The Stingiest Man in Town (1978) movie backdrop
The Stingiest Man in Town (1978) movie poster
197850 minAnimation, TV Movie, Fantasy, Family
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

The Stingiest Man in Town

The Stingiest Man in Town Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:The Stingiest Man in Town is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.3/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Animation, TV Movie, Fantasy, Family genre.

Is The Stingiest Man in Town Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, The Stingiest Man in Town is likely a skip if you enjoy Animation movies.

It features a runtime of 50 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.316 votes
50Minutes
1978Release Year
Visual Story
Advertisement

The Stingiest Man in Town Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1978, The Stingiest Man in Town enters the Animation genre with a narrative focused on An animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol from Arthur Rankin Jr. Under the direction of Jules Bass, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Walter Matthau. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, The Stingiest Man in Town offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, The Stingiest Man in Town resonates with current cultural themes in the Animation space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, The Stingiest Man in Town is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of The Stingiest Man in Town centers on a unique premise within the Animation landscape. An animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass -- the duo behind some of the most enduring Christmas specials ever (including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). Reinvented as a 49-minute musical, this charming cartoon stars the voice of Walter Matthau as the bedeviled Scrooge and Tom Bosley as the Jiminy Cricket-type narrator, B. Humbug, Esq. It features animation by Japanese studio Topcraft, known for their work on other Rankin/Bass films such as The Hobbit, The Flight of Dragons, and The Last Unicorn. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1978 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of The Stingiest Man in Town has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Stingiest Man in Town sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for The Stingiest Man in Town (1978): with an audience rating of 5.3/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Animation, TV Movie, Fantasy, Family cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Where to Watch The Stingiest Man in Town Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
The Stingiest Man in Town has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Stingiest Man in Town stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Stingiest Man in Town movie hit or flop?

The Stingiest Man in Town has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Stingiest Man in Town worth watching?

The Stingiest Man in Town is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, TV Movie, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Stingiest Man in Town online?

The Stingiest Man in Town may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.3
The Stingiest Man in Town
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-stingiest-man-in-town-46044" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Stingiest Man in Town</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Walter Matthau

View full filmography

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is The Stingiest Man in Town movie hit or flop?

The Stingiest Man in Town has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Stingiest Man in Town worth watching?

The Stingiest Man in Town is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, TV Movie, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Stingiest Man in Town online?

The Stingiest Man in Town may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of The Stingiest Man in Town?

The Stingiest Man in Town is a Animation, TV Movie, Fantasy movie that follows: An animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass -- the duo behind some of the most enduring Christmas specials ever (including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). Reinve...

Is The Stingiest Man in Town family friendly?

Yes, The Stingiest Man in Town is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Animation, TV Movie, Fantasy movie.

What language is The Stingiest Man in Town available in?

The Stingiest Man in Town is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

An animated adaptation of A Christmas Carol from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass -- the duo behind some of the most enduring Christmas specials ever (including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). Reinvented as a 49-minute musical, this charming cartoon stars the voice of Walter Matthau as the bedeviled Scrooge and Tom Bosley as the Jiminy Cricket-type narrator, B. Humbug, Esq. It features animation by Japanese studio Topcraft, known for their work on other Rankin/Bass films such as The Hobbit, The Flight of Dragons, and The Last Unicorn.

Critic Reviews

No reviews found for this filter.