| The Right to Be Happy | |
|---|---|
 The Moving Picture World Ad | |
| Directed by | Rupert Julian |
| Screenplay by | Elliott J. Clawson |
| Based on | A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Stephen Rounds |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal |
Release date |
|
Running time | 5 reels (est. 62 minutes) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
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. Throughout the silent era, it stood as the first and only feature film adaptation of A Christmas Carol by an American or foreign film company. 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 films based on published material, it takes certain artistic liberties with the storyline the producers believe will appeal more to the audience. This film carried Universal"s "Bluebird Photoplay" brand,[a] 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.[3] The film was released on December 25, 1916.[4][5]
- ^ Zmuda 2015, p. 30.
- ^ Roots of the B movie
- ^ "The Moving Picture World". 1916.
- ^ The Right to Be Happy at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films
- ^ The Right to Be Happy at the TCM Movie Database
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