The Night They Saved Christmas

This was above average for a TV Christmas movie, as there wasn't an overdose of sugar, spice, any everything too corny and nice. There was some marital trouble, environmental awareness, corporate greed and cynicism vs. Idealism thrown in, to make it a much more interesting mix.

It also helped to have familiar TV faces on screen: Art Carney, Jaclyn Smith, June Lockhart and Paul Williams. With "Ed Norton" playing Santa Claus, how can this movie possibly fail?

I like the tour of the North Pole, which had some sophisticated equipment, like a candy cane phone that seemed a prototype cellular, a device that reminds you of transport "Star Trek" style, and a pretty good explanation as to how Mr. Claus can make it to all those children's houses in one night, which includes freezing time!

You can't help but like this one!

I've enjoyed this movie ever since I've first seen it back in the 80s and still enjoy it today. The special FX are decent especially for the era this film came out of but better than most(Santa Claus conquers the Martins). The plot of drilling for oil at the North Pole area is unique. And Santa's dislike of the song "Jingle Bells" can be agreed upon by most during the Christmas season. The scenes of Northpole City are very creative. The use of technology however does take a little away from the mystery surrounding Santa Claus but then people today want everything answered with science. The movie helps make Santa into a more realistic character. A highly enjoyable film for the whole family.

I taped this wonderful little Christmas offering back in '84 when the kids were still in nappies. We have watched this flick religiously every yuletide season since (takes a LOT to wear out those old BETA tapes!) I'd like to see someone criticise this flick in the presence of my kids - that'd be really messy!!!

Well cast with engineer Paul le Mat being warned-off drilling near the North Pole for fear of his blasting, endangering Santa's workshop. He and wife Jaclyn Smith were the right choice here, exuding just the right amount of parental care and not-quite disbelief. Love the scenes in Santa's factory - Art Carney is simply perfect as Santa. If this one doesn't re-awaken the child in you, it simply was never there.

Oh and that final scene? everyone looking in different directions? It's a classic!

I first saw this movie on cable sometime in the '80's as a small child. For reasons that I can't explain, I've always enjoyed it. It probably won't make a lot of Christmas Classics lists, and maybe it's just nostalgia, but I still enjoy it today. The plot is kind of goofy, but that's part of the fun. It deals with an oil exploration company and an operation that threatens to destroy Santa's workshop, no doubt a way to tie in the emerging environmental concerns during the time. Art Carney and Paul Williams are great as well. The special effects are pretty decent for a tv movie of the time. If you haven't seen it and enjoy discovering these '80's gems, it's worth a watch.

I caught this movie on TV once when I was kid. I don't remember too much of it, only to say that it was one of the more exciting Christmas TV movies I've seen, with a catchy music score and dramatic acting. The plot about an oil company unknowingly disturbing Santa Claus' North Pole village while exploring for oil, which leads to Santa enlisting the aid of the explorer's wife and children is pretty captivating.

Many made-for-TV Christmas movies have a sappy message with a romantic subplot. This one has an actual rescue mission theme, which makes this a suspenseful story. You will also get to see Santa explain his secrets in delivering presents all around the world. I also remembering the lead character receiving a sparkling star from Santa Claus as a gift, reminding you the miracles of Christmas.

Overall, it's a pretty good family film for Christmas time.

Grade B