A Christmas Carol (Renown; United Artists) is a serviceable new edition of Charles Dickens' evergreen story,* arriving from Britain in time for the holiday trade. Several cuts below the best British film versions of Dickens (Great Expectations, Oliver Twist), the picture at times may tax a moviegoer's seasonal good will. Though Dickens' frank sentimentality calls for broad treatment, Brian Desmond Hurst's direction is too often heavy as well. Able Character Actor Alastair Sim is the dependable old brandy that gives this plum pudding a lift.
He plays the succulent part of Scrooge with delightful gusto, whether barking at charity solicitors, cringing before...
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