BEST SCREEN SANTAS
Edmund Gwenn (“Miracle on 34th Street,” 1947) After stepping into the “job” when another Santa becomes incapacitated, this Kris Kringle becomes very popular in Macy’s department store. That is, until his claims of being the real deal land him in legal trouble with folks who question his mental stability and his authenticity.
Stan Francis (“Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer,” 1964) After refusing the reindeer with the blinking beak, the king of jing-a-ling changes his tune when the storm of all storms hits and is in need of the titled character to guide his sleigh if Christmas is going to stay on schedule.
Mickey Rooney (“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” 1970) Adopted by an elf family named Kringle, young Kris longs to restore the Kringle reputation as toymakers to the king, but the evil Burgermeister Meisterburger has outlawed toys in Sombertown. What a Scrooge! Kris repays evil with good by delivering gifts to children in town and all around the world.
Jeff Gillen (“A Christmas Story,” 1983) So much for Santa being holly and jolly. This guy won’t be putting any Red Ryder BB Guns under your tree because you might “shoot your eye out!” Exit, slide left. Sorry kids!
David Huddleston (“Santa Claus: The Movie,” 1985) Talk about a bad decision that will land you on the naughty list! A disillusioned elf (Dudley Moore) leaves the hard labor of Santa’s North Pole workshop for the bright lights of New York, where he ends up making toys for a scheming business magnate. However, he soon realizes that his evil boss is exploiting the goodwill of Christmas, and sets out to save the Yuletide spirit.
Tim Allen (“The Santa Clause” 1994) Name ... Kris Kringle, Santa Clause, Pere Noel, Babbo Natale, Topo Gigio! Whatever you want to call him, there’s a reason why this movie franchise is among the yearly programming staples loved by viewers each holiday season.
Ed Asner (“Elf,” 2003) Maybe not the merriest soul on the list but how happy would you be if your sleigh broke down in Central Park and you were being chased by the Rangers who had a grudge against you for placing them on the naughty list?