It is rather ironic to think that the elfin Mickey Rooney would provide one of the best voices for Santa Claus ever in this 1970 stop-motion animated Christmas classic, but that is exactly what we have here. "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" tells the story of how Kris Kringle became Santa Claus. It all has to do with the evil Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees) of Sombertown, who had outlawed toys. Of course, that is heresy to Kris Kringle, the abandoned baby who was left with the toy making Kringle family. With the help of a penguin, the Winter Warlock (Keenan Wynn), and Jessica (Robie Lester), the local school marm, Kris saves the day and comes up with all of the symbols that have been associated with the legend of Santa Claus.

Produced by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" features an above average songs by Maury Laws to go along with J. Fred Coots' inspirational classic "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town." The story is told by a mailman, effectively voiced by Fred Astaire, who takes time out from all of his holiday deliveries to set the tone for this charming holiday tale. I think of this as being a contemporary of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," but that actually came out six years earlier (the common denominator is that they were both clay-mation productions from Bass & Rankin). The Island of Misfit Toys makes the other one the more beloved Holiday classic, but this one is a close second, and Jessica is the cutest future Mrs. Claus of all-time.

World-renown dancer, singer, and actor, Fred Astaire, narrates the fantastic story about Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), and how the lore of him and Christmas originated. We are brought through many fantastic scenes that showcase where Kris Kringle grew up, and the lessons that he learns while he is living with his "adoptive" family. Kris is reprimanded by the mayor of Sombertown, where he has been delivering toys to children, and is faced with a problem in finding a solution to how he can deliver toys to the children without being caught, or the children getting into trouble.

This is a fantastic movie for kids and adults of all ages. Children will relish in the fact that SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN explains where the different facts surrounding Santa Claus originated from. Such as his name, how he began delivering toys, etc. A fantastic movie to watch on Christmas Eve, or anytime during the year. Your collection will never be complete without SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN. A must-have.

Erika Sorocco

When I took American History in College, my teacher explained the political undertone of the Wizard of Oz. With that in mind, I was able to see the undertone of this story. First, for parents-as a kid I used to enjoy the annual showing of this feature. Now to the undertone:A baby, Santa Claus (capitalism), is abandoned on the doorstep of elves (industrialists). The elves are unable to get their product, toys, to town. When Santa grows up, he decides that he has to make the trip to town, but first he has to go through the territory of the winter warlock (socialism-regulation). Meanwhile, in town, the Burgermeister-who rules the town with all the zest of a communist dictator, has outlawed toys and set mandatory labor for all the kids in town (how commie of him). When Santa gets to town, he befriends the town schoolteacher (education) and is branded an outlaw for giving out toys (how capitalist of him). A cold war ensues between the burgermeister and santa with santa making an annual raid to pass out toys and foil the burgermeister. The end of this story explains well why communism doesn't work.

Excellent film for those that love classic Christmas stories. Buy it now. That's an order.