Mrs. Santa Claus

Mrs. Santa Claus is a heartwarming holiday film released in 1996 by Hall Mark Entertainment. Directed by Terry Hughes, this musical comedy-drama tells a captivating story centered around Santa Claus's better half, famously known as Mrs. Claus. The part of Mrs. Claus is remarkably performed by the iconic Angela Lansbury, whose compelling and dynamic portrayal brings an intriguing layer of character to the jolly couple's narrative that we essentially miss in the classic holiday tales.

The film starts with Mrs. Claus, named Anna in the film, feeling unappreciated in the North Pole. With the approach of the busiest time of the year, all excitement and attention converge on Santa Claus, leaving Anna feeling sidelined. To reaffirm her value, Mrs. Claus decides to take Santa's sleigh out for a test run and find out how well the in-progress plans for Christmas Eve delivery are coming along.

However, things take a surprising turn when one of the reindeer, Cupid, gets injured, and the sleigh lands in Manhattan, New York, 1910, rather than its intended readjustment course back to the North Pole. Here, Anna is mistaken for the elderly Mrs. North, as she decides to lay low until the injured Cupid recovers and they can safely return home.

Away from the daily festivities in the North Pole, Mrs. Claus discovers a completely new side of Christmas. She comes across children and adults burdened with the struggles of day-to-day lives, far from any Yuletide cheer. Determined to restore the spirit of Christmas, she starts to inspire and bring joy to those around her, showcasing her empathetic and resilient nature throughout the process.

Remembering her passion for early 20th-century fashion, and using the name 'Mrs. North,' Anna starts working in a boutique owned by the friendly widower, Mr. Molokai, portrayed by Michael Jeter. In this role, Anna not only designs clothes but also becomes an advocate for women’s rights and child labor laws, using her unique position to do so, thereby driving forward change in her own beautiful way.

Meanwhile, the change in her usual behavior does not go unnoticed by Santa, intriguingly played by Terrence Mann. In Santa Claus’s otherwise well-rehearsed schedule, the sudden change throws him into an unexpected predicament. The relationship dynamic between Santa and Mrs. Claus adds another intriguing layer to the storyline and reveals compelling aspects of their personal life which the audience rarely gets to see.

Mrs. Santa Claus authentically presents the early 20th-century struggle of achieving gender equality and the ongoing labor issues, all wrapped inside a friendly Christmas story. Lansbury's performance as the compassionate and intelligent Mrs. Claus, seeking her own identity and purpose beyond the boundaries of the North Pole, is exceptionally notable. Not to mention her singing prowess, which adds depth to this charming television musical. The supporting cast, including Jeter and Mann, also contributes to the film's charm and complexity.

The movie can be thought of as a mix between a period drama and holiday movie, with its gorgeous costumes and set design, reflective of the era it aims to represent. The movie’s musical element beautifully utilizes the Broadway style of production, retaining a sense of joy, even while dealing with serious issues.

Still, at its core, Mrs. Santa Claus is a Christmas movie, highlighting the essence of joy, love, and kindness. The story beautifully displays these values as it unfolds, striking a balance between holiday cheer and addressing important societal issues. It subtly reminds us that a little act of kindness can bring forth a huge change, particularly reinforcing this message during the holiday season.

If you're seeking a refreshing Christmas narrative beyond the routine holiday-themed movies, Mrs. Santa Claus may just be the hidden gem you're looking for — a dash of historical setting, a sprinkle of societal issues, all tied together with the universal spirit of love, joy and kindness, making it a delightful addition to your holiday movie list.