A beloved festive film that delves into the origins of a Christmas classic is set to grace television screens this afternoon. 'The Man Who Invented Christmas' will be broadcast on Channel 5 on Monday 22 December at 1.55pm.
The Story Behind A Christmas Classic
This heartwarming period drama transports viewers to London in 1843, where author Charles Dickens is facing a career crisis. After three consecutive literary failures, Dickens is in serious financial difficulty and desperately needs a hit. The film charts his creative process as he conjures the iconic characters of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim from his vivid imagination and real-world observations, ultimately penning the timeless tale, A Christmas Carol.
The narrative explores how this single story helped shape the modern Christmas celebration as we know it, transforming the holiday season into a wider festival of generosity and goodwill.
An All-Star Cast and Critical Reception
Boasting an impressive ensemble, the film features Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens, alongside Mark Schrier, Patrick Joseph Byrnes, and the esteemed Miriam Margolyes. The late, great Christopher Plummer delivers a standout performance as the embodiment of Scrooge.
Despite its release in 2017, the movie has cemented itself as a firm favourite for the holidays. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, it has been praised as 'highly entertaining' and 'excellent'. Critics and audiences have applauded its engaging take on Dickens's life, his fraught relationship with his father, and the pressures of the publishing world.
One detailed review noted the film's accuracy in depicting Dickens's habits and circumstances, stating: 'I like the way it fairly accurately characterised Dickens' financial situation... and the horrors of the publishing business.' Another highlighted Plummer's portrayal, calling it 'absolutely brilliant' and one of the best interpretations of Scrooge ever seen.
A Festive Staple for the Family
Described as a gripping yet family-friendly story, 'The Man Who Invented Christmas' offers a creative and dramatic alternative to many modern holiday movies. While some found the ending suitably festive and 'sappy', and others felt the pacing was brisk, the consensus is that the film possesses a unique magic.
It stands as an uplifting and interesting exploration of literary history, showing how personal struggle and creative genius can combine to produce a work that changes culture forever. For those seeking a meaningful and entertaining film this Christmas, this Channel 5 broadcast is an ideal choice.
