The Curious Case of Santa Claus (1982 TV Movie) User Reviews

NOT FOR CHILDREN

[Christmas-Reviewer · 1/10 · 17 May 2019]

Review Date 5/17/2019

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

On Christmas Eve., Santa Claus, James Coco, visits a psychiatrist, Jon Pertwee, to find out who he is and why there are so many on him ringing bells on street corners. He is also not happy being used to sell everything under the sun.

Now when you think of a "Santa Claus" movie you would think the filmmakers have are gearing the special to "children". This film however forgets that and has "Adult Aimed Humor" and a scene where a young boy is about to become a victim of cannibalism.

So this is a History lesson about how "Santa" came to be but keep this away from children that believe in "Santa".

This gave me nightmares as a child

[vivalasvegas-67460 · 1/10 · 18 May 2019]

I agree it is not for children. I had dreams that Santa was watching me about to become dinner.

If you love the image of "Santa" then this is not for you.

Sick & Twisted

[loriwallace-93796 · 1/10 · 22 May 2019]

This special really is terrible. I am glad aI screened it before I showed my grandchildren. This tells everyone that "Santa" not exactly true. "Santa" to me is what made childhood so special.

This rare special would be of interest to "Biblical Scholars" but in reality I don't think they would even like this.

If want to watch this fine but its "Demented"

I Loved This Show

[mstappy · 29 July 2011]

I think I saw this on PBS way back when but I don't know anyone else who saw it. Every Christmas since I saw it I would scan the T.V. guides to see if it would be shown again & it never was. I almost thought I dreamed it up. Then out of boredom I "googled" it & found it. I can't believe it. I want to get it for my granddaughters now as it was so perfect in explaining Santa. There is so much commercialism at Christmas these days. The magic of Santa Claus is gone. Kids make fun of other kids who believe in Santa & try to spoil it for them. That's a shame. Even after I found proof I still pretended to believe. This movie let's you believe again.

A WONDERFUL HISTORY OF THE JOLLY OLD ELF, TOLD IN A REALISTIC MANNER!

[JTBWRITER · 10/10 · 9 April 2002]

This is a wonderful story, simply told by two veteran actors who

convince you that maybe the Old Saint is more than a legend.

Jon Pertwee, always a convincing authority figure, is brilliant as the Psychatrist who first attempts to "help" Santa Claus face reality, then becomes a believer in the old guy! James Coco is magical in his

innocent wonderings of his ability to make a difference in the modern world, and his revelations of the history of "his life" are truly a

story in themselves!

I hope this show is aired again at Christmas time, for if ever we need a reminder of the magic of childhood and the stuff of peace on earth, good will toward all, this is it!

A Curious Documentary

[dannylgibson · 10/10 · 24 December 2023]

A fascinating documentary about about the origins and customs relating to the modern figure of Santa Claus. The framing device with Jon Pertwee and James Coco is what seems to confuse other reviewers. The bit is amusing and well acted but it is a framing device to tell the story. It needs a device like this because this origin story is somewhat sprawling. It covers many strands from many countries over several hundred years.

This is not one of those holiday type films where some workaholic becomes a mythical figure so that his children will stop thinking he's an idiot. It's an interesting way to tell a story which would otherwise come across as quite dry. If you're interested in the history of this Christmas figure then you could do a lot worse than to watch this film.