A Christmas Carol1938A Christmas Carol
1938
On Christmas Eve, the miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old partner Marley and then by three spirits. MGM's version of Dickens's story makes Bob Cratchit's household especially warm.
For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.
Why it’s here
Dickens's great tale of a miser's repentance, with the Cratchits as a picture of a joyful home. A gentle version suitable for the whole family.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
The ghosts and the graveyard scene may frighten small children; Scrooge's cruelty is exposed and he repents, which is the whole point. The Cratchits, children included, drink holiday punch, a period custom that goes unaddressed.
A Christmas Carol (1938)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- What did each ghost show Scrooge?
- When did Scrooge begin to change?
- What did you think of Bob Cratchit?
- What would the future have held if Scrooge hadn't changed?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 8+: creepy ghosts and a graveyard; "idiot," "arse"; port and punch drinking, including by children.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
A Christmas Carol Blu-ray
Blu-ray · November 11, 2014
Edition link coming soon.
Listing on Blu-ray.com (opens in a new tab)Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.