Weihnachtsmänner haben's schwer

I was looking forward to viewing this movie because I was very curious about and I love and admire both Gary Burghoff and Fred Astaire, though I had low expectations (as I usually do for made for TV movies). I was pleasantly surprised by the sweet, simple, if not slightly unrealistic holiday story. Two of the plot lines were enjoyable and in there for comedic relief and to provide the holiday feeling - slightly unbelievable, but very fun to watch. The third plot I found to be quite touching actually. Put together they make a charming film. All in all, it's not a classic such as It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. However, I would highly recommend it for a family Christmas movie that is good for and definitely worth a couple of seasonal viewings per year. I know I will definitely be watching this hard-to-find but delightful treat at least once every year.

During this COVID Christmas and political mania year of 2020, I fell upon this movie option on google. It's a must watch and FEEL for those who believe in the power of self and the importance of understanding humanity. This movie made me smile, chuckle, reflect and BELIEVE!

I am sure not many of you have heard of this movie. I first saw it on Christmas Eve in the 1980's. As far as Christmas Movies go it does stand out and is different and to see Fred Astaire in such a different role than what we are used to seeing him in is charming. If you get a chance watch this and get a little Christmas Spirit. This does not have any of the wiz bang special effects of today's Christmas movies. What it lacks in that area it definitely makes up for in heart and showing what it really means to have the Christmas spirit. If you were a fan of M.A.S.H. you will also get a kick out of this as one of the other stars of the movie is Gary Burghoff who played "Radar O'Reilly" in that series. Gary did not really do too many other projects so this is also a treat. Also of note is a young Pat Petersen who later went on to become a heartthrob in the hit 80's series Knots Landing. The real joy here though is seeing Fred Astaire make a wonderful and heartfelt entry into the Christmas pantheon of movies.

I love Christmas movies and every Christmas I try to tape all of the Christmas movies that are shown on TV and I taped The Man In The Santa Claus Suit several years ago but for some reason never got around to watching it and I watched it for the first time this December, 2004 and yes it's a little corny but I liked it and thought it was a cute movie and so far I have watched it 3 times! As a child of the 70's I enjoyed the cast of actors who I remember seeing in movies and TV shows in the 70's and I thought Bert Convy, John Byner and the guy who played Radar in the TV show Mash were all good and I think Fred Astaire was great in this 1978 made for TV movie and I thought this movie was pretty good though I have noticed some bloopers that they didn't seem to catch like the fashion model that the math teacher wanted to propose to was named Polly Primer but an actor in the cast called her Polly Farmer but anyway I think this is a charming movie and I recommend it! BTW: Can anyone really picture a beautiful fashion model being named Polly? Polly Sounds like the type of name a fashion model agency would tell a girl with that name that she needs to change her name professionally to something more beautiful and glamorous! Polly sounds more like the name of a fashion models grandmother or great grandmother!

This is the first Christmas film my children ever remember. We watched this heartwarming story throughout their childhood regardless of the season. Fred Astaire is simply charming in the role of Father Christmas even though he does not fit the standard criteria for the position ie robust and jolly, his performance is simply magic. Most of the current Christmas films are based on too much violence, this film however deals with dishonesty and violence in an innocent humorous way that is acceptable and not damaging to a child. I have searched for this film for years for my grandchildren only to find it on ebay last week by a gentleman who taped it back in the 70's and made a copy for me. How wonderful it would be if someone decided to remake this film bringing it up to date. The introductory song itself is so heartwarming. Alas it could not be Fred Astaire who stars in it but I am sure that there is someone out there who would fit the bill.