Hey! Goofball!
Huh?
Yeah, you, numb-nuts.
What is a guy your age playing this game for, huh?
I mean, are you just a lonely, pathetic mental case?
Or does it go a little bit deeper than that?
Is there a darker side to this?
Tell me something, you sorry old cripple, you.
You got a thing for the little ones, huh?
Huh? Huh?
'Cause they ain't much good for nothin' else, are they? Huh?
Stop that man! Quickly!
Get the cane away from him.
Come on.
I...I--I didn'tintend to injure him.
He baited me. He provoked me.
Save it for the cops, sir.
He's badly hurt.
Wait a second. You're-- you're cole's Santa Claus.
Cole's Santa Claus?
Oh...He...said the most...terrible th--Oh...
- Get away folks, please. - Come with us.
All right, folks.
- Please. Step back. - Take it easy, mister.
You might want to clear the kids out of the room before we read this next story.
It appears that new york's most famous Santa Claus has a mean streak.
The centerpiece of c.f. Cole's big holiday ad push is behind bars this morning--
...plans regarding a replacement for Mr. Kringle.
The spokesperson did say, however, that for at least the remainder Of today,
there will be no Santa Claus at the 34th street store.
...without any apparent provocation, struck him repeatedly with a walking stick.
Police arrived within moments and arrested kringle--
If you're planning to take your children to the store today, take note.
There will be no Santa Claus at the 34th street store.
C.f. Cole's competitors are having the last laugh this morning.
Who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor, you know.
I'm a symbol.
I'm a symbol of the human ability to suppress the selfish
and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives.
And if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed to a life dominated by doubt.
Get me Bryan bedford on the phone.
Bryan?
I know. I saw the papers.
I want you to help him.
He's at bellevue, and I don't know what's happening,
but he's alone,
And he shouldn't be.
What's cole's position?
Do their attorneys have an opinion?
Oh, this isn't about cole's.
This is about a man who's had something very wrong done to him.
Somebody you care about. Somebody... you believe in.
Your honor... do you have a moment for ed collins?
Send him in.
Thanks, colby.
How are you, eddie?
What can I do for you?
How are you?
Oh, just the commitment papers for the cole Santa.
That's a shocker, huh?
The press is having a field day.
"age unknown." Old man, is he?
Very old, your honor.
Do I have to read all this?
No. It's a slam dunk.
Guy's out of his mind.
We'd like it over quick.
- "we"? - Victor.
- "victor"? - Lamberg.
Oh, yes.
Right there.
Well. Justice will have to prevail, of course.
Oh, of course.
Yes, justice will have to prevail... as always.
Money makes the world go around, eddie.
Yes, it does, your honor, it sure does.
By the way, Mr. Lamberg wanted you to know that he's Very well aware of
your re-election campaign coming up this spring.
Tell him I would welcome his support.
Will do.
Come in.
A Mr. Bedford's here to see you.
Who?
He represents Mr. Kringle?
Send him in.
Your honor, there seems to be some undue haste in this case.
I wish to protect my client's rights, as I'm sure you do.
Mr. Prosecutor, this is...
Bryan bedford.
Ed collins.
If your honor please, i request a formal hearing where i may bring witnesses.
Sign the commitment papers now if you like, but I'll bring in habeas corpus this afternoon.
We'll have a hearing.
Thursday morning, 9 a.m.?
Thank you, sir. Mr. Collins.
Mr. Bedford.
I thought you said the old man didn't have an attorney.
What's the difference?
It'll be a hearing, not a jury trial.
You're the only one that has to be convinced.
Have a good day, judge.
Want to know somethin', mister?
I don't believe it.
This guy ain't dangerous.
He may be off his rails a little bit, but he ain't no thug.
And if he wants to call himself santy Claus... then god bless him.
Hello, Kriss.
Hello, Mr. Bedford.
What brings you out on a miserable day like this?
A friend in need.
Hmm.
You failed your mental exam on purpose, didn't you?
Huh. Why would I... do a thing like that?
I don't know.
Maybe you've served people long enough.
Maybe you've given all you have to give.
No.
Then why did you do it?
The charges against you were dropped.
The man you hit suffered no injury.
You could've been out of here if you passed your exam.
I disgraced myself.
I read your transcript, Kriss.
You defended your honor.
You stood up for the dignity of every child.
That isn't a disgrace. That's decency.
If I'm dismissed as a crazy old man...
then the good name of... Santa Claus is spared.
That isn't true.
If not for you, there is no Santa Claus.
You are him.
Crazy or not, here or gone, you're Santa Claus.
Only if the children believe that.
And what kind of Santa Claus were they believing in, anyway?
They can't look to me anymore, not after knowing what happened the other night.
Well, think about the other night.
A man was there to photograph the incident.
The man you hit was the man you replaced.
The cops told me this, Kriss.
The cops believe in you.
A lot of people do.
More will when we're finished.
Finished with what?
There's a hearing Thursday to decide if you're to be committed.
I'm going to defend you.
We'll prove that there is Santa Claus and that you're him.
I'm ready, counselor.
Now, we have a few days to distance ourselves from this...scandal
And restart our advertising.
Uh, Mrs. Walker, we are in conference.
I have just read your press release.
You are all such a bunch of cowards.
You really don't deserve to run the store.
You are entirely out of line, Mrs. Walker.
We have spent millions telling people that we are the store that cares.
Well, what is it that we care about?
Profits? Ourselves?
Our jobs?
Well, what about one of our own who needs us now?
And what--what am I to do?
The public perception of Kriss is that he's out of his mind.
He's dangerous.
We have to change that.
If...we stand with Kriss...
If we challenge the rumors and the scandal sheets,
if we force the truth, we'll win.
Now, he's going into court with... the best attorney in the city.
And he's going to prove that Kriss is not...crazy.
For the sake of the whole company...
I think that all of you should decide about whether or not You...
believe in Santa Claus.
Bring up two. Go.
For the last 75 years,
cole's has invited Santa Claus to meet and greet The children of new york city
in our 34th street store.
Cole's believes in Santa Claus...
and we will stand by him.
He has done nothing but serve the children and the families of new york city..
And the world. We invite you to join with us and ask yourself this one simple question--
Do you believe in Santa Claus?
I have to confess, I'm a bit uneasy.
You'll be fine. All you have to do is tell the truth.
Who's that character in the gray suit?
That's the prosecutor.
Oh. Anything I should know about him?
Yeah. He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
All rise! Oyez, oyez.
Let all those who have business before this court come forward.
The honorable justice harper presiding. Draw near, and ye shall be heard.
You may sit.
Your honor, in the matter of Kriss kringle, the commitment papers are on your desk.
May I call the first witness?
Mr. Kringle, would you please take the stand?
Good morning, judge.
How's that grandson of yours?
The parade.
He thought I looked like Santa Claus.
Oh. Oh, yes.
You swear to tell the whole truth, so help you god?
Yes. Uh, don't i put my hand on a bible?
No, sir, you don't.
Oh. Well, then, I'll put my hand over my heart instead.
I do . I do .
Sit down, please.
What is your name?
I'm so sorry. I didn'tintroduce myself.
I do beg your pardon. You're Mr. Collins.
I'm Mr. Kringle. Kriss kringle.
Order.
Kriss kringle.
It's double "k."
Tell me, Mr. Kringle,
do you believe that you are Santa Claus?
Well, would I be here if I didn't?
Just yes or no, Mr. Kringle.
Do you believe that you are Santa Claus?
Yes, of course.
Santa Claus. Hmm.
State rests, your honor.
Mr. Bedford, do you wish to cross-examine the witness?
No further questions, your honor.
Uh, you may step down, Mr. Kringle.
Oh. Thank you.
Mr. Bedford.
In view of your client's statement, do you still wish to offer a defense?
Yes, your honor.
I should like to call my first witness.
Can you tell us your name?
My name is Daniel lowry.
And what'd you get for christmas last year, Daniel?
Um... a bike and, um...
And who gave you the bike?
Him.
What's his name?
Santa Claus.
You're sure he's Santa Claus?
Yep.
How can you be sure?
'Cause he looks like Santa Claus.
Any other reasons?
Oh, he's very nice...
And he works at cole's, and he's got elves.
Well, tell me something, Daniel...
could that man be Santa Claus?
Nope.
Why not?
'Cause Santa don't got a grumpy face.
Order.
No further questions.
Um...Mr. Collins, do you wish to cross-examine the witness?
No, your honor. No questions.
Do I have to go to jail now?
No. You can go back to your seat.
Your honor...
I should like to call my next witness.
Mrs. Rebecca collins.
Order.
You swear to tell the whole truth, so help you god?
I do .
Sit down, please.
Do you have children, Mrs. Collins?
I have two.
How old are they?
4 and 7.
Do they believe in Santa Claus?
I object, your honor.
On what grounds, Mr. Collins?
The witness is my wife.
Mr. Bedford is deliberately harassing her solely in order to embarrass me
and expose private matters to the court.
Your honor, I'm merely attempting to establish that Mr. Collins,
Like so many others, has taught his children that there is a Santa Claus.
Objection overruled. You may continue.
Thank you, your honor.
Mrs. Collins, do your children believe in Santa Claus?
Yes.
Did they come to this belief naturally,
or were they introduced to it by a family member?
By a family member.
- Yourself. - Yes.
And your husband.
Uh...yes.
Your husband told your children that there is a Santa Claus?
Yes.
On more than one occasion?
Uh...y-yeah.
Mrs. Collins,
have you taken your children to see a department store Santa Claus this year?
Yes, we have.
- Where? - At cole's.
So your children have met Mr. Kringle.
Oh, yes.
And they accepted him as Santa Claus.
Yes.
Did the question of Mr. Kringle's authenticity arise at any time
Before or after your children met him?
Uh...yes. It was after.
And did you deny...or confirm...
that Mr. Kringle is the real Santa Claus?
You're under oath now, Mrs. Collins.
U-um...w-well, actually, my--my husband
confirmed that he's the real Santa Claus.
No further questions, your honor.
Thank you, Mrs. Collins.
Merry christmas.
Mr. Collins...do you wish to cross-examine...your wife?
I object, your honor. This is irrelevant, immaterial,
and absolutely ridiculous.
Mr. Bedford is making a mockery of this court.
He's not even established that there's such a person as Santa Claus.
Your honor, I would ask Mr. Collins
if he could offer any proof that there Is no Santa Claus.
Your honor, I'd like a recess until tomorrow
so that I might Adequately prepare to meet Mr. Bedford's challenge.
Mr. Bedford, do you have any objections?
No, your honor.
This court stands in recess until 9:00 tomorrow morning.
I knew if I got him angry enough, he'd take the offensive.
There's no way in a court of law we can prove Santa Claus exists
or that you're him.
Haven't you given him the opportunity of proving that I don't exist?
Exactly. You see, he'll go too far.
Our best defense is to let collins hang himself.
Oh. Oh, I see.
But you have to promise me one thing.
You'll speak only when I tell you to.
You have my word.
Good. Come on.
I, um...I just wanted to thank you
for everything that you're doing for Kriss.
I was in the gallery. I don't know if you saw me.
I still have a long way to go.
I think you'll do it. I hope you will.
I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
About... last week... I'm sorry.
I mean it. I'm really, really sorry. I was...just...
Scared?
Yes.
Well...no permanent damage.
- Well, I'd... - I have to pick Susan up from school.
Oh, how's she doing?
She's good. She's good.
I think she...misses you.
Tell her I said hello.
Bye.
Oh, indeed, there was.
Saint nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus,
was a fourth century Bishop in myra, lycia--asia minor.
Uh, dr. Hunter, what is the church's position on saint nicholas?
He's a recognized saint.
Yes, but isn't it true that in 1969,
pope paul vi eliminated the official celebration of the feast day of saint nicholas?
That's correct.
Uh, it was made an optional memorial day.
They downgraded him.
In essence, the church walked away from saint nicholas.
Doesn't it also stand to reason that they would walk away
From the derivative, diluted, secular figure of Santa Claus?
I...presume so.
Thank you...Dr. Hunter.
But the church has not made it clear what its pos--
No further questions.
It's all right, Kriss.
He's just trying to get under your skin.
Colonel. Have you ever been to the north pole?
Yes, sir. In 1972 and again in 1984.
Did you explore the region?
Extensively.
Did you ever find any evidence of dwellings...
animal pens, barns, workshops?
No, sir.
No evidence whatsoever?
None, sir.
Tell me something, colonel.
In your opinion, would it be possible for an individual Like, uh,
Mr. Kringle over there
to create a settlement in that Inhospitable region
large enough to manufacture at least one toy
For each and every one of the earth's 1.7 billion children?
No, sir.
There isn't any way in which the gentleman can have seen my workshops.
They're invisible.
Kriss, sit down, please.
But Mr. Collins is completely mistaken.
My workshops don't exist in the physical world.
They're in the dream world.
Let me be the lawyer.
I always thought that was completely understood.
Your honor...with the court's permission, I'd like to call my next witness.
Mr. Collins, what is this?
This...is a reindeer, your honor.
I know, but what's it doing in my courtroom?
I'd like the court to see Mr. Kringle make the reindeer fly.
He's baiting you. He wants you to lose your temper.
He wants you to act crazy. Remember that.
Mr. Kringle...we're waiting.
Well...Isn't it.
Well, I would greatly like to oblige Mr. Collins, but I cannot make this reindeer fly.
I didn't think so.
He only flies on christmas eve.
Yes. Of course. No further questions, your honor.
Then would somebody please remove the witnes--
the animal from the courtroom?
Your honor, the state of new york has no desire in laying waste
to a popular myth, but this case is not about mythology.
It's about the mental competency of a man-- that man Kriss kringle.
Everyone in this courtroom,
if they were entirely honest with themselves,
Would have to conclude based on the evidence that Mr. Kringle,
regrettably, is insane.
As a sworn guardian of the laws of the state of new york,
As a citizen and a father,
it is my wish that Mr. Kringle,
Who masquerades as Santa Claus,
a figure of benevolence And generosity,
but who does so solely for profit--
That's not true!
Your honor.
Mr. Kringle will refrain from comment, or he will be removed from the courtroom.
Sit down. Sit down, Kriss.
Your honor,
I was not aware that cole's department store was a charitable Institution.
If it is, I'm more than willing to apologize to the court and to Mr. Kringle.
I didn'tthink so, your honor.
As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,
it is my wish that Mr. Kringle be placed under the care of the state
so that the children of new york will no longer be put at risk.
Hey, you big jerk!
Mr. Kringle's the nicest man in the world!
He'd never hurt anybody!
Order! Order!
- Sit down! - Order! Order!
I have nothing further to say, your honor.
Kriss, sit down. We're almost through.
Honey, it's o.k.
Mr. Bedford...do you wish to make a closing statement?
Your honor, a lot of people believe in Mr. Kringle,
including millions of children.
If you rule against him, you won't destroy anyone's belief, just the man they believe in.
Mr. Kringle is not concerned for himself. If he was, he wouldn't be here.
He is in this regrettable position because he is willing to sacrifice himself
for children to create in their minds a world far better than the one we've made for them.
If this is, as Mr. Collins suggests, a masquerade,
then Mr. Kringle is eager to forfeit his
freedom to preserve that masquerade, To subject himself to prosecution,
to protect the children's Right to believe.
If this court finds that Mr. Kringle is not who he says he is,
that there is no Santa Clause, then I would ask the court to judge which is worse--
A lie that draws a smile, or a truth...
that draws a tear?
I rest my case.
I shall render my opinion on this matter at 12:00 noon tomorrow.
Until that time, this court stands in recess.
Hello, judge.
I appreciate your waiting for me.
Sit down.
How did I get on this case?
I don't want to rule against your client,
but I can't see how, given the facts,
I can do otherwise.
A man who believes himself to be someone he isn't is by definition disturbed.
He isn't dangerous. He isn't a threat.
I can't sit up on that bench
as a representative of the state of new york And declare that there is a Santa Claus.
I can't make that argument, much as I'd like to.
Believe me, Mr. Bedford,
if I had a way out of this,
I'd take it. I'm sorry.
It's all about money, isn't it?
You know what destroyed Kriss kringle?
Power, greed, and this.
Anger and recrimination may soothe your soul,
but it won't help Mr. Kringle.
He doesn't need a bitter epilogue from his attorney.
He needs a miracle.
You may sit.
Ahem. Having heard the evidence in the matter of Kriss kringle,
I, judge henry harper, a representative of the state of new york,
Must regrettably rule on this day,
the 24th of december, in the year...
Would it please the court if i gave you your christmas card?
I probably won't see you again unless I get arrested, which is very unlikely,
Since it's christmas eve and I'm going to bed uncharacteristically early.
Thank you very much, young lady.
You're entirely welcome.
And, uh...Merry christmas.
Merry christmas to you.
What are you doing?
Merry christmas
I'm not going to be needing that.
The young lady who just approached the bench
presented me with thi christmas card and this.
It's a $1.00 bill.
It's going to be returned to her shortly,
but by presenting me With this bill,
she reminded me that it's issued by the treasury of the united states of America.
And it's backed by the government,
and the people, of the united states of America.
Upon inspection of the article,
you will see the words, "in god we trust."
We're not here to prove that god exists,
but we are here to prove That a being
just as invisible and yet just as present exists.
Federal government puts its trust in god.
It does so on faith and faith alone.
It's the will of the people that guides the government.
And it is and was their collective faith
in a greater being that gave And gives cause to this bill's inscription.
Now, if the government of the united states can issue its currency
bearing a declaration of trust in god without demanding
physical evidence of the existence or the nonexistence of a greater being,
then the state of new york,
by a similar demonstration of the collective faith of its people,
can accept and acknowledge that Santa Claus does exist,
and he exists In the person of Kriss kringle!
Case dismissed.
Case dismissed! Santa Claus wins!
All charges have been dropped. Kriss kringle is free.
Hey!
- How about that. - Yes!
You're right, Kriss.
- It's all about the children. - Yes.
Congratulations, counselor.
Thank you.
Merry christmas, Mr. Kringle.
Merry christmas to you, Mr. Collins.
Thank you.
Uh, my children...
wanted me to remind you to stop by the house tonight.
I won't forget. I promise.
We live in stanford--31 Shellhammer bromton road, the big white house.
Yes. I know it well.
Yeah. Well...
anyway, merry christmas.
Oh, uh, Mr. Collins,
I hope you've taken down that old television antenna.
I ripped my pants on it last year.
Well, Kriss, you're free.
You made a believer out of everybody.
Oh, no. Not everybody. There are still a few I have to convince.
One in particular.
Excuse me.
Way to go, Bryan.
I'm so happy for you.
Thank you very much, Mrs. Walker.
You did a great job, sweetie.
You kicked that guy's bottom.
Well, she saved the day.
Congratulations, Bryan.
Thank you, Dorey.
Have a merry christmas.
You, too.
Well, I'll let you go.
Merry christmas and good luck.
Merry christmas, Mrs. Walker.
And a merry christmas to you, young lady.
And thank you very much.
Merry christmas, Mr. Kringle.
Merry christmas, Bryan.
Again, thank you so much.
I shall never forget you.
And in all my troubles past
and all my troubles yet to come,
I'll never find a better friend.
Thank you, Kriss. Merry christmas.
Merry christmas to you, Bryan.
Hey, you want to share a cab home?
Home?
Not tonight. I'm going to be somewhat busy.
That's right.
Mr. Kringle! Mr. Kringle! Mr. Kringle!
This is going to blow up in my face, isn't it?
I lost bigger than i ever thought I'd win.
There was a lot of pressure.
Who knew what the judge was going to do
when he was faced With putting Santa in the nut house?
He isn't Santa Claus.
What the hell is the matter with everybody?
There is no Santa Claus!
Is somebody getting married?
Not that I know of.
Did you arrange this?
No. You did.
Oh, i did?
You didn't?
I didn't. Did you?
- I didn't. - I know you did.
- Oh, no. - Yes, you did.
You did, didn't you?
I did not.
Father?
Are you ready?
For what?
To get married.
I have something to tell you.
What'd you get for christmas?
Susan, that's not why we're going to the house.
We're going to the catalog house, right?
That's the house i told him I wanted.
I showed him a picture of it.
He said he would get it for me.
A house is a big gift.
That's what Mr. Kringle said.
We are going to the house because it's snowing,
and it's very pretty,
And because Mr. Shellhammer wants to take photographs
for next year's Christmas catalog,
which, I think, is awfully bold of him. It is a holiday.
That's just an excuse.
Mr. Kringle did all this.
I'm very sorry, mother. You have it perfectly wrong.
You got a bonus.
What do you mean?
Our name's on the mailbox.
I got a call last night from Mr. Kringle,
who said you And your husband were looking for a house.
He was quite insistent.
Did you get married?
Yeah. Last night.
I can't believe it.
Congratulations.
Was this planned?
Uh...no.
I can't believe it.
Mr. Kringle wanted to be here, but, uh, he's overseas.
Mr. Kringle?
Oh, the house is for sale,
but I'm sure you can afford it now.
We all get our bonuses thanks to you and, uh, Mr. Kringle.
Wow.
I knew it.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, I don't know what to say, except merry christmas.
Merry christmas.
Oh.
Chin-chin.
This is the house I asked Kriss for.
He got it for me,
and he got me a dad,
and the third thing--
I guess I'll just have to wait for it,
but he'll get it for me, won't he?
If Kriss said he'd get you something, i bet it's already on the way.
I guess there's no doubt about it. He's real.
I'm going up to look at my new room. Excuse me.
Susan?
What?
What else did you ask Mr. Kringle for?
A baby brother. See ya!