Movie spotlight
An American Christmas Carol
In Depression-era New England, a miserly businessman named Benedict Slade receives a long-overdue attitude adjustment one Christmas Eve when he is visited by three ghostly figures who resemble three of the people whose possessions Slade had seized to collect on unpaid loans. Assuming the roles of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future from Charles Dickens' classic story, the three apparitions force Slade to face the consequences of his skinflint ways, and he becomes a caring, generous, amiable man.
Insights
Plot Summary
A modern retelling of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' this made-for-television movie updates the story to contemporary America. It follows the miserly and bitter Benedict "Ben" Bensen, a successful businessman who despises the Christmas spirit and exploits his employees. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and three spirits who show him the errors of his ways, hoping to redeem him before it's too late.
Critical Reception
An American Christmas Carol was a made-for-television movie that aimed to bring the classic Christmas tale to a 1970s audience. While it featured a popular star in Henry Winkler, critical reception was generally mixed, with some appreciating the updated setting and Winkler's performance, while others found it to be a somewhat conventional adaptation that lacked the timeless magic of the original.
What Reviewers Say
Henry Winkler's performance as the miserly Ben Bensen was a highlight, showcasing his range beyond the Fonz.
The modern setting of the story offered a relatable update to the classic tale for 1970s viewers.
Some critics found the film to be a straightforward, albeit well-intentioned, adaptation that didn't offer many new insights.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this television film from 1979 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This television film was part of a wave of contemporary adaptations of classic literature aiming to appeal to a modern audience, with Henry Winkler being at the height of his popularity from the TV series 'Happy Days'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources