It's the gift that keeps on giving. Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is a stage and screen staple. The newest film version, which premieres Friday, features Jim Carrey. He's the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts of Christmas. Watch trailers.

It took Dickens six weeks to write the novella, inspired by this brutal fact of life in 1843 England. The book was a hit. Here's the original manuscript (along with illustrations that graced it).

The first film version, in 1901, was silent. (Watch a clip.) Other acclaimed celluloid variations: Reginald Owen's in 1938, Alastair Sim's Scrooge in 1951 (see snippets), the 1984 version with George C. Scott (check out videos) and the 1988 comedy "Scrooged" (see clips of star Bill Murray).

Then there were the cartoon takes: "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (starring Scrooge McDuck), Bugs Bunny, Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Jetsons and this rich cartoon bumbler.

Some lines from the book have stood the test of time, especially this one. Don't forget that the happy ending always comes with this dessert. Wishing someone would read it to you? A "Star Trek" alum offers a stirring oration.