Original subtitles

Oh, Elizabeth.

Here she go!

Now what do you wanna do a thing like that for?

Why, you hit me O'Hanlon!

You swung your bale right at me and hit me.

That's not true, I never touched you.

You callin' me a liar, Mick?

Now that's the truth.

Excuse me, I've work to do.

Did it again!

You hit me, didn't ya?

I said, you hit me, you lousy pot licker!

Damn Micks takin' all our jobs.

I'm gonna send you back to Ireland in a boat!

This is freezing!

Ah, he's been asking for it.

Good for you, O'Hanlon.

♪ Virginia O'Hanlon turn around

♪ Virginia O'Hanlon touch the ground

♪ Virginia O'Hanlon shoe your shoes

Virginia, why'd you stop?

I've got a rock or something in my shoe.

Maybe Santa Claus will bring you a new pair of shoes -

- for Christmas, Virginia.

These are just fine.

They were just fine.

One time, well maybe, now they're junk.

Maybe Santa will bring a pot of gold from Ria Donelli.

Oh, poo.

Besides, everyone knows there's no such thing as Santa Claus.

- That's not true! - Virginia's right.

Well, how would you know, have you ever seen him?

What's he look like, Virginia?

I mean in real life, ever see him?

Sure she has, we all have.

There's that one on the street corner last year, -

- ringing a bell and asking for money.

Virginia means the real Santa Claus.

The one who eats all the cookies and milk we leave him.

- Your parents do that. - Julie's right!

No, she's not.

Of course there's a real Santa Claus, -

- and of course Virginia hasn't seen him in real life.

Well then how can you believe in something -

- you can't even see?

I believe in God, even though I can't see him.

Come on, are we going to play or not?

♪ Maria Donelli turn around

Okay, O'Hanlon, Donelli, that's it for both of ya.

I suppose you don't have any idea what I'm talking about.

I heard you started another fight again, O'Hanlon.

What is it with you Irish?

You're an angry lot, aren't you?

Mr. Chambers, I had nothin' to do with startin' that fight.

But you had everything to do with finishing, didn't ya?

O'Hanlon, you got a lot of spunk.

But on this dock, I need workers, not trouble-makers.

Now, you're through!

And that goes for you, too, Donelli.

Please, Mr. Chambers, Donelli was just tryin' to help.

I had one on me back and one on my face.

- It's okay, Jim. - No, damnit, it's not okay.

It's Goss who's always tryin' to start it.

This time he knocked me over, he called me a Mick and a...

A pot licker.

Look, Goss may be a bigot and he may do some stupid things -

- around here every once in a while, -

- but he's been on this dock and on his job -

- a lot longer than the both of you.

And he pulls his weight, O'Hanlon.

And I don't?

Donelli and I don't pull our weight?

How would you know?

You're never out here in the cold and the rain and the snow.

You never lift anything more than a pencil, -

- inside where it's warm.

I got two good men to replace them, Mr. Chambers.

You hear that? That's what behind all of this.

I can't believe a man would be as stupid as you are...

Now wait a minute, Mick!

I've had just about enough of you!

Oh, Mick, is it?

Well, so have I, there's other jobs.

Then go find one.

We'll find two.

About those two men, Mr. Chambers, they're young, strong, -

- good boys, my nephews. - Talk about it later.

They're good men.

Will somebody get me a blanket?

What about next week?

Good morning, Mr. Church.

Thanks, Tom.

- Did you have any luck? - No, how's your missus?

Just the same.

James, you were gone in the dead of the night.

I heard there was a job at the power company.

- Was there? - Sure!

But there are also 100 men wanting to fill it.

That's what comes from reading yesterday's newspaper.

- Can I have some more? - Uh, "may I."

- May I? - Well, Sean...

He may have the rest of mine, I'm all filled up.

- Virginia. - I'll take it!

You'll find somethin', James.

I will.

But right now I've come to find some tea, -

- and to look upon the bright and shiny faces -

- of the O'Hanlon clan before they go off to school.

And listen to Mrs. Futterman tellin' us -

- the world isn't flat.

You'd better play close attention to Mrs. Futterman, -

- young fellow.

Will you be going out again, James?

As soon as I finish this bit of nourishment.

What about you, Evie, have you had your breakfast?

Oh aye, I have.

Good!

Well, then, I'll walk Virginia and Sean down the block.

Uh, I'm stopping upstairs at Maria's.

Her mother's still pretty sick.

Dominic didn't find any work?

No.

Come on, eat up then, bucko, we must be off.

You to learn and me to earn.

That's the spirit.

The trouble is there's too damn much spirit, -

- not enough damn jobs.

James, the children.

You're right.

Well then I'd be lucky they do favor -

- your side of the family, don't they?

Can I get you something to eat, Mr. Church?

Mr. Church?

Something to eat?

- Good morning, Mr. Barrington. - Otho.

Well, well, well!

Fellow gentleman of the press, look who's here!

Or is it, "still here?"

Lay you off, Cornelius.

Shut up, George.

The great roving reporter, the egalitarian editorializer, -

- Frank, himself, Church.

Come on, Cornelius, let's have a drink.

The great controversialist, -

- friend and would-be champion of the common man, -

- would-be slayer of the capitalist dragon.

Dreaming up more drivel against the dreaded aristocracy?

Men like my uncle?

Right, Mr. Church?

Leave him alone.

Let's eat and get back to the paper.

Aye, sure.

If you're looking for Dr. Livingston, Mr. Church, -

- he's already been found.

In Africa.

Not in a bottle.

Mr. Mitchell.

That last paragraph stinks, cut it.

Teddy!

Hey, Teddy, come here.

Yes, sir.

- Yes, Mr. Mitchell. - Have you seen Frank?

- Uh, he went out. - Out where?

Out the door, Mr. Mitchell, I don't know where.

- When? - Uh, hours ago, maybe two?

When you see him come back through that door, -

- tell him I wanna see him right away.

He didn't give you any copy on that -

- Shame of Greatness article, did he?

No, Mr. Mitchell.

Here, study that.

You might grow up to be a great reporter yourself some day.

- Mr. Mitchell. - What is it, Miss Borland?

Did you like my story on the Vanderbilt Ball?

- I printed it, didn't I? - Well, half of it.

That was the half I liked.

Thank you again for the opportunity.

Mr. Mitchell.

Teddy.

What do you need, Miss Borland?

Some information.

Hey.

Look at this.

Uh, I'm sorry, ma'am, we don't serve ladies, -

- escorted or unescorted.

- Why not? - I don't know.

I just work here and we just serve gentlemen.

Well, have you served a gentleman named Church?

Francis P. Church.

Mr. Church.

Mr. Church?

Well, well, well.

And where is your tambourine?

What tambourine?

Aren't you with the Salvation Army?

No, I'm Andrea Borland from the New York Sun -

- and you know it. - I do, huh?

And what else do I know?

You ought to know that Mr. Mitchell is looking for you.

Edward P. Mitchell is looking for me?

He's always lookin' for me lately.

He's also looking for that article.

What article?

Oh, that article.

The Shame of Greatness.

Oh, the shame.

Mr. Church, it's probably none of my business...

That's right, Miss Borland, your business is, um, -

- society, isn't it?

Teas and balls and cotillions and such.

Mr. Church, have you finished the article?

The article.

Miss Borland, just about finished.

There has to be a finish to every story.

A finish.

To the story.

Oh!

You're back early, Mr. O'Hanlon.

How did your day go?

Well, not as hoped, Mrs. Goldstein.

Aw, still no job?

Afraid not.

Oh well, something will turn up.

As my dear dead Saul used to say, -

- it isn't a silver lining what makes the coat, -

- it's the person wearing it.

Well, I'll try to remember that, Mrs. Goldstein.

God be with you, Mr. O'Hanlon.

Best be soon.

Nothin', James?

Evie, what'll we do about Christmas?

Don't you worry yourself.

I've near completed a few wee things I'm knittin' -

- for the little ones to see them through the winter.

I do it when Sean and Virginia are at school.

Oh.

Oh, now I see what I've gone and done.

What, love?

I just let slip that there might a little somethin' -

- for you under the tree this year, too.

Evie, let's not even think about a tree this year.

And where are you gettin' the yarn -

- you've been doin' all that knittin' with?

- Well, that's not important. - It is to me.

I haven't been able to buy you any.

Evie.

Where's your shawl?

The one your mother sent you for ministry?

The one she knitted for you to keep you warm?

Oh, Evie.

The yarn from that shawl was enough -

- to make four items, James.

Four gifts for my loved ones and besides, it was my shawl, -

- I don't see why I can't do with it as I please.

I have this old sweater I'm wearing -

- and I'm quite warm enough, thank you.

And if it's warmth I need, James O'Hanlon, -

- I know where to find it.

Oh, do ya now?

You know better than to mix with -

- an old dock fighter like me.

Come.

Mr. Mitchell?

What is it, Miss Borland?

You want back the other half of your Vanderbilt piece?

No, sir.

What have you got there, -

- something I overlooked for my front page?

I ran into Frank Church when I went out to eat.

He wasn't feeling well, but he wanted me to give you that.

Is that so?

I'll tell you something, Miss Borland.

Yes, sir?

Drunk, Frank Church is still the best newspaper man -

- in this or any other town.

And Miss Borland.

Yes, sir?

Frank Church wasn't always a drunk.

Only since his wife and baby died almost a year ago.

Bless your heart.

- Hi, momma, papa. - Hello, darlings.

How are my two best girls today?

Hello, Mr. O'Hanlon.

And how was school?

Tell me what you learned.

I learned just what Maria did -

- two years ago in the same class.

Well, that makes sense.

Virginia got an A on her English test.

English?

Yuck!

Who cares if you don't put capitals on the right words?

Can't see them when you're talking anyway.

You'll be carin', young man, -

- if you don't get at least a B on the subject.

Your paper's The Sun, right, papa?

That's right.

Does than mean I'll get tanned by The Sun?

Oh, he's a funny one, isn't he?

How's your mother today, Maria?

Not so good, Mrs. O'Hanlon.

She still coughs a lot.

Scares Papa, my sister and me.

I'm sure it must.

Is there anything I can do?

Besides some medicine, -

- I think Momma needs some company most.

She's most always alone.

She can't go out.

Well, I can.

So you tell her I'll pop up to see her a little more often.

- Will you do that, dear? - I'll tell her.

Your father's havin' no luck job huntin' either, then?

No, sir.

Well, you tell your father I'm very sorry.

I feel like it's my fault.

I'll tell him.

And don't feel bad, Mr. O'Hanlon.

Papa says you two will be working together again.

I'd better be going now.

Oh, and Maria.

Tell your mother I'll make a pot of soup and bring some up.

That and prayer is the best medicine.

Papa prays all the time.

Sometimes I think God must have -

- too much on his mind already.

And Virginia, you remember to say a special Christmas -

- prayer for Mrs. Donelli.

I will, Momma.

And she'll get well.

That's all Maria wants for Christmas.

For her mother to get well.

That's all she wants from Santa Claus.

The Shame of Greatness.

Good stuff, Frank, very good stuff.

You working on that Taberny Hall story?

How's it coming?

It's comin'.

Will it be finished in time to give the boys -

- at City Hall a Christmas present?

It's gonna blow the pants off the boys at City Hall.

If you print it.

You write it, Franics.

I'll print it.

"Ask the captains of industry, ask the robber barons, -

"- ask the politicians about that bridge."

That's the way I'd like to be able to write some day, -

- Mr. Church, with both fists.

Like John L. Sullivan, yes, sir.

A real humdinger.

In case you haven't heard, -

- John L. Sullivan is no longer champion.

He was beat by James J. Corbett, -

- who was then beat by Bob Fitzsimmons.

Yes, sir, I know that.

But as far as I'm concerned, John L. Sullivan -

- will always be the champion.

Yes, sir.

A real humdinger.

"Ask the captains of industry, ask the robber barons, -

"- ask the politicians about that bridge."

Let's hope Mr. Mitchell doesn't cut half of this.

Take this to copy.

Miss Borland.

Yes?

I suppose you expect me to thank you.

For what?

Don't be precious.

For writing that article and bylining my name.

No, Mr. Church.

I owe you thanks.

For what?

Do you remember lecturing a journalism class -

- at NYU a few years ago?

Not particularly.

Well, I was one of three females in that class.

I was ready to quit until that day.

It's because of what you said that I didn't.

What you said and what you've written.

- Miss Borland... - So please, accept my thanks.

Besides, they were your ideas.

All I did was rearrange a few words.

If you say so, but about that article.

Tomorrow it will be yesterday's newspaper -

- and you can wrap a fish in it.

What do you mean?

I mean, nothing that you or I or anybody else writes -

- for a newspaper has a lifespan of more than 24 hours.

I don't believe that.

That's your privilege.

And your delusion.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Uh, by the way.

What happened to the other two females in that class?

They got married.

They showed uncommonly good common sense.

See you tomorrow, Virginia, bye.

- Bye, Maria. - Bye.

Well, little girl?

You gonna buy somethin' or just touch it all?

I'm sorry, I was just looking.

Lookin' and touchin', touchin' and lookin'.

Thinkin' of takin' somethin', too?

No.

I have to watch you little kids all the time.

There's a law against stealin', you know?

I wasn't gonna steal anything, honest!

Your old man's still outta work, right?

Yes, but...

You little beggars are all the same.

Do you hear me begging?

Just move along, why don't you?

But I've got money.

See?

I've got money.

But I won't be spending it here.

Daily, get your Sun, daily!

Daily, daily, get your Sun, daily!

Daily, daily!

How much?

Two cents!

You want a paper, little girl?

Not now.

- Thanks anyway. - Okay.

Daily, daily, get your Sun, daily!

Right here, the New York Sun!

Daily!

Heaven help him.

Who's callin' my name?

Well.

Hello there, puss.

It looks like you and me both could use a friend -

- right now, eh?

What do ya say, tabby, shall we be friends?

Shall we be...

Stop that man, he's a thief, stop him!

Hey!

There's a thief out there, get him!

Hold it!

Hold it!

Which one is it?

They both look like thieves to me.

Grab him, he's the man you want!

Look, he's got a knife!

I was waitin' right over there -

- when he came runnin' outside. - What were you waitin' for?

My newspaper.

They sell them on the corners, Bob, not the alleys.

Yesterday's newspaper in the trash!

Surely one of you people can identify this man as the thief.

Well, I don't think I can help ya, officers.

- I'm O'Hara. - Where's your kitchen help?

- Misery? - Sure, he knows me.

He knows I'm waitin' there every day for my newspaper.

Misery's out on an errand.

- And what's goin' on here? - A thief.

One of these two men, come up behind me, knocked me -

- over the head and stole the money out of the cash box.

Well then, that's it, isn't it?

The thief would have the money on him, wouldn't he?

Hey, get him, get him!

That's it, that's it, okay.

Hold him.

Ah-ha!

Well, not really worth goin' to jail for.

But a decent day's take in these times, I suppose.

Put him in.

I'll get you for this.

You'll see!

I'll get you!

A lucky day for you.

Senior Officer Flynn, I'd like to thank you, mister um?

- James O'Hanlon. - O'Hanlon, huh?

That's a good name, quick thinkin'.

- And good with your fists, too. - Thank you, sir.

- I apologize for the mistake. - No harm done.

I can't thank you enough, Mr. O'Hanlon.

It's true, business ain't been so good lately, -

- and I can't offer you a reward, -

- but might I offer yourself and your family -

- a bit of fresh-baked bread and some cold cuts?

- Well, sir, I... - Please, Mr. O'Hanlon.

It's the least I could do.

I'm sure my family would be very grateful.

Well, come on inside then.

I'll serve you a hot Irish while I get your things.

- That would be grand. - 'Tis the season.

Miss Borland?

Andrea Borland?

- Have we met? - Well, just now.

Then how do you know my name?

I'm a newspaper man, Miss Borland, Cornelius Barrington.

It's my business to know things, and people.

You're a damn fine writer!

You've read my society pieces?

No, your article, The Shame of Greatness.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Sure you do, we both do.

How would you like to work for my paper, The Chronicle?

Do you own The Chronicle, Mr. Barrington?

No, but my uncle does, -

- and that makes things easy for the both of us.

Of course, you'd have to take a slightly -

- different perspective of things.

What things?

Well, you start by writing an expose.

Call it The Ghost of Frank Church, -

- revealing how you wrote that piece.

I did no such thing, Mr. Barrington, and I strongly advise -

- you to be extremely careful about what you say or write.

Really?

Why?

Because my uncle is a lawyer.

A damn fine lawyer, and that makes it easy for both of us.

Mr. O'Hanlon!

Your paper.

Oh, of course.

Thanks, Misery.

He's right.

I tell you, the man's absolutely right.

What is it, James? Who's right?

The man who wrote this article in The Sun.

It's entitled The Shame of Greatness.

- Well, what's it about? - It's about this country.

Children, listen to this.

"We have become a great nation, but at what cost?

"Ask the red man, the black man, the immigrant, -

"- the elderly, the ill.

"We have built a railroad across the 45 states, -

"- and bridges across rivers, -

"- but there is no bridge of brotherhood.

"Why?

"Because there is no profit in that bridge.

"Ask the captains of industry, ask the robber barons, -

"- ask the politicians about that bridge!"

I tell you, he's absolutely right.

It's hard to believe that 50 years ago our people came -

- to this country because they were starving in Ireland.

Potato famine, indeed!

High rent, hah, it's no different over here!

James, you stop it.

Stop feelin' sorry for yourself.

If I hear one more time about how poor we are, -

- how hungry we are.

We've got our health, we've got our family together, -

- we've got a roof over our heads and blankets on our beds.

And God.

We have God.

Now, you can be poor if you want to, James O'Hanlon, -

- but not me.

I'm rich, and I grow richer every day of my life.

Oh yes, Evie darlin', you and the Vanderbilts -

- and the Morgans don't have a worry in the world.

Daddy, who are the Vandoobilts and the Morgans?

A couple of neighbors who live -

- just a little ways across Manhattan.

And here is your evenin' cape, Mr. Vandoobilt.

Just as good as it was this mornin'.

Thank you very kindly, Mrs. Morgan.

You havin' trouble with somethin', darlin'?

No, Mama, just thinking.

I've had a feelin' there's been somethin' on your mind.

More than somethin'.

Well, then, let's talk about it.

Papa.

Is there a Santa Claus?

Well, Virginia, what makes you ask a question like that?

Because all my friends say.

Almost all my friends say, -

- there's no such thing.

They say Santa Claus is a lie.

They say somebody made him up.

To make the children think he brings the presents, -

- instead of the parents.

Now, what would people want to do a thing like that for?

- You mean, make it up? - Yes.

I don't know.

But if you take the time to pick something, you know, -

- out at the store, -

- you'd want the person you're giving it to, -

- to know it came from you.

- Won't you? - Well, sure I would.

And so would Santa Claus.

Tell me true, Papa.

Do you think there's really a Santa Claus?

Virginia, I like to look on the bright side.

See this paper?

I can sort of smell it, too.

Well, never mind that.

This paper lets me know what's goin' on around us.

Around the world.

It's like taking a world trip.

Keeps me informed, gives me confidence that people -

- do indeed achieve their goals.

It also reminds me that many people don't, but, -

- for the most part, I like to read the good news.

I never read the obituaries.

What's the ob...

Obituary.

Tales of death.

I prefer to read about life.

Do you think your paper could tell me -

- if there's a Santa Claus?

Virginia, if you see it in The Sun, it's so.

Thanks, Papa.

Dear Editor.

I am eight-years-old.

Some of my little friends say -

- there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, -

"- it's so."

Please tell me the truth.

Is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon.

Ah!

Good evening, Mr. Church.

In a hurry?

Well, that's alright, I've already conveyed my -

- congratulations on The Shame of Greatness to Miss Borland.

You see, Otho, Mr. Church knows all about shame.

He attacks the captains of industry, the railroad builders, -

- the robber barons, the exploiters, and then shamelessly -

- exploits the talents of his young lady friend.

Nice cozy setup you've got there, Church.

What else does she do for you?

Don't even think of getting physical.

In the first place, you're out of shape.

And the second place, I've done some fighting.

Captain of the Yale boxing team, you know.

I've done some fighting myself, captain.

But on Hell's Kitchen.

Goodnight, Otho.

Goodnight, Mr. Church!

Ah, Virginia?

How are you?

I'm sorry, I startled you.

No, not really, Mr. Schuller.

Ah, a letter for Santa, maybe?

Not exactly, but it's about him.

Well, why not to Santa himself?

I'm not so sure I'd get an answer.

Ah, I see.

Yah, Santa is pretty busy right now.

But how can you be sure that this party will answer, huh?

Papa says that The Sun tells him -

- everything he wants to know.

"Virginia, if you see it in The Sun, it's so."

Well, then, it's best you get it mailed.

And the sooner the better.

But I don't have a stamp, you see.

Ah.

Could I buy one?

I have a penny, is that enough?

Yeah, sure.

But keep your penny, let Otto Schuller take care of it, huh?

My gift to you.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you so much, Mr. Schuller.

And I will see that it gets there safely.

Bye, thank you very much.

Some day, Mr. Church, -

- I'm gonna have a watch like that.

What?

I said I'm gonna have a watch like that.

One that's pure gold and plays a tune.

Yes, sir, a real humdinger.

Teddy!

Sure you will.

Frank.

Going out?

I'm gonna go down to City Hall.

I got a hot tip.

Well, don't let it cool off.

No.

I won't.

Who is it?

It's Mitchell.

Just a minute.

What is it, Mitch?

Happened to be in the neighborhood.

Oh, you did?

Well, can I come in?

You want a drink?

No, thanks.

Well, what do you want? You must want somethin'.

No.

Just a visit.

Oh, and an invitation.

Martha wanted me to ask you if you'd -

- come over for Christmas dinner.

You could have asked at the paper.

I suppose I could.

Are you alright, Frank?

- Why, you got complaints? - No complaints.

Because there are other papers, you know?

Frank, you've got to stop torturing yourself.

Oh, I do?

Sure.

Took me many more years than most men -

- to find the right woman and marry her.

You know, she could have had a pick of about -

- 100 better men than me.

Young and with the stuff that proper husbands are made of.

It wasn't your fault.

There was an epidemic.

- A lot of other wives died. - Sure they did.

And they died with their husbands at their side.

But not Elizabeth and the baby.

Do you realize, Mitch, -

- that we were married for more than three years and not once -

- did I have Christmas dinner with her?

Not once!

The first year it was a flood in Pennsylvania, -

- and then it was a revolution in Asia.

And when she was dying from pneumonia, -

- I was in Panama writing about yellow fever.

Elizabeth married a newspaper man.

She knew that and she loved you.

Did you ever hear her complain?

No, I didn't hear her complain.

I never heard nor noticed a lot about her.

Then it was too late.

Are you sure you won't have a drink, you know, -

- a close to Christmas drink?

I'm sure.

Frank.

You won't try to...

Don't worry.

I'm still married to the newspaper, old pal.

And I promise I'll be a good husband.

Let me know about Christmas dinner.

What're you doin'?

It's a little chilly in here.

There.

That's better.

I've got an interesting assignment for you, Frank.

I've already got one.

The Taberny Hall expose, you remember?

This won't take long.

And I've got a deadline.

What is it?

It's newspaper business.

I'll tell you at the office, tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Mitch.

Thanks for lighting that heater.

Wouldn't wanna die from pneumonia now, would I?

No.

You wouldn't.

Hi, Mrs. Donelli.

Virginia, how nice to see you.

Your momma stopped by earlier.

Momma said she would, Mrs. Donelli.

She said she'd bring some soup.

Did you have some?

She makes good soup, doesn't she?

I'll get you some, Momma.

Hi, Virginia.

Hi, Maria.

Mommy.

Mm, what smells so good, Maria?

Virginia's mommy brought by some soup.

Give some to Grace, Maria.

And you have a bowl, too.

Oh, be sure to save a little for your father.

Here, Momma, there's enough for everybody.

I'd better be going.

Bye, Grace.

Bye, Mrs. Donelli.

See you tomorrow, Virginia.

The soup will help, Momma.

You're gonna feel better, but you've got to try.

What can I do for ya?

- I'm looking for work. - Doin' what?

Anything.

I can pull ale.

Hey, I take care of that.

I can wait tables.

Everyone here gets their own.

Oh.

How about a clean up?

You sayin' my place is dirty?

Well, you can't exactly eat off of the floor.

Well, you can't exactly eat off the tables either.

I can't pay much.

I'd welcome anything.

You understand this is just for today.

Our regular man will be back tomorrow, pays 40 cents.

I appreciate it, Mr. Fenutis, it's food for my family.

Well, lookee here.

Beer.

So, scrubbin' floors, eh, Donelli?

Where I come from, that's woman's work, right, boys?

Right!

Yeah, this here's one of 'em.

Couldn't handle a man's job.

Why don't you leave him alone?

Why don't you stick to your beer?

Hey, Donelli, I'd like you to meet my nephews.

Moe and Leon.

Looks like you missed some here.

And over here.

He's a slacker, all them wops are.

Yeah and they stink, too.

Hey, maybe this will take the smell away.

Hey, fellas, please not in here, outside!

Time to teach you a lesson.

Holy Sandra and Hallelujah.

It's your boyfriend.

Dom, don't!

Let it be.

Now, Dominic.

- You wouldn't. - I wouldn't.

The hell I wouldn't.

Don't worry, you'll be paid.

It's the best clean-up job I ever saw.

Mitch, here's more from Cuba.

- They killed Colonel Rouise. - What?

Yeah, looks like things are heating up down there.

Yeah.

You want me to follow up on this?

- Sure. - Okay.

Frank.

Nice crisp day, huh, Frank?

Alright, Mitch, what's the assignment?

Frank, we've worked together nearly two decades.

Or you've been doing most of the work while I sit here -

- gaining weight and losing my eyesight.

We've covered wars, famines, fires, -

- floods, anarchists, contagious diseases.

Well, that's my job.

There's nobody better at it.

Are you sure your middle initial isn't B -

- for Barnum and Bunkum?

This could be the toughest assignment I've ever given you.

- Big? - Very big.

- Important? - Very important.

Is this dangerous?

Could be.

You mean you don't know?

I know that you're the man to do this job.

Is this your idea of a joke?

No, it's my idea of an assignment.

I write editorials, remember?

That's what I get paid for.

I know what you get paid for.

This is going to be an editorial.

Mitch, you said it yourself.

Crime, corruption, controversy.

That's what I write!

Not this time.

Besides, this is controversial.

Why don't you give it to that female reporter you hired?

Because I wanna give it to you.

I don't know anything about this!

Oh, Frank, even you were a kid once.

Yeah and it took me a lot of years to get over it.

Nobody ever gets over it.

Frank, if you can answer this question, -

- then you'll have answered a lot of other questions as well.

You just may not like my answer.

I'll take that risk!

Frank, maybe, just maybe, -

- when all your other editorials have been forgotten, -

- when all the issues of today are resolved, -

- 100 years from now, -

- when there are new issues to be considered, -

- some kid will still be asking this same question, -

- and you, Frank P. Church, -

- will have already written the answer.

And you, Edward P. Mitchell, will print what I write?

You write it, Francis, I'll print it.

Mr. Church, I've just finished this article.

May I ask your opinion?

Yes, you may, if you're going to Brodie's Bar & Grill.

Ah, but it's for men only, isn't it?

Teddy.

- Copy. - Yes, Miss Borland.

And Teddy, I'm going out.

On an assignment, Miss Borland?

A real humdinger.

Rye, Mr. Church?

One for the road.

One bottle.

Oh.

Thank you, Mr. Church.

Papa says, "if you see it in The Sun, -

"- it's so."

Please tell me the truth.

Is there a Santa Claus?

- There you are, sir. - Thank you.

Here we go, old timer, let me give you a hand.

Merry Christmas to you.

- Happy holidays. - Merry Christmas.

- What's the matter, Sarah? - Is she cold?

♪ See the lamb of God appears Thank you, sir.

♪ Promised from eternal years

♪ Hail, thou ever blessed morn

♪ Hail, redemption's happy dawn

♪ Sing through all Jerusalem

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem

♪ Lo, within a manger lies

♪ He who built the starry skies

♪ He, who throned in heights sublime

♪ Sits amid the cherubim

♪ Hail, thou ever blessed morn

♪ Hail, redemption's happy dawn

♪ Sing through all Jerusalem

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem

Shh, shh, shh.

Good mornin', Mrs. Goldstein, what a pleasant surprise.

Good morning.

I hate to ask, but, -

- could you nice people take this brisket off my hands?

I don't understand.

Well, ever since my dear dead Saul left me, -

- three years ago now, September, I always cook too much.

It's a habit, you know.

I would really appreciate if you would take this -

- and enjoy it with your family.

It's the finest.

Oh, Saul left me well-off enough, you know?

It's, it's very sweet of you.

If you're sure that you can't...

I can't, want, couldn't, it's too much, I tell you.

It's very kind of you to think of us.

Will you come in for a cup of tea?

Oh, no.

No, thank you, anyway.

Well, enjoy.

And Merry Christmas.

Oh, and a happy Hanukkah to you, Mrs. Goldstein.

God bless you.

He always has.

Mrs. Goldstein brought by some beef brisket.

Yes, I heard.

She says she always makes too much.

At least I don't believe that for a minute.

Everything right with you this mornin', James?

It's the day before Christmas, Evie, how should it be?

There's no tree, no gifts for the children.

Well, we have food for our table.

And who put it there?

Surely not me.

A lonely old lady who cooks too much.

Well, it's not where it came from that's important, -

- it's the thought. - The thought?

Evie, I think too, every day of the week -

- I think of how I can't even help me own family.

James.

Maybe I've been all wrong, maybe it's the thieves -

- and the liars and the cheats who are right, they just take -

- what they need without thinking about right or wrong.

James O'Hanlon, -

- you certainly don't practice what you preach.

What's that supposed to mean?

You're a fine one to be tellin' your little girl -

- about the gift of friendship and love.

That's exactly what she is, Evie, a little girl.

She's too young to know the hard truth.

That'll come soon enough.

You keep your voice down, you'll raise the children.

I'm sorry.

I'm just tired, tired of doing nothing.

I wanna work!

I need to work to provide for my family.

We have faith, James.

Faith, Evie, damnit, I'm runnin' out of faith!

I'm sorry, children.

There was a crazy man here a minute ago, but he's gone now.

It's alright, Papa.

It's alright.

Yeah, Papa, it's okay, really.

- Mrs. O'Hanlon? - Yes?

Is Mr. O'Hanlon at home?

Yes.

What is it?

Mr. O'Hanlon?

Would you come down to the station with us, please?

What's this about?

It'll all be explained down at the station.

- Is my Pap being arrested? - Of course he isn't, Sean.

Is he, officers?

Mr. O'Hanlon is wanted for questioning in the matter -

- of the robbery at O'Hara's Bar & Grill a short time back.

But I've told the police everything I know.

Please, officers, it's Christmas Eve.

We are very well aware of that fact, Mr. O'Hanlon.

We have families, too.

It's that thief, isn't it?

He said he'd even the score, you see what I mean, Evie?

Mr. O'Hanlon, please.

Alright.

Maybe that crazy man wasn't so crazy after all.

Any sign of your father yet, children?

No, Momma.

Daily, daily, get your Sun, daily!

Right here, the New York Sun!

Momma?

May I go down to the street for a minute?

Well, alright, but you wrap up warm.

I will, Momma.

Can I come, too?

No, Sean, I'll be right back!

I never get to go any place!

Daily!

Merry Christmas.

You want a paper, little girl?

Well, I don't know, it is the last paper.

- Teddy? - Right here, Mr. Church.

Oh, say.

That article was a real...

A real humdinger.

You bet.

Teddy, I have a present for ya.

Now, it isn't gold, -

- and it doesn't play a tune, -

- but it was my first watch and it helped me -

- start the day for many years.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Mr. Church.

Merry Christmas, I...

Merry Christmas, sir.

Francis.

You've given us all, including yourself, -

- a very merry Christmas.

Thanks.

Mitch.

If it's still okay, -

- I'd be glad to have Christmas dinner with you and Martha.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Mrs. Borland, you're very adept at following people.

I had hoped you wouldn't notice.

Yeah, well I did.

Mr. Church?

I wonder if you'd mind following me somewhere.

There has to be a finish to every story.

Alright, children, set the Christmas decorations aside -

- for now and we'll get something to eat, shall we?

Don't think we've thought about that all day.

Your father will be home soon and I'm sure he'll be hungry.

Merry Christmas!

Oh, James.

Darlin', we were so worried.

What happened? What's all this?

What is it, Papa, tell us, tell us what is it!

I said it's a merry Christmas, do you like it?

It's the most beautiful cut-down tree I've ever seen!

It's great, Papa, really great.

James O'Hanlon, if you don't tell me what this is -

- all about, I'm going to faint or scream or both.

Virginia, will you kindly place the presents around -

- the tree, now mind you don't step on them, Sean!

I won't, Papa, you bet I won't!

Now, Evie, I don't want you to faint or scream, -

- but just listen, to make a long tale a short one, -

- oh, speakin' of tales.

Pardon me.

Oh, Papa.

He was a friend when I needed one.

James, how can we afford to be feedin' a kitten now?

Not much less all this.

Let him eat brisket!

Come now, let me tell you what's happened.

Come on.

It seems that that fella that I helped to catch -

- in the alleyway behind O'Hara's has got himself an attorney.

And since he'll be going to trial, -

- I had to sign some legal papers, you understand.

Well, he won't be gettin' away, though, because it seems -

- he also has quite a record in Chicago.

In fact, he's wanted so much there -

- that they've offered a small reward.

There you are, darlin'.

Oh, praise the lord.

Of course, that's all I've got left after I bought -

- the tree and the gifts and some food.

I'll make it stretch.

Just for one week, I had another surprise waitin' for me -

- down at the police station.

What more?

It seems that the fair city of New York has a need -

- for police officers and after the incident at O'Hara's, -

- and at Senior Officer Flynn's suggestion, -

- they've asked me to become one of New York's finest.

They said, and I'm quotin' here, they said that I -

"- displayed extreme heroism."

Are you gonna ride a horse, Papa?

Can I ride it, can I name it?

What a bright goose of a boy.

That may come, Sean lad but first there'll be some training.

I start the day after Christmas.

Oh, Papa I'm so proud of you.

Well, I hope that Maria will have cause -

- to be proud of her papa as well.

What do you mean?

There's a chance that Dom Donelli -

- will be joining the force, too.

I wonder how that came about.

Officer Flynn said the precinct needed several good men, -

- and so.

That will be the best medicine for Maria's mother.

Mm-hm!

You here that, Nicky?

Maria's gonna get her Christmas wish from Santa.

Nicky?

Yeah!

After Saint Nicholas.

At least his name isn't Santa or Claus.

Claus!

Oh, Sean.

I'm going to start the dinner.

Yes, Martha, I'll pick up the cooking -

- sherry on the way home.

No, no, I won't be late.

Yes, yes, Martha.

Yes, Martha, yes.

And, uh, Frank Church will be joining us -

- for Christmas dinner.

And Martha, he just might bring a friend.

Can we open our presents tonight, Papa?

Absolutely not, Christmas morning as usual.

- It's tradition, Sean. - Indeed it is.

That was a grand meal, Evie.

Christmas brisket.

You can't ask for better than that, can you?

Well, we are fortunate, James.

- What's this? - It's for you, Papa.

It can't wait till tomorrow.

It'll be too late.

Is it something you made?

No, I found a penny.

I wish I had something for everybody.

Being my daughter is gift enough.

Go on, Papa, open your present.

Well, alright, we'll make an exception this time, -

- since tomorrow it will be too late.

It's today's paper, Papa, today's.

Not a soggy, smelly one from yesterday.

But how did you manage?

The news boy let me buy it for a penny.

It was his last paper.

Thank you, Virginia.

I love you.

And I love you, too, Papa.

Well, now!

I won't be readin' the Help Wanted column anymore, will I?

But, the world goes on.

Sean, you put that cat down, -

- and you come and help me with these dishes.

- Oh, Mom. - Ah, ah, ah.

Would you all come in a moment?

There's something I think you should be hearin'.

And right on the front page.

"Is There a Santa Claus?

"We take pleasure in answering it once -

"- and thus prominently the communication below, -

"- expressing at the same time our great gratification -

"- that its faithful author is numbered among -

"- the friends of The Sun.

"'- Dear Editor, I am eight-years old.

"'- Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

"'Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so."

"'Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?"'

And it's signed, "Virginia O'Hanlon."

Well, Papa, what does it say?

"Viriginia, your little friends are wrong.

"They have been affected by the skepticism -

"- of a skeptical age.

"They do not believe except what they see.

"They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible -

"- by their little minds.

"All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, -

"- are little.

"In this great Universe of ours, -

"- man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, -

"- as compared with the boundless world about him, -

"- as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping -

"- the whole of truth and knowledge.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

"He exists as certainly as love and generosity -

"- and devotion exist, and you know that they abound -

"- and give to our life its highest beauty and joy.

"Alas, how dreary would be the world -

"if there were no Santa Claus.

"It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.

"There would be no childlike faith then, -

"- no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

"We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight.

"The external light with which childhood fills the world -

"would be extinguished.

"Not believe in Santa Claus?

"You might as well not believe in fairies!

"You might get your Papa to hire men to watch in -

"- all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, -

"- but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, -

"- what would that prove?

"Nobody sees Santa Claus.

"The most real things in the world -

"- are those that neither children nor men can see.

"Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn?

"Of course not, but that's not proof that they're not there.

"Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are -

"- unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart a baby's rattle -

- and see what makes the noise inside, -

- but there is a veil covering the unseen world -

- which not the strongest man, -

- nor even the united strength of all the strongest men -

- that ever lived, could tear apart.

Only faith, fancy, poetry, -

- love, romance, can push aside that curtain -

- and view the supernal beauty and glory beyond.

Is it all real?

Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else -

- as real and abiding.

No Santa Claus?

Thank God he lives and he lives forever.

A thousand years from now, Virginia, -

- nay, 10 times 10,000 years from now...

"He will continue to make glad the hearts of childhood."

Here you are, it's from Papa.

It's from Momma, Papa, for you.

Little Teddy.

Look here, look here.

Whoa, what's this, Teddy?

Look, Virginia, there's another present under the tree.

They've got to be for you.

Who are they from?

They must be from Santa Claus!

No Santa Claus?

Thank God he lives and he lives forever.

This story was inspired by a famous editorial.

Some of the events and characters have been fictionalized.