This is about the finest made-for-TV Musical I have seen Angela Lansbury in! I can easily visualize this on the stage. I think in the past her talent has suffered from small production budgets but thankfully, that's not the case with this show. Everything is top drawer. This doesn't have the complexity of a drama but that's not the point. This show succeeds nicely at what it sets out to be: a fun, holiday romp. Kudos to her step-son, David Shaw as the Executive Producer.
29 Reviews
A holiday film for those who love musicals.
OllieSuave-0071 December 2014
This is a feel-good Christmas TV movie starring Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Santa Claus, who, feeling neglected, leaves the North Pole with her husband's reindeer and sleigh to go out for a drive, but gets stranded in Manhattan during the Christmas season.
This is a movie full of colorful costumes and bright cinematography to highlight the Christmas seasons. The dance choreography was great and the story was uplifting, if not a bit juvenile.
There are plenty of spirited songs in the movie, which is perfect for those who enjoy musicals. I'm not a big fan of musicals and almost got driven up the wall with all those unending songs and thought the plot was a bit slow. But, it is still nice seeing Lansbury back on the screen, showcasing her many talents, and nice to have a meaningful movie on TV to bring the family together.
This is a movie full of colorful costumes and bright cinematography to highlight the Christmas seasons. The dance choreography was great and the story was uplifting, if not a bit juvenile.
There are plenty of spirited songs in the movie, which is perfect for those who enjoy musicals. I'm not a big fan of musicals and almost got driven up the wall with all those unending songs and thought the plot was a bit slow. But, it is still nice seeing Lansbury back on the screen, showcasing her many talents, and nice to have a meaningful movie on TV to bring the family together.
A Christmas Gift
Christmas-Reviewer1 September 2016
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 & SPECIALS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.
The movie is set in December 1910. Mrs. Santa Claus is trying to convince her husband, Santa Claus, to take a new route, but he is preoccupied with the Christmas rush and won't listen. Disgruntled, she takes the sleigh out herself, but is forced to land in New York City, where she is stranded when one of the reindeer (Cupid) becomes injured. As "Mrs. North", she takes up board with a family of Jewish immigrants who do not celebrate Christmas. She befriends many of the local children and women, and becomes involved with political issues of the period such as child labor and women's suffrage.
This film run 90 minutes and its very charming. This film is way above the average Christmas TV-Movie. You should watch this when you are making Christmas cookies. You can tell they put a lot a work in this production and it paid off.
The movie is set in December 1910. Mrs. Santa Claus is trying to convince her husband, Santa Claus, to take a new route, but he is preoccupied with the Christmas rush and won't listen. Disgruntled, she takes the sleigh out herself, but is forced to land in New York City, where she is stranded when one of the reindeer (Cupid) becomes injured. As "Mrs. North", she takes up board with a family of Jewish immigrants who do not celebrate Christmas. She befriends many of the local children and women, and becomes involved with political issues of the period such as child labor and women's suffrage.
This film run 90 minutes and its very charming. This film is way above the average Christmas TV-Movie. You should watch this when you are making Christmas cookies. You can tell they put a lot a work in this production and it paid off.
Mrs. Santa Claus
Coxer999 June 1999
An absolute delight, endearing and amusing.
potcgirl-7323416 December 2023
I think it compares very well with the classic Christmas movies everyone knows, and deserves a spot with them. It's truly a shame more people have never heard of this movie. It's a film so ahead of its time with its portrayal of human rights, worker abuse, to unrequited love. It shows that a woman's work, even behind the scenes, is just as important as a man's and should always be appreciated. Best of all, it doesn't come off as preachy with those issues. It all seems natural. And the songs? Real toe tappers and so charming with Angela Lansbury at the helm. She was perfect for this role.
My only complaint is the ending fails to live up to the rest of the film. Other than that, a wonderful Christmas movie.
My only complaint is the ending fails to live up to the rest of the film. Other than that, a wonderful Christmas movie.
New Holiday TV Classic
zbornak31 July 2000
I, like so many people, never knew for the longest time that Angela Lansbury could do anymore than show up at dinner parties where people would soon be killed. But this delightful Christmas flick, scored by Jerry Herman, who wrote music for two of Lansbury's Tony-winning roles, has everything a terrific holiday classic needs. First of all, Lansbury's portrayal of the bored Mrs. Claus reeks of charm as we see the type of woman we all wish was our grandmother. There is never a dull moment with her on the screen, and her renditions of the very catchy songs Herman so vividly wrote are superb! The rest of the cast is likewise wonderful, complimenting the "Almost Young" La Lansbury's every move. Of course, they never get a scene on her, but they add a nice background for a presence like herself. The only disappointment is the waste of Charles Durning's talents as Santa Claus. He appears very bland as the allegedly Jolly Old Saint Nick and seems to make Santa depressing. But, luckily, this movie is about his wife and he has maybe 10 minutes total of film time. If you like Christmas and you like musicals, you will adore and treasure this movie for years to come.
An entertaining Christmas musical - but not great
SimonJack21 December 2017
"Mrs. Santa Claus" is an enjoyable Christmas film that actually centers on Christmas. As a musical, it provides some entertaining songs by Jerry Herman. And it has a couple of good dance scenes. Especially good is the song, "We Don't Go Together."
Of course, any musical to be great has to have very good or great singers - if not in the cast, then dubbed. While Angela Lansbury (as Mrs. Santa Claus) is a very good actress who can sing, she is far from a great singer. Several others in this film are just passable as vocalists. Only one person has a great voice - Debra Wiseman, who plays Sadie Lowenstein.
The staging, costumes, and all technical aspects of this TV movie are superb. The plot is a good one, but it goes overboard in trying to cover all the big social issues in the U.S. of 1910. Women's suffrage, child labor laws, the great American melting pot and others have long histories. So, this plot plays with history and puts a sugar coating on the culture and mores of the time and place.
For instance, women's suffrage began long before 1910. It's official birth was the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. And, it was ratified as the 19th amendment to the U.S. constitution in 1920. By 1910 it would not have been so strange or out of place to see Sadie Lowenstein on a soap box for women's rights - even (or especially) in Manhattan's East Village.
One glaring error that caught my attention right away was in the suffrage parade. Several marchers held an unfurled U.S. flag above their heads. It had clear rows of six by eight stars, for a total of 48. But, the U.S. had just 46 states in 1910. The 47th and 48th states (New Mexico and Arizona) would become part of the Union in 2012.
In its portrayal of the great melting pot of the U.S. and New York, especially, the film transposes 21st century American idealism on the 1910 culture. Yes, people in many neighborhoods of mixed backgrounds - ethnic and religious especially, lived together and got along. But many more of the time were segregated by neighborhoods and distinct ethnic communities. The song, "Avenue A," narrowed the location in Manhattan to the 13-block street in Manhattan's East Village.
Without great singers and superb music, I won't rate any musical higher than eight stars. This is not a "West Side Story," or "The Sound of Music," or "Funny Girl," or "Show Boat, " or "Porgy and Bess," or "Easter Parade." But for the overcrowding of social issues and juggling of history in the screenplay, it would have earned those eight stars. It is an enjoyable Christmas musical.
Here are a couple favorite lines from the film. Mrs. Santa Claus in the opening scenes says, "Oh, team, we've done it - 1910 is a record year."
Santa Claus (Charles Durning), as he places a letter in an outbox marked "Naughty," says, "There's always the naughty ones with the bad handwriting."
Of course, any musical to be great has to have very good or great singers - if not in the cast, then dubbed. While Angela Lansbury (as Mrs. Santa Claus) is a very good actress who can sing, she is far from a great singer. Several others in this film are just passable as vocalists. Only one person has a great voice - Debra Wiseman, who plays Sadie Lowenstein.
The staging, costumes, and all technical aspects of this TV movie are superb. The plot is a good one, but it goes overboard in trying to cover all the big social issues in the U.S. of 1910. Women's suffrage, child labor laws, the great American melting pot and others have long histories. So, this plot plays with history and puts a sugar coating on the culture and mores of the time and place.
For instance, women's suffrage began long before 1910. It's official birth was the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. And, it was ratified as the 19th amendment to the U.S. constitution in 1920. By 1910 it would not have been so strange or out of place to see Sadie Lowenstein on a soap box for women's rights - even (or especially) in Manhattan's East Village.
One glaring error that caught my attention right away was in the suffrage parade. Several marchers held an unfurled U.S. flag above their heads. It had clear rows of six by eight stars, for a total of 48. But, the U.S. had just 46 states in 1910. The 47th and 48th states (New Mexico and Arizona) would become part of the Union in 2012.
In its portrayal of the great melting pot of the U.S. and New York, especially, the film transposes 21st century American idealism on the 1910 culture. Yes, people in many neighborhoods of mixed backgrounds - ethnic and religious especially, lived together and got along. But many more of the time were segregated by neighborhoods and distinct ethnic communities. The song, "Avenue A," narrowed the location in Manhattan to the 13-block street in Manhattan's East Village.
Without great singers and superb music, I won't rate any musical higher than eight stars. This is not a "West Side Story," or "The Sound of Music," or "Funny Girl," or "Show Boat, " or "Porgy and Bess," or "Easter Parade." But for the overcrowding of social issues and juggling of history in the screenplay, it would have earned those eight stars. It is an enjoyable Christmas musical.
Here are a couple favorite lines from the film. Mrs. Santa Claus in the opening scenes says, "Oh, team, we've done it - 1910 is a record year."
Santa Claus (Charles Durning), as he places a letter in an outbox marked "Naughty," says, "There's always the naughty ones with the bad handwriting."
Mrs. Santa Claus
jboothmillard6 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
It is quite an obvious film to make, I just wonder why they haven't made it a proper film for the cinemas, or at least base it on the book I've read by Penny Ives. Basically Mrs. Santa Claus (Angela Lansbury) gets bored of the same job of helping the elves at the North Pole, and her husband, Santa Claus (The Muppet Movie's Charles Durning), so she decides to go on a explore of New York. She ends up getting a short term job for mean Augustus P. Tavish (Terrence Mann) making toys for the shops, and the only help she has is from the children workers. There are some good songs in amongst the almost corny story, but it is quite a pleasant film for Lansbury to be in, and it is a good family film for Christmas. Also starring Mousehunt's Michael Jeter as Arvo, Lynsey Bartilson as Nora Kilkenny, Bryan Murray as Officer Doyle, David Norona as Marcello Damaroco and Debra Wiseman as Sadie Lowenstein. Okay!
Cute,Enjoyable,& even Tactful to different faiths.
Stebaer43 March 2006
Angela Lansbury does another good lead role in a TV film as she does any film.Mrs. Clause is not being paid attention to by her husband Santa at The North Pole and so she decides to take a trip of her own as a good cause for Christmas and for shortly before Christmas comes.Yes as My Mom,Mary E.(Garvey)Baer & I do agree it's very cute & even interesting as to how Mrs.Clause influences all of the people upon arrival & even before she does how all of the people are dancing & singing in the streets & including the Jewish People outside of their Synagogue & how she inspires them as well.Also in doing so it shows how even though faiths are different people are still all the same inside. It's also a very good follow up of the time in history in which it's placed in US History as well as in the streets of Brooklyn in 1910. Including how Mrs. Lowenstein had said "I must say I enjoy the festivities even more than I should." Then in addition to this how one woman on Avenue A is demonstrating how women aren't allowed to vote & of which is why even though she's Jewish she had proposed a Christmas toast because admittedly she has the biggest mouth on Avenue A and it makes her cause good for a number of good things as well.It was on Dec.25,1999 that I worked on my first Christmas ever & it was at a Movie Theater & I had even enjoyed working on it even more than I had anticipated that I would.
Truthfully, Stephen "Steve" G. Baer a.k.a. "Ste" of Framingham,MA.USA
Truthfully, Stephen "Steve" G. Baer a.k.a. "Ste" of Framingham,MA.USA
The Vidiot Reviews...
capone66614 December 2017
Mrs. Santa Claus
Mrs. Claus is childless because she was made from spare doll parts by Santa's elves.
Nonetheless, this fantasy maintains she is much more than Santa's sex-doll.
After a fight with her husband (Charles Durning) over new flight paths for Christmas 1910, Anna Claus (Angela Lansbury) steals his magic sleigh and heads to NYC. But when Cupid gets hurt, she is laid over in the Big Apple and must lodge with a poor family. While slumming it, Anna involves herself in important social issues of the time, including child labour laws and a woman's right to vote.
Although this is a Hallmark television movie from 1996, it does, in some wacky way, deal with real world woes head-on. As well, it manages to finally give Santa's silently doting housewife a voice, and it's a dissenting one at that.
Furthermore, if Santa were a woman she would knock before entering your house. Yellow Light
vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca
Mrs. Claus is childless because she was made from spare doll parts by Santa's elves.
Nonetheless, this fantasy maintains she is much more than Santa's sex-doll.
After a fight with her husband (Charles Durning) over new flight paths for Christmas 1910, Anna Claus (Angela Lansbury) steals his magic sleigh and heads to NYC. But when Cupid gets hurt, she is laid over in the Big Apple and must lodge with a poor family. While slumming it, Anna involves herself in important social issues of the time, including child labour laws and a woman's right to vote.
Although this is a Hallmark television movie from 1996, it does, in some wacky way, deal with real world woes head-on. As well, it manages to finally give Santa's silently doting housewife a voice, and it's a dissenting one at that.
Furthermore, if Santa were a woman she would knock before entering your house. Yellow Light
vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca
I love Angela Lansbury and wanted to like this musical more than I did.
cgvsluis11 December 2023
This is a fun, family friendly holiday film that focuses on the story of Mrs. Claus, who is feeling a little unnecessary and neglected by her husband during the run up to Christmas. She takes the reindeer out for a little trip and ends up in New York...in a mixed immigrant neighborhood, where the kids have to work and women are fighting for the right to vote.
There is a lot in this musical and a couple of really cute song and dance numbers. The costumes are wonderful...and the love between the Clauses is great.
I think this would be a fun film to watch with your family particularly if you have young kids and enjoy musicals.
I'm glad I watched it, but probably won't watch it again.
There is a lot in this musical and a couple of really cute song and dance numbers. The costumes are wonderful...and the love between the Clauses is great.
I think this would be a fun film to watch with your family particularly if you have young kids and enjoy musicals.
I'm glad I watched it, but probably won't watch it again.
Excellent entertainment for kids
alarosa2527 January 2007
Well, what can I say but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!! The magic of Christmas coupled with the excellent performance of Mrs Lansbury and all the cast, works miracles on my almost 1-year old twins who LOVE watching this movie. My son, Gabriel, recognises the movie from the very first notes of the introductory song while my daughter, Megan, is mesmerised by the music and the choreography. They spend the whole length of the movie in utter awe and complete silence, so when I need a break .. on goes Mrs Santa Claus!! In all honesty, I almost know it by heart myself - dialogue, song and all, considering that they watch it every day. Besides the benefit this movie has brought my family, I recommend watching this movie as it has all the right ingredients for wholesome, family fun. Magical Christmas scenery, catchy tunes, marvellous costumes, original plot, breathtaking choreography are all it takes to make the movie, in Augustus P Tavish's own words ...'OUTSTANDING' ...
Just watched Mrs. Claus
Seller786218 December 2020
Our journey to being a banana republic started before 1996, but this movie reminds us by that time it was a steamroller that had control of even our most cherished traditions, like Christmas.
The cast has talent no doubt, but the production checks off every woke wet dream on their list. But back then it wasn't called "woke", it was called political correctness.
Now this movie doesn't ruin Christmas nor does it diminish truly great Christmas movies, and you no doubt are mentioning A Christmas Carol as the original woke Christmas tale. And that is a good point to make countering this review. But Charles Dickens was lamenting those who don't understand the true Christmas spirit. This movie is more about throwing a bone to the religion of PC. It does a good job of it. It does a poor job of capturing the innocent magic of the Claus family.
Mrs. Santa Claus -- absolutely delightful
Mama-C13 January 2008
Mrs. Santa Claus is absolutely delightful. It's styled like an old time Broadway Musical and perfect for all ages. My 90 year old mother-in-law and my 2.5 year old granddaughter adored it. It was actually written by a Jewish guy and the words & music were written by another Jewish guy (Jerry Herman who wrote the scores to Mame, Hello Dolly and La Cage aux folles). In addition to the wonderful score, it has Rob Marshall's choreography. The guy who plays the stable keeper is now playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. It also features a young version of the daughter from Grounded For Life who has a fantastic voice. If you have kids, you may recognize Michael Jeter (Arvo) who plays Mr. Noodle on Elmo's World. Angela Lansbury plays Mrs. Santa Claus. There's a lot of talent and good entertainment there. It's now on my list of Christmas movies to watch each year. However, my granddaughter won't let me put it away just yet.
Considering The Talent, Disappointing
boblipton5 December 2023
In 1910, the elves, led by Michael Jeter, have made all the toys. Angela Lansbury is so annoyed at husband Santa Claus (Charles Durning) spending the week before Christmas answering letters from children, that she takes the sleigh out for a ride, and winds up stayying on the Lower East Side of New York, where she helps people find love, leads a strike by children against the mean toy company owner Terrence Mann and sings of the dozen songs by Jerry Hermann in this TV movie.
It seems odd that after winning her first Oscar at age 18 in her first movie, and several Tony awards, it took forty years before she really became a star -- on television, for Murder She Wrote. Once that happened, however, little time was lost, and this surprisingly dull Emmy winner was one of the results. There's little actual conflict in the story that isn't instantly swept away, and Herman's songs are surprisingly dull. The players put a lot of oomph into their roles, and Grace Keagy as a German hausfrau is amusing, but over all, it's just not very good.
It seems odd that after winning her first Oscar at age 18 in her first movie, and several Tony awards, it took forty years before she really became a star -- on television, for Murder She Wrote. Once that happened, however, little time was lost, and this surprisingly dull Emmy winner was one of the results. There's little actual conflict in the story that isn't instantly swept away, and Herman's songs are surprisingly dull. The players put a lot of oomph into their roles, and Grace Keagy as a German hausfrau is amusing, but over all, it's just not very good.
SPECTACULAR
mntwister17 July 2004
This is a quality musical movie, with another ten star score from the great Jerry Herman, my favorite composer. Most others have said many of the things I wanted to say here, so I'll just say don't miss it. Someone questioned why politics were added. In Lansbury's biography, she states that she turned down the role at first because it was too "fluffy" and when they added the human rights thing she was more interested.
Composer Jerry Herman was very ill with HIV at the time this was being filmed. She also did this as a favor to him. He really wanted her to do the TV movie of MAME, saying that she was still able to pull it off, but she felt she was too old for the role, and so to do something for her friend, she did this musical, and I am glad she did this (although MAME would have been awesome, and finally a good movie).
The score, orchestrations are 10 out of 10, the only problem I had was with a few of the special effects, I felt they could have been a notch better.
Lansbury and Durning are excellent. This is a great 2 hour experience of the kind of movie that is so rare, and it works because of all of the broadway talent involved, that's who should be making musicals. Director Rob Marshall (Chicago) did the choreography and that's superb.
Great movie, great cast, great music! The DVD also has a great but short "making of." on it, the DVD is definitely in my collection! I wish some of Herman's other shows were good movies, Hello Dolly being the only good one, my opinion of course. There's The Grand Tour, Dear World, La Cage Aux Folles, Milk and Honey and Mack and Mabel, great musicals without being filmed.
Composer Jerry Herman was very ill with HIV at the time this was being filmed. She also did this as a favor to him. He really wanted her to do the TV movie of MAME, saying that she was still able to pull it off, but she felt she was too old for the role, and so to do something for her friend, she did this musical, and I am glad she did this (although MAME would have been awesome, and finally a good movie).
The score, orchestrations are 10 out of 10, the only problem I had was with a few of the special effects, I felt they could have been a notch better.
Lansbury and Durning are excellent. This is a great 2 hour experience of the kind of movie that is so rare, and it works because of all of the broadway talent involved, that's who should be making musicals. Director Rob Marshall (Chicago) did the choreography and that's superb.
Great movie, great cast, great music! The DVD also has a great but short "making of." on it, the DVD is definitely in my collection! I wish some of Herman's other shows were good movies, Hello Dolly being the only good one, my opinion of course. There's The Grand Tour, Dear World, La Cage Aux Folles, Milk and Honey and Mack and Mabel, great musicals without being filmed.
Poorly made movie, but the story is fine
shohan-mann30 November 2018
Seasonal classic
TheLittleSongbird30 March 2011
I would have liked Mrs Santa Claus to be a tad longer, but I was really surprised at how good this film was when I saw it for the first time four years ago on TV. While not my favourite Christmas film, it is a seasonal classic and for several reasons is very special to me.
The production values are lovely. The sets are quite colourful with a magic quality to them. The costumes look warm and cosy. The scenery is breathtaking. And the photography is surprisingly skillful. Even the sleigh looks as though care was taken to construct it.
Jerry Herman's music is just wonderful. The orchestration is very memorable and mellow. But I just adored the songs, especially the beautiful Almost Young, which is the best performed vocally and emotionally rendition of the film. All the songs benefit from great melodies and catchy lyrics.
I love the choreography as well. There have been film musicals where it is sprightly and energetic such as in West Side Story, and some where it is messy and misconceived seen in The Wiz. Mrs Santa Claus's choreography left me transfixed, being neither being too simple or too difficult but showing evident care and skill.
That's not all. The story is not predictable or badly paced in any way. It is original, brisk, exciting and fun. Also towards the end it is even heart-warming.
The script is another strength. It is simple without being too simplistic or childish, mature without being too sophisticated or convoluted, charming and poignant without being schmaltzy and funny without any obscenities and crude humour. In short, it has something for the whole family, adults will love the choreography, script and titular performance and kids will love the production values, songs and story.
The acting is also very well done. Angela Lansbury, a fine character actress who has always had a special place in my heart, is perfection in the title role. Acting-wise she oozes with charm, choreographically she is as light as a feather and natural and singing-wise she emotes and sings beautifully. She is very well supported by the charming Michael Jester, the solid Terence Mann and a slightly underused but still okay Charles Durning.
All in all, Mrs Santa Claus is a seasonal classic in my view and a real treat for fans of a great talent like Lansbury. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The production values are lovely. The sets are quite colourful with a magic quality to them. The costumes look warm and cosy. The scenery is breathtaking. And the photography is surprisingly skillful. Even the sleigh looks as though care was taken to construct it.
Jerry Herman's music is just wonderful. The orchestration is very memorable and mellow. But I just adored the songs, especially the beautiful Almost Young, which is the best performed vocally and emotionally rendition of the film. All the songs benefit from great melodies and catchy lyrics.
I love the choreography as well. There have been film musicals where it is sprightly and energetic such as in West Side Story, and some where it is messy and misconceived seen in The Wiz. Mrs Santa Claus's choreography left me transfixed, being neither being too simple or too difficult but showing evident care and skill.
That's not all. The story is not predictable or badly paced in any way. It is original, brisk, exciting and fun. Also towards the end it is even heart-warming.
The script is another strength. It is simple without being too simplistic or childish, mature without being too sophisticated or convoluted, charming and poignant without being schmaltzy and funny without any obscenities and crude humour. In short, it has something for the whole family, adults will love the choreography, script and titular performance and kids will love the production values, songs and story.
The acting is also very well done. Angela Lansbury, a fine character actress who has always had a special place in my heart, is perfection in the title role. Acting-wise she oozes with charm, choreographically she is as light as a feather and natural and singing-wise she emotes and sings beautifully. She is very well supported by the charming Michael Jester, the solid Terence Mann and a slightly underused but still okay Charles Durning.
All in all, Mrs Santa Claus is a seasonal classic in my view and a real treat for fans of a great talent like Lansbury. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Wonderful for Jerry Herman and Angela Landsbury fans.
seth-5529 April 2004
I loved this TV musical because it keeps the talents of Broadway present in the larger TV audience. I love anything Angela Landsbury does. I especially love that Jerry Herman rebounded from illness to then write the songs for this show starring his friend Angela. "Almost Young" is charming and hopeful and stands out for me among the great music of Jerry Herman. I am a huge fan of his work and so very grateful that he is hanging in there. If he ever tells his story, it would be an inspiring work. I can't find the CD for Mrs. Santa Claus, though I have tried to order it. I would love to buy the CD again since the first one I bought for my mother has literally worn out. She sang along with it every day for the last several years during her swims to deal with arthritis. We like these tunes even in the summer. We share a bond through musicals and especially shows like Hello Dolly and Mame. I add Mrs. Santa Claus to that list for us.
Brilliant!
dawdobb9 January 2007
Possibly the greatest Christmas film ever made, this is fun for kids and the whole family. The lead actress's full talent is explored here through a convincing and 'i'm really enjoying this' performance, with singing and dancing on top. The talent of Jerry Herman is also explored, and 'Almost young', the star song of the show, is memorable, enjoyable and performed superbly. Also very good are the song sung at the very end, the first two and 'whistle'. The added deep meaning of 'stand up for yourself' is evident throughout the film in many disguises, but also evident is the theme and Christmas cheer and kindness. Lansbury proves here that she is the greatest ever actress of all time.
Breath Of Fresh Air In The World Of Christmas Movies
srife101 December 2018
I remember watching this movie when it first aired on television and being swept away by the story and the music. In a world where so many lame, poorly executed holiday movies are made every year, this movie is a joy to watch. First of all it stars Angela Lansbury who is box office gold. The score is highlighted with delightful and memorable songs throughout. I love that it takes place in the early 1900's featuring a Mrs. Clause who is liberated before her time and therefore features a strong leading lady. Yes it is a musical, but the music helps to carry the story along and never seems to slow down the storyline.
This is one holiday movie that will become one of your favorite holiday classics.
This is one holiday movie that will become one of your favorite holiday classics.
Absolutely wonderful Christmas gem!
RoamingTigress3 January 2019
I first saw this movie when it aired for the first time in 1996 -- and was impressed right away! I could see this being an equally excellent stage production with its songs, and message it carries throughout the film. Angela Lansbury is just perfect for the role!
It has been many years since I've seen this movie; until she sadly got bored of it I used to watch it yearly with my mother until at least 1999/1998 . I haven't seen it since; been looking for it on TV but with no avail. Ordered it off of Barnes & Noble and excited to watch it in the 2019 Christmas season again!
It has been many years since I've seen this movie; until she sadly got bored of it I used to watch it yearly with my mother until at least 1999/1998 . I haven't seen it since; been looking for it on TV but with no avail. Ordered it off of Barnes & Noble and excited to watch it in the 2019 Christmas season again!
Wonderful Movie
kingkillerestalilla29 December 2021
I enjoyed the cuteness and beautifulness of Angela. I love the music/score of Jerry Herman. The sets and costumes are very beautiful and colorful, the casts are good. I just saw it first time and it makes me automatically smile because of Angela Lansbury's move and singing.
How I wish Angela did MORE musicals films. I love every piece/part of the film.
How I wish Angela did MORE musicals films. I love every piece/part of the film.
Winter , mrs claus very joyful
sadie_m_lady8 December 2020
DELIGHTFUL
karen_squires17 December 2022
A wonderful Christmas movie for all ages. Always nice to see Angela Lansbury in a musical. Magical.
The cast were all good and did an excellent job with the material. The songs were cheery and uplifting. The only downside was the CGI but I suppose it was of it's time.
The younger cast were also very good but not that well known to me.
I think this would make a nice stage production. Very sad we have lost Angela Lansbury as she was a very gifted lady and always a joy to see. I have ordered her version of Mrs Harris goes to Paris to see how it rates against the new version. I do wish this film was available on DVD. It should be a perennial. Thank you for reading. Happy Christmas.
The cast were all good and did an excellent job with the material. The songs were cheery and uplifting. The only downside was the CGI but I suppose it was of it's time.
The younger cast were also very good but not that well known to me.
I think this would make a nice stage production. Very sad we have lost Angela Lansbury as she was a very gifted lady and always a joy to see. I have ordered her version of Mrs Harris goes to Paris to see how it rates against the new version. I do wish this film was available on DVD. It should be a perennial. Thank you for reading. Happy Christmas.
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