The Christmas That Almost Wasn't

I don't really know how to define a cult film. You have to be in the mood. You have to find something in this that calls you back to watch it at least one more time. Then, if you really pay attention to little details; if you like the movie enough to watch it more than once, you will pick up on things and realize how very weird and interesting this movie is.Some examples: There is a frighteningly cadaverous henchman whose name is Blossom. There is a brief scene of a little boy who is going to have a helluva a mustache way before his time. Paul Tripp sports a great Bowler hat. There are bad montages and horribly earnest miniatures and models. Yes, it's dated. It's low budget. It's dubbed. But it is SO interesting, bizarre...downright unsettling, in parts. If you really pay attention.The sets are cheaply beautiful, claustrophobic, great color palettes. The lawyer's office is so cool--below grade...always reminds me of some of the store fronts in Greenpoint, Brooklyn: those crazy stores below street level that became converted beauty parlors, pizza places, or local bakeries. And a scant few steps out and up from Sam Whipple's office, literally two feet away, is Mr. Prune's evil castle. Conveniently odd.There is also a brief scene--I think it's where Sam Whipple is looking to see how much money is in his safe. You have to really pay attention. There is this sound effect...kind of an industrial grinding-hum--right out of David Lynch, I swear. It is so subtle and it comes out of nowhere. Purely insane.The actor's faces...so full of expression and strange emotion. The awkward dubbing only adds to the surreal other-worldliness.The songs are great! They are corny, ridiculous, but extremely heartfelt. They are not sung by divas. They are delivered by actors who were not vocalists. These are child-friendly songs presented by actors as part of their character's dialog. They were not meant as Grammy winning performances, they were an extension of the character. And, corniness notwithstanding, the songs are very clever and catchy. The incidental music is also just terrific.I can't say enough about this movie. Relax, alter your consciousness, if that helps, and go with it. It is a beautiful experience that I would wish upon anyone at any time.

This movie serves as a great childhood Christmas memory. I now own it, and look forward to watching it every year. It seemed dated back in the 80s and more so now, but serves a great message.

I remember as a child watching this movie over and over again sitting on the living room floor,looking from the t.v set to the kitchen repeatly and watching my mom spent hours putting up decorations in the kitchen and boxes being all over the place filled with decorations. Snow slowly falling out side. IT WAS ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!!! I remember the house smelling so extra clean. We were all so very happy.! The excitment of xmas,.....everything to look forward too.! Nothing to worry about in the world except going back to school and the xmas season being over with. My mom was aways doing her very best to make our xmas so wonderful and special for my sister and i. Now that I am in my late 30's, and my mother is now no longer living, I still go back to that time period in my mind and think how very special it was and will always be to me. This movie brings me back too that very moment everytime I think of xmas & or watch this movie. It holds a very special place in my heart. It teaches/showes us the power of giving and being nice when sometimes people are not nice nor giving in return. A must see.!

I didn't know that Christmas movie was released in 1966 because I was born 3 years later. I was surprised watching it. It's a very good. I guess hearing children loved it back then. I wonder if deaf kids in 1966 must have missed it if there was no closed-caption (CC) at that time. They would love it. I know CC wasn't invented in movie theaters nationwide yet until in the early 21st century. That Christmas movie is a wonderful story.Mr Prune sounds like Mr. Scrooge if he was feeling he's lost. He was funny. Never heard of Alberto Rabagliati who played Santa Claus before. He must had been a celebrity at that time when he was alive.

Back in what must have been 1970, my brother, sister and I went to the Aldelphi theater, one winter afternoon with three of our friends and for $1.25 each. Sat through this movie four times in a row. It was cheesy back then, more so now. But it brings back fond memories. The only Christmas movie I ever saw in the theater.

I love this movie and am so glad to have been able to find it on vhs. The tape is well preserved and will delight us for a long time. I came in a hard cover plastic case, so it was safe for the travels from there to here. I love this movie and Christmas is just not complete without it!

This movie was a classic in my family. It aired on HBO in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I loved it and loved the music to it. I’m so glad I found it for my kids. We now watch it every Christmas Eve. It’s an old movie and probably in a low budget. My kids actually love it and appreciate message. They loved the scene when the kids come out and give Santa their money so he can pay his rent. Perhaps it’s a silly story but I still love the message and my kids got it.

I saw this movie on a local public broadcasting station and loved it. Didn't think that I had a prayer of owning it as I never heard of it before. Made the plunge (DVD is frightfully expensive) in a weak moment during the past holiday season. It qualifies for heirloom status and will hopefully stay in the family for future generations to also enjoy.

I didn't even watch 1/2 hour before I ejected it and gave it away. Maybe somebody else will like it. I'm done to death with "Christmas that wasn't" and " Canceled Christmas" themes.

Awesome movie! We had it on a record when I was a kid and we used to play it over and over and over again. I bought it on VHS about 15 years ago and when I saw it on DVD, I HAD to have it! Love it!

my fav movie for christmas