The Man Who Invented Christmas

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Dan Stevens – Charles Dickens
• Ely Solan – Young Charles Dickens
• Mark Schrier – Presenter
• Patrick Joseph Byrnes – Stage Manager
• Miriam Margolyes – Mrs. Fisk
• Morfydd Clark – Catherine “Kate” Dickens
• Justin Edwards – John Forster / Ghost of Christmas Present
• Cosimo Massimo Fusco – Signor Giuseppe Mazzini
• Jasper Hughes Cotter – Walter Dickens (credited as Jasper Hughes-Cotter)
• James Heffernan – Charley Dickens
• Aleah Lennon – Mary “Mamie” Dickens
• Ella Mai Delaney – Katey Dickens
• Donna Marie Sludds – Maid
• David McSavage – William Hall
• Ian McNeice – Edward Chapman
• Miles Jupp – William Makepeace Thackeray
• Pat Mooney – Garrick Club Waiter
• Anna Murphy – Tara / Ghost of Christmas Past
• Jonathan Pryce – Mr. John Dickens, Charles Dickens’ father
• Ger Ryan – Mrs. Elizabeth Dickens, Charles Dickens’ mother
• Sam McGillicuddy – Young Charles’ Brother
• Rory O’Neill – Young Charles’ Brother
• Nancy Quinney – Young Charles’ Sister
• Alanna Manning – Young Charles’ Sister (credited as Allanah)
• Glynis Casson – Society Lady
• Amelia Crowley – Mrs. Grimsby
• Bill Paterson – Mr. Grimsby
• Derek Hanna – Toothless Man
• Derek O’Sullivan – Grave Digger
• John Delaney – Grave Digger
• Christopher Plummer – Ebenezer Scrooge
• Gerard Lee – Cleric
• Stephen Ball – Clerk (credited as Patrick Ball)
• Martin Philips – Pawn Broker
• Donald Sumpter – Haddock / Jacob Marley
• Kevin McCormack – Bailiff
• Aideen Wylde – Charlotte Wigmore
• Simon Callow – John Leech, an illustrator
• Katie McGuinness – Fanny Dickens / Mrs. Cratchit
• Marcus Lamb – Rev. Henry Burnett / Bob Cratchit
• Pearse Kearney – Henry Jr. / Tiny Tim Cratchit
• Paul Kealyn – Warren’s Foreman
• Richard Coombs – Punch / Judy (voice)
• Michael Judd – Pie Man
• Eddie Jackson – Scam Artist
• Anthony Morris – Newsagent
• John Henshaw – Butcher / Mr. Fezziwig
• Annette Badland – Butcher’s Wife / Mrs. Fezziwig
• Linda Gough – Charwoman (credited as Lynda Gough)
• Jack Gunning – Cratchit Child
• Christina Martina – Cratchit Child
• Ava May Taylor – Cratchit Child
• Adam Dolan – Warren’s Factory Boy
• Cameron Simpson – Poll
• Degnan Geraghty – Christmas Tree Vendor
• John Colleary – Constable Copperfield
• Seán Duggan – Mr. Grub
• James Daniel Wilson – Grip the Raven (voice)
• Desmond Bird – Lover (uncredited)
• Fabiano Roggio – Ghost of Christmas Future (uncredited)
• Franco Moscon – Nobleman (uncredited)
• Mark Quigley – Middle Class (uncredited)
• Roisin Whelan – Maid (uncredited)
• Samantha Kelly – Minor Role (uncredited)
• Séamus Hanly – Audience Member (uncredited)
• Valeria Bandino – Tart (uncredited)

Storyline:

In 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in “A Christmas Carol,” forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.

About The Man Who Invented Christmas Movie:

The Man Who Invented Christmas is a biographical comedy-drama film directed by Bharat Nalluri, based on Les Standiford’s 2008 non-fiction book of the same name. The film stars Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens and features Christopher Plummer as Ebenezer Scrooge, along with Jonathan Pryce, Morfydd Clark, and others. It explores the creative process behind Dickens’s writing of his famous novella A Christmas Carol in 1843.

Plot Summary

Set in 1843 London, the film follows Dickens during a challenging period in his life. After experiencing a series of commercial flops with his previous novels, he faces financial difficulties while trying to support his family and complete a home renovation. With Christmas just six weeks away and desperate for money, Dickens decides to write a holiday-themed ghost story that he hopes to publish in time for the festive season.

As he struggles with writer’s block, Dickens draws inspiration from various characters and experiences in his life. He interacts with personified versions of his characters, including a version of Scrooge (Plummer), who helps him navigate his creative process. The film illustrates how real-life events and people influenced the creation of A Christmas Carol, highlighting themes of redemption, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas.

Production and Reception

Produced by Parallel Film and Rhombus Media, the film was released in the United States on November 22, 2017, and in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2017. It received generally positive reviews from critics for its performances, particularly that of Plummer as Scrooge, and its charming portrayal of Dickens’s creative journey.

Despite its modest box office performance—grossing around $8 million worldwide against a budget estimated between $30 to $50 million—the film has been appreciated for providing a fresh perspective on the beloved holiday classic and shedding light on Dickens’s life and inspirations.

Legacy

The Man Who Invented Christmas serves as both an entertaining biopic and a celebration of the enduring impact of A Christmas Carol on modern Christmas traditions. It emphasizes how Dickens’s work helped revive interest in Christmas as a significant cultural celebration, transforming it into the family-oriented holiday we know today.

Overall, the film combines humor with historical context, making it an engaging watch for those interested in literature and holiday traditions.

Budget & Box Office Collection: