by Amelia, age 10, asks which Christmas Carol film is closest to the book, about Norwich’s rivers, and its nickname
Dear Santa,
Alright Santa, from Norwich. My name is Amelia and I am 10 years old. My English teacher showed our class three completely different film versions of A Christmas Carol this month, and afterward we had a proper debate about which one actually followed Charles Dickens’s original book most closely.
My first question is: which film version of A Christmas Carol is considered closest to the book?
My second question is geography: what body of water is near Norwich?
My third question is from school: why is Norwich sometimes called a fine city?
I left you a Colman’s mustard sandwich, a proper Norwich specialty, and a mug of tea.
Love, Amelia, age 10, Norwich, England
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Amelia, a mustard sandwich was certainly a bold and memorable choice, thank you very much. Now, to settle that classroom debate, and your other questions.
Which film version of A Christmas Carol is closest to the book?
Many literature teachers and critics point to the 1999 television film starring Patrick Stewart as Scrooge as one of the most faithful adaptations, closely following Dickens’s original dialogue and structure. The 2009 animated film, using motion capture technology with Jim Carrey voicing Scrooge, is also often praised for staying remarkably close to the book’s exact wording in many scenes. The beloved 1951 film with Alastair Sim, while adding a few extra scenes not in the original text, is admired for capturing the story’s tone and spirit beautifully, even if it takes small liberties. So the honest answer depends slightly on whether your class values exact wording or overall feeling, which sounds like it could fuel an entirely new debate.
What body of water is near Norwich?
The River Wensum flows through Norwich, eventually joining the River Yare, which carries onward toward the North Sea not far from the city.
Why is Norwich called a fine city?
Norwich earned the nickname the Fine City because of its impressive number of medieval churches, historic buildings, and its grand Norman castle and cathedral, all remarkably well preserved for a city of its size, giving it a uniquely rich architectural character.
Enjoy round two of that classroom debate, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
