Carol for Another Christmas (1964)

In the gripping drama "Carol for Another Christmas," industrial magnate Daniel Grudge is trapped in a whirlwind of bitterness and grief, unable to escape the memory of his son Marley's tragic death on a Christmas Eve in 1944. The ghosts of war and loss echo in his mansion, amplified by the strains of "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" resonating through the halls. Grudge's stoic isolation and vehement opposition to American involvement in international affairs form the backbone of his existence. However, this quiet desolation is shattered when the Ghost of Christmas Past escorts him on a haunting journey back in time. He finds himself aboard a World War I troopship, surrounded by the raw reality of war. It's a stark contrast to his sheltered existence, one that begins to chip away at his hardened exterior. His spectral encounters don't end there. The Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future each take their turn with Grudge, guiding him through experiences that intertwine the magic of Christmas with the grim specter of war. The Ghost of Christmas Future presents him with a chilling vision of a desolate landscape, the ruins of a once-thriving civilization serving as a grim reminder of the consequences of disengagement. Presented as a "United Nations Special" with no interruptions, sponsored by the Xerox Corporation, "Carol for Another Christmas" marks director Joseph Mankiewicz's television debut. The drama, rich with an all-star cast, is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' classic, masterfully woven by Rod Serling. The 90-minute ABC special not only entertains but prompts viewers to reconsider the importance of international relations and the lasting impact of war, all through the lens of one man's poignant Christmas Eve journey.

Carol for Another Christmas is a drama movie featuring Sterling Hayden.

Carol for Another Christmas is currently streaming on Max Amazon Channel and TCM.