'Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974 TV Movie)

Joel Grey: Joshua Trundle

Quotes 

• Father Mouse : Merry Christmas, Mr. Trundle.

  Joshua Trundle : Not very merry, I'm afraid.

  Father Mouse : You were right, of course. And it's my fault, my family's.

  Joshua Trundle : How so?

  Father Mouse : My older boy, Albert. First he insulted Santa and then... I can hardly say it.

  Joshua Trundle : Go on.

  Father Mouse : I'm afraid he got into your clock to see how it worked, and then...

  Joshua Trundle : Kerplunk.

  Father Mouse : Kerplowie.

  Joshua Trundle : So... that was it.

  Father Mouse : The boy has repented; he's trying to make amends right now.

• Mayor : And now Mr. Trundle, if you will start your magnificent clock and its song that will make Santa Claus our friend again.

  Joshua Trundle : With pleasure.

• Father Mouse : [voiceover]  After the clock went kerplowie, life changed for Mr. Trundle. No one trusted him anymore.

  Joshua Trundle : [as some grumpy customers leave with their clocks]  Please. Come back. I'm still a good clock maker, really I am.

• Joshua Trundle : [singing; repeated lines]  So you hope, and I'll hurry; you pray, and I'll plan. We'll do what's necessary 'cause even a miracle needs a hand.

• Joshua Trundle : [first lines; voiceover until we see him during the last four lines]  "'Twas--the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in the hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there. The children were nestled, all snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. And mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap". Ah.

  [looking up as he inhales briefly but mildly] 

  Joshua Trundle : If only I could sleep. If only I knew.