This week’s retro trailer is for the 1895 film Santa Claus: The Movie, a classic holiday fantasy that dives into the mythology of Santa Claus while delivering a big-hearted, offbeat Christmas adventure.
The film opens by reimagining Santa’s origins, following a humble woodcutter named Claus who becomes the legendary gift-giver after earning the trust of elves and the magical spirit of Christmas.
Once the story shifts to modern-day New York City, the focus lands on an orphaned boy named Joe and Santa’s well-meaning but accident-prone elf Patch, played by Dudley Moore.
Patch’s desire to modernize toy-making accidentally creates chaos, setting the stage for a clash between pure holiday goodwill and corporate greed.
That greed comes in the form of toy tycoon B.Z., played with delicious sleaze by John Lithgow, who exploits Patch’s innovations to mass-produce dangerous toys and maximize profits.
The movie leans hard into themes involving Christmas spirit versus commercialization and kindness versus selfishness, and while it’s cheesy in places, that earnestness is a big part of its charm.
With practical effects, sweeping musical cues, and a sincere belief in Christmas magic, Santa Claus: The Movie feels like a time capsule from the mid-’80s, when family films were big, wild, and strange.
The movie wears its heart on its sleeve, which is exactly why it’s remained a nostalgic favorite.
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