Two delightful versions Of the Charles Dickens classic unseen for over eight decades! Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol is a Victorian morality tale of an old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who undergoes a profound ex... more »perience of redemption over the c« less
"As a "Carol" lover I was pretty excited to see this recent release. Let me first say that both films are very interesting and in pretty good shape. "Old Scrooge" is even better than the 1923 "Christmas Carol" (which is remarkable for reasons I will explain later). The 1923 "Christmas Carol" runs roughly 30 minutes and differs from most other versions because all of the ghost activity takes place in Scrooge's chambers through visions presented by the spirits. "Old Scrooge" (which runs roughly 40 minutes) is very different indeed. Quite a bit of time is taken to introduce Scrooge himself as he walks the streets and as he ultimately ends up in the counting house for the day. Following the "quite convenient" part of the text, Bob Crachit leaves for the day and Scrooge enjoys his gold by the fireplace before falling asleep. Jacob Marley appears here (instead of in Scrooge's bed chambers) looking like a Japanese Kobuki actor and says that he is "representing" the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. He presents the usual visions to Scrooge, all within the counting house, which leads to Scrooge's redemption. The other three ghosts do not appear anywhere in this version. I found the following scene, in which Scrooge calls to the boy on the street, to be quite amusing. Instead of the usual exchange from the window to the street, the "boy" (who looks to be about 15 years old) is invited inside. Scrooge first asks him if Tiny Tim is still alive. He then asks him about the prize turkey to which the 15 year old replies, "the one as big as me?" I would have loved to have seen that particular turkey. Scrooge ends the scene by telling the boy to "take a cab and keep the change." All humor aside, as I was watching this version (not being able to find any information on it previously) I kept thinking that Scrooge strongly resembled Seymour Hicks (of the famous 1935 "Scrooge"). During a subsequent search I found that this film is actually the 1913 "Scrooge" (starring Hicks) which was re-distributed in the U.S. in 1926 as "Old Scrooge." Mystery solved and quite exciting to finally see this early version."
All i want for christmas!!!
A. Altomare | new windsor ny | 11/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a huge fan of silent films & a christmas carol, so this is a special treat to fans of both!! This dvd contains to rare silent versions of charles dickens imortal classic. The first film "a christmas carol" from 1923 is from a very watchable print source! It is an old film print but from a direct film source and title cards are very watchable. The old look only adds to the atmosphere of the film. The second film is "old scrooge" released in 1926 from pathe films. This one is a superb print for a film this rare, with some tinting in spots. Both films have a very good music score, & the sound quality is amazing!!! This DVD is highly recamended for every silent film buff!!!"
Two Gems!
Mr. Lee | USA | 11/20/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Being a collector of film/tv versions of "A Christmas Carol" I was pleasantly surprised when these 2 silent versions surfaced on DVD. Now, the picture quality isn't perfect but both are very watchable and each version has it's little distinct differences from all the others. This would have received a 5 star rating, in my book, but there's no information on the "Old Scrooge" film other than it's date of 1926. I can find no info on thos version anywhere?
Someday, someone may "clean up" the video but I won't hold my breath. In the meantime it's a welcome addition to my collection imperfections and all!"
One of the films is actually the 1913 Seymour Hicks version!
Richard in Indy | 09/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a collector of virtually all of the film versions of "A Christmas Carol" (that I can get my hands on), I was delighted to get this DVD. As noted by another reviewer, the film billed as a 1926 film titled "Old Scrooge" is actually the 1913 British film "Scrooge". Scrooge is portrayed by none other than Seymour Hicks who reprised the role in 1935. Originally released in Great Britian by Zenith Films, Pathe Films re-released the film in the U.S. in 1926 under the title "Old Scrooge". The Pathe re-release does not list any of the cast members on the screen. For more details on this film (including a couple of wonderful still pictures from the production) look up the book "A Christmas Carol And Its Adaptations" by Fred Guida with a forward by Edward Wagenknecht (available from Amazon). The video transfer is quite good considering the age of the source material. The DVD also offers a slide show using still pictures from both the 1923 and 1926(1913) versions. My only complaint about the dvd is the choice of the music that was used. The 1926(1913) film sometimes is accompanied by music that sounds like Glenn Miller or some dance band from the 1940's--totally wrong for the subject. So turn off the sound, sit back and enjoy two wonderful versions of the Dickens classic.[ASIN:0786428406 A Christmas Carol And Its Adaptations: A Critical Examination of Dickens's Story And Its Productions on Screen And Television]]"
Lost Treasures
Donald J. Wurzelbacher | Cincinnati, OH | 11/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always enjoyed "A Christmas Carol" and I also try to purchase most versions of this classic tale. When I learned that these two silent versions were available I quickly bought them and watched them. The entire running time of this DVD is about 68 minutes. I will talk about both films individually.
The first film is "A Christmas Carol" from 1923. It stars Russel Thorndike as Scrooge. This is a very short version of the story and leaves out many parts you would be used to see. In this version Scrooge is quickly introduced and soon afterwards sees Marly and the three ghosts. However, the Ghost of Christmas past only gives him a glimpse of "Bell" (Her name is not mentioned) who he did not marry due to his love of money. Christmas present gives him no visions at all. And the Ghost of Christmas Future shows very little as well. And it is all seen similar to a projector showing a film in Scrooge's living room. This version is definitely a poorer quality than the second version we are treated to, but still very watchable.
The second film "Old Scrooge" is a better quality film. It stars Seymour Hicks as Scrooge. This film runs closer to about 45 minutes. It's interesting that we have a short "biography" of Mr Dickens in the beginning. As a matter of fact, the first time I watched it I truly thought for a minute that I accidentally selected some kind of bonus feature about the life of Dickens. I soon realized it was part of the film. In this version we have a more detailed description of Scrooge. And it is Marley who shows Scrooge each of his visions rather than any of the other ghosts. It is also done completely in Scrooge's place of business rather than his home. And, similar to the first film, Scrooge watches his visions from his chambers as if he is watching a movie being shown. Also, it needs to be explained that "Old Scrooge" was actually made in 1913 rather than 1926 so it is an older film than the first but the quality is definitely better. Also, if you would like to watch this DVD then you would almost definitely want to purchase the "talkie" Christmas Carol DVD which also stars Seymour Hicks as he reprises his role.
These are two silent films that were long thought as being lost. But thankfully they have been found and we can enjoy the magic of very early film making. I am very happy to have this DVD in my collection. Sometimes when I watch these silent films I will put on Christmas music from other CDs while watching them which makes it a great way to watch.
Anyone who is taking the time to read about this DVD probably very much enjoys this story and also still enjoys silent films. You will not be disappointed."