The Santa Clause (1994)

When a man inadvertantly kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

Director:

John Pasquin

Writers:

Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick

Stars:

Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Allen	...	Scott Calvin
Judge Reinhold	...	Neal
Wendy Crewson	...	Laura
Eric Lloyd	...	Charlie
David Krumholtz	...	Bernard
Larry Brandenburg	...	Detective Nunzio
Mary Gross	...	Ms. Daniels
Paige Tamada	...	Elf-Judy
Peter Boyle	...	Mr. Whittle
Judith Scott	...	Susan
Jayne Eastwood	...	Waitress
Melissa King	...	Little Girl
Bradley Wentworth	...	Elf at North Pole
Azura Bates	...	Elf in Hangar
Joshua Satok	...	Elf-Larry

Storyline

Divorcee Scott Calvin is disgusted to learn that his ex and her husband have tried - and failed - to break it easy to their 6-year-old son Charlie that Santa isn't real. On Christmas Eve, Scott reads The Night Before Christmas... then receives an unexpected visitor on his roof. When he's startled by Scott's calling out and falls, the Santa impersonator disappears, leaving only an 8-reindeer sleigh and a suit with instructions to put it on if he's involved in an accident. Scott does, and is transported around the town dropping gifts through chimneys until he's taken to the North Pole and informed by a group who claim they're elves that he is now Santa. Charlie is proud of his dad's new job, though Scott's convinced it's a dream. Until his hair turns white, his beard refuses to stay shaved, he gains weight inexplicably, even for his sudden love of junk food... Now he's accepted it, there's just one problem: how to keep it secret from his disbelieving family?

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Plot Keywords:

christmas eve | surrealism | christmas tree | santa suit | toy maker | 

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Taglines:

This Christmas, the snow hits the fan.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for a few crude moments

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

11 November 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Santa Clause

Filming Locations:

Hillcrest Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$144,833,357

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$189,800,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Pictures,Hollywood Pictures,Outlaw Productions (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, Richard Donner, Ivan Reitman, John Hughes, Rob Minkoff and Joel Schumacher were considered to direct this film.

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Goofs

When Charlie is telling his father about Neil's opinion on Santa Claus, Scott says that Neil is not a doctor, he is a psychiatrist. By definition a psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor, who has not only earned a medical degree (MD), but has further specialized in the field of psychiatry. Scott knows this, but simply does not take Neil's profession seriously.

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Quotes

Charlie: Dad?
Scott Calvin: What is it, Charlie?
Charlie: Maybe you better leave some milk and cookies out, just in case. Okay?
Scott Calvin: Great. I'll just go pre-heat the oven.
Charlie: And don't forget the fire extinguisher!
Scott Calvin: Good night, Charlie!

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Alternate Versions

The UK VHS removed the end-credits song "Christmas Will Return" and replaced it with a version of "Jingle Bells" performed by Yello. This might be the case for all European prints.

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Connections

Referenced in Last Man Standing: Gift of the Wise Man (2015)

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Soundtracks

Jingle Bells
(uncredited)
Arranged and Adapted by Boris Blank and Dieter Meier
Performed by Yello
Yello appears courtesy of Mercury Records GmbH
Produced by Martin Kloiber

User Reviews

A wonderful film

This is a truly magical film that will continue to enchant children and adults for years and generations to come.

The simple premise is executed well and Pasquin excels in making a film that appeals to all ages.

Tim Allen plays his part to perfection and has never been funnier. He captures all the heart that the film needs as well as having an excellent on screen rapport with young Eric Lloyd.

All the other cast members are good in their roles with David Krumholtz being the standout.

Overall a fantastic film that for me truly sums up the spirit of Christmas. Although I like the sequels that followed this film this is the true classic of the series.