I'm glad I ran across this film on DVD at a local library, otherwise would probably not have ever known about it. Richard Thomas was an obvious choice for the role of an out of work family man trying to make ends meet, while the surprise of the picture is the casting of tough guy Charles Bronson in the role of a down and out newspaper columnist, still mourning the death of a wife and daughter a year after it occurred. There are depressing aspects to the story, though they form a backdrop to the more inspirational outcome of Francis Church (Bronson) coming to terms with his life and realizing that he still has something to contribute to his newspaper and the world at large. Little moments in the film stand out, like eight year old Virginia O'Hanlon (Katharine Isabelle) agonizing over the existence of Santa Claus, and a postman's good will in offering her a stamp to mail her inquiring letter to The New York Sun. Rounding out the main cast is Ed Asner in the role of the paper's editor, much more sympathetic in the role than he was in the Seventies on 'The Mary Tyler Moore' show, and later his own series, 'Lou Grant'. It's a heartwarming picture in many respects, although the ending brings the entire cast together to the O'Hanlon doorstep in a somewhat unbelievable manner. By that time however, you'll believe in Santa Claus, making the film a wonderful holiday experience.
Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus
(1991 TV Movie)
"If you see it in The Sun, it's so!"
26 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers