Summaries

Synopsis

One evening, attorney Sam Whipple (Paul Tripp) is surprised to encounter Santa Claus (Alberto Rabagliati). Santa explains to Whipple that a multi-zillionaire named Phineas T Prune (Rossano Brazzi) has purchased the North Pole, and is threatening to evict him and his associates by midnight on December 24th, if he doesn't pay the rent Prune claims he owes.

The two first stop by Mr Prune's residence in town, only to be told by his imposing man-servant named Blossom (John Karlsen) that Mr Prune is out.

Santa and Whipple then travel to the North Pole, where he claims Prune shows up around supper every evening to demand the rent payment. Sam accepts the invitation, and soon meets Mrs Claus (Lydia Brazzi), and Santa's elven helpers.

When Mr Prune does show up, he is put on trial by Sam regarding his demands. Prune is soon willing to compromise on the rent situation, provided Santa stops giving presents to children...something Santa claims he is unwilling to do. When Sam begins to inquire into Prune's childhood, the man gets upset and angrily leaves.

Following these events, Santa has his head bookkeeper named Jonathan (Mischa Auer) see if there are any records regarding Prune as a child.

While this goes on, Sam hits on the idea that Santa will get a job and earn the money he needs. Going back to town, they go to the owner of Prim's Department Store. Sam sells Mr Prim (Sonny Fox) on the idea that having a Santa Claus in his store will increase business, and Prim accepts the idea (along with hiring Sam as the store's janitor).

When Prune finds out about this, he and Blossom attempt to sabotage the event, but to no avail...until they come up with a new idea.

Finally it is Christmas Eve, and Santa and Sam tidy up the store, only to have a number of boxes and toys fall apart. They are then surprised to encounter Mr Prune, who claims he has bought the department store from Mr Prim, and has decided to fire both of the men. However, Sam demands that they be paid for their work.

Prune complies, but per his new store ordinance, employees must pay for broken merchandise. Taking money from their pay for the broken toys, Santa and Sam are left with only a few dollars mere hours before the rent deadline.

With hours to go, Santa and Sam are unsure what to do, until they encounter a small boy who recognizes Santa. After the two tell the boy their problems, he rallies all the children in town to Santa's aid, and the children give Santa their money to help him out.

Meanwhile, Mr Prune has returned to the North Pole, eager to evict Santa, but as the clock strikes midnight, Santa and Sam return, with the money the children's money that is more than enough to cover the rent!

With Prune's plot foiled, Santa quickly has presents loaded onto his sleigh, and brings Mrs Claus and Sam along to help. Before they take off, Jonathan adds an extra package to the delivery list.

After making several deliveries, they take note of Jonathan's package, and find out it is for Mr Prune!

The three deliver the present, only to wake Mr Prune. Opening the present, he finds it contains a sailboat, and a note from Jonathan. Years ago, a young Prune had sent a postcard to Santa requesting a sailboat, but the card was lost until in Jonathan and the elves' searches, it was found.

Having gotten the sailboat, Prune's attitude softens, and he rushes out into the streets to wish the people a Merry Christmas.

Santa then thanks Sam for his help, and he and Mrs Santa return to the North Pole.