Henry Winkler was riding a wave of popularity when "An American Christmas Carol" was released in late 1979. He was still starring in the dumb 1970s sitcom "Happy Days" and had been the star in two theatrical movies in 1978. Given that I hated "Happy Days" and couldn't stand Winkler's "Fonzie" character, I was prepared to really hate this TV movie.
I was surprised to find that "An American Christmas Carol" is really quite good. Winkler appears as the Scrooge-like character Benedict Slade, who reforms after visits from Christmas spirits during the Great Depression. The film has a very easygoing pace and has typical TV-style production values and direction, but it's really pretty good. I think that folks should watch it without any preconceptions about Winkler or the story...you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I was surprised to find that "An American Christmas Carol" is really quite good. Winkler appears as the Scrooge-like character Benedict Slade, who reforms after visits from Christmas spirits during the Great Depression. The film has a very easygoing pace and has typical TV-style production values and direction, but it's really pretty good. I think that folks should watch it without any preconceptions about Winkler or the story...you'll be pleasantly surprised.