TV SPOT- "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't" (1966) Directed by Rosanno Brazzi

CHILDHOOD PRODUCTIONS Presents
"THE CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN'T"
Starring Paul Tripp, Rosanno Brazzi, and Sonny Fox
Musical Score by Bruno Nicolai
Produced by Barry B. Yellen and A.J. Piccolo
Directed by Rosanno Brazzi

It is the week before Christmas, and Santa Claus visits attorney Sam Whipple, asking for his help. It turns out that the evil businessman Phineas T. Prune holds the lease on the North Pole, and is about to kick Santa out for nonpayment of rent! As such, there will be no more Christmas! Santa and Sam try various means to placate Prune, first by reasoning with him, then by attempting to earn money at a local department store. All their plans fail, and it appears that all hope is lost. But a small boy hears of Santa's dilemma, and rallies all the village children to come forth with their savings. At the last minute, Santa hands over the rent in full to Prune. Also, Santa gives Prune a toy sailboat, which is all he ever wanted since he was a small, lonely child, and Prune turns into the philanthropist he was always meant to be.

Watch for the all-new documentary short, "MAKING OF THE CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN'T", exclusively on the BALLYHOO MOTION PICTURES youtube channel... premiering THANKSGIVING DAY, 2009!

For more information about the KIDDIE MATINEE phenomenon, visit: http://www.kiddiematinee.com

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Rosanno Brazzi
• paul tripp
• k gordon murray
• childhood productions
• children's matinee
• christmas
• christmas carol
• scrooge
• walt disney
• santa claus
• 1960
• holiday
• christmas 2009
• thanksgiving
• TV
• television
• kids
• turkey day

[143AC]

Dear BallyhooMotionPics, Will your movie documentary about the making of this

musical Yultide classic include an interview with the film's

only surviving cast member "Wonderama"host Mr.Sonny Fox?

[BallyhooMotionPics]

Dear 143AC,

This 18 minute short consists of an extended interview with producer/CHILDHOOD PRODUCTIONS president, Barry Yellen. My hope is that this online 'featurette' will serve as a springboard for a more in-depth documentary on CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN'T and the 1960's kiddie matinee phenomenon (branching from THE WONDER WORLD OF K. GORDON MURRAY" documentary... out next year). The short WILL include rare stills and behind the scenes information about the making of the film.

Best!

[surfingthechaos]

Why can't every day be gay?

[BallyhooMotionPics]

Indeed!

[HimJimRimDim]

Because of a man named Prune. If my name was Prune I'd probably hate Christmas too.

[MZVIRB]

I saw this as a kid at a local theater. Rarely on TV.

[loverosesbabyv]

I remember seeing this movie in the movies when I was a kid.

[jackscal1]

@surfingthechaos oh innocent times when a strange man can dance around with glitter ,surrounded by young kiddies talking of being gay!!!

[MrFilimonov18]

@yumasight lol i just ordered it , dvd empire has it in stock for $19.95

[MrFilimonov18]

@yumasight if u watch the making of the christmas that almost wasnt at the end there is a promo or ad at the bottom of the screen that say how u can get the movie on dvd i am probably gonna try and get it , loved the movie when i was a kid i think it is a never shown classic christmas movie and dont know why it is never on or widely available

[merseybeat1963]

I loved this movie when I was a kid.

It just occurs to me this is where I probably picked up that ringing scream...

untill I became a teen I did it to perfection.Used to shock people who heard that.

This may have been the first movie I saw in a theater...this or "Journey to the begining of time".

[vdoozle]

@movie534 same here. I saw this in a theatre also. Have never seen it since although every Christmas for years I would think about it a sing the song.

[tedmania1]

Mr Prune is a Scrooge-like meanie

[TammiWayKewl]

I remember seeing this promo on TV back in New York. The minute I saw the scene with Mr. Prune, I instantly said, "He's the villain!" Five years old back then, and I already knew how to tell good guys from bad guys.