A Christmas Carol Poster

A Christmas Carol 1971

★ 7.257 votes25 min📅 1971-12-21

Richard Williams' 1971 animated adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale plunges viewers into a ghostly Christmas Eve where miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by spectral guides.

Director: Richard Williams

Cast

Alastair Sim
Alastair Sim
Scrooge (voice)
Michael Redgrave
Michael Redgrave
Narrator (voice)
Diana Quick
Diana Quick
Ghost of Christmas Past (voice)
Joan Sims
Joan Sims
Mrs. Cratchit (voice)
Michael Hordern
Michael Hordern
Marley's Ghost (voice)
Paul Whitsun-Jones
Paul Whitsun-Jones
Fezziwig (voice)
David Tate
Scrooge's Nephew/ Charity Man (voice)
Felix Felton
Ghost of Christmas Present (voice)
Annie West
Belle (voice)
Melvyn Hayes
Melvyn Hayes
Bob Cratchit (voice)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Christmas Carol (1971) about?

This 25-minute animated short follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man who is visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve. They show him the consequences of his cruelty, the life he wasted, and the lonely fate that awaits him unless he changes his ways.

Who directed A Christmas Carol?

Richard Williams directed this hauntingly beautiful adaptation, bringing his signature animation style to Dickens' timeless morality tale.

Who stars in A Christmas Carol?

The film features the iconic voice of Alastair Sim as Scrooge, with Michael Redgrave narrating and Diana Quick, Joan Sims, and Michael Hordern rounding out the cast.

Is A Christmas Carol (1971) worth watching?

As a concise, visually striking take on Dickens' classic, this short film is a gem for fans of gothic fantasy and holiday storytelling. Its emotional depth and tight runtime make it a standout adaptation worth revisiting each season.

How long is A Christmas Carol?

The runtime is 25 minutes.

About A Christmas Carol (1971) — The Animated Ghost Story That Redefines Dickens' Classic

Richard Williams' 1971 animated adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale plunges viewers into a ghostly Christmas Eve where miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by spectral guides. This emotionally rich short film transforms the Victorian story into a haunting yet visually elegant journey, blending eerie fantasy with family-friendly warmth. The stark contrast between Scrooge's bleak present and the ghosts' revelations creates a poignant atmosphere of regret and renewal, while Ron Grainer's melancholic score enhances the dreamlike tension.

With Alastair Sim lending gravitas to Scrooge's transformation and Michael Redgrave narrating the spectral visions, the film balances dramatic depth with the timeless moral of redemption. Its concise 25-minute runtime makes it an ideal holiday watch, offering a concise yet powerful take on the tale that lingers long after the credits roll.