Scrooge

Set in 19th century London, Scrooge from 1935 is a classic tale of redemption that unravels the memorable journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. It's an adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. Renowned actor Seymour Hicks is the protagonist, portraying the character of Scrooge for the second time in his career, following his stage portrayal of the character in 1901. The film, directed by Henry Edwards, is a blend of drama and fantasy that revolves around Christmas Eve and its magical influence that reshapes Scrooge’s life.

Seymour Hicks engrosses himself profoundly into the character of Scrooge, a mean-spirited, miserly old man who is uninterested in Christmas. He masterfully craft the character of Scrooge, showing the troubled and negative side of the man, his merciless characteristics while dealing with both his clerk Bob Cratchit, played by Donald Calthrop, and his impoverished nephew Fred portrayed by Robert Cochran. The journey of Scrooge's transformation provides the central plot of this dramatic work.

The story takes off with the representation of a typical Christmas Eve in London. Scrooge, being the heartless and irritable human that he is, refuses to partake in any of the holiday cheer. Be it his overworked yet patient clerk Bob Cratchit or his jovial nephew Fred, Scrooge’s hardened heart is impenetrable to any warmth. He rejects Fred’s offer for a family dinner and displays no sympathy towards Cratchit’s struggle with his difficult financial situation while raising disabled young son Tiny Tim.

However, his dogged stolidity is about to be challenged on this Christmas Eve. In the dead of the night, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his long-deceased business partner, Jacob Marley. This visit marks the start of a haunting, yet enlightening journey for Scrooge. Bound in chains of greed and selfishness, the apparition of Marley warns Scrooge of a grim fate, similar to his own. This confrontation starts to peel off the outer layers of Scrooge's character, hinting at the profound transformation he is undergoing.

As Christmas Day dawns, Scrooge's exploration of his past, present, and future experiences begins in earnest. Guided by three different spirits, each representing a different time in his life, Scrooge is forced to re-examine his life. This incredible sequence of events evokes feelings of regret in Scrooge’s heart, setting the ground for him to experience repentance, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Fuelled by Seymour Hicks' robust performance and supported by Donald Calthrop and Robert Cochran among others, the movie truly brings Charles Dickens' novel to life, capturing the essence of Victorian London while showcasing the power of Christmas in changing the bitterest souls. Boasting exceptional set design and cinematography as well as a well-constructed script, it succeeds in creating an atmospheric experience, capturing the gloomy isolation of Scrooge's existence and his eventual joyful transformation.

The performative and cinematic quality of the film is superbly backed by the musical score composed by W.L. Trytel. The music creates an additional layer of emotion that aids in the narrative storytelling of the film, especially during crucial moments like Scrooge's visitation by the spirits.

Scrooge is a parable that teaches us that it's never too late to change. It’s a movie that touches hearts and induces introspection and empathy. With its unforgettable performances and haunting imagery, the 1935 movie guarantees a cinematic experience that is timeless and universal. It’s an ideal watch for the holiday season, promoting themes of forgiveness, redemption and, of course, the core Christmas spirit.