The film, which is just over 3 minutes long, depicts a young girl selling matchsticks on Christmas Eve. One passerby steals her shoes, and another passes without acknowledging her. As she freezes to death, she becomes increasingly desperate and begins to light her matches for warmth. In the flame of each match, she has visions of Christmas scenes including a tree decked in tinsel and a table full of food. Eventually, she succumbs to the elements and an angel comes to bring her soul to heaven. A policeman discovers her dead body.

Source: Wikipedia (2024.07.05)

From the fairytale by Hans Andersen. No main title. The little match girl stands in the street by a street lamp. She tries to sell her matches to a passer-by who ignores her. She stands by the wall but a boy who is throwing snowballs at an unseen friend throws snowballs at her. She sits down and huddles in a corner of the wall. Striking a match she sees a vision of a fire and warms her hands. As the match fades so does the vision. Each time she strikes a match, she sees a vision of a table laden with food, a Christmas tree, and finally her grandmother beckoning to her. She finally dies and an angel appears and takes her spirit indicating she is going to heaven. A policeman comes upon the body (195ft).

Source: BFI

A short melodrama based on Hans Christian Andersen's harrowing tale. A poor little girl tries to sell matchsticks in the freezing December cold. She lights matches for some light and warmth. There are visions: a fireplace, dinner, a Christmas tree. She sees her dead mother, welcoming her.

Source: TMDB