The holidays are here and we all have many traditions we like to follow. For many of us, these include watching certain movies that put us in the holiday spirit. Some of the most popular films are versions of the Charles Dicken's classic, A Christmas Carol. Though published in 1843, this tale is just as popular today, with its story of redemption told via a visit by three spirits (four, if you count Marley). Ghost stories were regularly told in the winter months by folks living through cold, dark nights. Dickens took that framework and applied a holiday angle to it. Ebeneezer Scrooge has become a symbol for any greedy, heartless person. But Scrooge is also an example of the chance for redemption. Your Planet 8 crew discusses three of their favorite film versions of this tale: the 1938 film with Reginald Owen as Scrooge, the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim, and Bill Murray's Scrooged from 1988. We also touch on a number of other adaptations.

For our Sensor Sweep, Bob shares an appropriate book: The Scary Book of Christmas Lore, 50 Terrifying Yuletide Tales. These stories from around the world sound a lot scarier than any version of A Christmas Carol. Karen shares her Christmas gift to herself: the book Timeline of the Planet of the Apes by Rich Handley. Maybe she can finally figure out how the paradox works! Finally, Larry also has a book! It's the deluxe edition of Star Wars The Revenge of the Sith novelization.

We want to thank all of you for your support, for listening to or watching the show, and sharing your thoughts and memories with us. We hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, or whatever you may celebrate! And may 2026 be a good year for all of us.

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Humbug!!

Episode 168: Our Favorite Versions of A Christmas Carol