A Christmas Carol Scrooge's Transformation

[@mellttabor2134]

The scream! Oh the scream!!!! HES GONE CRAZY AND HES GOING TO KILL ME OR WORSE- BEST PART OF THE MOVIE

[@Rennimagus]

What I love about Sim’s portrayal is that even when he’s his cruel and reclusive self at the beginning, you can sense old wounds and a barely-concealed vulnerability. It makes his transition at the end far more believable. He’s the only Scrooge I sympathize with before his transformation. There is also an endearingly sky twinkle in his eye that brings out his dark sense of humor in the beginning, you can see it especially in the scene where he and young Marley steal their boss’s company out from under him. By far the most well-rounded performance of this character. I’ve watched this 100 times and it never gets old!

[@pauljackson2473]

Very well put. So many other versions of Scrooge play him with meanness that is misplaced, particularly George C. Scott and Patrick Stewart. His vulnerability shows particularly in the scene where His nephew invites him to Christmas dinner. He doesn’t scream or act mean, his initial response is a weak, sad “No Thank You”. With almost puppy dog eyes. Then he snaps out of it and gets a little testy, but he’s never really mean.

[@guysalzmann9302]

The absolute X-mas Carol standard. Sim- brilliant.

[@adrianpoesiat]

Yes. Great actor. It’s confirmation every time I watch it

[@cleocatra9324]

He’s also funny whether intentionally or unintentionally. I love when he says the line about going to Bedlam.

[@jamessparkman6604]

@@guysalzmann93024:44 I don’t know anything I never didn’t know anything but now they know that I don’t know anything or on a Christmas morning I must stand I must stand on my head

[@jamesdrynan]

Kathleen Harrison is exquisite as Mrs. Dilber. When she says to Scrooge, " A Christmas present...for me? " it's heartwarming!

[@MediaLover194]

Coupled with great comic timing when she says “To keep me mouth shut?”

[@ladydiva295]

I love Kathleen Harrison...that voice. That voice was part of my childhood...❤

[@iannicholson5107]

And mine. I read your comment and thought wasn't she Mrs Thursday?​ I hadn't thought about that in more than fifty years. There's a recovered memory. Sim is of course magnificent but a lot of those supporting cast are putting in a full shift. Merry Christmas one and all.@ladydiva295

[@songsmith31a]

A masterclass of film acting and characterisation. Justifiably recognised as one of the great performances on film.

[@richardeast3328]

Yes indeed!

[@mralleycat63]

My favorite Christmas movie still! My favorite version of A Christmas Carol! PERIOD!!!

[@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.

[@jamessibson7453]

Very well put!!!!

[@billedwards6985]

It's never too late too do the right thing

[@carminemurphy4836]

British films are the best.

[@robshaw3655]

Alwsys a toss upbetween simms and george c scott

[@larry3064]

My absolute favorite.

[@24Brawny]

I love the part where Scrooge says 'The spirits must've done everything in one night.Of course, they can do anything, can't they? Of course they can!' Then he laughs to himself. Impeccable acting by the masterful Alastair Sim!

[@zenjon7892]

"Now I must stand on my head! I must stand on my head!!"

[@marcmaschal2897]

Never get tired of this version.Just the look on Scrooges face at his nephews house shows hes a changed man.Fantastic acting by the beautiful actress who played Fred's wife.Just seemed so real and touching.Definite tear jerker.

[@johnathanryan2117]

Unbelievable portrayal, Sim and Kathleen Harrison nail it...the look on her face when she realises the guinea is for her...superb stuff.

[@annmenzzasalma6151]

Thanks Johnathan for the maid's name. Never knew it. Have seen her in other movies but like you said she nailed it in this performance. "to keep me mouth shut...". Only she could scream and deliver that line.

[@squanto2]

That scene on the staircase, when she realizes the coin is a gift...makes me cry every time.

[@deniswilliams2212]

How about the look on her face when he stands on his head ooh my wardrobe malfunction ☺☺🎅

[@johnathanryan2117]

@@deniswilliams2212 oh aye. Great film from start to fini. Look for the cameraman in the mirror too when hes looking into it and talking to her. Merry Christmas, all the best from England

[@hairychest7865]

Kathleen lived to be over 100 years old.

[@bigjedimullet]

For the curious: a guinea is one pound and one shilling. A pound in 1843 (the year this story was published) had the same purchasing power as 150 pounds would in 2022. So imagine your boss handing you the equivalent of a hundred and sixty pounds on Christmas morning and telling you to go have a good time!

[@ace942]

Thanks so much for that. I have wondered for years how much money was being offered and never could get an answer.

[@richardeast3328]

Thanks for the updated values, it most definitely makes the story so much more meaningful.

[@sirsaint88]

Best version of this tale! The acting is second to none.

[@Folk-rock]

best version by far

[@davidalexander2607]

This is one of the greatest films of all time ..and the greatest performances by an actor in a lead role . SIM was born to play Scrooge

[@ordinarypeople20]

No other version has this superior scene! Having Scrooge share his ecstatic reaction to Christmas Day with a frightened Mrs. Dilber is complete genius. It helps underline Scrooge's transformation. Of course, both Alastair Sim and Kathleen Harrison play this scene to perfection! Thanks for posting it.

[@waynemacfarland1546]

The way the woman runs out screaming, she's like, "This man's crazy! I'm getting out of here!"

[@wadeunderhile7977]

This is an all time great film

[@Lone432345]

I think that Alistair Sim played Ebenezer Scrooge best because did the best job of convincing you that he really had changed.

[@robertwalker5521]

See Alistair in "Green For Danger". on KZbin...great dialogue.

[@sprouting_lady]

Exactly. He's so wonderfully evil to start with, bordering on cartoonish without going to far; and then when he changes he's got such a genuine childish glee about him. I particularly love how he can barely contain himself while trying to trick Bob Cratchit. Easily the best Scrooge.

[@hobomike6935]

@@sprouting_lady "How much do I pay you?" "two shillings a week." "two shil-henceforth it's raised to ten!" *wildly laughing up the stairs* he did such a great job having a change of heart, you almost wonder if the real life actor acted like scrooge before :)

[@susanschaffner4422]

Yes, he did. I saw a clip of George C. Scott. Terrible.

[@pamelacampbell5220]

I agree! He was the best and I’ve seen them all.

[@an-tm3250]

Scrooge discovers the absolute joy that comes from the unselfish act of giving.

[@charleshughes9396]

The best scrooge movie ever made,the rest of the version can just fall in line behind this one.

[@stonewall01]

I don't know. I have to put the George C. Scott version on top. But this certainly is the second best.

[@jokermebad31]

The 1970 with Albert Finney was very good, so was the 1984 with George C. Scott. All 3 were fantastic if you ask me.

[@weejim48]

Definitely the best version of this classic tale. 👍. Merry Christmas to everyone 🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

[@aprilcunningham7246]

My absolute favorite version. Alastair Sim was perfect for the role. I've watched this version since the early 1980s, I was in junior high school, and it was kind of spooky! A beloved classic!

[@allys744]

Alastair’s portrayal of Scrooge is remarkable. He played the stiff/cruel and bubbly/delighted personas so well

[@janesgems7]

There are people in this world today who could do with learning the lesson he did.

[@cleocatra9324]

Heck yes but nobody is beyond hope as long as theyre still breathing

[@retroguy9494]

The way people are today, it would take nothing LESS than the ghost of the person they were closest with in life as well as three spirits to make them change their attitudes!

[@TralfazConstruction]

My parents, especially my mother, were big proponents of Scrooge (1951) with Alastair Sim. Starting at Christmas time 1959 I watched the movie with my parents at age three and a half. As I've gotten older what stands out is my retaining my _earliest_ impressions of watching this movie. Like the brief glimpse we get of the motionless bell even as we hear it ringing. Marley's appearance on the door knocker as Scrooge goes to enter his dwelling. Marley's appearance in front of Scrooge and that pitiful wail he makes. All of this comes bubbling back to the surface even after all of this time and I rather appreciate it too, having those memories that date back so far.

[@RanmaChan]

4:52 I love when Scrooge puts his head on the armchair ha ha ha!

[@tonybihn132]

Me too! 😂😂😂

[@Bryankirshon]

lol

[@timrasico7831]

This version of A Christmas Carol to me is the best one ever done! Alisistar Simms was brilliant! God Bless us everyone! Dr. Tim Rasico

[@305Lfx]

Mr simm.... absolute legend of the screen. His ability for acting is remarkable... he breathes the character he plays... St Trinnians .... Christmas Carol..... the man can act.... Holy crap.... he steals every single scene.... his evocative acting is almost impossible to understand... the man just gets it....

[@24Brawny]

I couldn't agree more. Arguably the greatest actor of all, he captivates the viewer with every scene he is in. Absolutely flawless as Scrooge and just so brilliant in 'An Inspector Calls, 'Laughter in Paradise', 'The Green Man' and 'Green for Danger'. Every budding actor should watch all his portrayals.

[@305Lfx]

@@24Brawny don't panic captain mainwaring.... loved dad's army.. I agree totally

[@MrZiffos]

Without doubt - the best film version of this story.

[@francisphillips53]

Much better in black and white.. great actor. Transformation a tear jerker. Love this film.

[@JohnHenryReaves]

This is how you should feel every morning about Christmas and your Salvation! 🎄 Merry Christmas my Friends! 🎄

[@feldweible]

This is SO MUCH BETTER in the original Black and White.

[@evanmiller2562]

The way she puts her skirt over her face when she runs XD

[@robertwalker5521]

Apron

[@andrewtodaro2874]

Yeah and she screamed like a banshee! 😂

[@evanmiller2562]

@@robertwalker5521 K

[@wenglishsal]

I also love this film .. Alistair Sim's Version of Scrooge is my Absolute Favourite.. I do often wonder, if the song he sings 'I don't know anything' was an ad-lib.. Well if it is or it isn't it always makes me giggle.. MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone, in keeping with the situation 'A la Mrs Dilber' :D..

[@jackg1870]

Christmas 2025 and this is the still the best Christmas Carol - great work by Dickens brought to life by Alastair Sim.

[@meryltrue8773]

Christmas 2024

[@warrenermish1454]

I don’t care if it’s Christmas movie, it is a great great movie at a phenomenal performance by the whole cast

[@VoodooCrab]

Now, I must have a label....a label, label, label, label, label, label, label, label!

[@genesclean1]

This scene at the grave scared the crap out of me as a kid...

[@VoodooCrab]

Alastair Sim is THE best ever!

[@luisreyes1963]

I'm sure the spirit of Charles Dickens would gladly appreciate this film rendition of his classic tale, A Christmas Carol. 🎄

[@anthonycantu8879]

The very, very best version. A.S. was the perfect Scrooge.

[@williamdavies6241]

Throughout this part of the film it really feels like Christmas morning, even if you watch it in July , it must have been filmed on Christmas morning!

[@retroguy9494]

It wasn't though. The movie was both filmed and released in 1951. Since it was released on November 22nd, it would have been impossible to film any scenes on Christmas Day.

[@williamdavies6241]

It was filmed on CHRISTMAS MORNING. . . . . .

[@richardeast3328]

The best adaptation of the Dickens novel, with George C Scott’s coming in a close second.

[@JoleneWILLIAMSON-c2p]

Patrick Stewart??❤❤❤

[@richardeast3328]

@ I forgot about that version.

[@gmansard641]

Stewart and Scott are certainly good, but I still place this one above.

[@richardeast3328]

@@gmansard641 Me too.

[@BrandonKohout]

I don’t know what to do! I am as light as a feather! I am as happy as an angel! I am as merry as a schoolboy! I am as giddy as a drunken man! A merry Christmas to everybody and a happy new year to all the world!

[@kathyhelinski1518]

Hahaha! Reaches in & grabs your guilty, hidden, selfish part of your inner self, in my opinion.

[@melissacomer8404]

This is the absolute version of my Christmas go to's. Just need to watch this version. Then on to the funnier Christmas Classics.

[@RFWieder]

Absolute perfection!!

[@jackwild8019]

This film is evocative masterpiece. Alastair Sim was the definitive Ebenezer Scrooge. RIP Alastair who succumbed 1976

[@DylansPen]

A guinea was 20-25 shillings in the mid 1800's so Scrooge gave her the equivalent of 10 weeks pay. He also raised her salary a week from 2 shillings to 10 or about half a guinea a week.

[@chuckschafer6728]

A GUINEA WAS 21 SHILLINGS

[@retroguy9494]

Roughly 150 pounds today.

[@apples-girl9210]

He's the Best 🏆Scrooge ever! Truth is this story is real... it's exactly a near-death experience enacted & anyone who goes through it is transformed big time! Merry Christmas 🎁🎄🍎🍏🍐🍊🍋🍑🍎🍐🍏🎄🌸🍎🍊🍋

[@cindydott452]

Alastair Sim's wail of dismay at seeing the name on the stone is blood chilling!

[@retroguy9494]

I like the 1970 musical version with Albert Finney better. Where the grave opens up and Scrooge falls in and descends into Hell where Marley greets him and he is wrapped in his chain.

[@cindydott452]

@retroguy9494 I've actually never seen it. I'll see if I can find it streaming tonight. I think Tubi TV has it.

[@toyman9642]

Black & white classic movies should NEVER be colourized. This version of Christmas carol (by far the best) should been seen in it's original black and white.

[@hobomike6935]

I like colourized films and tv shows simply because I can see what the original clothes and furniture were _intended_ to look like, but the black and white versions have a certain charm about them that can't be replaced. It's a wonderful life is another one of those amazing old movies that is best watched in it's unaltered, black & white form

[@jamessparkman6604]

@@hobomike6935 oh come on colorize work for me it works for me. You can work for you to colorize or black and white. It never fails to bring that Charles Dickens dedication.

[@robertlides8558]

I totally agree Alastair Sim definitely played the best part true original

[@kasudano9717]

This is the greatest version of this story!Aliaster Sims acting was epic

[@squiggymcsquig6170]

At 3:12 (and again briefly after 4:00) is one of the greatest bloopers ever. The face of a member of the stage-crew is quite visible in the mirror Scrooge is using. It's remarkable, especially since the mirror is the focal point of the scene, that it ever made it through to the final print.

[@attygarland6909]

As to the story, I'm still perplexed by Dickins' blooper in the storyline .. Why in the world is the poulterer/butcher shop where the kid goes to get the prize turkey be open for business ON CHRISTMAS MORNING? Is it owned by a relative of Scrooge's or something? 🤣

[@squiggymcsquig6170]

@@attygarland6909 This is a question my wife and I have pondered. When Bob Cratchit justifies his wanting the whole day of Christmas off to Scrooge, one of his points is that it would waste coal for the fire, as there would be nobody to do business with; but in nearly every version*, the streets are teeming with people and many businesses appear to be open. *Side note: "A Christmas Carol" is by far the most re-done story in film history. I did a google search a few years ago that put the total at 73, however, I know it is higher than that, as there are versions that I am aware of that are not on that list.

[@barbarasutherland8000]

Best scene ever.😘😘😘😘😘😘👍🙂☺️🤗🎄

[@LordBummenbachsBalls]

Although Albert Finney is my favourite Scrooge, Alistair Sim is the best Scrooge, there’s no doubt about that.

[@flewggle]

This is one of my favorite scenes from this great show. Can you imagine getting a raise 5x your salary?

[@mariepezzelli3509]

Wonderful movie, my favorite scene was when Mr. Scrooge visited Mr. Bod ‘s house. A poor family but happy and enjoying been together .

[@actuary33]

Did u cut yourself off from ur fellow being when u lost the love of that gentile creature?...powerful words

[@carminemurphy4836]

Marie Pezzelli: Who was Mr. Bod ? Ebenezer Scrooge visited Bob Cratchit.

[@jenniferannecchini5216]

Best Scoorge movie version ever 🎥 🎁🎄. Alistair Sim is fantastic in this classic Christmas movie 👏

[@chrisevans4123]

I never tire of watching this wonderful version , Alistair sim was simply remarkable in his portrayal of Charles dickens miserly cantankerous skinflint Scrooge.....the role was perfect for sim who simply bristled with energy and realism on screen....and brought the character to life

[@DanTDrac]

This was the first rendition I ever saw as a kid and it became my favorite. Not crazy about them adding color.

[@1Bandit455]

Best part of this Great movie - I Like the Colorized Version :)

[@fieryeurochick3194]

Love this adaptation. He’s the most elated of all the actors that have played this role and it’s great.

[@Bryankirshon]

an intelligent boy a remarkable boy.

[@presbyteriangirl9739]

He is the best Scrooge. He played the part better than every other actor.

[@chiefnut48]

Best scene in the movie.

[@mkaplan1383]

4:55 The man's barking mad! FETCH THE BEADLE!!

[@michaeld.3779]

A few years ago, my family bought this film for me. It came in two discs: one in black and white, and one in color. I played the color, first, just to see how it appeared, and what effect it had. Well, the story and the acting went unchanged--but the spookiness, the amazing shadows, the overall, ghostly and surreal quality of the environment, was missing. I then put on the black and white, and there was the old favorite I loved as a child, and still do.

[@sharonvantroyen9686]

My favorite version of this movie! We try to watch it every Christmas.

[@Irene-Jn.15]

5:34 to keep me mouth shut 😂

[@jamesdrynan]

It's amusing how he recounts the ghostly visitations, the bed curtains still there, not being sold, to poor Mrs. Dilber who has NO idea what he's on about.

[@adrianpoesiat]

Sim’s portrayal is brilliant. He adds a three dimensional part to Dicken’s amazing story

[@dennismilby1822]

The greatest version EVER !!!!

[@ScottyBugler2005]

I like the colourised version too. It just feels like it brings the actors and actresses who have passed away over the years, back to life. You can see their hair and eye colours. And the clothing and furniture and everything in general Just comes across nicer. We don’t live life in black and white. So it’s nice to see the colour bringing back the past.

[@thed.a.4939]

Merry Christmas Ebenezer! You old Humbug! 😊

[@TheRetirednavy92]

anyone else notice the stage hands in the mirror

[@maureentuohy8672]

1951 Alistair Sims Scrooge Best version ever and still champion! ❤

[@LillianGriffin-zj8ut]

I’m proud of Scrooges transformation. If only Scarlett O’Hara from gone with the wind had this character arc…

[@martybreeden6116]

This version with Alistair Sim has NO EQUAL!!

[@Steveoqotsa]

This film is Christmas,absolute perfection

[@mrmanning3807]

BAAA HUMBUG to the thumbs down

[@Stephen6131]

If the people that want to de fund the police get there way all that will be left is to scream for the beadle

[@waynemacfarland1546]

Can't we all agree that Alastair Sim's Scrooge was the best?

[@Bryankirshon]

my favorite novel by my favorite author Charles Dickens

[@lala-gj4oo]

alistair sim in his remarkable characterization of scrooge that has withstood the winds of time. this version exceeds every other version of the story. incredible actor. rip

[@johnnerren8345]

My favorite part is when he goes to his nephews house and says “Can you forgive a pig headed old man……”

[@ds7900]

THIS WAS AWESOME!

[@veronicadepasquale9741]

He amazing with a big heart❤

[@MrKurtG]

It's my favorite, too, but one cannot help but think, once he spends all his money on those people, they will drop him like a hot potato. He will die penniless and homeless alone.

[@mellttabor2134]

To true of human nature. What begins as a gift of help can quickly become - YOU OWE US SO KEEP GIVING!

[@theradgegadgie6352]

One scene I would always like to have seen is the conversation that takes place when Bob Cratchitt gets home and his wife asks, 'So how was your day, dear?'

[@johnzeszut3170]

Bah! Humbug! Scrooge knew that the best way to help the poor was not to become one of them!

[@kevinbrown4297]

Absolutely wonderful film

[@jamesdrynan]

Colorization ruins the cinematography of Pennington-Richards' shadows and light. Otherwise, my favorite film for Christmas. Sim epitomized Scrooge and the entire movie was perfectly cast. Addinsell's score was evocative. Although the screenplay took a few liberties with Dickens' work, it flows beautifully to the transcendent finale. God bless us, everyone! Hallelujah!

[@chaburchak]

Great movie, but better in B&W. Some things just shouldn't be colorized. Well, most things...

[@MrBalrog64]

Absolutely agree.

[@snakemansnakes1]

Agreed! I was so annoyed at seeing the Colourized version shown on TV that I went straight to Amazon to source an original B&W copy

[@ginamartin6692]

I agree. This movie is the best. Alastair sim is the best scrooge ever. I liked the black and white version.

[@michaeldimartino8515]

I liked translating this movie. From this one scene, I looked up Bob's your uncle, the beadle, and the value of a guinea.

[@roberttrepagnier9149]

Best version of this film.

[@StephenRyder-w3q]

He should have won an Oscar for this performance. This story has been told and shown in many subsequent iterations, and no one ever played Scrooge as well.

[@LittleWeeWees]

Poor Mrs Dilber didn't know what hit her lol.

[@CheoWesley]

I love this version of A Christmas Carol. Alistair Sims was perfect as Ebenezer Scrooge!

[@winterdock]

This movie used to terrify me as a kid As I grew older, I gradually realized the brilliance Not a thing is out of place I wonder how Dickens would have liked it

[@raygreen5926]

A beloved classic. Alastair Sim was the definitive Scrooge in this Yuletide offering. Made over 70 years ago all the actors are now dead. Perhaps the most tragic was John Charlesworth who played Peter Cratchit. In 1960 beset my extreme disenchantment he took his own life in Birmingham/UK. He was 24 years old Time passes. These actors may all be consigned to the earth but are immortalized by this precious film for many a Christmas to come 🎄🔮🎭

[@GeorgiaPeach-b9o]

OF ALL OF THE MANY CHRISTMAS CAROL MOVIES HIS IS THE BEST. A GREAT ACTOR . I DO LOVE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL ALSO.😂😂😂