BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Vashirdfel
Simply A Masterpiece
UnowPriceless
hyped garbage
Claysaba
Excellent, Without a doubt!!
utgard14
Yet another version of the Charles Dickens classic, this TV movie moves the setting of the story to Depression-era America. The role of Scrooge (inexplicably renamed Benedict Slade, which sounds like a gunfighter from an old western) is played by 'The Fonz' himself, Henry Winkler. Despite many little changes, the basic story is the same: greedy old man is visited by spirits on Christmas Eve who convince him to change his ways before it's too late. It's a fine adaptation of the story, particularly considering it was made for TV. They do a good job with the sets and costumes of making it look the period (at least to my untrained eye), although the old-age makeup makes Winkler look like a cross between Albert Einstein and the Cryptkeeper. Winkler's performance is a little stagy. Not bad just a little out of step with the rest of the cast, who seem more aware what medium they're in. The cast, including fine character actor David Wayne, offer solid support. Despite some flaws, it's hard to dislike it unless maybe you're a Dickens purist who won't like the changes. It's not one of my favorite versions of the story but it kept my interest throughout so I can't complain.
Mooviemike
I'm going to start of by saying that the "Fonz" from Happy Days is my all-time favorite TV character from my all-time favorite show. I'll also put out there that i got to meet Henry Winkler in person a few years back. That being said i remember fondly back in 1979 watching An American Christmas when it premiered on TV. Henry Winkler was at the height of his popularity then and i couldn't wait to see him in a new Christmas movie around the holiday season. Myself being all of 12 years old at the time i loved Henry Winkler in his "Scrooge" type role and the depression era setting. As others have stated the story has been changed slightly for an American setting and the ending a little differently done. But for me those are strong points that separate this version from other versions. That's why it's called "An American Christmas Carol" and not just "A Christmas Carol" because of it's American spin on things. For those looking it's been released on Blu Ray and DVD and you can probably find it online or locally for a pretty reasonable price. For fans or someone looking for something new they haven't seen give "An American Christmas Carol" a shot. This reviewer gives two thumbs up for "The Fonz" and if you don't agree you can "Sit On It" ! (Just some Happy Days humor for you.....Happy Holidays !)
davidleslie1001
Oh dear, take the title of a Charles Dickens classic and insert the word 'American' so that you can take every liberty possible with the story. Only a passing resemblance to the original story, some very unconvincing ghosts and characters that, to be honest, you don't care about. If Slade had difficulty in identifying each o the ghosts, from his dead partner through to Christmas past, present and future, then he has an easier job than the viewer. None of the characters resemble in any way any characters in the book, there are no revelations and little, if any, emotion.Having looked at the past, present and future, why would Slade (Scrooge) bother having a redemption? The worst version of this story that I have ever seen.
mflunder
When asked recently what my favourite version of A Christmas Carol was, I had to respond with this movie. Henry Winkler provides a character in this adaptation that is the most believable amongst other perennial favorites in the role of Scrooge (Mr. Slate in this case).It has been a while since I have seen the film and I am disappointed not to find it on TV again this year. I could use the refreshing view this film provided to the tired Allister Sims or Gorge C. Scott versions.
