In October 1843, Dickens is heavily in debt so he decides to write a new book.

However he is also devoid of fresh ideas.

Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens gives a broad, comic performance as a petulant, penny-pinching Dickens trying to save money and fight off despondency.

He is then inspired to write a Christmas story and everything starts to fall into place. 

Snippets of conversation, random encounters and his own family life provide him with the inspiration.

A waiter called Marley proves useful, an Irish maid with a love of ghost stories sets him on the right path and a strained relationship with his impossible father (Jonathan Pryce) fills him with the right amount of curmudgeonly resentment.

Soon the characters come to life with Christopher Plummer on fine form as a cynical, sinister Scrooge.

It is all a bit frantic and flippant but if you are looking for something to fill you with festive spirit then you could do worse.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (Cert U; 85mins)

If there is is one film guaranteed to raise your festive spirits then it is The Muppet Christmas Carol.

It’s hard to believe 25 years have passed since it was first released but this silver anniversary reissue will allow a new generation to enjoy it on the big screen.

Probably the best Muppet film ever made, boasting a fine balance of comic moments and sincere emotion, it makes the most of the classic Dickens story with Michael Caine enjoying himself as Scrooge.

Rating: 4/5