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The lowdown: 'The Curious Case of Santa Claus' is a short TV film that explores the history of the Santa Claus mythology from its earliest beginnings with the 4th-century monk who became St Nicholas to the more familiar red-suited Santa Claus that we know today. Part-documentary and part-drama, it is both entertaining and educational, but in a fun way. It stars James Coco as a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus and Jon Pertwee as Dr Merryweather, a psychiatrist whom Santa consults when he experiences an identity crisis. It is Christmas Eve in New York City, and Santa is perplexed by the sight of all the people who are passing themselves off as Santa. Multiple personality disorder? he asks the doctor. More like breach of copyright! Santa notes that they even have a University of Santa Claus! Then there is the rivalry between Santa and Father Christmas, an imposter whom Santa holds in the utmost contempt. The good doctor is initially sceptical about his new client's claim to be Santa, but eventually comes to the conclusion that he is indeed the real deal. Santas departs feeling much better about himself, while Dr Merryweather looks out the window of his office to see a sleigh being pulled by reindeer fly across the New York skyline. 'The Curious Case of Santa Claus' was produced by Edinburgh Films for Channel Four, and was first broadcast in the UK on 23 December 1982. The
verdict: This film is great fun for the whole family.
Adults will enjoy the often subtle humour and the incongruity of Santa
Video Clips: A new client 4.3mb 1700 years old 3.1mb The bringer of gifts 4.9mb |
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