When IMDb was in its youth, before there was an I Need to Know Board, they had "Ask the Experts" they tried but failed to answer a question my wife wanted answered. It's been 20 years but the gist was: "It was live action, but there was a character who looked something like Jiminy Cricket and at the end the children brought money and saved Christmas." When the boards started at IMDb, this was one of the first questions asked - it was on the half page of posts that had been submitted - but again, no one knew what it was. Thank goodness MST3K had it in the revival! As soon as I saw the evil landlord setup and the lawyer who one could see as looking like Jiminy Cricket, I was 99% sure this was it. When the kids came through - 100%. She has since passed and I have remarried, but I'm glad I finally figured out the movie that she liked.
27 Reviews
Watching as a double bill with "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians".
mark.waltz19 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
For those who took courses in music appreciation, put that knowledge behind you if you watch this 1960's children's classic for holiday joy. Poot Santa Claus (Alberto Rabagliati) is forced to sing in a tone so low that even his ho ho ho would seem off key. It's obvious got this was rushed out for children the Saturday matinees, and it does not stand the test of time unless it has crawled into your memory and not been able to be erased.
This was a first time viewing for me, and what results is a juvenile attempt at musical melodrama that has a mustached villain (Rossano Brazzi) demanding that Santa no longer deliver toys because of his lifelong hatred of children.
It is very obvious to me that little time was taken in creating presentable story, even though it does have an interesting art and set decoration. All of the performances are completely overplayed, with the villains so clearly one-dimensional that obvious that they will be laughed at more than feared. Brazzi is a poor combination of Barnaby in "Babes in Toyland" and the child catcher in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", a Scrooge rip-off that even Ebeneezer would say humbug to. He's closer to Snidely Whiplash and Dick Dastardly than any of the characters I mention above.
Then there's the songs, starting off with a title song so bad that it distracts from the clever drawings over the opening credits. Throughout the film, play began to dread every time a character would think, because it seemed like the music was nothing but ghastly scales and no real rhythm, and lyrics that really have no rhymes. At least the musicians are on key. I am not surprised to learn that Mystery Science Theater had this as one of their targets, because to try to find something decent to say about it really beguiles me. Well, other than the yard Direction, the costumes. But who goes out of a theater humming what the characters are wearing?
This was a first time viewing for me, and what results is a juvenile attempt at musical melodrama that has a mustached villain (Rossano Brazzi) demanding that Santa no longer deliver toys because of his lifelong hatred of children.
It is very obvious to me that little time was taken in creating presentable story, even though it does have an interesting art and set decoration. All of the performances are completely overplayed, with the villains so clearly one-dimensional that obvious that they will be laughed at more than feared. Brazzi is a poor combination of Barnaby in "Babes in Toyland" and the child catcher in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", a Scrooge rip-off that even Ebeneezer would say humbug to. He's closer to Snidely Whiplash and Dick Dastardly than any of the characters I mention above.
Then there's the songs, starting off with a title song so bad that it distracts from the clever drawings over the opening credits. Throughout the film, play began to dread every time a character would think, because it seemed like the music was nothing but ghastly scales and no real rhythm, and lyrics that really have no rhymes. At least the musicians are on key. I am not surprised to learn that Mystery Science Theater had this as one of their targets, because to try to find something decent to say about it really beguiles me. Well, other than the yard Direction, the costumes. But who goes out of a theater humming what the characters are wearing?
Odd And Creepy
boblipton28 September 2020
Santa Claus is about to be evicted by his landlord (played by an uncredited Rossanno Brazzi), but his lawyer, Paul Tripp, negotiates a deal to either pay his rent or stop giving presents to children.
I don't know when the 'Christmas is cancelled!' trope originated (TVtropes has a new format that makes it impossible for me to use that once-valuable resource), but this weird little movie, directed and written by Brazzi, is an early example. It's also a bit creepy. Its erratic pacing and clearly stagebound set gives it a Caligariesque feel, and bits that seem intended to be gags, like a bunch of little people walking under chief Elf Mischa Auer's crotch, seem bizarre.
I don't know when the 'Christmas is cancelled!' trope originated (TVtropes has a new format that makes it impossible for me to use that once-valuable resource), but this weird little movie, directed and written by Brazzi, is an early example. It's also a bit creepy. Its erratic pacing and clearly stagebound set gives it a Caligariesque feel, and bits that seem intended to be gags, like a bunch of little people walking under chief Elf Mischa Auer's crotch, seem bizarre.
You just...had to be there
rpniew21 December 2005
I have wonderful memories of viewing this film. One of the staples of the Christmas season was the weekend matinées of "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't." I remember seeing it with my mother and brothers; I suspect I have the same nostalgia for it that Whittier expressed for his youth in "Snow-Bound." However, we have to be real: after a 35 year absence, I noticed the film in the TV listings and I practically forced my kids to watch it. It was only then I realized with some disappointment how...well...imperfect...the film was. Part of this was due to a rather awful print and the choppy way the station presented it (the startlingly touching finale involving Prune had been butchered out.) It is a part of our youth; it is probably best it remain there. I still love the film and my memories of the time in which it appeared and the big deal we made out of it; sadly, it just doesn't translate today.
Mystery Science Theater did it better.
TylerC16121 March 2018
In all fairness this is your quintessential movie from the 60s. The plot is loose, the acting is dry, and the budget is low. However, I can see the charm it had in its time, especially to children. My first time seeing it was tonight with the Mystery Science Theatre however and that was absolutely more enjoyable than the original would have been.
The Movie That Almost Wasn't Unfortunately
ragpap9329 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It was Christmas time and Rossano Brazzi wanted to make a movie. "Think of something. Think of something. Think of something" he kept saying to himself and then his eyes fell upon some prunes. He was grateful to prunes for giving him this idea so he decided to name a character after them. Since this was a movie that almost wasn't he called it 'The Christmas That Almost Wasn't'.
Well at least it became 'mst3k the return' fodder.
Well at least it became 'mst3k the return' fodder.
Great
lvanett214 November 1999
I remember seeing this film for the first time when I was a kid on cable many years ago....I just loved it! Younger children will especially enjoy the plot of Santa needing money to pay the rent (altho we're never told how much), "tightwad" Phineas T. Prune (Mr. Whipple, to Mr. Prune: "The "T" stands for "tightwad!"") and the wonderful ending! It was on Showtime a few years ago but that's the last I saw of it. If you can, catch it and enjoy! For those who watched it as a kid as I did, it's a real treat!
It had its moments
ericstevenson1 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I'm surprised that the rating is only 3.8. Okay, I admit this movie is bad, but it's not that bad. It's mostly because I actually do really like the ending of this film. The plot is that Santa has to raise enough money for a full year's worth of rent as his landlord bought the North Pole. Merry Christmas Month, by the way! So, he becomes a mall Santa to make ends meet. I actually do like the ending of this film. Santa is still short so he gets help from a kid and he gets help from all the kids who give him money to pay rent. I thought that was sweet.
Still, a lot of it was pretty dumb. How can he make a year's worth of rent in a single work month? Trust me, I know how that works. The guy who originally owns the store doesn't seem to believe in Santa. This is a world where Santa doesn't hide his existence as he has to pay rent for crying out loud! It is kind of a nice looking film. It's still pretty dopey but at least it's not "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" or "Santa Claus". **
Still, a lot of it was pretty dumb. How can he make a year's worth of rent in a single work month? Trust me, I know how that works. The guy who originally owns the store doesn't seem to believe in Santa. This is a world where Santa doesn't hide his existence as he has to pay rent for crying out loud! It is kind of a nice looking film. It's still pretty dopey but at least it's not "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" or "Santa Claus". **
Could Be Worse
gavin694224 November 2017
Santa has to get a job as Santa to earn money to pay his overdue rent bill.
The usual problems of an Italian film are present here, most notably the bad dubbing. But actually the dubbing could be far worse. And the picture quality is surprisingly good for the era.
One could say the film lacks originally. There are obvious nods to "A Christmas Carol", for example. But it does have its own special appeal. The elves are interesting and their head bookkeeper happens to be a very well-known American actor... how he ended up in this mess is probably a story in itself.
The usual problems of an Italian film are present here, most notably the bad dubbing. But actually the dubbing could be far worse. And the picture quality is surprisingly good for the era.
One could say the film lacks originally. There are obvious nods to "A Christmas Carol", for example. But it does have its own special appeal. The elves are interesting and their head bookkeeper happens to be a very well-known American actor... how he ended up in this mess is probably a story in itself.
truly a christmas classic
mely261 January 1999
when i was younger i saw this movie and i just loved the musical aspect of the film. it is a wonderful film that shows the north pole and how santa needs love just like the rest of us... i would love to own a copy of this film but i was told it is out of print... so if you get a chance to see this movie, enjoy it as i always do, and don't be afraid to sing along...
THE Christmas THAT ALMOST WASN'T (Rossano Brazzi, 1966) **1/2
Bunuel197629 December 2011
This obscure Italian musical fantasy was actually made in the then-prevalent style: elaborately-mounted, garishly-colored and broadly comic in tone (bringing to mind both THE GREAT RACE {1965}, with Rossano Brazzi's Phineas T. Prune looking quite a bit like Jack Lemmon's Professor Fate from that film and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG {1968}, which also involved a child-hating villain) – in fact, it comes complete with an animated title sequence! Incidentally, the anti-Christmas feeling inherent within the film would turn up again the same year in Chuck Jones' animated rendition of Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE Christmas (by the way, I will be checking out the 2000 live-action version as part of my ongoing Christmas binge)! Writer/director/star Brazzi – who, curiously enough, died on Christmas Eve 1994 – had already proved his vocal mettle (in heavily-accented English) with the popular musical SOUTH PACIFIC (1958). For the record, this was his first of only 3 directorial efforts – the others being no less intriguing, and admirably versatile, namely the caper CRIMINAL AFFAIR (1968) and the giallo PSYCHOUT FOR MURDER (1969; which I have opted to acquire in its original cut, since a 'harder' version was commissioned for the overseas market that reportedly saw the involvement of cult figure Renato Polselli!).
Anyway, while the film under review emerges as no unsung gem, it was a harmless and surprisingly engaging addition to the Yuletide movie lore, its plot also recalling the seasonal perennials MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947; in view of the fact that the real Santa Claus seeks employment in a department store to fill just that role!) and the much-filmed "A Christmas Carol" (given Prune's eventual softening). The songs (music by future Jess Franco{!} regular Bruno Nicolai and lyrics by one Paul Tripp, who also co-stars as the lawyer – Brazzi's own neighbor! – helping Santa thwart the villain's plans to disrupt the eagerly-awaited festivities) are hardly classics, but the title tune in particular is quite pleasant. Being an international production (here presented dubbed in English albeit still sporting the original Italian credits), Father Christmas is played by an unknown Italian actor (Alberto Rabagliati) – who, amusingly, gets the shivers in having to deal with children, since he usually encounters them while they are asleep (similarly, he and Tripp get carried away trying out the toys in the store, which merely elicits a head-shaking reaction from prospective customers)! His spouse, then, is played by Brazzi's own second wife (Lydia) and the wiry elderly clerk at Santa's workshop is the ever-reliable character actor Mischa Auer in one of his last films. Typically, a number of midgets are behind the bearded fat man in the red suit or, more precisely, the toys he distributes door-to-door all around the world every Christmas Eve.
With respect to Prune's beef with the Christmas period, it transpires that he has purchased the entire North Pole so that, knowing Santa will not be able to pay the lease, he can evict the latter (which Brazzi takes great pleasure in, turning up every day like clockwork expressly to upset the old man's meal!) and, therefore, no toys will be manufactured and delivered from then on! In fact, Santa takes up the extra employment in order to meet his new landlord's demands (which the latter nips in the bud by purchasing the establishment too and firing St. Nick and his attorney on the spot!). Incidentally, one quibble I have with films purporting to present the Real McCoy: if Santa is supposed to be the be-all-and-end-all of Christmas gifts (in that he has to bring them personally to kids, with his herd of reindeer and all), where do the plentiful toys in sundry department stores across the globe come from?! As expected, Brazzi's scheme (aided in his nefarious exploits by cadaverous butler John Karlsen) is ultimately foiled, with children everywhere willingly giving their pocket money to save Santa from his predicament. Prune, on the other hand, is revealed to have believed in Father Christmas himself once upon a time but his letter asking for a sail-boat had gotten misplaced, and this was the reason he grew up detesting all things connected to the proverbial 'jolly' season!
Anyway, while the film under review emerges as no unsung gem, it was a harmless and surprisingly engaging addition to the Yuletide movie lore, its plot also recalling the seasonal perennials MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947; in view of the fact that the real Santa Claus seeks employment in a department store to fill just that role!) and the much-filmed "A Christmas Carol" (given Prune's eventual softening). The songs (music by future Jess Franco{!} regular Bruno Nicolai and lyrics by one Paul Tripp, who also co-stars as the lawyer – Brazzi's own neighbor! – helping Santa thwart the villain's plans to disrupt the eagerly-awaited festivities) are hardly classics, but the title tune in particular is quite pleasant. Being an international production (here presented dubbed in English albeit still sporting the original Italian credits), Father Christmas is played by an unknown Italian actor (Alberto Rabagliati) – who, amusingly, gets the shivers in having to deal with children, since he usually encounters them while they are asleep (similarly, he and Tripp get carried away trying out the toys in the store, which merely elicits a head-shaking reaction from prospective customers)! His spouse, then, is played by Brazzi's own second wife (Lydia) and the wiry elderly clerk at Santa's workshop is the ever-reliable character actor Mischa Auer in one of his last films. Typically, a number of midgets are behind the bearded fat man in the red suit or, more precisely, the toys he distributes door-to-door all around the world every Christmas Eve.
With respect to Prune's beef with the Christmas period, it transpires that he has purchased the entire North Pole so that, knowing Santa will not be able to pay the lease, he can evict the latter (which Brazzi takes great pleasure in, turning up every day like clockwork expressly to upset the old man's meal!) and, therefore, no toys will be manufactured and delivered from then on! In fact, Santa takes up the extra employment in order to meet his new landlord's demands (which the latter nips in the bud by purchasing the establishment too and firing St. Nick and his attorney on the spot!). Incidentally, one quibble I have with films purporting to present the Real McCoy: if Santa is supposed to be the be-all-and-end-all of Christmas gifts (in that he has to bring them personally to kids, with his herd of reindeer and all), where do the plentiful toys in sundry department stores across the globe come from?! As expected, Brazzi's scheme (aided in his nefarious exploits by cadaverous butler John Karlsen) is ultimately foiled, with children everywhere willingly giving their pocket money to save Santa from his predicament. Prune, on the other hand, is revealed to have believed in Father Christmas himself once upon a time but his letter asking for a sail-boat had gotten misplaced, and this was the reason he grew up detesting all things connected to the proverbial 'jolly' season!
Memories Vs Reality
mdibar11 December 2004
I vividly remember going to see this in the movies when I was 5 Years old. The commercials promoting it on TV stick in my head also. As another reviewer said, going to the movies was a big deal then. Now that I am 43 I have been getting very nostalgic. I was very happy to see that this movie was available on DVD. When I watched the movie I was really surprised at how bad it was, as Billy Joel says in one of his songs "The good old days weren't always good" To start with the opening song "A Christmas that almost wasn't" sounds more like a halloween song, a little haunting. The colors in the movie were also very dark and drab. As for Santa "my God" what a depressing Santa he was a little whiner, I wanted to grab him ala the Godfather and say "You can act like a man" The whole movie is just cheaply done, songs and everything. This is a case of my childhood memories playing tricks on me. Oh well there's always Rudolph.
Creepy and loving' it!
rja196912 January 2007
I love this movie for how truly creepy it is. The shabby Santa and disturbing Mr. Whipple are just a delight. For my family it's a slice of rotten holiday fruit Cake perfect for goofing on. Crowd pleaser Mischca Auer, a desperate 6'+ elf from a nightmare, kind of makes you want to throw up. It's incredibly quotable... Paul Whipple to young boys " Up! Up! Up!" Mischca Auer, "Doesn't strike a spark somehow.." Mrs. Claus "Oh I do declare! You men are just children!" The musical soundtrack uses the "Gilligan's Island" sum technique explaining the plot in song during the opening credits. "Prune Prune was his name. He was a man who had no shame. Prune, Prune was his name if there was no Christmas, he's to blame. " Creeepeee and loving' it!
The Christmas That Almost Wasn't (1966) **1/2
JoeKarlosi31 December 2008
I'm considering this Italian film as a "first viewing," but this may have been one of the very first movies I ever saw in a theater when I was 4, I can't recall exactly. I know I definitely remember as a child seeing a rather grim TV commercial for it where a sad and solemn Santa Claus says: "Christmas isn't coming this year", and it stuck with me ever since. I've been meaning to track it down for years and I finally did, better late than never.
When I was a kid there was a fun TV show called "Birthday House", and its host was Paul Tripp. Well, Tripp wrote the screenplay for this film and stars in it as a good-spirited and kindly man who gets a visit from Santa Claus himself (Alberto Rabagliati) one year. Poor Santa's heartbroken because his mean landlord up at the North Pole (Rossano Brazzi - who also directed) is a tightwad who wants his back rent by Christmas Eve, otherwise Santa will get evicted and have to cancel Christmas. Since Santa doesn't have the money, he and Tripp get jobs to try and raise the cash (since Paul Tripp's profession in the film is a lawyer I don't understand that, but whatever). But it's also up to the kids to help Santa out for a change, as old St. Nick gets back some generosity himself this time.
This movie's got a pretty unflattering reputation. First off, it plays a little strange (well, to U.S. audiences, I mean) because this is an Italian production with sometimes plastic-looking effects, and dubbed into English. There are also pot shots taken against the actors, but I thought the cast was pretty well chosen... Paul Tripp makes for a really likable leading do-gooder, and Rabagliati as Santa Claus looks the part. Yet it's director Brazzi who steals the show as a really villainous ogre who hates Christmas and despises all children (we eventually learn why, in an ending that's actually pretty touching). This isn't a good film, but I found it had enough holiday spirit to probably merit repeat viewings every year. It's also a musical, meaning there a quite a few songs, only a couple of which are somewhat memorable. **1/2 out of ****
When I was a kid there was a fun TV show called "Birthday House", and its host was Paul Tripp. Well, Tripp wrote the screenplay for this film and stars in it as a good-spirited and kindly man who gets a visit from Santa Claus himself (Alberto Rabagliati) one year. Poor Santa's heartbroken because his mean landlord up at the North Pole (Rossano Brazzi - who also directed) is a tightwad who wants his back rent by Christmas Eve, otherwise Santa will get evicted and have to cancel Christmas. Since Santa doesn't have the money, he and Tripp get jobs to try and raise the cash (since Paul Tripp's profession in the film is a lawyer I don't understand that, but whatever). But it's also up to the kids to help Santa out for a change, as old St. Nick gets back some generosity himself this time.
This movie's got a pretty unflattering reputation. First off, it plays a little strange (well, to U.S. audiences, I mean) because this is an Italian production with sometimes plastic-looking effects, and dubbed into English. There are also pot shots taken against the actors, but I thought the cast was pretty well chosen... Paul Tripp makes for a really likable leading do-gooder, and Rabagliati as Santa Claus looks the part. Yet it's director Brazzi who steals the show as a really villainous ogre who hates Christmas and despises all children (we eventually learn why, in an ending that's actually pretty touching). This isn't a good film, but I found it had enough holiday spirit to probably merit repeat viewings every year. It's also a musical, meaning there a quite a few songs, only a couple of which are somewhat memorable. **1/2 out of ****
Great Family Tradition
janine-520 December 1999
I have been watching this movie since I was a little girl, It has become a family tradition in our home.My kids enjoy it as much now as I did then. This is definitly a family Christmas movie you shouldn't miss if you get a chance to see it. Shows the values of love, respect, and helping others,along with having some great music and lots of fun. And at the end you realy end up liking the bad guy. A must see...
Commercial More Memorable
dancing15bear16 August 2007
I remember the commercial for this movie more than I do the film itself! It featured the line where Rossanno Brazzi would bellow, "Merry Christmas I don't think!!" It was very scary for someone just starting school! The commercials would show up each December on the Birthday House show with Paul Tripp. The movie would run as a matinée at local theaters, and I remember the place being pretty crowded. My sisters and I dragged our poor mother out to see it for a few years running. I guess it was great marketing. It must all be pretty arcane, because every now and then I'll quote the bellow, and no one seems to know what I'm referring to.
Completely memorable!! As a kid, it showed me the meaning of Christmas.
chewynugit13 December 2001
This was a fantastic film. I wish to this day that I could have my own kids see it. I'm almost in my thirties and I found out that the movie is out of print. It is one of the few things that profoundly sticks out in my mind from my young childhood years. This is one of two films when I was growing up that my parents allowed my brother and I to stay up late on a school night to watch. (the other was The Wizard of Oz). If anyone ever has the chance to see this movie, I highly recommend it.
Christmas isnt coming this year
OnceUponATimeInTheWest8 January 2004
Santa says... (from the film)"Christmas isn't coming this year". I heard this line over and over in the endless commercials promoting it back when this film was released in the 60s. Of course back then I had to see it and I did in the cinema. Back in the day when going to the movies was an event. Remember no video or dvd back then! I just ordered it on dvd. I am sure I will not be disappointed I don't remember much about it but it should at least be interesting,taking yet another trip down nostalgia lane
A Holiday Favorite
hfan772 January 2009
I was five years old and living in New Jersey when the movie first came out and I remember seeing it at a theatre in Ramsey after seeing countless commercials for it. "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't" will always be a memorable movie to me, since it's the first movie I remember seeing with my parents and every time I see it, it brings back memories of watching "Birthday House" every morning with Paul Tripp, who acted, wrote the script and songs for the movie. I also remember seeing in the movie, Tripp's wife, Ruth Enders and the host of the local kids show at that time "Wonderama" Sonny Fox as Mr. Prim. Let's not forget the man who starred and directed, Rossano Brazzi, who played the bad guy Mr. Prune, who tried to evict Santa from the North Pole and stop Christmas. Fortunately, the children of the world came to the rescue to save the holiday from being canceled.
Brazzi's portrayal of Prune was outstanding and was among Boris Karloff's portrayal of the Grinch in the cartoon that came out around the same time as the movie. One other thing i remember was Glenn Yarbrough's rendition of the title song.
If you haven't seen this movie, get a date with Santa and buy or rent "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't." It could be your next holiday classic.
Brazzi's portrayal of Prune was outstanding and was among Boris Karloff's portrayal of the Grinch in the cartoon that came out around the same time as the movie. One other thing i remember was Glenn Yarbrough's rendition of the title song.
If you haven't seen this movie, get a date with Santa and buy or rent "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't." It could be your next holiday classic.
The Christmas Movie That Generation X'ers Call Their Own.
smcarter19666 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Back when HBO was in it's infacy, every year at Christmas they would show this wonderful film, I just saw it again recently and it hasn't lost any of it's charm after all these years.
You know the basic storyline: Phineous T. Prune hates Santa for some reason and wishes to stop Christmas, and he has the way and the means to do so, for he holds the deed to the North Pole, so in other words: he's Santa's landlord! And if Prune can evict Santa for non payment of rent, Christmas will be no more!!! But Santa gets help from the one source he knows he can count on: Sam Whipple, an attourney who always says "Why can't every day be Christmas?" and the two team up to try to stop Prune. Will Sam and Santa find the way to pay the rent, or will Prune win, thus ending Christmas altogether? The one thing that has remained with me through the years of seeing CTAW was not only the songs, or the sentimentality of the film, or even the effect of Santa's sleigh (these days, it looks cheap but brings back memories) is that Santa is human, and therefore has human traits. This will become apparent in the last few minutes of the film, and that anyone can forgive another person, for any reason.
If you have never seen this film, go out and seek a copy and see it. It's 90 minutes of Christmas joy you could make a yearly tradition.
You know the basic storyline: Phineous T. Prune hates Santa for some reason and wishes to stop Christmas, and he has the way and the means to do so, for he holds the deed to the North Pole, so in other words: he's Santa's landlord! And if Prune can evict Santa for non payment of rent, Christmas will be no more!!! But Santa gets help from the one source he knows he can count on: Sam Whipple, an attourney who always says "Why can't every day be Christmas?" and the two team up to try to stop Prune. Will Sam and Santa find the way to pay the rent, or will Prune win, thus ending Christmas altogether? The one thing that has remained with me through the years of seeing CTAW was not only the songs, or the sentimentality of the film, or even the effect of Santa's sleigh (these days, it looks cheap but brings back memories) is that Santa is human, and therefore has human traits. This will become apparent in the last few minutes of the film, and that anyone can forgive another person, for any reason.
If you have never seen this film, go out and seek a copy and see it. It's 90 minutes of Christmas joy you could make a yearly tradition.
Childhood Memories
professoratomic26 November 2004
I first saw this film back in 1966 at a Saturday matinée. Years later It popped up on HBO sometime in the early 80's. I have not seen it again until I saw the DVD on sale. Back around the time the film first came out. I was a kid living in New York City. This film holds special memoires for me. Paul Tripp was hosting a children's show called Birthday House at the time. I remember him talking to us kids watching at home about the movie. Sonny Fox was known for hosting Wonderama. Another children's show that aired on Sunday mornings on WNEW channel 5 in the New York area. Sadly this might be the only film record of these two people and the local children's shows that aired in the New York City viewing area during the 1960's.
Not as Bad as the IMDb Score Indicates
Christmas-Reviewer9 September 2017
BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.
In this film
Sam Whipple, a broke lawyer who is young at heart, meets Santa Claus and learns that he's upset because he has a new landlord named Phineas T. Prune, to whom Santa owes a lot of rent. Prune has threatened to confiscate Santa's toys and have him, Mrs. Claus and the elves evicted. In order to raise money, Sam and Santa get jobs at a department store. Santa is nervous at first, but when the children arrive they naturally gravitate to him and he becomes a big success.
Prune schemes to thwart Sam and Santa's plans. He buys the department store, has his butler destroy several toys and takes the damages out of Santa and Sam's paychecks. He gloats that Santa will never be able to pay his rent on time. Children of the world then unite to save Santa.
Now is the acting great "No" Could the story be better? "Yes". Is it family safe "Yes". Does this film tell the story well? "Kind of"
There is worse movies out there with a Santa Theme story and there is of course much better films however this film is safe for small children and has a strange almost Tim Burton feeling built into the cinematography of the entire production.
In this film
Sam Whipple, a broke lawyer who is young at heart, meets Santa Claus and learns that he's upset because he has a new landlord named Phineas T. Prune, to whom Santa owes a lot of rent. Prune has threatened to confiscate Santa's toys and have him, Mrs. Claus and the elves evicted. In order to raise money, Sam and Santa get jobs at a department store. Santa is nervous at first, but when the children arrive they naturally gravitate to him and he becomes a big success.
Prune schemes to thwart Sam and Santa's plans. He buys the department store, has his butler destroy several toys and takes the damages out of Santa and Sam's paychecks. He gloats that Santa will never be able to pay his rent on time. Children of the world then unite to save Santa.
Now is the acting great "No" Could the story be better? "Yes". Is it family safe "Yes". Does this film tell the story well? "Kind of"
There is worse movies out there with a Santa Theme story and there is of course much better films however this film is safe for small children and has a strange almost Tim Burton feeling built into the cinematography of the entire production.
The Best Holiday Movie Ever
NeitherSparky9 December 2002
For reasons that cannot be explained in their entirety, this film is the absolute standard in holiday entertainment in my household. The music *must* be played (I burned a CD) while we decorate the tree, and the film *must* be watched (my brother burned a DVD) before going to bed on Christmas Eve. Either of course is subject to being played again in the background the following morning while presents are unwrapped. Why? We don't know! It's just...it's *funny*, I guess. My brother and I always cheer (we're both around 30 years old now) whenever Prune gets thwarted, and we always boo when it looks like he's going to destroy Christmas (again!). There's just something about this film that *is* Christmas, at least to us. The characters are all very entertaining, and we enjoy the songs. Seriously, it just never gets old. Obviously I'm highly recommending this film, as silly, harmless entertainment for the whole family.
I love you and I am six years old
mountainmistybear3 November 2009
My parents always had me watch this when I was little. My mom had seen it at the local movie theater back in the early 60's when she was a kid, and had loved it very much. Needless to say, I always did too. My entire family did. Everyone's experience of a movie is different, but for me I will say this is touching and sweet that has a lot of heart and happiness. Sounds a little cheesy but yeah, it's true. You can't say it has amazing special effects, but who cares. And you can't say that it isn't a little odd, but again, who cares? It has, for me, been at the heart of every Christmas.
The actors in it are fabulous. The man playing Santa Claus. Well.If I believed in the man, it would be him. And the most touching part is at the very end. Wait and see. It's really a special film.
P.S. Lovely soundtrack too.
The actors in it are fabulous. The man playing Santa Claus. Well.If I believed in the man, it would be him. And the most touching part is at the very end. Wait and see. It's really a special film.
P.S. Lovely soundtrack too.
Classic Christmas Cult film
jones0827 June 2010
There are two ways to look at this movie. If you have the ability to look through the eyes of a child, you will see a wonderful, creepy, and oddly-dark-at-times morality tale which takes place during the quintessential Christmas season in the quintessential Christmas town. If you've got any innocence left, you will feel the snap of the cold on Paul Tripp's nose as he hangs garland from the antique street lamps. You'll taste the snow on your tongue as you and your friends run through sepia-toned Dickensian back streets. You'll smell the mold and dust of the frightening haunted house that Mr. Prune calls his home. And if you are viewing as an adult, you will be treated to a classic cult movie that just happens to be set around Christmas. The dubbing is hysterical--you have to laugh at the Italian accents slipping in and out. The acting is all character acting: very broad, yet extremely touching. The cuts and edits are choppy and endearing. The crummy miniatures are priceless. Santa is depressed, his wife is amazing, the dwarfs are creepy, and the sets are quite surreal. This is a cheesy, wonderful, low-rent relic of another time, which also just happens to have a terrific (and arguably underrated) musical score. Relax, go easy on the special effects, and enjoy this movie. This kind of stuff does not happen too often in life.
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