Santa Claus (1985)

The first half of this film, set hundreds of years ago, shows how the old man who eventually became Santa Claus was given immortality and chosen to deliver toys to all the children of the world. The second half moves into the modern era, in which Patch, the head elf, strikes out on his own and falls in with an evil toy manufacturer who wants to corner the market and eliminate Santa Claus.

Director:

Jeannot Szwarc

Writers:

David Newman (story), Leslie Newman (story),

Stars:

Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, David Huddleston

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dudley Moore	...	Patch
John Lithgow	...	B.Z.
David Huddleston	...	Santa Claus
Burgess Meredith	...	Ancient Elf
Judy Cornwell	...	Anya Claus
Jeffrey Kramer	...	Towzer
Christian Fitzpatrick	...	Joe
Carrie Kei Heim	...	Cornelia
John Barrard	...	Dooley
Anthony O'Donnell	...	Puffy
Melvyn Hayes	...	Goober
Don Estelle	...	Groot
Tim Stern	...	Boog
Peter O'Farrell	...	Honka
Christopher Ryan	...	Vout

Storyline

The first half of this film, set hundreds of years ago, shows how the old man who eventually became Santa Claus was given immortality and chosen to deliver toys to all the children of the world. The second half moves into the modern era, in which Patch, the inventing elf, strikes out on his own and falls in with an evil toy manufacturer who wants to corner the market and eliminate Santa Claus.

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Plot Keywords:

toy | santa claus | elf | toy making | toy factory | 

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Taglines:

Seeing Is Believing!

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Genres:

Adventure | Family | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 November 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Santa Claus: The Movie

Filming Locations:

Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Calash Corporation, GGG, Santa Claus Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Rankcolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Real deer were trained to pull the sleigh. The crew required months to complete the training which also allowed the deer to grow their antlers for the final filming. For shots where it was not possible to use the deer, sophisticated animatronic deer were used.

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Goofs

When Cornelia leaves the plate of food outside for Joe the can of Coke is positioned so the word "Coke" is showing. When Joe picks up the plate moments later the can has turned to show the words "Coca-Cola" in cursive on the other side of the can.

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Quotes

Anya Claus: [Dooley is reading Twas The Night Before Christmas] What is it?
Santa Claus: It's a poem. A poem about me. They say it's a big hit.
Dooley: He had a broad face, and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
Santa Claus: What was that? That last part.
Dooley: [reading with hesitation] He had a broad face.
Santa Claus: Yes. Go on.
Dooley: [continues reading with hesitation] And a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of...
Santa Claus: Jelly.
Dooley: It's... just a poem.
Santa Claus: [upset] Is that how they think I look?
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Less Than Perfect: Santa Claude (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Christmas All Over the World"
Performed by Sheena Easton
Produced by Keith Olsen (as Keith Olson)
Words and Music by Bill House & John Hobbs
Sheena Easton appears courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.

User Reviews

Likeable Film for the Whole Family.

Under-rated little family film that works due to a couple of over-the-top performances more than anything else. We get a glimpse into the history of the titled character (played by David Huddleston) and his wife (Judy Cornwell) as they make the North Pole their home. Years and years pass and we get to the present-day, but trouble looms as the toys manufactured by elf Dudley Moore (in a wonderful performance) start to fall apart on all the children of the world. Moore feels shame and decides that it would be better to leave. Thus he falls in with evil toy manufacturer John Lithgow (in another fine role) and this is when the fun really starts. Burgess Meredith also has a short, endearing cameo. A production that is tame enough for young children, but is also interesting enough to keep the adults happy as well. Good overall. 4 stars out of 5.