Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843 and it would be presented countless times on stage, screen and radio in the next 177 years. On screen, I believe everyone knows by now that Alastair Sim is my favorite Ebenezer Scrooge, both in live action and animated. On radio, there really is only one Scrooge for me and that is Lionel Barrymore.
Barrymore may be best remembered by many as old man Potter in the perennial Christmas favorite, It’s a Wonderful Life. However, I always wonder what he could have done with the role of Scrooge had he actually performed it on screen. He was supposed to headline MGM’s version in 1938 but he had broken his hip and was unable to endure the physicality of the role. He first played Scrooge on radio in 1934 and continued that annual tradition until 1953. He died on November 15, 1954, at the age of 76, just missing the holiday season. He only missed twice, in 1936 when his wife died and he was replaced by his brother John, and in 1938, when he opted to not play Scrooge on radio in an effort to allow Reginald Owens an opportunity to shine on screen for MGM. He also did a studio recording for MGM, resulting in a grand total of 19 audio performances. I’ve listened to several but the 1939 version is, in my opinion, the definitive one.
Orson Welles had taken the lead role and brought it to life for the Campbell Playhouse in 1938. However, in 1939, he deferred to Mr. Barrymore and the result is an amazing performance. I first heard it on a local radio station in Paris, Texas, in 1989. I’ve listened it to it every year since and it never ceases to entertain me.
So, put another log on the fire, pour yourself a drink from the bowl of smoking bishop and celebrate the season with the Christmas Eve 1939 Campbell Playhouse presentation of A Christmas Carol with Mr. Lionel Barrymore and Mr. Orson Welles. And don’t forget to check out the playlist on my YouTube channel for more great old time radio!
Monster Movie Kid 