A Christmas Carol ( 1951 )

Parsimonious Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge, a hated misanthrope stubbornly refusing to believe in Christmas and share his inexhaustible wealth, can't be bothered with the destitute during the most festive time of the year. After all, the sceptical curmudgeon is bent on spending the holy night alone. Instead, a sympathetic old friend pays Ebenezer an unexpected visit, paving the way for an otherworldly, eye-opening encounter. As the pale spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future make their presence felt, pressing questions arise. What do the unwelcome ghosts want? With a heart as cold as ice, can a wicked miser admit the error of his ways and embrace change? Above all, is Scrooge ready to love and be loved?—Nick Riganas