Scrooge – 1935 | 78 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Faithful adaptation and first sound version of Charles Dickens oft-filmed novel A Christmas Carol. With convincing atmosphere, a hint of German expressionism and faithful Victorian settings this was something of a departure from the quickie quotas normally associated with Julius Hagen’s Twickenham Studios. Sir Seymour Hicks, who effectively portrays a crueler Scrooge, had played the role many times before on stage and appeared in Leedham Bantock’s 1913 silent version. Though overshadowed by later versions, particularly Brian Desmond Hurst’s definitive 1951 adaptation featuring Alastair Sim, this is an interesting contrast. The film is available in a heavily cut 63 minute version and complete 78 minute version.

Miserly Victorian businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Seymour Hicks) is persuaded to change his ways one Christmas Eve by visitations from the invisible ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet-to-Come. Frightened by the visions he sees, Scrooge wakes up a new man, and repents of his brutal treatment of kindly clerk Bob Cratchit (Donald Calthrop) by giving him the day off.