Filming Dickens' "Christmas Carol"
 

A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens' novella that provides a prime example of the classic English ghost story and the Victorian sensibilities regarding the spirit of Christmas. It has proven to be a timeless classic and has been filmed a number of times.

Which is your favourite film version of A Christmas Carol?

I only recall seeing Mickey's, but I forget most of it. I've only seen bits and pieces of other versions (including the Muppet one and the one with Patrick Stewart), but this year I want to sit down to watch one (or two). However, there are so many versions, I'm wondering how you guys felt about some of them.

I'm sure some are better than others.

And before you ask, yes, I've seen Scrooged with Bill Murray...several times. Who do you take me for?

Which is your favourite and why?

Scrooge with Alastair Sim is easily the best. He was the perfect Scrooge. The scene with Marley where he is told that he will be visited by three ghosts is really well done and holds up quite nicely.

Scrooged. Bill Murray

A few years ago I saw a production of A Christmas Carol at the American Conservatory Theater that was really fantastic. I grew up on the Disney version, which was great for a little kid but left something to be desired as an adult. I propose seeing a production live is better than the movies.

But if I had to choose, I'd say the George C. Scott version.

While I am a big fan of Scrooged, I have to say that I can't have Christmas without Alistair Sim's version of A Christmas Carol. It always reminds me of my grandfather.

The Alistair Sim version, yes.
I also became fond of this 1970 musical version with Albert Finney: