A Christmas Carol

As a lover of the "Golden Age" of movies and television shows I thoroughly enjoyed taking a nostalgic trip back to 1959 to watch Basil Rathbone's interpretation of Scrooge. This British television Production hosted by Fredric March is only about 25 minutes long but it captures the spirit of the Dicken's classic. The sets are spartan but provide an effective backdrop to the narration, made me feel as though I was watching a theatrical play. Definitely an acquired taste; but, If you're an old-timer like me (I'm 70) and have grown inured to watching the same old Christmas themed movies I highly recommend adding this Christmas curiosity to your holiday viewing list.

I just recently read Basil Rathbones' autobiography, and he talked about this version of a Christmas Carol. He didn't think very much about TV in general basically saying it can take great works like Dickens and turn them into mediocrity which pretty much sums up this TV movie. AT less than half an hour you get condensed version of this classic tale, minimal sets and less than than stellar performances. I never expected to ever see this movie but a friend found it in the dollar bin of DVD's in a grocery store. If your a fan of Basil Rathbone or A Chistmas Carol or both like me it is worth a dollar, and a half hour of your time.