It is perhaps one of the most continuously unsolved riddles in this or any age: Who is Santa Claus? Is he man? Is he myth? Is he legend? Is he all these things? Or is he something more --- something beyond any person's comprehension?
These questions, and many others, represent some of the concepts and ideas tackled by David and Leslie Newman, Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler, when the four of them sat down once upon a time in the early 1980's to conceive what ultimately became Santa Claus: The Movie. The resulting story was prepared by the Newmans, with David Newman assuming sole screenplay credit. And it all begins in an unspecified period that one might estimate as being midwinter in the Middle Ages, a desolate, far-off time when, in the winter months, the dangers were many and the hardships unnumbered.
Yet even during these harsh conditions and backward times, families often gathered together for telling tales --- and at this particular period, somewhere during the 14th Century, even storytime is an essential part of life. We thus see Granny, these children's favorite teller of tales (Aimee Delamain) recounting one of her favorite stories:
"If a traveller came to that cold and freezing place --- and no traveller ever did," says she, in describing this "magic kingdom at the Top of the World," "all he would see would be ice --- mountains of ice and snow. But on certain nights, when the stars of the sky shone like jewels, a wondrous light appeared in the heavens, and then many lights..... in all the colors of the rainbow --- and some colors never seen before. And 'way on top, the North Star sparkled...... And suddenly, the ice mountains cracked open, and beautiful, beautiful lights pierced the sky --- and then, out came the Vendequm, hundreds of them..... all in their brightly-colored clothes!"
"Granny, what's a Vendequm?" pipes up the littlest child, Else by name.
"Ah! Those are the little men who live in the ice mountains, just under the North Star," Granny explains. To a few of the older youngsters, this is basically a rerun of the same tale Granny told last year, and the year before, and so on. All these children know for certain is that they are waiting for someone very special.
At that moment, another child cries out: "It's them! Here they come!"
Sleigh bells are heard as the vessel's two occupants disembark from their oddly-crafted conveyance. The man is a stocky, grey-bearded fellow in his late fifties; the woman, almost a decade younger than her husband, with a round and rosy face.
Pulling a huge, hefty burlap sack from the sleigh, and settling it upon his left shoulder, the woodcutter enters the barn, Anya his wife at his side as always. Immediately, the children begin gathering around their big, burly friend. "Wait!" he admonishes them. "Don't I [get to] hear something first?"
All at once, the throng of kids remember their manners. And with one joyous voice, they shout: "Happy Christmas, Uncle Claus!"
Wasting little time, Claus (David Huddleston) begins taking from his sack, one at a time, a huge assortment of hand-carved wooden toys, which he passes to each child, who in his or her turn responds with a happy thank you.
Anya (Judy Cornwell) watches this scene with wonder and love in her heart. She and Claus have lived happily together these 30 long years; yet both their spirits remain unfulfilled. For they have no children of their own. Their fondest, dearest wish --- to share their love with at least one child --- has been heard in their prayers many times over the years, but somehow, those prayers have never been fully answered. So Claus has had to make do with giving his gifts to those families in his village that do have children. Consider little Else, whom we briefly met earlier. Claus has apparently saved his most special gift for her.
She smiles delightfully, Granny looking on tenderly, as the big-sized, big-hearted man gives Else her gift:
"What is it?"
"It's the Vendequm," Granny replies. "Just as I was telling you."
Sometime later, the last present having been given, Claus and Anya prepare to take their leave. But though they are warned to remain --- especially in light of an oncoming blizzard --- they must go nonetheless, for there are other children who need their toys on the other side of the forest. Within moments, our friends and their faithful reindeer, Donner and Blitzen by name, are on their way..... and swiftly find themselves in thick of this mighty blizzard!
It is at this point that Claus suddenly begins to sense that something is dreadfully wrong. So ferocious is this storm that neither Claus nor his animals can make a trace of, or even recall, any kind of familiar landmark, despite the fact that they have travelled through these woods for years! "I can't find it, Anya! I can't find the road!" Claus shouts. The situation becomes even worse when, first Donner, then Blitzen, begin to weaken. Though Claus tries his hardest to encourage his faithful companions, it does no good. Little by little, second by second, the outcome is becoming obvious: the two humans and the two animals are about to freeze to death.
But still, Claus does his darndest to encourage his companions. "Now listen!" he shouts over the howling wind. "Over there there's food and hay and everything a smart team of reindeer would like! But here --- here is where you freeze to death! Now come on, my good boys!"
"Claus! Come back! I can't see you!" Anya screams desperately; and almost too late, Claus races back to her side, and holds her ever so tightly. But still, it is all in vain. The four friends are done for.
Or are they?
We next see Donner, awaking with his usual snort, and raising his head.....
....Surely, something's wrong here. The last I remember, we were all freezing to death. But....exactly where are we?
Slowly, Donner gets to his feet, and nudges Blitzen. Before long, both reindeer are snorting loudly; and that's just enough to time to allow Claus and Anya to re-emerge from their own stasis.....and witness the incredible scene before them. Somehow, the sleigh and its passengers and crew have been positioned on a frozen plain, completely devoid of trees.....and far, far above them, the most amazing twinkling stars shine like precious jewels in that vast sea which is outer space.
The questions, and there are and will be many, begin to surface in the two humans' minds: How did we get here? Why were we brought here? And by whom? And --- is that the North Star far above us?
It most definitely is. And that's not all.
As Claus and Anya, along with Donner and Blitzen, continue to reassess so-called reality, they are greeted by a most unusual experience: literally hundreds of men, some bearded, some clean-shaven, some old, some young, all of them wielding a wild and unique assortment of specially-shaped Christmas candlesticks --- are slowly, deliberately marching toward the sleigh and its occupants. The leader of this strange welcoming committee, an elderly fellow with a gentle sort of face and wearing a mutton-chop style moustache, is the first to bid Claus and Anya welcome.
"It's the Vendequm!" gasps Claus.
"The little people?" his wife whispers in wonder.
"We prefer to be called Elves, if you don't mind," says the kindly old Elf. And thus are Claus and Anya introduced to gentle-hearted old Dooley (John Barrard), who has been such a wonderful person in terms of helping us guide you through SCTM.com. "We've been expecting you," says he.
"Expecting us?" asks a confused Claus.
"For a long, long time," Dooley nods. "We almost gave up hope."
"But where are we?" Anya wonders again.
Dooley's response: "Home."
As the conversation continues, four of these Elves notice Claus' old, antiquated sleigh. The leader of this odd quartet is Patch (Dudley Moore), a wide-eyed, impulsive young Elf with big dreams. Very big dreams. His three colleagues --- Boog (Tim Stern), Honka (Peter O'Farrell) and Vout (Christopher Ryan) --- kneel on the ground as Patch examines the oldness, if you will, of Claus' semi-remarkable (at least, in his eyes) sleigh. The examination is cut short when Claus and Dooley notice the young rogue suddenly.
"Well, welcome aboard, sir," he begins. "Speaking for the boys and myself, I ---" He does get a bit flustered, but is immediately reassured by Anya's gentle smile. Then, however, Dooley decides that the time has come for Claus and Anya to see their new home. He orders Patch and Company to look after Donner and Blitzen, and then returns his kindly gaze to the two humans.
"I don't understand," says Claus. "What new home? There's nothing here."
"Look again," replies Dooley, raising his eyebrows ever so slyly as he smiles...... And then, the magic really begins!
An entire village has just materialized before their --- and OUR --- disbelieving eyes!
"Where did it come from?" Anya wonders yet again.
"It was always here," Dooley explains, "but it can't be seen by just anyone, y'know." Then, with a merry flourish, wise old Dooley orders: "Come, fellow Elves! Take them to their new home! Lead and follow, follow and lead!" And thus, we see a joyous procession of Elves --- and the two humans whom they will eventually come to call friends and leaders --- on their way into the incredible universe of North Pole Headquarters!
As the unusual parade of elves ventures forth into this remarkable domain, Claus and Anya can still hardly believe that they're both alive --- and here! But miracles are meant to be treasured, not questioned; thus, our friends decide to make the most of this particular miracle. And a very good decision that is, too, for once they enter the doorways.......
.....another world manifests itself. But what a world!
Its vast rooms stretch in all directions, or else rise level upon level --- and everything is lovingly, painstakingly constructed from the finest wood imaginable, and the walls are completely decorated with handcrafted sculptures, each and every one made to look like..... well, a toy! Centerpiece of this giant fortress: a huge, rainbow-colored clock, inscribed not with the hours of the day, but rather, with four designations, one for each of the Four Seasons --- Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Off to one side, there's a huge bronze cauldron in a 2-story hearth; looking toward another direction, there are workbenches, racks of tools, shelves of strange wooden parts, cloth, and colored yarn.
In short, North Pole Headquarters is literally an actual living village, its every nook and cranny complete with a place for all the necessities of everyday life and work. And the inhabitants?
Hundreds upon hundreds of elves, young and old, bearded and clean-shaven, all of them wearing the most unusual mind-boggling outfits you could ever hope to see --- stripes, polka dots, all sorts of combinations real and imagined..... Claus is overwhelmed by the very scope of it all. He cannot for the life of him comprehend what it all means!
The next elf to greet the new residents of NPH has rumpled hair and bright, somewhat protruding eyes. To Claus, he sort of resembles a good-natured pigeon. "I'm the one called Puffy," says he as he greets Claus and Anya. "We've been expecting you."
"Not now, Puffy," Patch whispers in the pigeonesque elf's (Anthony O'Donnell) ear. "The man wants to see the sights."
"Isn't this something?" Claus finds himself murmuring, more to Anya than to himself. And indeed, North Pole HQ is more than something --- it's far, far beyond anything any mere mortal has ever comprehended! Before long, virtually all the elves are congratulating one another on their successful efforts, and, indeed, on Claus and Anya's apparent approval thereof.
"Did you hear that? He said it's something," one elf whispers.
"Oh, my!" sighs a breathless Anya; she too is overwhelmed by the sheer power of NPH's size and scope.
"She said, 'Oh, my'! She likes it, she likes it!" another elf mutters happily.
"She does, she does!" proclaims a third, and immediately the two companions shake hands in a show of hearty congratulations.
As they head towards the cauldron, our friends find that this is the nerve center for the elves' dining room, lorded over by the resident Principal Chef of NPH, Groot (Don Estelle). "Here, missus," says he, "you must be pretty cold and hungry." Anya, who no doubt knows a thing or four about home cooking, clearly approves of Groot's efforts; Patch, on the other hand, has always thought that Groot made the most "bland" stew at the Top of the World.
Up to this point, North Pole HQ has been, in Claus' honest opinion, a marvel of remarkable scope far beyond the comprehension of mere Mortals. But nothing could prepare him for what he's about to witness next..... as two teams of elves, summoning their incredible strength, slowly haul open two massive wooden doors...... doors that are so incredibly heavy that it takes just 9 or even 10 elves to simply swing them outwards. And beyond those doors, the ultimate marvel awaits.
It is a huge tunnel, stretching for an eternity of miles, its far end unseen by neither elf nor man! And from its vast walls and ceilings hang toys of every known description..... fantastic, brightly-painted, each and every one made with a loving heart by the elves. Dolls, wagons, musical instruments, balls, wooden animals, puppets, hoops --- the list, like the Tunnel itself, is endless! EVERY toy Claus or Anya has ever seen, and far more besides. You can dive into this visual pool of wonder and never hit bottom!
"My goodness," says Claus, shaking his head in wonder. "What is all this?"
"They're Christmas toys," Dooley explains. "And they're waiting for you."
"For me? But... what have I got to do with them?"
"You're going to give them. To your children."
"There must be some mistake," Anya replies, in the usual perfectly logical explanation kind of manner. "We have no children."
"You do now," replies Dooley. "You have all the children in the world."
"But how can I deliver all these toys?" Claus wonders. "I don't think I'll live long enough to do all that."
And here, Dooley gets to the bottom line: "Both of you will live forever. Like us."
But what of Donner and Blitzen? Are they being well taken care of? Slipping out from under the covers, Claus decides to investigate the matter. Before long, he has found the entrance to the stable. Slowly approaching it, he hears a familiar voice speaking gently from within. It is Patch.
As Claus ventures further within the stable, he sees no fewer than 6 additional reindeer, staring at something. Or, more accurately, someone. Donner. Trembling with fright, the little reindeer is being offered Patch's hand to sniff. The Elves' Chief Stablehand, dressed in a blue-and-white-striped nightshirt and cap, is apparently trying to reassure the fearful Donner. "I know how you feel, boy," Patch says with a gentle demeanor in his voice. "Strange place, strange companions --- but we're all friends here. Take a look at old Blitzen now: does he look worried?"
Blitzen, for his part, is happily munching on some reindeer feed, no doubt oblivious to his partner's apparent misgivings about this place. Patch even munches on the feed himself, to further encourage Donner, even going so far as to express his own liking of the stuff.
"He's like me, I guess," says Claus, joining in the conversation. "A little confused." It's obvious to Claus that this young elf cares as much for these deer as he himself for his two beloved animals.
"He'll be just fine, sir, as soon as he gets used to the place. He just needs a little elf-control," grins Patch.
"You certainly seem to know your reindeer. These are fine specimens," Claus replies admiringly.
"Hear that, boys? You made a good impression," Patch tells the deer. Then the elf makes the formal introductions:
"Those two are twins: Prancer and Dancer. The way you can tell 'em apart is by their 'snooty monocles.' Prancer's is on his left eye, and Dancer's is on his right. Ol' spotted-nose there, that's Comet; and over there, that's ol' Cupid. The spotty-eared one there --- that's ol' Dasher. Loves to run, he does. He'd rather run than eat. And the one with the floppy jowls here, that's Vixen. Keeps me up half the night with his snorts and whinnies, whinnies and snorts."
"And you sleep here?"
"Oh yes," says Patch. "And this is where I do my other work, as well." Assembled at the elf's desk is a remarkable assortment of blueprints, storyboards, half-finished toy mockups, and random pieces of wood and leather. "Sometimes," he continues, "I get so many ideas I don't know where to keep 'em in my head!"
Two of his possible concepts include the plans for the first 'alarm clock,' and an idea for a plate that whistles when food is too hot! This elf is aquiver with imagination and determination.
"But what do I need all these reindeer for?" Claus wonders.
"You'll see," Patch replies, his eyebrows exhibiting the same sly mannerism as that of old Dooley..... strangely enough.
"This is a curious kind of place," Claus suggests.
"Oh, this is nothing now," says Patch. "Wait'll you see how it gets during Season's Greetings."
"'Season's Greetings'? What's that?"
"You'll see..... Oh, look, sir! Now he's having a bite!" Claus follows Patch's gaze, and sees Donner, finally munching on mixed moss and hay. Clearly, all that Donner really needed to get him calmed up, so to speak, was the reassuring presence of his master; consequently, he has somehow managed to relax and eat..... Everything a smart team of reindeer would like, eh? Maybe this place won't be so bad after all. I wonder........
In a carefully orchestrated montage sequence, we are now taken on a spectacular tour of the elves' daily routine. This, apparently, represents the countdown to the days prior to what Patch referred to as "Season's Greetings." It begins as the elves wake up first thing in the morning --- and twist the names at the end of their bedposts so that other elves can sleep in shifts, thereby guaranteeing round-the-clock toymaking. Then, we see a series of sequences depicting a wide variety of aspects into how a toy is made. But, of course, it's not just toys per se, as we see when we join Anya, Patch, Puffy and Goober, the elves' senior tailor. They're discussing the plans for Claus' costume --- the one he will be wearing when he takes to the skies --- for the very first time!
"Maybe it's the massive bulk of it," Goober is musing. "I've never done an extra-large before."
"Oh, the size is just fine," Anya reassures him. "Please don't think I'm criticizing, but green's just not his color."
"What about brown?" suggests Puffy.
"Red?" wonders Patch.
Anya's eyes immediately light up. "Red! Perfect! Matches his cheeks and everything."
Meanwhile, in other areas of North Pole HQ, elves are seen painting elements of certain toys with the tips of their beards, flinging stardust at wrapping paper, passing various packages, removing them from the innards of the Toy Tunnel and placing them into a huge, endless sack; while, in the stables, Patch, Boog, Honka and Vout harness up the eight reindeer, and even polish the beasts' hooves.
Finally, in a continuous panning shot, we see the full five-level compound in all its fascinating glory, with everybody working happily together.... and all this will eventually culminate in one incredible moment.
It begins with all the elves gathered in a huge circle; far above, Dooley scans for the position of the North Star aboard his huge telescope. Patch observes Dooley's progress from nearby. "Well?" he asks.
"Coming closer now..... not just yet......," Dooley replies, maintaining his gaze through the telescope. "2 more degrees north by northwest......." Then, lowering his arm, Dooley shouts, "NOW!" At that pre-arranged signal, the huge upper windows of the Great Hall are opened, and suddenly a brilliant, magical light suffuses the assembled throng. Suddenly everyone begins shaking one another's hands, saying the words "Season's Greetings!" Before long, the handshaking melts into a joyous dance. Claus and Anya observe this awesome finale from the balcony of their new house; clearly, the magic of this celebration, and the diligence and persistence of the elves, gets them into the spirit as well. Soon, all the NPH inhabitants are dancing unceasingly. The final moments of this, the day of Christmas Eve, are about to arrive.
Now, we see Claus, muttering to himself some of the directions he will follow as he makes the journey that will make history. For the first time, we see him wearing the familiar full red suit with ermine trim which has become his trademark all these aeons. Anya is dressed in similarly-styled regalia. Now, Claus stands up, and we see that his regalia presents him as every inch the Santa Claus the Planet will come to know and love.
He wonders if he looks perfect. "A handsome man looks good in anything," Anya replies. "I'm so proud of you," she adds, kissing him tenderly.
A knock is then heard on the house door. It is Dooley. "It's time, sir," he says gravely. "They're waiting."
And now, Claus and Anya, with Dooley in tow, enter the Toy Tunnel, all its toys polished and shiny just for this moment. The entire population of North Pole Headquarters has gathered en masse, for this is the supreme moment they've literally spent centuries preparing for. A hush soon falls over the Tunnel. A strange light shines over the recrafted sleigh and its captain-to-be.
About 10 Elves march forward in solemn procession, each bearing, like a ceremonial royal train, the huge strands of probably the biggest beard imaginable. Claus realizes that this beard can only belong to the Master of the Vendequm --- the Ancient One, the elves' true spiritual leader, whose visions had once foretold of what is now about to happen!
Reverently, all the Elves bow before the Ancient One; Patch, holding Anya's hand, instructs her to follow their example. Even the reindeer bow their heads before the Master, for all concerned here know that the word of the Ancient One is law.
There is now a hushed silence as the Ancient One speaks:
"The Prophecy," says he, "has come to pass..... that there would come to us a Chosen One...... that this Chosen One, having no child of his own, would love all children everywhere..... that he himself would be an artisan, and a craftsman, and a skilled maker of toys..... that the joy of giving would dwell within his heart; and that the wish to bring that joy would be embodied within his very spirit...." All nod their heads in silent agreement. "And now, Chosen One," the Ancient One continues, "you may come forward."
Claus does as he is told and removes his own, fur-trimmed hat, which, of course, matches his newly-crafted regalia. "From this day on, now and forever," the Ancient One resumes his mantra, "you will bring all our gifts to all the children in all the world. And all this is to be done on Christmas Eve."
Christmas Eve! That had always been the day Claus delivered his special gifts; indeed, it was, and is, the day that many children of many ages worldwide share their own special holidays. And yet, for all this, one thought still bothers Claus: "How can I do so much in just one night?"
"Know you this: Time travels with you," promises the Ancient One. "The night of the world is a passage of endless night for you --- until your mission is done. This is your legacy. It is also your gift --- as is the gift of flight."
Then, casting his far-seeing eyes to the entire assembly, the Master concludes: "Now, let all those within the sound of my voice and all those upon this Earth everywhere know..... that, from this time henceforth, you will be called........ Santa Claus."
In the background, a few of the elves repeat the name to themselves.... so that they will remember. "And now, everyone.... Merry Christmas!" proclaims the Ancient One before departing. Dooley leads the elves in repeating the wish to their Master, who at that point takes his leave.
There is now a last glance between Santa and Anya; then, donning the familiar hat, the Man Who Will Mean December takes his seat at the reins of his brand-new sleigh.
Next, Patch, Boog, Honka, Vout and four other elves approach the sleigh, bearing huge stacks of hay for the deer. Within the hay is intertwined garlands and garlands of magical reindeer feed...... created from the power of stardust. The deer munch on them furiously, as they are quite eager to get under way. Then, with all the Elves and Anya watching, Santa Claus for the very first time gives his reindeer a hearty command:
"YO!"
Immediately, the deer race off. Behind them, the cheers of the elves can be heard as the sleigh begins moving. Faster and faster they hurtle, straight onward like a speeding bullet --- and then suddenly veering to the right..... and up a ramp ..... and higher .... and higher .... and then, INTO THE STARS THEMSELVES!
From far below, the cheers intensify! The Prophecy has indeed been fulfilled! Liftoff is successful...... and Santa Claus, the Great Knight of Holiday Wishes, is off on his very first journey through the wondrous universe that is Christmas Eve!
Of course, Donner, as usual, isn't too sure about all this. But at least, his boss is at the reins, so that's not too much of a big deal.
"Oh, come on, Donner boy!" Santa reassures the vertigo-laden deer. "There's nothing to worry about. It's only flying." Suddenly, he stops himself in midphrase. "It's only flying? What am I saying?!" He then shrugs his shoulders, and decides to go for it. "Well, all right. Let's just bank to the left," he instructs his furry friends. "Ready?" Indeed they are --- and bank to the right they do. "THAT'S THE WAY!" hollers Santa, who obviously is enjoying every second of it.
Now, through various shots of Santa and his sleigh in flight, we journey through the years as Santa Claus becomes a universal force, a legend --- in short, an incredible hero for all our ages. The weeks transform into months, then years, then centuries, and even as civilizations rise and fall, the Legend of Santa Claus persists, ever growing, ever changing.
Yet even as the years roll by, Santa and Anya begin to discover that, true to the Ancient One's prophecy, Time no longer touches them, as it has never truly touched the elves. Indeed, Dooley has been right about both of them living forever..... And somehow, it seems, the elves, their Great Hall, this place itself.... is kind of like an old home --- one where everyone is welcome, no matter who its visitors are or where they come from. Many more children begin learning to read and to write; indeed, a good many have taken to writing Santa Claus letters!