Counting out the Scrooges
9 MGM's 1938 "A Christmas Carol," a faithful and compact film version, benefits from Reginald Owen's well-rounded portrayal and the studio's neat production values. Apart from the framing scenes of Magoo starring in a Broadway production, the tale itself is faithfully presented, with catchy songs by Broadway greats Jule Styne and Bob Merrill (who were writing "Funny Girl" around the same time). Other assets include…