First revealed manner again in 1843, Charles Dickens‘ basic Christmas novella ‘A Christmas Carol’ is the quintessential festive fable, in addition to one of the vital well-known tales ever written. It follows the cantankerous miser Ebenezer Scrooge, a depressing and ill-tempered businessman whose lifetime of saving pennies on the expense of anybody he can exploit has made him a lonely and embittered previous soul. Nonetheless, his outlook on life modifications drastically when he’s visited by the ghost of his former enterprise accomplice, and the ghosts of Christmases Previous, Current, and But to Come.

A story of super redemption, surprise, and coronary heart, it’s maybe not stunning that ‘A Christmas Carol’ has impressed so many movie and tv variations. Starting from devoted transitions that notice Dickens’ characters and story as earnestly as potential, to photos that train their artistic license to offer one thing distinctly completely different and distinctive, the historical past of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on the display is filled with emphatic narrative triumphs and misguided missteps.

24 ‘Scrooge; or, Marley’s Ghost’ (1901)

Directed by Walter R. Sales space

This primary adaptation is not actually included within the rankings because it’s such an obscure one, however since it is the oldest recognized movie model in existence, it has to at the least be famous. Directed by Walter R. Sales space and produced by R.W. Paul in 1901, the British brief movie options an unidentified actor taking part in Scrooge within the silent movie. Although solely 4 minutes and 55 seconds of the six-minute-and-20-second-long movie can be found to curious audiences, the 35mm reel is preserved by the British Movie Institute.

There are some spectacular visuals on show for a piece that’s nicely over 120 years previous…

The abridged model of the story sees Scrooge encounter solely the ghost of Marley, who exhibits him visions of Chistmases previous, current, and future. There are some spectacular visuals on show for a piece that’s nicely over 120 years previous, although the presence of a theatrical setup is robust all through. That is pretty much as good a spot to start out as any, save for studying the unique Christmas story itself. – Dave Trumbore

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23 ‘Christmas Carol: The Film’ (2001)

Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami

A monumental misstep within the methods of adaptation, and even simply plain storytelling for that matter, Christmas Carol: The Film misuses lots of Dickens’ story’s biggest strengths whereas incorporating a number of debilitating weaknesses of its personal creation. An embellishment of the unique story, the 2001 animated movie strives to spherical out the story by making Scrooge considerably youthful whereas additionally giving a number of aspect characters an opportunity to shine on their very own quite than basking within the gentle mirrored by Scrooge’s central storyline.

It is an odd selection, and whereas it does give the movie some attention-grabbing parts, like an enhanced deal with Scrooge’s former partner, Belle (Kate Winslet), it in the end sees the image fall nicely wanting the brilliance of its supply materials. Moreover, it additionally options some uncharacteristically darkish moments, like Scrooge dousing an ailing Tiny Tim with water, thus giving him a chilly that results in his demise, and a teasing inclination that Scrooge might relapse again to his previous methods after experiencing his redemption. It’s maybe an attention-grabbing watch as an alternate tackle Dickens’ story, however Christmas Carol: The Film is in the end one of many greatest misfires within the historical past of the novella’s display variations. – Dave Trumbore

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22 ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1997)

Directed by Stan Phillips

Overly cartoonish and much too by-product to be endearing past the occasional flourish of animated surprise, 1997’s A Christmas Carol finally ends up being hindered by its authentic lens of the story in an period when such established manufacturers as The Flintstones and Disney’s Mickey Mouse characters have been additionally taking over the story. Admittedly, it does function a improbable vocal efficiency from Tim Curry as Scrooge, with the actor imbuing the half together with his trademark villainous aptitude, whereas realizing the redemptive decision with allure.

Sadly, many different parts of the animated image merely don’t work. Curry’s co-stars are incapable of matching his fervor, the heavy-handed moralism saps a lot of the enjoyment out of the story, the implementation of uninspired musical numbers feels compelled, and the strategy of gearing the story solely for youthful audiences dumbs down lots of its central concepts with out casting something in the way in which of child-like enchantment or surprise. Sadly, this leads to one other animated adaptation that’s greatest prevented in favor of different, extra endearing iterations of the story.

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21 ‘Scrooge’ (1970)

Directed by Ronald Neame

There’s just about a model of Scrooge for everybody on the market, however five-time Oscar-nominated actor Albert Finney is to the style of only a few. There’s one thing about his efficiency that’s unusual and off-putting. Maybe it is his penchant for lurching about with a twisted grimace and a hunched again, or the truth that his character cannot fairly appear to come back to grips with the teachings the spirits are attempting to show him. Then there’s the truth that this can be a musical rendition of the story, and whereas that could be nice in principle, it would not work fairly so nicely in follow.

That being stated, this model does have just a few issues that others don’t. When Scrooge returns dwelling on Christmas Eve, there is a ghostly full-sized horse-drawn carriage that passes via his foyer; this can be a description pulled proper from Dickens’ textual content that was meant for example simply how cavernous Scrooge’s dwelling actually was. One other attention-grabbing notice is that we truly see Scrooge quickly sporting his very personal ponderous chain simply earlier than his redemptive second, with Marley stopping by to bid him a not-so-fond farewell and a Merry Christmas. Nonetheless, Finney’s efficiency is eerily just like Adam Sandler’s Little Nicky, putting it on a listing of variations many would quite not watch once more. – Dave Trumbore

20 ‘Wealthy Little’s Christmas Carol’ (1978)

Directed by Wealthy Little

Just like the model above and a few that instantly observe, this tackle ‘A Christmas Carol’ is at the least value a watch if you have not seen it earlier than. Given the truth that Dickens’ story is a timeless story, it’s a bit stunning to search out how dated Wealthy Little’s HBO particular has turn into. It’s very 1978, owing principally to Little’s shtick that depends closely on superstar impersonations and topical humor. The musical numbers and snicker monitor additionally add a heavy hand to the comedy routines.

If you understand the names Paul Lynde, W.C. Fields, Peter Falk, and Truman Capote nicely sufficient to understand Little’s impersonations and inside jokes, then there could also be an added allure to the tv movie. In any other case, it is a skinny and unwelcoming adaptation that leaves loads to be desired. Whereas Little’s one-man present—which sees him tackle 15 roles—is a formidable feat of efficiency and ambition, Wealthy Little’s Christmas Carol is tough for brand new followers to narrate to. – Dave Trumbore

Wealthy Little’s Christmas Carol is at present not accessible to stream, hire, or buy within the U.S.

19 ‘The Stingiest Man in City’ (1978)

Directed by Katsuhia Yamada, Jules Bass & Arthur Rankin Jr.

From Rankin/Bass Animated Leisure—the corporate behind such cartoon Christmas classics as Rudolph the Crimson-Nosed Reindeer, The Little Drummer Boy, and Frosty the Snowman—The Stingiest Man in City makes use of conventional animation, and might be a lesser image due to it. Made in collaboration with the Japanese animation studio Topcraft—which housed many animators who would later begin Studio Ghibli—this adaptation of the well-known festive story tones down a few of the story’s extra intense beats to attraction on to youngsters.

As such, it’s notable for its inclusion of speaking rats, cats, and canine, in addition to its litany of foolish songs. Granted, there’s a vital quantity of Dickens’ precise dialogue used, however it does are inclined to get misplaced amid the movie’s overly infantile gags and its extreme indulgence in ridiculous displays of its characters, notably the ghosts. The Stingiest Man in City might maintain some attraction for younger viewers, even in any case these years, however adults might discover it tougher to have interaction with. – Dave Trumbore

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18 ‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’ (2022)

Directed by Stephen Donnelly

Dreamed up by Netflix, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol is the newest adaptation of Dickens’ story so far. Like lots of the iterations of the festive fable earlier than it, it makes use of animation and musical numbers in an try to imbue the viewing expertise with a wide-eyed sense of surprise and heat. Sadly, additionally like lots of the animated iterations earlier than it, it’s riddled with misguided tangents that depart from the supply materials with out including something new or impressed to the fold.

Dreamed up by Netflix,
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
is the newest adaptation of Dickens’ story so far.

What makes this such a disgrace is the voice solid assembled for the movie is immaculate, with Luke Evans starring as Scrooge, whereas Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Jonathan Pryce, Johnny Flynn, and James Cosmo fill out the supporting roles. Moreover, the animation has a vibrancy and attraction that overcomes a haphazard realization of the basic story to nonetheless encourage awe and amazement on a number of events. As such, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol has strengths that make it worthwhile, however it’s tough to see it being remembered as a Christmas basic for years to come back.

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17 ‘Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol’ (1962)

Directed by Abe Levitow

For those who’re a fan of the nearsighted, Sixties Jim Backus-voiced cartoon character Mister Magoo, then this Christmas particular ought to be a slam dunk on your watchlist. If you have not the foggiest thought who Mr. Magoo is or the animated historical past behind him, then this adaptation would possibly merely be a “cross.” It is yet one more animated adaptation that skews in direction of a youthful crowd with foolish songs and less-than-scary spirits, however nowadays solely adults of a sure age would respect its allure.

There’s an attention-grabbing theme that pops up in a lot of these animated variations that use well-known cartoon characters to play Scrooge. Relatively than simply be Scrooge, lots of the specials have a body story that has the character taking part in Scrooge in a play of some kind. This enables for some added gags exterior the construction of Dickens’ story, however there are higher variations than Magoo’s. The saving grace right here is that Mister Magoo’s redemption as Scrooge is sort of cute and actually brings down the home. – Dave Trumbore

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16 ‘Bugs Bunny’s Christmas Carol’ (1979)

Directed by Friz Freleng

Now here is an animated adaptation of a unique kind. Relatively than arrange some kind of elaborate body story, the Merrie Melodies gang simply jumps proper into the story. That conviction is straightforward to understand, as is the brief’s snappy development of the acquainted fable, given it has a runtime of simply eight minutes, making it essentially the most economical model of the story put to display because the aforementioned 1901 silent brief. Nonetheless, this can be a very free and foolish adaptation that is higher left for the little ones to take pleasure in.

Certain, seeing Yosemite Sam blow his stack as a hassled and harassed Ebenezer Scrooge and listening to Porky Pig stammer because the nervous Bob Cratchit are nice moments, however there are higher alternate options that current a extra honest adaptation of Dickens’ story. Then once more, these do not embody Bugs Bunny taking part in pranks on Yosemite Sam and bringing a bunch of the Looney Tunes‘ biggest stars alongside for the experience. Total, Bugs Bunny’s Christmas Carol presents precisely what one would anticipate, and there are each distinctive strengths and unlucky weaknesses inside that. – Dave Trumbore

Bugs Bunny’s Christmas Carol is at present not accessible to stream, hire, or buy within the U.S.

15 ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ (2004)

Directed by Arthur Allan Seidlman

There’s already been a function movie, a TV particular, and musical variations on this record, however that is this primary live-action TV particular that is additionally a musical. And it is not nice. Certain, the manufacturing high quality is spectacular for tv on the time, and eight-time Oscar-winning songwriter Alan Menken definitely brings dwelling the musical portion of the proceedings, however the very “TV actor” solid of Kelsey Grammer, Jason Alexander, Jane Krakowski, Jesse L. Martin, and Jennifer Love Hewitt hold this adaptation from hovering any larger.

Director Arthur Allan Seidelman’s model of ‘A Christmas Carol’ broadens the stage past the same old settings, partly to incorporate dynamic musical numbers that includes plenty of solid and choral members, however it makes it really feel a bit too clear for Victorian London. The attention-grabbing elements of this model embody Grammer’s Scrooge assembly the Christmas Spirits earlier within the present of their human varieties, a little bit of foreshadowing not seen in different variations. Sadly, Grammer’s redemptive second would not fairly convey this one dwelling, regardless that his Scrooge does make amends with, seemingly, the entire city. Whereas die exhausting followers of musicals might do worse than this iteration of the story, there are definitely higher variations for individuals who simply need to see the Dickens’ story carried out nicely. – Dave Trumbore

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14 ‘Ms. Scrooge’ (1997)

Directed by John Korty

Whereas many have been fast to dismiss Mr. Scrooge as a bizarre and reaching one-off within the extreme historical past of ‘A Christmas Carol’ variations, the 1997 made-for-television movie truly has some sensible moments. A recent re-imagining of the story that sees Oscar-winning director John Korty directing the Oscar-nominated Cicely Tyson, the movie proudly wears its coronary heart on its sleeve, with the impassioned strategy resulting in impressed scenes like Reverend Luke’s (Michael Seashore)—Scrooge’s nephew—sermon that hammers dwelling the distinction between sinners and saints throughout their time on Earth.

That being stated, the story of Tyson’s Scrooge from her traumatic childhood via her remoted maturity and late-in-coming redemption may not be to everybody’s liking. Whereas the gender and race swap for this model is admirable, there’s additionally an odd try to shoehorn racial tensions and gender inequality within the office into the story. These points are raised however by no means delivered to a passable conclusion, in order that they fall brief, similar to Tyson’s supply of Scrooge’s redemptive second on the film’s finish. Nonetheless, it’s a worthy watch when you’re on the lookout for an alternate tackle the basic story. – Dave Trumbore

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13 ‘A Christmas Carol’ (2009)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

A far cry from the simplicity of the silent brief from 1901, Robert Zemeckis’ 2009 computer-animated model of ‘A Christmas Carol’ stars a motion-captured Jim Carrey as Scrooge and every of the Christmas Spirits. The massive price range for the audacious manufacturing returned with curiosity following just a few weeks atop the field workplace charts, however the movie did not fairly flip right into a worldwide blockbuster the way in which Disney had most likely meant. A potential rationalization for this resides within the movie’s hanging Uncanny Valley impact.

The character design and results work are well-crafted and completely suited to Dickens’ exploration of the supernatural, however very similar to Zemeckis’ earlier use of this animation know-how within the 2004 movie The Polar Categorical, there’s simply one thing unsettling in regards to the characters’ faces. Nonetheless, these visuals work spectacularly when utilized to Scrooge’s visits throughout time and house, particularly throughout Fezziwig’s fantastical Christmas celebration. And whereas Scrooge’s redemption scene advantages from Carrey’s explicit model of over-the-top performing, the truth that Carrey additionally performs the a part of all three Spirits limits their vary considerably. The tip result’s a worthwhile and pretty conventional adaptation, however it is not one with out a few flaws that prohibit it to being a little bit of a gimmicky tackle the story with an underlying creepiness courtesy of the visible show. – Dave Trumbore

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12 ‘A Christmas Carol’ (2019)

Directed by Nick Murphy

FX’s tackle ‘A Christmas Carol’ is one which forces the audiences to carry two semi-contradictory truths of their head. On one hand, it’s a daring and brutal delight to see the basic story carried out so in a different way, to see the blackness of Scrooge’s soul laid naked in a cynical and hostile story world that has given him each motive to be the grouchy, curmudgeonous previous miser that he’s. Then again, it should even be acknowledged that, regardless of Man Pearce’s astonishing work as Scrooge, it presents a model of the character only a few folks need to see.

The Gothic lens the miniseries casts on Dickens’ novella has an preliminary attraction, however because the story grows more and more bleak, and as Scrooge’s depressing life is laid naked, it turns into obvious that his redemptive triumph won’t be the fantastic outpouring of feelings that it normally is. As an alternative, the story corners itself by being too darkish to finish with such unbridled pleasure, and thus it’s compelled to undermine Scrooge’s turning level in favor of sustaining its personal coarse tone. It’s completely value watching at the least as soon as, and it flaunts sure strengths that no different adaptation can match, however it finally ends up being an experiment that goes towards the very core of the unique story, and makes it an intriguing various to Dickens’ story quite than a presentation of it.

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11 ‘Spirited’ (2022)

Directed by Sean Anders

Whereas it could not go down in historical past as a definitive Christmas basic, Spirited did handle to surpass expectations as a vibrant and artistic spin on Dickens’ story that makes use of the charisma of stars Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. Ferrell stars as Ebenzer Scrooge and the performing Ghost of Christmas Current, who works with the Ghost of Christmas Previous (Sunita Muni), the Ghost of Christmas But to Come (Lauren G. Woods), and Jacob Marley (Patrick Web page) to redeem one soul yearly. The crew discover a notably prickly buyer in Reynolds’ Clint Briggs, a cynical political strategist who may also help the ghosts as a lot as they may also help him.

The Apple TV+ authentic is one other spin on the story that makes use of musical numbers so as to add to the surprise and spectacle of the show, however it works to its benefit. This is not to say the movie is flawless. Quite the opposite, its 127-minute runtime is overlong for a narrative that many audiences are already aware of, and it basks in extra extra in order that sharp narrative punch. Nonetheless, the tip consequence is among the extra pleasant renditions of the story offered this century, and options all of the hallmarks of a lovable vacation hit.

10 ‘A Flintstones Christmas Carol’ (1994)

Directed by Joanna Romersa

Whereas surface-level qualms about A Flintstones Christmas Carol might solid hypothesis on whether or not Bedrock’s first household has maintained the pop-culture relevance to nonetheless excel as a gimmicky take of Dickens’ story, this tv adaptation truly has the power to face by itself two toes. This Christmas particular sees the city of Bedrock placing on their very own manufacturing of ‘A Christmas Carol’, with Fred Flintstone naturally solid as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Whereas different cartoons have tried and did not execute this strategy, The Flintstones writers expertly play on the established traits of its personal pre-existing characters in a manner that marries with ‘A Christmas Story’ nicely, whereas nonetheless leaving loads of room for the collection to showcase its personal model of comedic enjoyable. Additional deepening this story, Fred’s star standing begins to go to his head because the play goes on, and it is as much as his household, buddies, and fellow solid members to convey his ego again all the way down to Earth. It not solely entertains adults and youngsters alike, it manages to drag off Dickens’ Christmas basic and reforms Fred’s selfishness on the identical time. Yabba-dabba-doo! – Dave Trumbore

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9 ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ (1983)

Directed by Burny Mattinson

The guts of ‘A Christmas Carol’ combines with the heat and allure of Disney animation and the pantheon of Mickey Mouse characters in the basic animated spin on Dicken’s novella, Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Whereas it was launched over 40 years in the past now, there may be but to be a extra excellent iteration of the story to point out to youngsters to introduce them to the well-known story. Whereas that is partially due to its manageable and attention-grabbing 25-minute runtime, it is usually due to its sensible use of its characters and its endearing and comical animation.

Initially named after Ebenezer Scrooge himself, Scrooge McDuck is solid because the cantankerous previous miser, whereas Mickey Mouse fills the Bob Cratchit half and Jiminy Cricket serves because the Ghost of Christmas Previous. Loaded with different phenomenal character choices as numerous Disney icons pop up via the story, Mickey’s Christmas Carol manages to be a phenomenal and honest depiction of Dickens’ story whereas being uniquely Disney’s. It’s a true festive season delight, and a glowing endorsement as to why Disney has been a powerhouse of animated cinema for therefore lengthy.

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8 ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1999)

Directed by David Jones

Patrick Stewart has made a behavior of portraying iconic characters all through his profession. His efficiency as Professor X within the X-Males motion pictures is among the most iconic of the twenty first century, his work as Jean-Luc Picard within the Star Trek franchise is equally vital within the wheelhouse of sci-fi tv, and he has even performed King Richard, Macbeth, and Merlin all through his profession. Due to this fact, it ought to come as completely no shock that his depiction of Ebenezer Scrooge in 1999’s tv movie A Christmas Carol was chic.

Granted, the film itself is not with out its faults, lots of which stem from the restrictions of tv productions on the time of its launch, however it finds a central spotlight in Stewart’s efficiency. It additionally thrives by implementing a few of the extra forgotten moments of Dickens’ story, together with mulling over the phrase “lifeless as a doornail” and the go to to the far-flung Christmas revelers at a distant lighthouse and a ship at sea throughout the Ghost of Christmas Current’s lesson. Whereas it does get to the purpose the place Scrooge is simply drifting via acquainted beats, Stewart maintains an attention-grabbing vitality together with his peculiar laughter and his eventual redemption. – Dave Trumbore

7 ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ (1992)

Directed by Brian Henson

Established leisure manufacturers making their very own variations of ‘A Christmas Carol’ grew to become one thing of a mainstay of the vacation seasons of the ’80s and ’90s, with many doing so with great wit and loads of festive allure. Nonetheless, none have been pretty much as good as The Muppets‘ spin on the story, The Muppet Christmas Carol. With fourth-wall breaks, loads of in-jokes between fan-favorite characters, an amusing assortment of musical moments, and two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine showing as Scrooge, this iteration is understandably one of many extra well-liked.

One power that it has that it’s wanting to flaunt is its ensemble of lovable aspect characters within the type of The Muppets, all of that are given their time to shine, making for an adaptation that develops a penchant for taking the main target off Scrooge but making it work. Whereas it is not with out its limitations, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a enjoyable and energetic iteration of the well-known festive fable that’s extremely simple to fall in love with, no matter how acquainted one is with the characters of The Muppets.

6 ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1984)

Directed by Clive Donner

All through the historical past of vacation cinema, there have been many variations of ‘A Christmas Carol’, one thing this record illustrates. 1984’s model, directed by Clive Donner and starring Academy Award-winning veteran of the display George C. Scott, is among the many best and most universally beloved iterations of the story ever put to display. It stays largely devoted to Dickens’ story, although it does place extra of a deal with Scrooge’s ruthless enterprise dealings and establishes that his mom died in childbirth, a tragedy that noticed his father maintain a grudge towards him all his life.

The movie is comfy unfolding at a measured tempo, one thing that makes the tv manufacturing really feel extra like a cinematic interval drama, an aura supported by its astonishing manufacturing design, its visible presentation, and the power of its supporting solid. Scott’s redemptive scenes on the film’s finish is among the greatest out of all of the variations, a second that led to his nomination for a Primetime Emmy for the function. If you have not seen this model, undoubtedly add it to your record. – Dave Trumbore

5 ‘Scrooged’ (1988)

Directed by Richard Donner

Simply the very best non-traditional adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Richard Donner’s 1988 comedy Scrooged is a testomony to simply how timeless Dickens’ story is. Set within the hyper-violent and profit-obsessed leisure world of the Nineteen Eighties, Invoice Murray performs Frank Cross, a TV community government who’s beneath the gun to usher in big numbers for the channel’s upcoming Christmas particular. What follows is an exploration that goes behind the scenes of a “conventional” TV adaptation of the story, and extra importantly, a personality examination of Cross as a modern-day Scrooge.

Scrooged makes a direct impression of itself, opening with a promotional piece exhibiting armed assailants taking pictures up Santa’s workshop, solely to see Lee Majors save the day. That kind of humor continues as Cross is visited by three Christmas spirits, inflicting him to hallucinate wildly and placing manufacturing of his Christmas particular in jeopardy. It is value noting that this can be a very free adaptation of the story, however the emotion between Cross and his bleeding-heart real love Claire (Karen Allen) is a good instance of how variations can trump translations. The underlying genius of the movie pertains to how it makes use of the unique story of redemption because the framework for a satire of contemporary society’s need to embrace the irredeemable. Scrooged is crucial viewing for individuals who love a superb change-up from custom, whereas additionally stands as the most effective ‘A Christmas Carol’ variations ever launched. – Dave Trumbore

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