The Christmas That Almost Wasn't

The Christmas That Almost Wasn't is a charming holiday classic film from 1966, directed by Rossano Brazzi, starring Paul Tripp, Lydia Brazzi and Alberto Rabagliati. Centered around the magic of Christmas, the film adeptly combines elements of fantasy, drama, and comedy to create an enjoyable experience that successfully bridges generations.

The protagonist of the film is a struggling attorney named Phineas T. Prune, brilliantly played by Rossano Brazzi. His character is of complex nature. He's curmudgeonly and bitter, yet beneath that stony exterior there's a vulnerable man who is envious of joy and innocence of the Christmas spirit he seemingly cannot comprehend nor partake in. Brazzi's performance masterfully captures the character's depth and inner conflict.

Paul Tripp, in addition to playing a vital role in the storyline, brings added charm to the movie through his musical contributions. Tripp, who also wrote the screenplay for the film, is best recognized for his delightful portrayal of Sam Whipple, a kind-hearted, slightly bumbling lawyer who stumbles into the unexpected role of saving Christmas.

Lydia Brazzi's portrayal of the loving Mrs. Claus is noteworthy as well. Her character, coupled with Brazzi's heartwarming performance, brings an emotional depth to the holiday tale. Between preparing for the holiday and worrying for Santa, her character manages to showcase true Christmas spirit of love and care. Moreover, her relationship with Santa represents the core of purity and innocence that the movie intended to communicate.

An additional cast member worth mentioning is Alberto Rabagliati, who excels in his portrayal of Santa Claus. His performance is infused with a magical combination of jolliness, kindness, wisdom and mild melancholy, a constituency that really brings Santa Claus to life. The audience gets engaged not just with the character's mission to save Christmas, but also with the figure himelf, who with endearing vulnerability, exposes the true essence of this magical holiday character.

The plot that unfolds, as the title suggests, is about the threat to Christmas. The narrative involves uncanny happenings that lead up to the climactic prospect of a Christmas that might not happen. The storyline keeps the audience hooked, as twist by twist, the menace to the magical holiday and the protagonist's struggle to prevent the catastrophe unfolds. Will Christmas be saved? The question hangs in suspense right up to the final scenes.

Although the film encompasses moments of suspense and drama, it still abounds with feel-good elements and light-hearted humor, offering plenty of laughs along the way. The movie portrait of the North Pole and its inhabitants is both humorous and enchanting, creating a magical world that leaves viewers, especially young ones, captivated.

The cinematography of the film successfully cultivates a festive ambiance by featuring snow-laden landscapes, warm, inviting interiors of Santa's workshop, and a quaint little town bedecked in its holiday best. Iconic holiday hues of red, green and white dominate the color palette, making each frame seem like a Christmas postcard.

Music, without doubt, stands as a pillar in this film. The songs, composed and performed by Tripp himself, not only enhance the story but also stand alone as enjoyable Christmas songs. Their soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics permeate the narrative with cheerful good vibes, encapsulating the joy and wonder of the Christmas season.

In conclusion, The Christmas That Almost Wasn't from 1966 is a wonderful holiday classic, combining a riveting storyline with enchanting performances, fantastic music, festive cinematography, and a solid dose of Christmas magic. The film, filled with innocence and charm, makes for an enjoyable viewing experience both for the children awaiting Santa Claus and for the adults who still nurture the Christmas spirit in their hearts.