The Right to Be Happy is an American silent film from 1916 that draws inspiration from Charles Dickens' 1843 Novella, A Christmas Carol. This film was Universal's first attempt at making a feature film based on Dickens' novella. It was the first and only feature film adaptation of A Christmas Carol by an American or foreign film company during the silent era. The movie was directed by Rupert Julian and supported by a cast of Universal Bluebird players, including Rupert Julian, Claire McDowell, and Harry Carter.
A Christmas Carol narrates the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who receives a visit from the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits representing Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These supernatural visitations prompt a profound transformation within Scrooge, turning him into a more compassionate and benevolent person.
Like many film adaptations, it takes certain artistic liberties with the source material. This film carried Universal"s "Bluebird Photoplay" brand, designating a more mainstream feature and a bigger budget than a Red Feather production. Bluebirds were also known for distinctive artwork, as displayed in this page's Burton Rice movie poster. The movie was produced and distributed by Universal Studios. The film was released on December 25, 1916.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
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