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Dickens' work often lends itself well to the screen and this is no exception. 'The sentimental romance' as he called it displays his characteristic toughness. The original dialogue, in particular, translates effortlessly.
The story concerns Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser with a less than festive attitude. On Christmas Eve the ghost of his old partner decides to intervene. A trio of spirits inflict a series of horrifying visions on Scrooge to convince him of the error of his ways.
Scrooge's life story is told in a series of flashbacks, facilitated by old-style yet effective trick photography. Stalwart director Brian Desmond-Hurst (once an assistant to John Ford) uses this device to conjure up an earlier, innocent world in which to chronicle Scrooge's decent into misanthropy. This contrasts effectively with Scrooge's gloomy, squalid present and doomed future.
The film features a superb central performance from Alistair Sim, all wayward hair and lantern eyes. He invests Scrooge with dignity and wit as the old mudgeon's cynicism is gradually stripped away. This make his joyous transformation on Christmas morning all the more moving. He is ably supported by a roll-call of British acting talent. Particularly noteworthy are George Cole as Scrooge's earlier, earnest self, and Michael Hordern as a splendidly tortured Jacob Marley. The only false note is provided by Bob Cratchett's annoying family, who are too good to be true.
A note to the wary - avoid the computer colourised version. The colour adds nothing to the film and in fact detracts from the impressionistic photography and use of sharp, angular shadows.
The film ends as one might expect for a morality tale, but is none the worse for it. All in all, a beguiling festive treat. As Tiny Tim says: "God bless us, every one".
