , I cry every time I watch it , I even watch this film in summer, infact I must watch this film at least 10 time a year I love it.

[@AJM-timecop]

The encouragement at 0:52 gets me every time.

[@johnnyandrew9083]

Amazing vocals especially the male singer. I wish I could find the entire song sung by these vocalists.

[@jamesroberts5180]

This song is so alurring.. It brings the joys of childhood memories.. Of togetherness and family love.. A multitude of forgiveness.. What a song..

[@joeyg3947]

Sim's look of vulnerability as he acknowledges his neice is breathtaking . You can't teach that... I've been watching this version religiously for over 50 years, and I still get choked up at the sentiment of this particular scene. The other is when the ghost of the future shows Bob Cratchit breaking down over tiny Tim's death... Just a great, great movie.

[@jubalcalif9100]

So well said and so well put ! Thank you for sharing ! I totally agree ! This scene always brings tears to my eyes.

[@thomaspaine1815]

My favorite Christmas movie I'll watch it until I can't any more !!!

[@cookiesandmilk3207]

When the man does the high harmony it is beyond beautiful.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Indeed !

[@NickandQuinnTV]

We never tire of this scene....beautiful

[@billjoe39]

Touching... a timeless classic...thanks

[@janetryan9779]

This is the absolute best version of “A Christmas Carol”, and the only one I watch. Dickens would love it! The bit part of the maid is so brief, yet is so important, and so touching. Scrooge is embarrassed and afraid to enter the nephew’s parlor, knowing how he has treated him, and wondering if he will be welcome- and the little maid’s smile and nod encourage him to go in and experience the joy of reconciliation with his family. It’s a lovely moment in this excellent film- and one of many. (The musical score is also one of the best I have ever heard).

[@MDWhiteDove]

My favorite Christmas ballad. . .by listening to it over and over, I've learned to play it on the piano. Such a heart warming song.

[@keithmccaslyn2527]

God do I Love this scene and this song!! this is thee best version of scrooge I've seen,I've seen it so many times and still watch it periodically. Love it! Allister Sims is thee best scrooge,bar none. he owned all the passages and roles of this scrooge!! Including is reclaimation!! Love it!!

[@henryquenin6580]

I can scarcely think of this wonderful, unforgettable scene without shedding a tear. The music is so moving. This movie will live on and be enjoyed forever.

[@kasudano9717]

This is the best version of this story..All of the messages on point. But this scene always chokes me up

[@jubalcalif9100]

I feel the same way !!

[@shanksponies]

Having watched the new 'dark' Christmas Carol I went back and watched this again. Thanks for uploading this, it has me in tears every year. The trepidation as he stands by the door, the reassuring nod from the maid (a small part but who could have done it better!) the words from Scrooge himself and of course the beautiful music that starts the tears. A wonderful scene.

[@larry3064]

I watch this every year. Never been a better Ebenezer Scrooge. Incredible cast. Absolutely wonderful movie.