An American Christmas Carol

Yet another version of the Charles Dickens classic, this TV movie moves the setting of the story to Depression-era America. The role of Scrooge (inexplicably renamed Benedict Slade, which sounds like a gunfighter from an old western) is played by 'The Fonz' himself, Henry Winkler. Despite many little changes, the basic story is the same: greedy old man is visited by spirits on Christmas Eve who convince him to change his ways before it's too late. It's a fine adaptation of the story, particularly considering it was made for TV. They do a good job with the sets and costumes of making it look the period (at least to my untrained eye), although the old-age makeup makes Winkler look like a cross between Albert Einstein and the Cryptkeeper. Winkler's performance is a little stagy. Not bad just a little out of step with the rest of the cast, who seem more aware what medium they're in. The cast, including fine character actor David Wayne, offer solid support. Despite some flaws, it's hard to dislike it unless maybe you're a Dickens purist who won't like the changes. It's not one of my favorite versions of the story but it kept my interest throughout so I can't complain.

While I love almost all of the "Christmas Carol" films, this one really has a special place in my heart. I saw this movie many years back when I was not really a fan of Christmas movies and never went out of my way to watch them. This film changed that. I enjoyed it so much that I now eagerly await every December as a time once again to enjoy some of the classic holiday shows from times past. "An American Christmas Carol" is easily one of my favorites. And, as a previous reviewer felt, the ending of the Winkler version may be the best of all of the versions, although I still love the Alistair Sims ending (standing on his head!) Excellent film. And it deserves a place in the "Christmas Film Hall Of Fame".

Exactly what the title states. A more modern version of the Charles Dickens classic takes place in New England during the Great Depression. Winkler portrays the "Scrooge" character, but does not display the harshness and cruelty as the actors did in other versions. It's a good movie to watch around the holidays, but definitely the other versions are better. Made for TV movie.

I have to admit that this is my personal favorite when it comes to all the "Christmas Carol" films. I try to watch it every year now. I actually really enjoyed Henry Winkler as "Scrooge" and found his portrayal memorable. I am not sure if it is noted in the credits but the majority of this film was shot on location in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. This film does break some of the traditions of the original Charles Dickens tale but it is a very good version of the original with all the same good spirit.

In my attempt to watch every version of "A Christmas Carol" I came across this curiosity of 1979. Here Henry Winkler plays the unmistakable Ebeneezer Scrooge character, this time set in Depression Era America rather than rat infested DIckens England. Winkler plays Ben Slade, and in today's lingo he is a payday advanced loan jerk who has fleeced the community and lives well while others suffer. Then on Christmas Eve, he is met by ghosts who show him his past, present and future. The future ghosts amused me as it was...DECIDEDLY 1970's attire. Gold chain and all. The movie also has lighter moments. Comedy works best in this darkness. The rest is the standard: sees the errors of his life and realizes leaving a legacy means more than money. All good stuff. The problem comes with some odd casting choices. Starting with Henry Winkler. Perhaps it was too close to "Happy Days" but the poor guy couldn't shake the attitude in his voice. Even though, he's seen here in heavy poorly constructed t.v. budgeted old-dude makeup he still sounded like...the Fonz. You half expect when the ghosts to show up for him to say "Oh heeey, the G of Christmas P" Unfortunately, Winkler went this route. But I also suspected producers may have actually wanted this. I mean, why get The Fonz if you can't hear the Fonz. The guy who plays the Bob Cratchet character is sorely mis-casted. Though seen in most incarnations as a nebbish book worm, this dude just comes off as a nerd. I mean, worse, a Canadian nerd. He doesn't have the gravity of playing an adult nor presence of being one. He doesn't seem as if he could endure Slade's ways. Even as the transformations to good occur, the actor doesn't seem the bit surprised. He just goes along with the flow (which is mostly the director's blame).

The t.v. movie isn't bad. Although what appears to be pieced together by random standing sets and props, I can't imagine this movie cost much to make. The heart is DEFINITELY in the right space. And in the spirit of the holidays, it does do its job. It was a nice attempt at a novel idea on overused Christmas story. It isn't a complete waste of time. But beware of the corny within.