An American Christmas Carol (1979): Cast & Plot
An American Christmas Carol is a 1979 family drama directed by Eric Till, starring Henry Winkler as Benedict Slade, David Wayne and Susan Hogan. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Eric Till
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Edgar J. Scherick Associates
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is An American Christmas Carol About?
The premise of An American Christmas Carol without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Set in Depression‑era New England, miserly loan shark Benedict Slade is visited on Christmas Eve by three spectral figures resembling borrowers whose property he seized. Posing as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, they compel him to confront the results of his greed, ultimately transforming him into a compassionate, generous man.
An American Christmas Carol Themes & Keywords
· 17 tags- based on novella
- ghost of christmas past
- ghost of christmas present
- ghost of christmas future
- nationality in title
- holiday in title
- christmas in title
- christmas season
- 1930s
- holiday season
- christmas
- ghost
+5 more Show fewer
- redemption
- great depression
- compassion
- remake
- based on novel
An American Christmas Carol Cast & Characters
Henry Winkler leads the cast as Benedict Slade, with David Wayne as Merrivale and Susan Hogan as Helen Brewster. Directed by Eric Till; 27 actors are credited in all.
- Director Eric Till
-
Henry Winkler as Benedict Slade - David Wayne as Merrivale
- Susan Hogan as Helen Brewster
- Chris Wiggins as Nathaniel Brewster
Also Starring in An American Christmas Carol
· 23 more- Mary Pirie Mrs. Brewster
- Ken Pogue Jack Latham
- Gerard Parkes Jessup
- R.H. Thomson Thatcher
- Linda Goranson Doris Thatcher
- Tammy Bourne Sarah Thatcher
- Chris Cragg Jonathan Thatcher
- Dorian Harewood Matt Reeves
- Arlene Duncan Jennie Reeves
- Cec Linder Auctioneer
- Michael Wincott Choir Leader
- James B. Douglas Sam Perkins
- Jefferson Mappin Joe
- Ruth Springford Mrs. Tidings
- Christopher Crabb Tim
- Derrick Jones Harry Barnes
Show all 27 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Sammy Snyders Young Slade
- Sylvia Marie Llewellyn Latham's Secretary
- Brett Matthew Davidson Orphan
- Will Bermender Orphan
- Justine Till Young Helen
- William Ballantyne Minister
- Frank Gibbs Fire Chief
More from Eric Till
More films directed by Eric Till, best-rated first: Luther, Duct Tape Forever, Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace and The Girl Next Door.
An American Christmas Carol Plot Summary
What happens in An American Christmas Carol from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In Depression-era Concord, New Hampshire, Benedict Slade, Henry Winkler, is a notoriously stingy businessman who guards every asset with a tight grip. On Christmas Eve, a supernatural visit turns his world upside down: three ghostly figures arrive, each mirroring one of the people whose possessions Slade has seized to collect unpaid loans. These apparitions take on the roles of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and their mission is unmistakable—make Slade confront the harm his miserliness has caused before it seals his doom.
Full summary
The whole story of An American Christmas Carol, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know An American Christmas Carol?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrays the miserly businessman Benedict Slade?
Seen An American Christmas Carol?
Movies Like An American Christmas Carol
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Carol and A Christmas Carol.
An American Christmas Carol FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of An American Christmas Carol, each answered in a sentence.
How long is An American Christmas Carol?
An American Christmas Carol runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was An American Christmas Carol released?
An American Christmas Carol was released on December 16, 1979.
Who directed An American Christmas Carol?
An American Christmas Carol was directed by Eric Till.
More films by Eric Till Who is in the cast of An American Christmas Carol?
An American Christmas Carol stars Henry Winkler as Benedict Slade, David Wayne as Merrivale and Susan Hogan as Helen Brewster, among 27 credited actors.
Does An American Christmas Carol have a post-credit scene?
No. An American Christmas Carol has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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