Don't listen to the negative reviews

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios presented viewers with many a Classic Story re-written to suit their style. Their 1938 version of "A Christmas Carol" continues this tradition. Reginald Owen plays Scrooge in this version.Not to say that the film is bad .. it's actually pretty good BUT ... it's often not really like the book. There have been several crucial changes inflicted on the plot.. adding some incidents and eliminating others. If other versions of the story have not been viewed, it might not be all that noticeable OR if the story were not so well known BUT( <-- there it is again ) it is just so "HOLLYWOOD" to have Scrooge fire Bob Cratchit on Christmas Eve. All that sliding on the ice and throwing of snowballs ... Dickens would have shaken his head.When they stick to the story, it's no worse than some of the other shorter versions. The actors all do what they were hired to do with no one standing out as outstanding. "Tiny Tim" is way too big to be carried about by his poor short rotund dad and is not an attractive child even on his better days.. but I have a problem with the "tiny" thing and the general robust condition of almost all of the "tims".Complete-ists. Go for it. It's Not all that bad, really.

I never watched any other version of this Charles Dickens story, so i will not compare it to any, besides the novel itself.One thing which I find disappointing is how they avoided so many parts of the past that explain why Scrooge became the bitter man that he was. Especially him losing Belle. To me it was an important part of the story and seeing it cut out of a movie that is very short in itself makes no sense to me, especially since they added other elements.But I guess the explanation is that this movie was made as an entertainment for the whole family. And the original story may be too grim for the children. This is why it avoids Scrooge's grim past an also shows more of the happiness that fun character Fred shares with the neighbourhood kids.I really like the actors. Back in the days acting was more over the top than it is now, actors sometimes act as if they are on stage and not on screen. But this is suiting to this story and adds some old fashioned charm to it.I especially like Reginald Owen as Scrooge. He seems to be like two completely different people, super performance.The three spirits are captured perfectly. I like all 3 of them and the fitting mood that they bring.Terry Kilburn seems a bit out of cast as Tiny Tim. He seems way too healthy for me to worry about him dying. But this could also be because he represents the happiness that Scrooge misses.Very beautiful setting as well. The black and white cinematography is beautifully done. The buildings and costumes really transfer us in time.All in all a beautiful Holiday classic to have in one's collection.

a special adaptation. Christmas spirit . and more. a good cast. and lovely atmosphere. sure, an antique. but very wise, touching and precise. the old fashion shining is not only virtue. it remains basis of an admirable work. sentimental and good medicine for soul, it is, in same time, a real Dickens. no tricks, no innovation. only lines of a classical story about conquest of a holiday. so, a honest movie. or little more because Reginald Owen does a memorable Scrooge. bitter, warm, seductive. fresh, fragile. perfect character without strange shadows. memory of respectable dear Charles Dickens is present in each performance. and the fragile map of this carol is more important by many other adaptations.

In the 1970's KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angles would play this film on Christmas Eve at 11:00pm. My parents would be mad because my two sisters and I would be watching this in oldest My sister's room. It was a tradition that we did for years (Keeping my parents up well past Midnight on Christmas Eve I am sure was very hard on them). This version was my introduction to the story of Mr Scrooge and II will forever hold dear in my heart because it is a favorite Christmas Memory! Its not the gifts that I got it was just watching and enjoying this film with my sisters. Now there have been better adaption however this version is very well made and there is something about this Old B/W movie that will always bring a smile in my heart. To me its not Christmas unless I get a chance to watch this version. I hope one day my sisters and I can watch this again together on Christmas Eve. To me that would be a perfect Christmas gift.