Cast
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Reginald Owen
as Ebenezer Scrooge
Gene Lockhart
as Bob Cratchit
Terry Kilburn
as 'Tiny Tim' Cratchit
Barry MacKay
as Scrooge's Nephew Fred
Lynne Carver
as Fred's Fiancee Bess
Leo G. Carroll
as Marley's Ghost
Ann Rutherford
as Spirit of Christmas Past
Lionel Braham
as Spirit of Christmas Present
Ronald Sinclair
as Young Ebenezer
Kathleen Lockhart
as Mrs. Cratchit
Bunny Beatty
as Martha Cratchit
Charles Peck
as Peter Cratchit
June Lockhart
as Belinda Cratchit (uncredited)
Charles Coleman
as Charity Solicitor Brummage
Matthew Boulton
as Charity Solicitor Twill
Crew
Director
- Edwin L. Marin
Producer
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Reviews
talisencrw
I really loved this early version of the Charles Dickens classic. Reginald Owen and Gene Lockhart (born in nearby London, Ontario) were wonderful as Ebenezer Scrooge and his employee Bob Cratchit, respectively. Definitely a film not to be missed o'er the holiday season...
Apr 11, 2016
talisencrw
I really loved this early version of the Charles Dickens classic. Reginald Owen and Gene Lockhart (born in nearby London, Ontario) were wonderful as Ebenezer Scrooge and his employee Bob Cratchit, respectively. Definitely a film not to be missed o'er the holiday season...This is up there with 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and the Boris Karloff-version of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' as ones I have to crack open each and every Yuletide season.
Apr 11, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Christmas Carol examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Edwin L. Marin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1938, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Christmas Carol took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 104 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 376 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Christmas Carol shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Christmas Carol offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Oliver Twist and My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday explore similar territory, A Christmas Carol stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 16, 1938
- Runtime: 1h 9m
