Weihnachtsmann aus Leidenschaft (TV Movie 1996)

Weihnachtsmann aus Leidenschaft: Directed by Tom McLoughlin. With Shelley Long, Barry Bostwick, Nathan Lawrence, Nancy McLoughlin. Although admitting, if confronted with the information, that he is also known by the name Robert George, a man moves into the town of Greendale in June purporting to be Santa Claus, everything about him which is Christmas every day, including having a reindeer in his yard, wearing the recognizable red suit all the time, and outfitting his house with all the Christmas accouterments, among which is a machine that blows snow bombs. While some, especially his immediate neighbors, complain to the authorities including to city hall for the continual disruption he is causing as Santa, he does bring much joy to just as many, some who truly see him as a savior in their life. And the majority of the town’s young people really do believe he is Santa, even initially skeptical ten year old Tommy Gates, otherwise how would Santa have known so much about him probably in preparation for his naughty/nice list for Christmas. All of these issues, especially the latter, cause a problem for Elizabeth Gates, Tommy’s single mother, the city attorney and a mayoral candidate in the next election, many who see the mayor’s chair as only the first stop for her in a long and successful political life in her community activism. The issue of Santa is on top of the delicate negotiations she is having with developer Alan Schaefer for the historic train station property, what she is able to negotiate which will affect her political campaign. Reporter Frank Mallory, who usually covers the political beat, largely, on his own choice, in he long having tried to woo, so far unsuccessfully, Elizabeth, is assigned a more in depth story about Santa. If Frank is able to uncover the story, he will find that it goes deeper, especially for Elizabeth and by association Tommy, with what Elizabeth deciding to do in the matter perhaps in needing a little faith in all that is Santa for the situation to turn out positively for all concerned.

“Lots of people go overboard with their Christmas decorations. But in June? And the newcomer to this charming neighborhood has a white beard, wears a red suit and drives a bright red Cadillac. His name is Robert George, and he once worked as a barber in Nebraska, but he wasnu0026#39;t happy. Then he saw a vision of what he could do to make the world better. His goal: to give children Christmas year-round in a theme park. Shelley Long plays the pretty city attorney who is given the unfortunate job of shutting down this u0026#39;Santa Clausu0026#39; after neighbors complain about noise, traffic and trash (as well as the outrageous decorations). Long is also running for mayor and dealing with a developer who wants to tear down the historic train station. And her son, whose father left years ago, doesnu0026#39;t like being neglected by his ambitious mother. He doesnu0026#39;t believe the man is Santa at first but later becomes one of the manu0026#39;s strongest supporters. Barry Bostwick is a cynical newspaper reporter who was fired from the New York Times and doesnu0026#39;t like being sent to do fluff stories. But this is the story that may advance his career. He later dates Longu0026#39;s character. You wonu0026#39;t believe why this Santa Claus chose this town, and why he knows so much about the people. Later, the man has to get a real job, but he is so compassionate he loses every job he tries (well,almost). As with most movies like this, it takes a near-tragedy and a couple of miracles to make everything come out all right. A nice family film.”