Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Seen it?1970 | 51 min | Animation, Family, Fantasy, TV Movie
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans and families. If you loved The Nightmare Before Christmas or Klaus, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 51 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A postman, S.D. Kluger, decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a baby named Kris who is raised by a family of elf toymakers named Kringle. When Kris grows up, he wants to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown. But its Mayor is too mean to let that happen. And to make things worse, the Winter Warlock lives between the Kringles and Sombertown.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 158K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Year Without a Santa Claus
Sunday Safe BetAlso from director Arthur Rankin Jr.: a Christmas animated story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed Christmas fantasy film.
Klaus Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved Christmas animated story.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sunday Safe BetAnother Christmas animated story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Arthur Christmas Saturday SpecialAnother Christmas animated story, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
- Mickey RooneyKris Kringle (voice)
- Fred AstaireS.D. Kluger (voice)
- Keenan WynnWinter Warlock (voice)
- Paul FreesBurgermeister Meisterburger / Grimsley (voice)
- Joan GardnerTanta Kringle (voice)
- Robie LesterMiss Jessica / Mrs. Claus (voice)