Underplayed Gems

Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (1991)

Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus poster
Directed by
Charles Jarrott
Genre
family, fantasy, tv movie
Country
Canada, United States of America
Runtime
1h 35m
Rated
6
Rating
7.0 of 10 from 17 voters
Elsewhere
IMDb
The 3D catalogue: film cases on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalogue in 3D

The film shelves have a room of their own that you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real films from the same catalogue when you tell them what you feel like watching. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this film is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More films like thisWatch the trailer

or watch the trailer on YouTube

How it feels

A little girl writes to a newspaper asking if Santa Claus is real. The editor responds with a famous editorial that becomes a lasting message of belief and hope.

sentimentalheartwarminggentleold-fashionedinspiringearnestnostalgicmild

What happens

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, is a 1991 made-for-television Christmas family drama film directed by Charles Jarrott. The film is based on the story behind the widely reprinted 1897 editorial by Francis Pharcellus Church written in response to a letter by eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon asking whether Santa Claus was real. It stars Charles Bronson, Katharine Isabelle, Richard Thomas, and Ed Asner. Produced by Andrew J. Fenady, it premiered on ABC on December 1, 1991. The script was initially taking a direction that was more oriented for children's Saturday morning show before taking a dramatic approach. Action film actor Charles Bronson loved the script and accepted to act against type. Also acting against type is Richard Thomas, known for playing sensible characters, playing a tough Irish immigrant. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus received mixed reactions, with praise for its performances and production values. Bronson’s portrayal was seen as convincing, and the film was noted for its fresh dialogue, memorable musical score, and exceptional period-piece production. Some found it better than most TV films, particularly impressed by certain performances. However, others criticized the acting as either overdone or too subdued, and felt the film was overly sentimental and predictable. While the concept was appreciated, many thought the execution felt contrived and familiar, lacking the emotional impact expected from a holiday movie. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

More like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems. Not quite it? You can browse by genre, country and year, or take this one into the 3D catalogue and ask the Catbot for something closer.