SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE (1985)

Starring: Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, David Huddleston
Directed by: Jeannot Szwarc


If ever I had to apply the line ‘the old ones are the best’, it would be for this film. Santa Claus: The Movie is an endearing film that explores the legend of Santa Claus and his elves in a way that is entertaining for both adults and children.

The story begins in the 14th century with an old, peasant Claus (Huddleston) and his wife, Anya, handing out presents and telling stories to village children. It is here that the oldest and wisest of the elves, the Ancient One, informs Claus of his destiny as the father of all children, to be known forever more as “Santa Claus”.
As time shifts to modern-day Manhattan, we meet Joe, a young, homeless boy who longs for a decent meal and shelter for Christmas. Watching him from across the street is Cornelia, a middle-class girl who befriends Joe.
Back at the North Pole, two elves, Patch (Moore) and Puffy, compete to be Santa Claus’ Assistant. Patch is presented with the title as a result of his machine which mass produces toys at a much faster rate than Puffy’s more traditional handcraft method. However, unbeknown to anyone but the audience at the time, there is a fault with Patch’s invention as a screw comes loose – Santa Claus’ toy sack is soon full of poor quality toys to be delivered on Christmas Eve.
When Christmas Eve arrives, Santa Claus finds Joe rummaging through some bins for food. He pities the young boy and decides to invite him aboard his sleigh, along with his new friend, Cornelia.
On Christmas day, children everywhere receive faulty toys and Patch’s title of Santa’s Assistant is given to Puffy. Ashamed, Patch leaves the North Pole; but he soon develops his own special lollipops which can make children fly and in his own version of a sleigh, he delivers them that Christmas to children around the world. As Patch’s success grows, he becomes involved with Cornelia’s evil uncle, B.Z (Lithgow), who owns his own toy factory. B.Z sees a money-making opportunity and, tricking Patch into joining him, he plots to take over from Santa Claus. Is the true spirit of Christmas to be lost forever?

This is a magical film that is definitely worth watching for Dudley Moore’s performance as the lovable Patch, alone. The characters are believable in the context of the story, whilst retaining the sense of mystery that the story of Santa Claus should hold. It is entertaining in a less obvious way than some recent Christmas films, where slapstick comedy holds the main appeal. Moreover, the story surrounding Joe and the friends he makes will make anyone smile; safe in the knowledge that Christmas can bring miracles...


Sam Lister