Humbug!

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is as close to perfect as anything created by a human can be. The characters are memorable and the humanity of the story remains with the reader long after it has been read. The story has also inspired some excellent film adaptations, and my favorite has to be Scrooge (1951) starring Alistair Sim. The film manages to capture the pathos of the original story without wallowing in sentimentality. Sim's Scrooge is believable as we see how he changes from a hardened miser into the loving man he started out as in his youth. Transformation is the key to the story and Sim's portrayal is believable. His Ebeneezer Scrooge is a real human being.

Over the years there have been many excellent actors in the role including Sir Seymour Hicks (who made a career playing the role on stage), George C. Scott, Albert Finney and the nearsighted Mister Magoo.

So take the time during the Christmas season to become reaquainted with Scrooge by reading the book or watching one of the excellent film adaptations.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.