A Christmas Carol (1938)

Set in the heart of nineteenth-century London, we meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a man embittered by life and hardened by his greed. This callous old miser, known for his sour disposition and disdain for Christmas, rules his business with an iron fist, exploiting his loyal yet downtrodden employee, Bob Cratchit. His cold-heartedness extends to his jovial nephew Fred and his warm, endearing fiancée Bessy, who bear the brunt of his unfriendly treatments. On a chilling Christmas Eve, Scrooge finds himself confronted by the haunting spectre of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, as miserly in life as Scrooge is now, appears bound in doom-laden chains, a cautionary reminder of the afterlife's consequences for those who lead unkind lives. He prophesies the arrival of three spirits who will guide Scrooge through an introspective journey, one that could alter his destiny. As foretold, the first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, materializes, guiding Scrooge through the corridors of his memories. From heartwarming childhood scenes to poignant moments of his coming of age, Scrooge is confronted with the events that shaped his current, desolate existence. Then arrives the Ghost of Christmas Present, revealing the joyous Christmas celebrations around him, including the humble yet heartwarming festivities at the Cratchit household. This spirit also unveils the true happiness of Fred and Bessy, undeterred by Scrooge's bitterness. Lastly, the ominous Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appears, painting a chilling portrait of Scrooge's grim future and the bleak legacy he will leave behind if he doesn't change his ways. As day breaks, Scrooge awakens to find the spirits have completed their visits in a single night. Now granted with a newfound perspective, he is gifted with an opportunity to mend his ways. Can Scrooge break free from his past, embrace the present, and reform his future? The tale of 'A Christmas Carol' explores this transformative journey, where life's greatest redemption can be found in the spirit of Christmas, empathy for others, and the power of change.

A Christmas Carol is a drama movie featuring Reginald Owen and directed by Edwin L. Marin.

A Christmas Carol is currently streaming on TCM.

It is also possible to buy A Christmas Carol on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.