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.

For a long time, I was fascinated by the make up of Henry Winkler. Better adaptations of A Christas Carol were more attractive and the story of venerable Benedict and his exploration of past, present and future, like the nice transformation was only a piece from a long chain.

But , seeing it again, I was fascinated by the nuances, tones and acting.

And more than seduced by the charming end.

Indeed, the story of a lonely old man, reduced to himself. But, in same measure, fine portrait of the selfishness as fruit of many bitter experiences and surogate of happiness. Not the make up rules but a beautiful acting, sustaining a precise, clear and touching message. And it is enough.

Just as others have written, Henry Winkler is fabulous playing the miserly lead character that we all know and love. This version honours the original while putting its own spin on the story. This is a great retelling of the original "A Christmas Carol" and I rank it second (along with Bill Murray's Scrooged) to Alastair Sim's version which is #1 of course.

My only disappointment is that it doesn't get shown anymore. I remember seeing this every year for the first few years after it first aired but I haven't seen it in decades (on network tv) and I don't know why. This version deserves to be dusted off and brought back into the line-up of shows that are featured every year!

This is definitely a "must see" if you come across it.

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 haven't seen it in about 15 years, but I really did like this version of A Christmas Carol. Yeah, it deviated a bit from the original story, but... so what? I could relate to it more.

Seems like ABC would have this one to broadcast annually, but I guess they tossed it when the Fonzie furor was over. Actually, I'm not sure if he was best cast as the American Scrooge, but that didn't take away from the story.

Call me delusional, but I consider it an unappreciated holiday classic.