Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" not only has countless versions on film and television, but the basic story idea has been reworked a bazillion times over by such cartoons as "The Flintstones" and even "Mr. Magoo". Why? Well, the original story is very good AND it's in the public domain! But that doesn't mean that I like the plethora of versions of the tale....no, I rather hate most of them. Now there are some brilliant versions, such as the George C. Scott version from the 1980s....and the Muppets version is a great family film But too many others simply are bereft of originality and energy...and hopefully this television version from 1954 isn't one of these unnecessary versions.
I won't bother to explain the plot...practically everyone knows it. In the lead is Frederic March and Basil Rathbone stars as long-dead Marley. They are both wonderful actors, though March isn't at his best here. As for the rest, well, some are decent, some, such as the guy playing Scrooge's nephew, tend to overact. As for the look of the film, it's actually very good for mid-50s TV...especially the look of Marley. But on the negative side, aside from the over-familiar plot, is the pacing. Most versions run about 90 minutes...and shoving this version into a one-hour time slot makes everything seem a bit rushed. Overall, yet another one of too many installments of this story...not bad but also not especially inspired nor original.
If you are interested in seeing this, you can watch it on YouTube....you don't need to buy the Bing Crosby DVD mentioned by some other reviewers. Also, this YouTube version bears the original Chrysler commercials from the show....I am not sure if this is the case of the copy on the DVD.
I won't bother to explain the plot...practically everyone knows it. In the lead is Frederic March and Basil Rathbone stars as long-dead Marley. They are both wonderful actors, though March isn't at his best here. As for the rest, well, some are decent, some, such as the guy playing Scrooge's nephew, tend to overact. As for the look of the film, it's actually very good for mid-50s TV...especially the look of Marley. But on the negative side, aside from the over-familiar plot, is the pacing. Most versions run about 90 minutes...and shoving this version into a one-hour time slot makes everything seem a bit rushed. Overall, yet another one of too many installments of this story...not bad but also not especially inspired nor original.
If you are interested in seeing this, you can watch it on YouTube....you don't need to buy the Bing Crosby DVD mentioned by some other reviewers. Also, this YouTube version bears the original Chrysler commercials from the show....I am not sure if this is the case of the copy on the DVD.