[End Times Sentinel]

It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, the two movies that Christmas is incomplete without. Both Classics.

Since I see you're both fans of Christmas Carol, I'd like to suggest a lesser known 1997 version with Patrick Stewart and Joel Grey amongst others.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216621/
As you said, cvq, to each his own, but in my eyes, this movie is perfection from start to finish. The acting, the costumes, the cinematography, the music, absolutely breath-taking. And the role of “Fred” (Scrooge's nephew) played by Dominic West a small but memorable part is incredible. At the risk of sounding sappy, I actually looked up this guy's other roles to see what else he was in.
I won't suggest you buying a copy from Amazon, like I did, but if you happen to see it while flipping around next year, consider giving it a watch.

[cvq3842]

Great list! I do like the Patrick Stewart production also. And the Alistair Sim (sp?) Scrooge and It's a Wonderful Life are also favorites. I have the DVDs sitting here, and hope to get a chance to watch this weekend.

I would suggest Patrick Stewart's reading of the Dickens story as well. He used to perform it on Broadway a few years back - a one-man show - and he committed his reading to audiobook some time ago.

Merry Christmas!

[DemforBush]

I also greatly enjoyed the Patrick Stewart-led version of A Christmas Carol. Great acting, great production values, etc.

[apocalypto]

Absolutely those two are a must.

I am just wondering re a technical question. I saw on Shurik's journal (shuriks.com) a list of ten best films that I thought summed it up. There was also a copyright sign. I presume that meant I cannot list those films on this thread. Sorry, I have forgotten how to make a link. There were also others, such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Charlie Brown's Christmas" that I think are classics.

[Basement Dweller]

You can catch It’s a Wonderful Life, here.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4867975537967299162

I’m not sure how long it will be there.

[AnAmericanMother]

The Alastair Sim Scrooge is the definitive version to me. Sim is the only actor who successfully internalized a rational, emotionally believable transformation of the wicked old man. And the supporting cast are perfect in every way -- Mervyn Johns does a star turn as Bob Cratchit, and Michael Hordern is the best Marley's Ghost ever. Even the little parlormaid who takes Scrooge's coat when he visits his nephew is proof of the sheer depth of talent and training of the British stage of the 40s and 50s.

Colorization is an abomination. Those of us who remember serious B&W photography know that the shadows and contrast of B&W contribute significantly to the mood. Especially with a film that begins with the somber squalor of this one.

We watch it every Christmas.

[GeorgiaDawg32]

Yup, I’ve seen it..while good, IMHO it is still beaten by the ‘51 release..

There was also one with henry winkler who plays a modern day scrooge (he invents “payments” in lieu of cash for the purchase of furniture, then is “scrooge” when he goes out to repossess)..