La Nuit où l'on sauve le Père Noël

Feel good holiday entertainment for the entire family. Good take on how Santa's home in the North Pole can exist without anyone finding it. Old time theme where no one believes the children until it's almost too late. Race against time to save Christmas, Santa and the North Pole make for a thrilling finish. The best part is when Santa tells the mom about her own childhood Christmas and she is awe struck and brought to tears. Remember the magic of Christmas is in our hearts. Jaclyn Smith is one of the most beautiful and classy actress of all time. Her grace and beauty alone is worth watching this picture. I recommend it for children of all ages.

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.

The whole movie gives such a warm, cozy feel. The style of the movie is just perfect. It's very believable, and down to earth, you could say. The explanation of Santa's powers is about as believable as it gets in Christmas movies, and Art Carney is the only person who could ever fill the boots of Mr. Claus so well. When I close my eyes and envision my ideal Santa, it's his face that pops to mind. That's the lasting impression this movie has left. It's been my favorite Christmas movie since I was old enough to remember.

The setting is a departure from the usual Christmas fare, as well. The family travels as it moves to new oil drilling sites, and as a little boy, seeing the construction equipment in the intro credits, coupled with the fact that it's a Christmas movie left an impression upon a lot of my interests at that age. All little boys love dump trucks and construction equipment, and somehow it fits into a Christmas tale.

If you've never seen this, you must.

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