A Christmas Carol (1938) is perfect for the whole family. MGM sought to remove the darker aspects of the original Charles Dickens’ novella. It’s still a ghost story, but now it’s less likely to scare children. Compared to the British Scrooge (1935), the American A Christmas Carol (1938) is a feel good Christmas classic. I actually watched this version a few years back and I really liked its interpretation of the story. A Christmas Carol (1938) is more faithful in spirit than execution. Director Edwin L. Marin has worked with many great actors in his day, but none more accomplished than Reginald Owen. Though he was cast in place of Lionel Barrymore, Owen manages to capture every important aspect of the “Bah, Humbug!” spouting miser. This Scrooge is cruel to charity collectors, doubtful of Marley’s ghost, nostalgic of his childhood, remorseful of his fate, and very joyful near the end.
The lighthearted tone is apparent at the very beginning with Fred playing with children in the snow. Fred and his fianceé Bess are given a much larger role and a small love story with Barry MacKay and Lynne Carver respectively. Fred is actually the first character we see as he runs into Tiny Tim on the way to see his uncle. Child actor Terry Kilburn may be my favorite actor to play Tiny Tim since he has the right sickly look and innocence needed to say “God bless us, everyone.” Gene Lockhart is a lovable Bob Cratchit, but he’s a bit too portly for the poor family man. Lockhart’s wife Kathleen and daughter June are both part of the Cratchit family. One of the biggest changes is having Scrooge fire Cratchit after a snowball fight gone wrong. It’s an intriguing detail that gives Bob something to share with his oldest daughter Martha. Leo G. Carroll is a traditional Jacob Marley with heavy chains and a rag tied over his head.
Ann Rutherford is the first actress to play a young and beautiful Ghost of Christmas Past who has a star on her head. She’s also the first to take Scrooge flying out the window. Scrooge is shown only the hopeful memories of his past. The young Ebenezer is left alone at school, but his kid sister Fan takes him away. There’s also his kind boss old Fezziwig who contrasts his relationship with Cratchit. Visions stop before Scrooge is shown how he became a miser. The Ghost of Christmas Present has the same look as the book, but he’s more unique for his ability to spread Christmas cheer. Scrooge is shown every detail of Fred and Cratchit’s family Christmas celebrations to the point of admitting his love of Christmas. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come ends up being the darkest part of the movie, though the graverobbers are left out. The end differs again with Scrooge embracing his nephew and his fianceé while also bringing them to the Cratchits for dinner. A Christmas Carol (1938) is full of Christmas spirit.

Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley