Nostalgic & History”Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” is a classic stop-motion animated Christmas special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, originally released in 1970. Narrated by Fred Astaire as the postman, S.D. Kluger, the movie presents a whimsical and heartwarming origin story of Santa Claus.
Story Summary:
The film begins with Kluger explaining how many Christmas traditions originated. Using letters from children asking about Santa Claus, he spins the tale of Kris Kringle, a kindhearted orphan who grows up to become the legendary gift-giver.
Background:
Kris Kringle was left as a baby on the doorstep of the Kringle family, a group of toymaking elves. They raise him in their toy-filled home near the Winter Warlock’s mountain. When Kris grows up, he decides to deliver the Kringles’ toys to the nearby town of Sombertown, ruled by the grumpy and tyrannical Burgermeister Meisterburger.
The Conflict:
Sombertown is a dreary place where toys are outlawed by the Burgermeister after he trips on one and declares them a “dangerous nuisance.” Kris arrives and cheerfully gives toys to the town’s children, defying the Burgermeister’s ban. This act makes him an outlaw.
On his journey, Kris befriends a schoolteacher named Miss Jessica, who is inspired by his kindness. Kris also encounters the reclusive Winter Warlock, who initially tries to stop him but is softened by Kris’s gift of a toy. The Winter Warlock becomes an ally, helping Kris with magic and advice.
Building Santa’s Legend:
Kris’s acts of defiance against the Burgermeister lead to several traditions:
He sneaks into houses to deliver toys by night, entering through chimneys to avoid detection.
He places gifts in stockings hung by the fire to hide them from the Burgermeister’s forces.
Kris and Jessica eventually fall in love and marry, further strengthening Kris
