Santa Claus has been around for a while, but did not really start making a big debut on the movie screen until the late 80s. However, there are some great Santa films from before that time, and several after. Most of the Santa Claus movies were in the 90s and before that there were plenty of Christmas movies being made, but not with Santa at the center. The following is a little look at some of the better known Santa Claus movies, when they were made, and what they are about:
Miracle on 34th Street. This movie was made in 1947, is 96 minutes long, and stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, and Natalie Wood. In this story, Gwenn, playing Kris Kringle works in Macy’s and faces a child (Wood) who does not believe. He then goes to trial to prove he is Santa.
Santa Claus. This film was made in 1985, is 112 minutes, and stars Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, David Huddleston, Burgess Meredith, Judy Cornwell, Jeffrey Kramer, Christian Fitzpatrick, and Carrie Kei Heim. It is an interesting story behind Santa’s North Pole operation, workshop, reindeers and elves. It answers kids questions and is a good portrayal of the mythos surrounding Santa.
The Christmas Star. This movie was made in 1986, and stars Edward Asner, and Rene Auberjonois. This is a Disney film where Ed Asner plays Horace McNickle, a counterfeiter who escapes prison through his extraordinary likeness to St. Nick. The police are closing in, but Christmas is near so there are red-suited ones everywhere. McNickle is desperate to recover loot from an earlier caper, and can’t make a move until he takes advantage of two neighborhood kids who really believe he is Santa. After the kids come through, it dawns on him that he has always missed the true meaning of the holidays. So instead of escaping he plays Santa.
Miracle on 34th Street. The 1994 version is 113 minutes, and stars Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, J T Walsh, and Mara Wilson.
Mrs. Santa Claus. This film was made in 1996, it is 91 minutes long, it stars Angela Lansbury. This is a tale of Santa’s “invisible wife,” who takes the reindeer off for an impulsive week-long adventure in New York City. Unexpectedly becoming a suffragette and labor organizer (it’s set in the early 20th century), Mrs. Claus twinkles merrily at all who cross her path.
Dear Santa. This movie was made in 1998 and stars Harrison Myers, and D.L. Green.
This is the story of a man named Mr. Covington. He has a tough job and a mean boss, and he breaks a promise to spend Christmas with his family. So, Randy, a six foot elf, appears and turns him into Santa Claus. Now Mr. Covington has to learn the true meaning of Christmas as he gets work putting some crooks in jail, making up with his family and, oh yes, delivering presents to children all over the world.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. This movie was made in 2001, and stars Connie Sellecca, and Corbin Bernsen.
In this movie, a boy, Justin sneaked out of his bedroom that one fateful night and snaps a picture of his mom kissing Santa. Santa became the next mark on his childhood hit list. He is furious, and it is his parents love that calms him down.
These are just a few, so check out all the Santa Claus movies available at your local movie rental place or online.