Watch Scrooge
- 1913
- 40 min
-
6.3 (165)
Scrooge is a black-and-white silent movie that was first released in 1913. It is based on Charles Dickensâ novella, A Christmas Carol. The film stars Seymour Hicks as Ebenezer Scrooge, the wealthy and miserly protagonist of the story who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Scrooge is a classic tale of redemption, and its message still resonates with audiences today. The movie opens in the offices of Scrooge and Marley, with Scrooge tallying up his profits for the day. His clerk, Bob Cratchit (played by William Lugg), is cold and hungry, but Scrooge refuses to give him any coal to heat the office. When Scroogeâs nephew Fred (played by Leedham Bantock) arrives to invite his uncle to Christmas dinner, Scrooge dismisses him with his usual sour demeanor.
As Scrooge departs for home that evening, it becomes clear that he despises Christmas, calling it âhumbug.â Itâs not long, however, before he hears the clanking of chains on the stairs and the ghostly apparition of his former business partner, Marley (played by Fred Morgan), appears before him. Marley warns Scrooge that if he doesnât change his ways, he will end up like him â doomed to wander the earth in eternal torment. Marley then warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three ghosts that will show him the error of his ways.
The first ghost to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Marie Ney. She takes Scrooge on a journey through his early life, showing him how he became the grumpy old man he is today. Scrooge is transported to his childhood home and his school, where he sees his younger self and his sister, Fan (played by Isabel Emsley). He also witnesses his breakup with the love of his life, Belle (played by Dorothy Bucknell).
The second ghost to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by C. Dudley Ward. This ghost takes Scrooge to the homes of the poor, including that of his clerk Bob Cratchit, where he sees the true meaning of Christmas. He also witnesses the joy of his nephewâs Christmas dinner and finally understands the love that his family and friends have for him.
The final ghost to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, played by Hubert Willis. This ghost shows Scrooge the darkness that lies ahead if he does not change his ways. He sees the death of Tiny Tim, the poor boy whom Bob Cratchit loves and cares for. Scrooge is also shown his own tombstone and realizes that he will leave no legacy behind.
After the three ghosts have completed their visitations, Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning with a newfound sense of joy and generosity. He decides to use his wealth to help others and makes amends with his family and friends, including his nephew Fred and his clerk Bob Cratchit.
The movie Scrooge is a classic interpretation of the story of A Christmas Carol, and is considered to be one of the most faithful adaptations of Dickensâ work. The film captures the essence of the story, and its message of love, redemption, and compassion is just as relevant today as it was over a century ago. While the movie is silent and in black-and-white, the performance by Seymour Hicks is stunning, and his transformation from a cruel miser to a kind-hearted philanthropist is an emotional journey that still resonates with audiences today.
In conclusion, Scrooge is a must-see film for anyone who enjoys classic cinema or is a fan of Charles Dickensâ work. The movieâs message of redemption and compassion is timeless, and it serves as a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is one of love, generosity, and forgiveness. If youâre looking for a holiday movie that will warm your heart and inspire you to do good, look no further than Scrooge.
Scrooge is a 1913 drama with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.