Nicholas Rhodes I acquired this one on a DVD from the USA, the only place its available. I found the film most entertaining, thanks to the performances of Whoopi Goldberg and Nigel Hawthorn whom I had known from the BBC series Yes Minister. Indeed I was distressed to learn that he had died whilst I was in the course of reading other comments about this film. Whoopi Goldberg, I knew and loved in Ghost, Jumpin' Jack Flash and the Sister Act movies.The storyline here is quite original, a little slow to get off the ground but that Christmas magic is there and I think we all, old and young, like films where Father Xmases, sleighs and reindeers are involved, especially if the reindeers have shiny/luminous noses.I was most touched by the flashback to Whoopi's childhood where she had asked the same Father Xmas to bring her Daddy back, this was probably the most emotional part of the film. The rest was more lighthearted and the only aspect I did not like was the over commercialisation of Xmas where you have to sell sell and sell more ! However the magic of the film makes up for the rest of this. It's a nice DVD to have at home and to put on a couple of times a year !

kissshot85 I think it should've been released into cinemas rather than made for TV...instead, this year - we got Elf! What's with that?Although this film is rather slow paced, it's funny in all the right places and without trying too hard. A heartwarming (sometimes heart wrenching) story that includes a fantastic cast. Whoopi Goldberg (great as ever in her role as Lucy Cullins), Nigel Hawthorne (as the most convincing Santa Claus I have ever had the honour of seeing in a movie) and Victor Garber (in a wickedly comical role!). I watched it for the first time this morning and I want to watch it again and again and again!

cuddles3 What a marvellous film for children & adults alike!Whoopi is great as the grouchy non-believer,& Nigel Hawthorne is simply the BEST - what a believable Santa he portrays,with twinkling eyes,friendly smile,& a very jolly laugh!A story filled with fun,joy,a bit of sadness,& a few surprises tucked in here & there.The supporting cast is wonderful as well - overall,a must-see holiday film!

coverme6 CALL ME CLAUS is a good holiday movie that pretty much is a combination of 4 classic Christmas movies: A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, IT'S AWONDERFUL LIFE, THE SANTA CLAUSE, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. It concerns the plight of the real Santa Claus (Nigel Hawthorne) trying to find a replacement for himself after 200 years of delivering gifts to kids every Christmas. He finds her, in the form of a cranky home shopping network executive named Lucy (a wonderfully sarcastic Whoopi Goldberg). Lucy is understandably confused when St. Nick asks her to be the next real Santa. Though the premise is a bit far-fetched (it's a Christmas movie, so it's ok for it to be wacky!), the best highlight for this little gem of a movie are the performances. Whoopi Goldberg is terrific as Lucy, and Nigel Hawthorne is delightful as he portrays yet another Santa Claus who proclaims that he is the real McCoy (and he IS!).