Ask him.
Ask him!
Look at him. Ask him.
Ryan, that's enough.
I'm sorry.
He thinks you're Santa Claus.
I am.
Merry Christmas.
Nuts! I should've got his autograph.
What's the problem?
Your Santa Claus is wearing a topcoat and a fedora.
That's not my Santa Claus.
All right.
Now, you throw it out,
bring it up right up high, and down she comes!
Just in the wrist, you see.
It's really quite simple, when you got the knack of it.
Now then, why don't you...
Okay, pops, come on.
- It's my turn. Give me the whip. - What did you drink?
Just something to keep me warm.
- You're intoxicated, sir. - And you're a pain in the butt.
Let me tell you, you are a disgrace.
Do you know how many children are watching you, drunk?
- Give back the whip. - I'll tell you something.
When you wear this suit, you represent something with great meaning
to people all over the world!
I could overlook your poorly manufactured jacket
or even your ludicrously unbelievable beard
or perhaps your phonily padded tummy.
But I will not tolerate public drunkenness.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Can I get a cop over here?
That's a very good idea. Officer!
Hey, wait a minute.
Mrs. Walker! Mrs. Walker! Mrs. Walker!
We need your help here!
If you're not with the parade, get back on the sidewalk.
I must see whomever's in charge to alert them of his drunkenness.
Kiss my...
No, easy! Take it easy, gramps!
Come on. Let's go for a little walk.
That man's a degenerate.
It's time to go to work right up in the old office.
Little drafty there.
Hey, let's just watch the parade, okay?
Come on.
Settle in here.
Oh, my God.
Let's show this guy how to do it.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Sir?
Sir! Excuse me.
Hello, I'm Dorey Walker
director of special projects for Cole's department store.
It's my pleasure. I was looking for you moments ago.
As no doubt you saw, your Santa Claus is inebriated.
I know, he has created such a terrible problem.
Millions of children are watching, here and on television.
They're expecting to see Santa Claus, and we don't have one.
That is a terrible problem.
Would you do it?
Would you be our Santa Claus?
Me?
Do you have any experience?
- Just a little. - Great, you'll be fine.
Isn't there someone else you can ask?
The parade has started already.
It's you, right now
or else there is no Santa in the Cole's Thanksgiving Day parade.
Might I have a moment to think about it?
Don't worry about a thing. Just
be yourself.
Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen.
Now, Comet! Now, Cupid! Now, Donner and Blitzen! Hey!
Merry Christmas.
This Santa Claus is fantastic.
Did he sign a contract?
No, there wasn't any time.
We'll sign him after the parade.
He'll fill out employment papers and start work in the morning.
The only condition he had is that he wear his own suit.
He has his own Santa suit?
Apparently.
If it's horrible, we'll make him wear one of ours.
I'm going home.
You're not watching the parade?
I think I've had quite enough for one day, thanks.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay. Chin-chin.
Merry Christmas.
Susan?
Mom, I'm still at Mr. Bedford's.
We can see the parade from here.
Slip into something comfortable and come on over.
P.S.: Mr. Bedford put the turkey in the oven.
He said you forgot to sew up his bottom.
The stuffing'll fall out.
But I'm not to tell you
because he loves you and he wants to kiss you
and he thinks you're the most beautiful woman in the world!
Do you know how much it costs to make this parade?
A million dollars.
- Two million dollars? - One-point-six.
It's probably a big mistake, some guy's gonna buy Cole's
and turn it into a junk store.
That won't happen. Two big banks just rescued Cole's, so
check your sources.
But Cole's has to pay them back, plus interest.
If they don't sell a lot at Christmas, you can forget about it, pal.
You should ask Santa to give Cole's an interest-free loan for Christmas.
What do you think about that?
That's a good one.
You know what, it might happen.
Santa Claus does some pretty amazing things.
Bryan, you know what?
I know.
- Know what? - The secret.
What secret?
Santa Claus.
I've known for a long time.
He's not real.
Says who?
My mom.
Hi, I believe you have something of mine.
About 4-foot tall, brown hair, talks like she's 64 years old?
So.
- What do you think? - It's a good one.
Yeah? Did Santa Claus come by yet?
No. Is it Tony Falacchi again?
No, Tony had to leave.
Bombed?
Yes.
It's the pressure.
But you know, I got this new guy
and he really looks like the real thing.
Maybe he is.
Are you still coming to dinner?
- Am I still invited? - Yes.
Then I'm coming.
Run home and put the camera away.
- I'll put it away, you keep watching. - Okay.
Let her finish watching the parade. Santa hasn't even come by yet.
Well, as soon as Santa does come by I'd like for you to come home, okay?
Sure.
That's the parade's end anyway.
Nothing else to see except guys cleaning up horse poop.
And that doesn't thrill me at all.
Hello!
- Hello. - Jack?
I've been watching the parade. It looks bigger than last year.
What is the crowd estimate?
Well, sir, cops say over a million.
Last year it was about 750.
Have marketing come up with a giveaway. Something free.
I don't want a crowd outside Cole's in the morning.
I hate to say this, Mr. Landbergh
but Cole's has got a great Santa this year.
If I didn't know, I'd say he's the real one.
Keep an eye on this, Mr. Duff.
These small
seemingly insignificant
sentimental anachronisms can be surprisingly potent.
I don't want my plans damaged by an elderly cherub in a red suit.
I'm on it, sir.
There we go.
Happy Thanksgiving.
- Happy Thanksgiving. - Happy Thanksgiving!
You know, this is kind of like TV.
Except I need a brother and a dog.
And Bryan would be the daddy.
Mr. Bedford.
He said I can call him Bryan.
If it's okay with your mom.
It's fine.
Bryan would be the dad, you'd be the mom.
And we need either a fat person who's our cook
or a neighbor who's always here.
You know, that's not very interesting.
Why don't we talk about something else?
- For the chef. - In the loosest sense of the word.
In every sense of the word.
The vegetables are catered. So was dessert.
Thank you, Susan.
You're welcome.
Do we give blessings in this house?
Not unless my grandparents are here.
Would you mind if I did it? It's a tradition with me.
No, it's fine.
We give thanks for the food before us
and the people we love.
We pray that these gifts we gratefully receive
will be shared with those less fortunate than ourselves.
Amen.
All right.
Let's eat.
I slaved all day.
They really outdid themselves.
You have a very nice name.
One of my elves is married to a fella called Daniel.
Do you know what you want?
Yep, I want a Peter Polliwog
Patrol Frog that swims and blows up.
Gosh, that sounds great.
- Can Mother have a word with Santa? - Yes, of course.
Just a minute.
Don't make me look bad. Them things cost $70.
He just looked at them.
Tell you what, Shopper's Express have got them on sale for $34.99
with a $5 rebate. That's reasonable.
Yeah, thanks.
Let me ask, since when is Cole's sending customers elsewhere?
It doesn't matter, as long as it makes the children happy.
I'm sure the people in this store agree with me.
Yeah, that's the spirit. Thanks, Santa!
Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you.
Now, young man, if you're a very good boy
and do what your mom tells you
you're going to have a Peter Polliwog for Christmas.
Bye, Santa.
Bye-bye, Daniel. Merry Christmas.
Come on, then. Come on.
Right.
Up here on my lap. On my knee.
You the boss?
I'm the store general manager.
My kid just asked Santa for a Barf Gun, and Santa said okay.
They're by the elevator.
And they're 90 bucks without batteries or barf.
- Prices do go up. - Not at Bargain Village.
$52.50, and they throw in the batteries.
Hard to believe Cole's could be undersold by that much.
- Where'd you get your information? - From your Santa Claus.
We don't have them here.
But if you go out of here, turn to the right, two blocks down.
- Excuse me? - Santa's telling people where to shop.
If you don't got it or it's too much, he tells them where they can get it.
- You're serious? - Absolutely.
Would you excuse me for a moment?
Tell him he made a Cole's shopper out of me.
I'll shop here for everything but toilet paper.
Any store that puts the parent ahead of the buck deserves my business.
Tell Mr. Cole that his Santa Claus ought to get a raise.
You want me to go with you to the chairman
and pitch an idea that you got from Santa Claus.
"If Cole's doesn't have what you're looking for
"we'll find it, even if it means sending you somewhere else."
How does that sound?
It sounds like a great way to go out of business.
Know the house where we do the catalog shoot?
- You wanted to buy it. - Yes.
If this works, we'll look at a bonus.
And if he hates it?
We're no worse off.
If we don't turn this store around, we're all out.
Let's do it.
I like it.
It's bold, it's fresh.
It will drive Victor Landbergh nuts.
Why?
Why didn't you think of this?
If this campaign is successful, and I know it will be,
Cole's will make a lot of money. The more
they make, the harder it is going to be to buy them out.
Now, I want something done about this.
Okay, go ahead.
This seems like a pointless exercise.
I thought as long as we were here
might as well stop by and say hello to the old guy.
Why?
Let's just say that there is a Santa Claus
and you don't believe in him.
Is it worth the risk you might not get anything for Christmas?
I didn't believe in him last year and I got everything I asked my mom for.
Did you get a free candy cane?
I'm trying to limit my intake of sugar.
- She can go see Santa now. - Okay, come on.
Go ahead.
Nice to meet you.
- Bye-bye. - Bye-bye, darling.
Hello, sir.
How do you do?
Would you like to sit on my knee?
Good, up we go. There we are.
Now, what's your name.
Susan Elizabeth Walker.
- What's yours? - Mine?
I have lots of names.
Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas.
If you were in Holland, I'd be Sinterklaas.
Or in Italy, la Befana.
I have to speak many languages because
I travel, as you know, a great deal.
That's Russian.
That's Swahili.
My mother's Mrs. Walker.
She's director of special events for Cole's.
She runs the parade.
I know how this all works. You're an employee of Cole's.
That is true.
But you're a very good Santa Claus.
Your beard's stuck on real tight.
Usually the store Santa Claus whiskers are too loose.
- Right. - Yours look realistic.
That's because they are real. You give them a tug.
Are you convinced?
Good.
This isn't the regular suit.
Oh, no, this is the real Santa suit.
It's very nice.
I agree, it's lovely.
Gold buttons, gold thread.
It's as real as me.
Ask your daddy if I'm real.
I don't know where he is.
- He's... - That's my friend
Mr. Bedford.
I don't have a dad anymore.
Well, what can I get you for Christmas?
Nothing, thank you.
Nothing?
My mother buys my gifts.
If I don't want something too stupid or dangerous or...
Hi, Mom.
Good morning.
Hi, it's nice to see you again.
Susan, you've taken enough of this man's time.
There's a long line of customers, and they come first.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
Bye.
Nonbelievers.
Right.
If I felt that it was important for her to see Santa Claus,
I'd be more than happy to take her.
I didn't see any harm in her saying hello to him.
Well, there is harm.
I tell her that there is no Santa Claus.
So you bring her down here and she sees
thousands of gullible kids
and she meets an actor, a very good one
with a real beard and a beautiful Santa suit
sitting smack dab in the center of a child's fantasy world.
So who does she believe?
The myth or the mom?
Listen, I just got some mistletoe.
Why don't we go to my place and try it out?
No.
I don't think so.
Okay.
I'm here, I can help. All you have to do is ask.
Actually, there is one thing.
Would you mind taking Susan home?
Sure.
The reason I haven't been to see you is
I'm working at Cole's.
All I have to do is to be myself.
There you are.
That's it.
Very good. Very good.
Excuse me.
Good evening.
Good evening. My name is Jack Duff.
- How do you do? - This is Alberta Leonard.
- How do you do? - Pleasure.
Nice to meet you both. I'm Kriss Kringle.
Mr. Kringle, we're with Shopper's Express, the department store.
Oh, yes, you've got the Peter Polliwog on sale.
Right.
Yes, we do.
We want you to be our main Santa Claus.
We have over 7000 stores worldwide.
You'd be the number one guy.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Cole's already hired me.
In fact, I've signed a contract.
If you'll excuse me, it's getting late.
- Need a ride? - That's kind of you.
It's probably out of your way.
Where're you going?
114th Street, the Mount Carmel Senior Center.
We're going right by it.
It's on our way.
Thank you so much.
Bye-bye, Prancer.
Bye-bye, Dancer.
So tell me, Santa
how does one guy get to every house around the world in one night?
Yes, well, now that is a vexing question, isn't it?
But you see, if you could slow time down
so that a second became a year, a minute a century
and an hour became a millennium
you could manage it quite easily.
Mind you, I remember 100 years ago
before the population explosion, I'd deliver all my goods
and have enough time left over for a late supper, a nap
and a round of golf with the Easter Bunny.
He winters in New Zealand, you know.
Thank you both very much indeed.
Merry Christmas to you, Miss Leonard.
Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Duff.
- Same to you, sir. - Thank you very much. Good night.
He's completely out of his mind.
Imagine, Cole's hiring a guy as nutty as that.
Could become a problem for them.
I know what you mean.
The Easter Bunny.
You don't think he's nuts, do you?
Well, he believes he's Santa Claus, absolutely believes it.
Maybe that's why he's good.
It doesn't matter. Have you seen our stocks?
They're through the roof. Sales are up 70% over last holiday.
This company has turned around.
We could go the other way just as fast if this guy does anything wrong.
- What's he going to do? - We don't know.
But if the fate of the company rests on one unstable old man
I think you're celebrating our return a little too soon.
I'm not worried.
Hello, little one. How are you?
She's deaf.
You don't have to talk to her. She wanted to see you.
You are a very
beautiful young lady.
What's your name?
Sami.
That's a beautiful name.
Now, I tell you what. Do you know
Jingle Bells?
Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh
Very good.
Darling, what would you like for Christmas?
A doll, and a bear?
Well, you shall have them, Sami.
I wish you a merry Christmas.
Thank you. Thank you!
Bye-bye. Bye.
What are you doing out of bed?
Something's driving me crazy and I can't sleep.
What's on your mind?
Santa Claus.
Mr. Kringle? Why, what about him?
He talked sign language with a kid today.
That was considerate of him.
It's weird how he knows so much about toys and kids.
He speaks Russian and Swahili.
Wow, he must be quite a learned man.
He looks exactly like every picture of Santa Claus I ever saw.
Yes, I know. That's why I chose him.
You're positive he's not the real Santa Claus?
I thought that we talked about this.
You understand what he is.
What if we're wrong? That would be extremely rude.
Well, we're not wrong, sweetheart.
But all my friends believe in Santa Claus.
Well, most children your age do.
How come I don't?
Because you know the truth.
And truth is one of the most important things in the world.
To know the truth and to always be truthful
with others and, more importantly, with yourself.
Believing in
myths and fantasies just makes you
unhappy.
Did you believe in Santa when you were my age?
Yes.
Were you unhappy?
When all the things I believed in turned out not to be true,
yes, I was unhappy.
Would it be okay if I thought about this some more?
Do I have to not believe in Santa Claus right away?
Come here.
You have the right to believe whatever you want to believe.
Now, I've told you the truth, but if I'm wrong I would be glad to admit it.
I'll tell you what,
you ask Mr. Kringle
for something that you would never ask me for.
And if on Christmas morning you don't get it,
you will know once and for all the honest truth
about Santa Claus.
That's a very clever idea.
Thank you. Think you can get some sleep?
- Yep. - Yeah? Give me a kiss.
Good night.
- I love you. - I love you.
- Good night. - Night.
Barkeep! Reload on this!
Hey. Hey, can I get another beer?
That Cole's, they dumped me the high hard one.
I did a good job for them last year. This year they gave me the royal fist.
They just gave you the shaft. Without grounds for dismissal.
That broad that runs the parade,
a college kid with a 3-ounce brain and 50 tons of attitude.
She hires some wacko right off the street to take my place.
Some wacko?
Tell me about him.
The old man? He's a loon.
- There's thousands in the city. - I'll say.
Never had one of them take my job, though.
Hey, Tony, did you have any contact with this old guy?
Contact?
The guy got right up in my face.
He got aggressive with you?
He had a cane. He tried to whack me over the head with it.
He tried to whack you with the cane?
Isn't that what I just said?
Tony
this will make you feel better.
Got a little job I want you to do.
What kind of job?
You'll see.
Just be yourself.
Don't even think about the camera. You'll be just fine.
Right.
I don't know why they're making such a fuss about me.
This is the holiday season and you're Santa Claus, right?
To many, yes. To others I'm just an old man with a beard.
Yes, but you're still the symbol of the season.
You think I'm a fraud, right?
I think fraud is too strong a word.
But you don't believe in me.
I believe that Christmas is for children.
Your daughter doesn't believe in me either.
I don't think there's any harm
in not believing in a figure many acknowledge to be a fiction.
Oh, but there is.
I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit
and affects a jolly demeanor.
You know, I'm a symbol.
I'm a symbol of the human ability
to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies
that rule the major part of our lives.
If you can't believe
if you can't accept anything
on faith,
then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt.
I like you very much,
Mrs. Walker, you're a fine woman, and you know,
I think you'll make an excellent test case for me.
You and your daughter.
If I could make you believe,
then there'd be some hope for me.
If I can't,
well, I'm finished.
Shall we go?
Five, four,
three, two, one.
I'm Kriss Kringle, and I'm at Cole's department store in New York.
Good morning, America.
No, Mr. Kringle's time is extremely limited.
Sorry, Mr. Bedford's on line three.
No, he can't do private sessions. Can you hold for just a moment?
Yeah, hang on.
Hi, I have the mayor's office on hold. What's up?
If I can arrange a really
good babysitter tonight, do you want to shop and have dinner?
Well, I'm not sure what I'm...
I don't know if I can get Celia.
I'll take care of it.
See you at 7:00?
Well, I'm not sure what...
Okay, fine, 7. Bye.
- Whoa, back. - Who's this one now?
This is Dancer. He's a bit slow, do you see?
Poor old Dancer.
Good evening, Mrs. Walker.
Good evening, Mr. Kringle.
Nobody at school is gonna believe this one.
If you have to have a babysitter, who's better qualified?
Yes.
Pretty, isn't it?
There has to be something you want for Christmas.
I'm very good at keeping secrets, you know.
Come on, tell me.
What's this?
Gosh.
That's what I want for Christmas.
A house, a brother and a dad.
That's all I ever want.
If you're really Santa Claus, you can get it for me.
If you can't,
you're just a nice man with a white beard like my mom says.
Oh, Susan.
A child not getting his or her wish doesn't mean there's not a Santa.
I thought you might say that.
Did you?
Yes, well.
- A house is a very big order. - And very expensive.
And a baby, a baby takes
almost a year to...
Nine months.
More, if the lady's late. Less, if the baby's a preemie.
Right.
And a father...
I mean,
no one can give anybody a father.
If Santa Claus can make reindeer fly
and go up and down people's chimneys and make toys
and go around the world in one night,
he could get somebody a house and a brother
and a dad.
Right?
Right. Right, yes, I suppose
he could.
I don't think I'll ever get those things, so it's no big deal.
Perhaps I could keep this paper, could I?
Sure.
Night, little angel.
Good night.
- Night, Susan. - Good night, Mr. Kringle.
A family for Christmas.
I don't think so.
No, really, I mean.
See, that wasn't so bad, huh?
I had a great time.
You need to get out, that's your problem, you need to forget work.
I should've listened to you earlier.
But you understand why I didn't.
Sometimes I think I do.
Sometimes I don't.
Well, you are a very patient man.
Most guys are gone after a few months of me.
Oh, so you admit you're rough on men?
No, not just rough on men.
Yeah, I admit it.
I'm careful.
At this point in my life I really don't need to be disappointed.
Want one of your gifts early?
I got you a present, and I want to give it to you.
- What is it? - Do you want it early?
Yes.
What is it?
Open it.
It's an engagement ring.
If I have given you
a false impression of this relationship,
I am very sorry.
Are you serious?
Have I ever given you
any sign that I wanted to marry you?
No.
Then tell me, whatever possessed you to make such a presumption?
I've done everything I could to try to make you happy.
I love your daughter like she's my own.
I loved you, getting nothing in return,
never asking for anything in return.
I put my faith in you.
Well, if that's true
then you're a fool.
Good evening. Taxi, please.
Certainly.
- Mr. Bedford. - Kriss.
How was your night as a babysitter?
Very pleasant.
Susan's a good kid.
Yes, delightful. Delightful.
Well, how was it?
I gave her an engagement ring.
She didn't like it.
Well, perhaps your timing wasn't
particularly good.
Not at all.
She's a sad sort of person.
It's a pity really. I mean, she's very kind and...
But she's terribly careful about her emotions.
What I know about Dorey
is pieced together from fragments of conversations.
She was married in college. He had a drinking problem.
After Susan was born, he took off and hasn't been heard of since.
She's filled with these bitter thoughts and...
The worst part is she's dragging Susan into this with her.
Yes, well, Susan is struggling with it, I mean...
But I get the feeling she really does want to believe in me.
She's a good girl.
She's loyal to her mother's wishes. I can't fault that.
And, of course, if I can't convince the mother,
I have no hope of convincing the child.
Tooth Fairy told me that.
Well, your cab's here, Kriss.
I wondered what guys who return rings
say to the sales clerk at the jewelry store.
Now I don't want to know.
I'm sure you can find some lucky guy to give this to.
That's very generous of you
but I don't think this ring will fit anyone but Mrs. Walker.
I'm sure you'll find somebody.
I'm sorry.
It's okay, I'll get over it.
Will Susan?
I know what you want for Christmas now.
I'll see what I can do.
- Good night. - Good night.
Come on, it's your turn to go up now.
What do you want for Christmas?
Excuse me, sir, please step aside. This is for the children.
Hot little helper you got here, Santa.
She the one that puts
the twinkle in your eye?
Hey, kids
you see that guy up there?
He's not really Santa Claus.
He doesn't live at the North Pole.
He lives in a nursing home on 114th Street.
You know what he is?
He's a big
fat fake.
Just a fake.
Ho, ho, ho.
Hey, goofball!
Yeah, you, numb-nuts.
What is a guy your age playing this game for?
Are you just a lonely, pathetic mental case?
Or does it go a bit deeper than that?
Is there a darker side to this?
Tell me something, you sorry old cripple, you.
You got a thing for little ones?
They ain't good for much else.
Stop that man, quickly!
Get the cane away from him.
I didn't intend to injure him. He baited me, he provoked me.
Save it for the cops, sir.
He's badly hurt.
Wait a second
you're Cole's Santa Claus!
Cole's Santa Claus?
He said the most terrible...
- Clear away, folks. - Come with us.
All right, folks, show's over.
- Please step back. - Take it easy, sir.
You should clear the kids out of the room before the next story.
It appears that New York's most famous Santa Claus
has a mean streak.
The centerpiece of Cole's big holiday ad push is behind bars this morning.
...plans for a replacement for Mr. Kringle.
The spokesperson did say however that for at least today
there will be no Santa at the 34th Street store.
...without any provocation struck him repeatedly with a walking stick.
Police arrived and arrested Kringle.
...planning to take your children to the store today.
There will be no Santa Claus at the 34th Street store.
C.F. Cole's competitors are having the last laugh today.
I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit
and affects a jolly demeanor. I'm a symbol.
I'm a symbol of the human ability to suppress
the selfish and hateful tendencies
that rule the major part of our lives.
And if you can't accept anything on faith,
then you're doomed to a life dominated by doubt.
Get me Bryan Bedford on the phone.
- Bryan? - I know, I saw the papers.
I want you to help him.
He's at Bellevue. I don't know what's happening.
But he's alone and he shouldn't be.
What's Cole's position? Do the attorneys have an opinion?
Oh, this isn't about Cole's. This is about a man
who has had something very wrong done to him.
Somebody you care about.
Somebody you believe in.
Come in.
Do you have a moment for Ed Collins?
Send him in.
Thanks, Colby.
What can I do for you?
- How are you? - Fine.
The commitment papers for Cole's Santa.
Oh, boy, that's a shocker, huh?
Press is having a field day.
"Age unknown." Old man, is he?
Very old, Your Honor.
Do I have to read all this?
It's a slam dunk, the guy's crazy. We'd like it over quick.
- We? - Victor.
- Landbergh.
Oh, yes.
There.
Justice will have to prevail, of course.
Oh, of course.
Yes, justice will have to prevail. As always.
Money makes the world go round, Eddie.
Yes, it does, Your Honor, it sure does.
Mr. Landbergh wanted me to tell you he's very aware of your
reelection campaign this next spring.
Tell him I'd welcome his support.
Will do.
Come in.
- A Mr. Bedford's here to see you. - Who?
He represents Mr. Kringle?
Send him in.
There seems to be some undue haste in this case.
I wish to protect my client's rights.
- Mr. Prosecutor, this is... - Bryan Bedford.
Ed Collins.
If you please, I request a formal hearing where I may bring witnesses.
You can sign the papers now, but I'll bring in habeas corpus this afternoon.
We'll have a hearing.
Thursday morning, 9 a.m.?
Thank you, sir.
- Mr. Collins. - Mr. Bedford.
You said the old man didn't have a lawyer.
What difference does it make? It's a hearing, not a trial.
You're the only one that has to be convinced.
Have a good day, judge.
Want to know something, mister?
I don't believe it.
This guy ain't dangerous.
He may be off his rails a bit
but he ain't a thug.
If he wants to call himself Santa,
then God bless him.
Hello, Kriss.
Hello, Mr. Bedford.
What brings you out
on a miserable day like this?
A friend in need?
You failed your mental exam on purpose.
Why would I do a thing like that?
I don't know.
Maybe you've served people long enough.
You've given all you have to give.
No.
Then why did you do it?
The charges were dropped.
The man you hit suffered no injury.
You'd be out of here if you passed your exam.
I disgraced myself.
I read your transcript, Kriss.
You defended your honor.
You stood up for the dignity of every child. That isn't a disgrace.
That's decency.
If I'm dismissed as a crazy old man
then the good name of Santa Claus is spared.
That isn't true.
If not for you, there is no Santa Claus.
You are him.
Crazy or not, here or gone, you're Santa.
Only if the children believe that.
What kind of Santa Claus would they be believing in anyway?
They can't look to me anymore, not after what happened that night.
Well, think about the other night.
A man was there to photograph it?
The man you hit was the man you replaced?
The cops told me this, Kriss. The cops believe in you.
A lot of people do.
More will when we're finished.
- Finished? - We're going to court.
There's a hearing to decide if you're to be committed.
Together, we're gonna prove that there is a Santa, and that you're him.
I'm ready, counselor.
Now, we have a few days to distance ourselves
from this scandal and restart our advertising.
Mrs. Walker, we are in conference.
I just read your press release. You are all such a bunch of cowards.
You don't deserve to run the store.
You are entirely out of line, Mrs. Walker.
We have spent millions telling people that we are the store that cares.
What is it that we care about?
Profits? Ourselves? Our jobs?
What about one of our own who needs us now?
What am I to do?
The public perception of Kriss is that he's out of his mind.
- He's dangerous. - We have to change that.
If
we stand with Kriss,
if we challenge the rumors and the scandal sheets,
if we force the truth, we'll win.
He's going into court with
the best attorney in the city
and he is going to prove that Kriss is not crazy.
For the sake of the whole company,
I think that all of you should decide
about whether or not you
believe in Santa Claus.
For the last 75 years, Cole's has invited Santa Claus
to meet and greet the children of New York City
in our 34th Street store.
Cole's believes in Santa Claus.
And we will stand by him.
He has done nothing but serve the children
and the families of New York City and the world.
We invite you to join with us
and ask yourself this one simple question,
"Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
How are you doing?
Well, I have to confess, I'm a bit uneasy.
You'll be fine. All you have to do is tell the truth.
Who's that character in the gray suit?
That's the prosecutor.
Anything I should know about him?
Yeah, he doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
All rise.
Oyez, let all who have business in this court come forward.
The Honorable Judge Harper presiding. Draw near and ye shall be heard.
You may sit.
Your Honor,
in the Kringle matter, the commitment papers are on the desk.
I'll call the first witness.
Mr. Kringle, would you please take the stand?
It's okay.
Morning, judge.
How's that grandson of yours?
The parade.
He thought I looked like Santa Claus.
Oh, yes.
Do you swear to tell the truth so help you God?
Yes. Don't I put my hand on a Bible?
No, sir, you don't.
Well, then I'll
put my hand over my heart. I do.
- I do. - Sit down, please.
What is your name?
I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I beg your pardon.
You're Mr. Collins. I'm Mr. Kringle, Kriss Kringle.
Order.
- Kriss Kringle. - Yes, double "K."
Tell me, Mr. Kringle, do you believe you're Santa Claus?
Would I be here if I didn't?
Just yes or no, Mr. Kringle.
Do you believe you're Santa Claus?
Yes, of course.
Santa Claus.
State rests, Your Honor.
Mr. Bedford, do you wish to cross-examine?
No further questions.
You may step down, Mr. Kringle.
Oh, thank you.
In view of your client's statement, do you still wish to put in a defense?
Yes, Your Honor. I'd like to call my first witness.
Tell us your name.
My name is Daniel Lowry.
What'd you get last Christmas?
- A bike and... - And who gave you the bike?
- Him. - What's his name?
- Santa Claus. - Are you sure he's Santa Claus?
- How can you be sure? - Because he looks like Santa Claus.
Any other reasons?
He's very nice.
And he works at Cole's. And he's got elves.
Tell me something, Daniel,
could he be Santa?
- Nope. - Why not?
Because Santa don't got a grumpy face.
Order.
No further questions.
Mr. Collins, do you wish to cross-examine the witness?
No, Your Honor, no questions.
- Do I have to go to jail now? - No.
You go back to your seat.
Your Honor, I'd like to call my next witness.
Mrs. Rebecca Collins.
Order.
Do you swear to tell the truth so help you God?
- I do. - Sit down, please.
Do you have children, Mrs. Collins?
I have two.
How old are they?
Four and seven.
- Do they believe in Santa? - I object.
On what grounds, Mr. Collins?
The witness is my wife.
Mr. Bedford is harassing her
in order to embarrass me and expose private matters to the court.
I attempt to establish that Mr. Collins
like others, has taught his children there is a Santa.
Objection overruled.
- You many continue. - Thank you, Your Honor.
Mrs. Collins, do your children believe in Santa Claus?
Yes.
Did they come to this belief naturally or through a family member?
It was a family member.
- Yourself? - Yes.
And your husband?
Yes.
Your husband told your children that there is a Santa Claus?
Yes.
On more than one occasion?
Yeah.
Have you taken your children to see a department store Santa this year?
- Yes, we have. - Where?
- At Cole's. - Your children have met Mr. Kringle?
Yes.
- And they accepted him as Santa Claus? - Yes.
Did the question of Mr. Kringle's authenticity ever arise at any time?
Yes, it was after.
And did you deny or confirm
that Mr. Kringle is the real Santa Claus? You're under oath now.
Well, actually
my husband confirmed that he's the real Santa Claus.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Thank you, Mrs. Collins.
Merry Christmas.
Mr. Collins, do you wish to cross-examine your wife?
I object, this is irrelevant and immaterial, and absolutely ridiculous.
He's making a mockery of this court.
He hasn't even established there's such a person as Santa.
Your Honor, I'd ask Mr. Collins if he could offer any proof
that there is no Santa Claus.
I'd like a recess until tomorrow
so that I might adequately prepare to meet Mr. Bedford's challenge.
Do you have any objections?
No, Your Honor.
This court stands in recess until 9:00 tomorrow morning.
He bought it.
I knew he'd take the offensive.
There's no way we can prove that Santa exists or that you're him.
Didn't you give Mr. Collins the chance to prove I don't exist?
Exactly, you see, he'll go too far.
Our best defense is to let Collins hang himself.
Oh, I see.
But promise me this: Speak only when I tell you to.
You have my word.
Good, come on.
Hi.
I wanted to thank you for everything you're doing for Kriss.
I was in the gallery, I don't know if you saw me.
I still have a long way to go.
I think you'll do it.
I hope you will.
I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
About
last week...
I'm sorry.
I mean it, I'm really, really sorry.
I was just...
Scared?
Yes.
No permanent damage.
I have to go. I have to pick Susan up.
- How is she doing? - She's good.
I think she
misses you.
Tell her I said hello.
Indeed, there was. Saint Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus
was a 4th century bishop in Myra, Lycia, Asia Minor.
Dr. Hunter, what is the Church's position on Saint Nicholas?
He's a recognized saint.
Yes, but isn't it true that in 1969 Pope Paul VI
eliminated the official celebration of the feast day of Saint Nicholas?
That's correct.
It was made an optional memorial day.
They downgraded it.
In essence, the Church walked away from Saint Nicholas.
Doesn't it also stand to reason they'd walk away from the derivative,
diluted, secular figure of Santa Claus?
I presume so.
Thank you, Dr. Hunter.
But the Church has not made it clear what its...
No further questions.
It's all right. He's just trying to get under your skin.
Colonel.
You've seen the North Pole?
Yes, sir, in 1972 and again in 1984.
Did you explore the region?
Extensively.
Did you ever find evidence of dwellings?
Animal pens, barns, workshops?
No, sir.
No evidence whatsoever?
None, sir.
Tell me, colonel
in your opinion
would it be possible for a man like Mr. Kringle over there
to have a settlement in that inhospitable region
large enough to manufacture one toy
for every one of the earth's 1.7 billion children?
No, sir.
There isn't any way this man could've seen my workshops.
They're invisible.
Kriss, sit down.
But Mr. Collins is completely mistaken.
My workshops don't exist in the physical world.
They're in the dream world.
Let me be the lawyer.
I always thought that was completely understood.
With the court's permission, I'd like to call my next witness.
Mr. Collins, what is this?
This is a reindeer, Your Honor.
I know that. But what's it doing here?
I'd like the court to see Mr. Kringle make the reindeer fly.
He wants you to lose your temper.
He wants you to act crazy, remember.
Mr. Kringle, we're waiting.
Hello.
Well, I would greatly like to oblige, Mr. Collins
but I cannot make this reindeer fly.
I didn't think so.
He only flies on Christmas Eve.
Of course, Mr. Kringle. No further questions.
In that case, will somebody please remove the witness...
...animal from the room?
Your Honor, the state of New York has no desire
in laying waste to a popular myth, but this case is not about mythology.
It's about the mental competency of a man, that man, Kriss Kringle.
Now, everyone in this courtroom
if they were entirely honest with themselves,
must conclude, based on the evidence, that Mr. Kringle
regrettably, is insane.
As a sworn guardian of the laws of the state of New York,
as a citizen and as a father, it is my wish that Mr. Kringle
who masquerades as Santa Claus
a figure of benevolence and generosity,
but who does so solely for profit...
That's not true!
Your Honor.
Mr. Kringle will refrain from comment or he will be removed.
Sit down. Sit down, Kriss.
Your Honor, I was not aware
that Cole's was a charitable institution.
If it is, I'm willing to apologize to the court and to Mr. Kringle.
I didn't think so, Your Honor.
As I was saying before I was interrupted, it is my wish,
Your Honor, that Mr. Kringle be placed under the care of the state
so that the children of New York
will no longer be at risk.
Hey, you big jerk!
Mr. Kringle's the nicest man in the world!
He'd never hurt anybody!
Order!
- Order! - Sit down!
Order!
I have nothing further to say, Your Honor.
Kriss, sit down. We're almost through.
It's okay.
Mr. Bedford,
do you wish to make a statement?
Your Honor, a lot of people believe in Mr. Kringle.
Including millions of children.
If you rule against him, you won't destroy anyone's belief,
but the man they believe in.
Mr. Kringle is not concerned for himself, or he wouldn't be here.
He is in this regrettable position
because he is willing to sacrifice himself for children.
To create in their minds a world far better
than the one we've made for them.
If this is, as Mr. Collins suggests, a masquerade,
then Mr. Kringle is eager to forfeit his freedom
to preserve that masquerade. To subject himself to prosecution
to protect the children's right to believe.
If this court finds
that Mr. Kringle is not who he says he is,
that there is no Santa, I ask you to judge which is worse,
a lie that draws a smile
or a truth
that draws a tear.
I rest my case.
I'll render my opinion on this at noon tomorrow.
Until then, this court stands in recess.
- Counselor? - Hello, judge.
I appreciate your waiting for me.
Sit down.
How did I get on this case?
I don't want to rule against Kriss,
but I can't see how, given the facts, I can do otherwise.
A man who believes himself to be someone he isn't is disturbed.
He isn't dangerous.
He isn't a threat.
I can't sit up on that bench
as a representative of New York and declare that there is a Santa Claus.
I can't make that argument.
As much as I'd like to.
Believe me, Mr. Bedford,
if I had a way out of this,
I'd take it.
I'm sorry.
It's all about money?
You know what destroyed Kriss Kringle?
Power, greed and this.
Recrimination may soothe your soul, but it won't help him.
He doesn't need a bitter epilogue from his attorney.
He needs a miracle.
All rise!
You may sit.
Having heard the evidence in the matter of Kriss Kringle,
I, Judge Harper, a representative of the state of New York
must regrettably rule on this day, the 24th of December,
in the year...
Would it please you if I gave you a card?
I won't get another chance to see you.
Unless I get arrested, which is very unlikely
since it's Christmas Eve, and I'm going to bed very early.
Thank you, young lady.
You're entirely welcome.
And
merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you.
What're you doing?
Merry Christmas.
I'm not gonna be needing that.
The young lady who just approached presented me with this card and this,
it's a $1 bill.
It's gonna be returned to her shortly.
But by presenting me with this bill
she reminded me of the fact that it's issued by the U.S. Treasury
and it's backed by the government
and the people
of the United States of America.
Upon inspection of the article, you'll see the words,
"In God We Trust."
We're not here to prove that God exists
but we are here to prove that a being as invisible
and yet just as present exists.
Federal government puts its trust in God. It does so on faith alone.
The will of the people guides the government.
And it is and was their collective faith
in a greater being that gave cause to the inscription on this bill.
If the United States government
can issue its currency bearing a declaration of trust in God
without demanding physical evidence
of the existence or nonexistence of a greater being,
then the state of New York
by a similar demonstration of the collective faith of its people,
can accept and acknowledge that Santa Claus does exist
and he exists in the person of Kriss Kringle!
Case dismissed!
Case dismissed! Santa Claus wins!
All charges have been dropped. Kriss Kringle is free.
- How about that. - Yes!
You're right, Kriss. It's all about the children.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
- Merry Christmas, Mr. Kringle. - Merry Christmas to you.
Thank you.
My children
told me to remind you to stop by our house tonight.
Oh, I won't forget, I promise.
We live in Stamford, 3133 Brompton Road, big white house.
Yes, yes, I know it well.
Yeah, well.
Anyway, merry Christmas.
Mr. Collins, I hope you've taken down that old television antenna.
I ripped my pants on it last year.
Pardon me.
Well, Kriss, you're free.
Everybody's now a believer.
Not everybody. There are still a few I have to convince.
One in particular.
Excuse me.
- Way to go. - I'm so happy for you.
Thank you very much.
You did a great job.
You kicked that guy's bottom.
Well, she saved the day.
Congratulations, Bryan.
Thank you, Dorey.
Have a merry Christmas.
You too.
Well, I'll let you go.
Merry Christmas. And good luck.
Merry Christmas, Mrs. Walker.
And a merry Christmas to you, young lady.
And thank you very much.
Merry Christmas, Kriss. Merry Christmas, Bryan.
Mr. Bedford!
Excuse me.
Again, thank you so much.
I shall never forget you.
And in all my travels past
and all my travels yet to come,
I'll never find a better friend.
Thank you, Kriss.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you, Bryan.
Going home?
Home?
Not tonight.
I'm going to be busy.
That's right.
- Mr. Kringle! - Mr. Kringle!
This is gonna blow up in my face, isn't it?
I lost bigger than I ever thought I'd win.
There was much pressure. Who knew what the judge would do
when faced with having to put Santa Claus in the nut house?
He isn't Santa Claus.
What's wrong with everybody?
There is no Santa Claus!
Is somebody getting married?
Not that I know of.
Did you arrange this?
No, you did.
I did?
- You didn't? - I didn't. Did you?
- I didn't. - You did, I know you did.
Yes, you did. You did, didn't you?
I did not.
Father?
Are you ready?
For what?
To get married.
Oh, my gosh!
I have something to tell you.
What'd you get for Christmas?
I don't care what you asked him for.
That's not why we're going to the house.
We're going to the catalog house.
That's the house I said I wanted.
I showed him a picture of it, and he said he'd get it for me.
A house is a pretty big gift, Susan.
That's what he said.
Honey, we are going to the house because it snowed.
And it's very pretty.
Mr. Shellhammer wants to take photos for next year's catalog.
Which, I think, is awfully bold of him. It is a holiday.
That's just an excuse.
Mr. Kringle did all this.
I'm very sorry, Mother. You have it perfectly wrong.
I knew it!
- Where is everybody? - You got a bonus.
- What do you mean? - Our name's on the mailbox.
I got a call from Mr. Kringle who said you and your husband needed a house.
He was insistent.
Did you get married?
- Yeah, last night. - I can't believe it.
Congratulations.
Was this planned?
- No. - I can't believe it!
Mr. Kringle wanted to be here
but he's overseas.
Mr. Kringle.
The house is for sale, furnished. I'm sure you can afford it now.
Oh, we all get our bonuses thanks to you and Mr. Kringle.
Wow!
I knew it.
Oh, thank you,
Donald.
Oh, I don't know what to say, except merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Chin-chin.
This is the house I asked Kriss for, he got it for me.
And he got me a dad.
The third thing
I guess I'll just have to wait for.
But he'll get it for me, won't he?
If Kriss said he'd get you something, I bet it's on the way.
I guess there's no doubt about it, he's real.
I'm going to see my room, excuse me.
- Susan? - What?
What else did you ask Mr. Kringle for?
A baby brother. See you!
English - US