La storia di Babbo Natale

Under-rated little family film that works due to a couple of over-the-top performances more than anything else. We get a glimpse into the history of the titled character (played by David Huddleston) and his wife (Judy Cornwell) as they make the North Pole their home. Years and years pass and we get to the present-day, but trouble looms as the toys manufactured by elf Dudley Moore (in a wonderful performance) start to fall apart on all the children of the world. Moore feels shame and decides that it would be better to leave. Thus he falls in with evil toy manufacturer John Lithgow (in another fine role) and this is when the fun really starts. Burgess Meredith also has a short, endearing cameo. A production that is tame enough for young children, but is also interesting enough to keep the adults happy as well. Good overall. 4 stars out of 5.

I've just read another review that says Dudley Moore wasn't an incredibly likable character, and I have to completely disagree! I have watched this movie nearly every single year... as I have the VHS, and it's one of the most terrific X-mas movies out there -- other than "Christmas Story", "A christmas Carol" (any version), and "The Night they Saved Christmas". I've watched this since I was a very little girl, and I always loved the character Joe. I think I might have had the tiniest crush on him, even! The man who plays Santa is amazingly wonderful, and he's definately the type of guy that a kid would just love to leap onto the lap of... and to take comfort and confidence in. As this Santa befriends a young homeless boy who has absolutely nothing and no one else... until both he and Santa meet the daughter of an extrodinarily rich and disasterously greedy culprit of a businessman ... of course he's the grandfatherly figure we all dream of having! He's beyond any other Santa I've ever EVER seen -- he even beats Mickey Rooney (though Granted Mickey was only Santa in those lovely little 'cartoons'.)

Anyhow, this is a great movie with a beautiful soundtrack, great actors, nice though not particularly wonderful sets, effects that were passable for the year they were made, and most definately a touching and memorable plot. It's for all ages, and I definately reccomend it.

I first saw this movie when I was 6 or 7. I have been in love with the movie ever since then. I think it is a great movie. So its not just for kids, do all X-Mas movies have to be for kids? I dont understand why everyone had such problems with it. It was funny, and added a twist others didnt. I was attracted to the car Dudley Moore created. I just think it was great.

I've just seen the movie on TV with my kids for the umpteenth time.

The first hour of the film is great...it really puts me in the Christmas spirit. The rest of the film...well I can take it or leave it! By the way, David Huddleston who played Santa, is for me, the greatest Santa in the world ever, honestly.

It is just plain silly to hate any Hollywood attempt to entertain children in a manner that is wholesome without resorting to bad language or sexual innuendo designed to keep the adults happy. I thought this movie delightful, if nothing else for its creative approach for telling the story of Santa Claus. With as many cynical, inappropriate movies for children, I applaud a movie which enriches a true sense of Christmas and all of its folklore.