Before Alastair Sim charmed generations and long before George C. Scott or Jim Carrey took their turns, there was Seymour Hicks — the very first Ebenezer Scrooge in a sound film. Released in 1935, Scrooge marked a turning point in how Charles Dickens’ timeless tale was brought to life on screen.
Often overlooked today, this version is not only historically important — it’s haunting, fast-paced, and oddly endearing in its grainy, low-budget glory. Let’s revisit this underappreciated holiday gem and the actor who helped shape how we see Scrooge to this day.
Who Was Seymour Hicks?
Born in 1871, Seymour Hicks was a British stage and screen actor who played Scrooge over 2,000 times in his life — on stage, in silent film, and finally in this 1935 sound version. The man practically owned the role.
By the time he made the film, Hicks was already in his 60s and brought decades of Scrooge experience to the screen. His portrayal is less cartoonish and more gruff — a miser hardened by life rather than pure villainy.
Fun Fact: Hicks also played Scrooge in a 1913 silent film, making him the only actor to portray the role in both silent and sound eras.
Why This Version Stands Out
What makes the 1935 Scrooge unique isn’t just that it’s the first talking version. It’s how it delivers the story:
- It’s under 80 minutes, so it moves briskly.
- Many ghost scenes are implied, not shown — adding a mysterious edge.
- It leans heavily into shadows and fog, giving it an eerie atmosphere.
While later versions leaned into sentimentality or spectacle, this one stays moody and efficient — more Gothic novella than jolly holiday fare.
Trivia: Some scenes were shot in semi-darkness to avoid expensive special effects, which accidentally gave the film a noir-like tone.
The Legacy of Hicks’ Scrooge
Even though later portrayals became more famous, Hicks laid the groundwork. His Scrooge is abrupt, believable, and — crucially — transforms without overacting.
He doesn’t just become “nice” at the end. He becomes… human.
That emotional arc, performed without frills or flashy editing, still resonates nearly a century later.
Watch Seymour Hicks in Scrooge on Oldies-TV
We’re proud to host this rare holiday classic in both versions:
- Original vintage version — with all its grain and ghostly charm
- Enhanced version — restored for better sound and clarity
Watch Scrooge (1935) Now →
Own It on DVD or Digital →
Final Word
While modern retellings fill screens every December, the 1935 Scrooge deserves a place in your holiday rotation. It’s raw, direct, and anchored by a man who knew the character better than anyone.
Give it a watch this season on Oldies-TV — and meet the Scrooge who started it all.
