Charles Dickens 150 Years -- June 9, 2020

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Boz (pronounced like "nose") died 150 years ago today, on 09-June-1870. Some years ago I decided to read or reread all of Charles Dickens' novels, even Barnaby Rudge and Martin Chuzzlewit, during my commute. I don't remember how long it took, but it was worthwhile. I still have to read some short stories and Christmas stories. I don't know how many movies have been made from  his novels and short stories. A college professor once said that Dickens' works make good movies because "they can cut out all the dull stuff." Several of the members of the class were offended, but she was probably right.  

Moving Picture World, 20-July-1912

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Scrooge -- December 23, 2017

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TCM recently showed Scrooge, the 1935 adaption of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."  Seymour Hicks first played Ebenezer Scrooge on stage in 1901.  He appeared in a short film as Scrooge in 1913.  I enjoy this version because it uses a minimum of special effects.  Many of the ghostly scenes are done with shadows and sounds.  Hicks is horrible before and jolly after, but he had a lot of practice.