Original subtitles

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

[train whistles]

Look at it, Mom.

It's beautiful.

Do you think there'sa place like that somewhere,

for real?

I don't know.Maybe.

I'd like to go there...

just you, me, and Daddy...

but we wouldn't tell anyonewhere we were.

No? Why not?

Then no one would find us,

and you wouldn't have to beso busy all the time.

That would be nice,wouldn't it?

But you know, Katie,

Daddy and I havea very important job.

I know.

But we love you

more than a million Christmasesall wrapped up into one,

and no matter what,

you will always beour little princess.

I'm glad we get to come herefor Christmas.

Me too.

Oh, speaking of which...

an early Christmas gift.

Something to help youstay awake

during all those boringspeeches today.

[gasps]It's a camera!

It's an antique!

Thank you!It's perfect!

Well, it's notan antique,

but it wasmy first camera,

and it still takesgreat pictures.

It's so perfect!

Okay...

It's time to gonow, honey.

Okay.

Thank you.

Here you go.

Hello, Margaret.

-Thank you.-You're welcome.

[carolers singing]

[woman]: Princess Katherine,we must review your itinerary.

It's just as I remember it.

Although I feel likethere was snow falling...

The Christmas tree lightingceremony at the Consulate

begins promptlyat 8:00 tomorrow morning.

The staff's childrenwill sing one or two carols,

you'll hand out gifts,

and time permitting,

the Ambassadorwill introduce you to his staff.

Here's the list.It's names and positions.

Have fun,let them take their selfies,

but you mustn't dawdle.

We have a full day.

Mustn't dawdle.

Katherine...

this is important.

Yes...

I am to meet privatelywith the Ambassador.

He will ask how thingsare back home.

I will ask about his wife.Her name is Clara.

You have brunch at 10:00.

They'll ask youto say a few words,

I've had the media officeprepare a brief speech.

So when are we goingto the gallery?

I tried.

Aunt Margaret...

I'm sorry, Katherine,but look at your schedule.

Besides commitments of stateand the Christmas concert,

now you have George Houlton his way for a visit...

but we only havethree days.

We need to be homefor the Christmas Festival.

There's just no timeto waste on galleries.

It's not a waste of time.

Of course it's not.

All I'm trying to say is...

well, it was finewhile you were at school.

Your father and Iwere raised

to believe the study of art

is perfectlyrespectable.

It's also happens to besomething that I love.

And in your position,you can be a patron

to museumsand galleries

to your heart'scontent...

but you also havemore important responsibilities.

It's past timefor you to accept that.

I just want one hour...

There he is!

George!

Margaret!Good to see you again.

You too.I trust you're well?

Oh, yes, I'm well,thank you.

How was your flight?

Mwah! Plane travelis so aggravating.

All that recycled air,

you never know whatyou're inhaling.

Yeah, well, still,

the city's beautifulduring the holidays.

I'm sureyou'll enjoy your stay.

I sincerely hope so.

You remember my niece?

Oh, of course.

So nice to see you again,Your Royal Highness.

It's good to see you too.

Uh, it's been a long time.

Yes...

your aunt tells me

that you have anincredibly busy schedule

during your stay.

I sure do...

but I have been lookingforward to seeing you.

Well, then, are you goingto give me a hug, or not?

I thought you forgot about me.

Not a chance, kiddo.

You look fantastic.

Thank you.

[bells ringing]

[cell phone rings]

I hope this is good news.

Oh, Freddy, you're killing me.

I've got to have those skylightstomorrow.

No. Uh-huh.

No...

I'm pretty sureI said tomorrow...

because if I don't have themby tomorrow,

I'm going to tell Santayou've been a bad boy this year.

Well, listen,I'd hate for you

to get a lump of coalin your stocking, too,

but what choice do I have?Freddy!

I've got to getthese skylights in

before my crew disappearsfor the holidays.

All right.Thanks, Freddy.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, yeah,absolutely, no...

Santa will hearall about it.

All right, you too.

Merry Christmas.

Jack?

Ed! Hey.

Shouldn't you beat the airport?

I'm on the way.I just wanted to drop these off.

I'm thinking they'dlook good in the kitchen,

uh, for the counter top.

Beautiful.

This is lookingso good already.

Yeah, it's coming.

Okay...any questions,

just give me a shouton the Maui number.

-[phone rings]-Absolutely. 'Scuse me...

See youafter the holidays.

This is Jack.

Harry?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on.What-- what plug?

No, no, no,smoke is definitely bad.

Harry!

Harry...

All right, Harry...Harry, I'm on my way.

[George]: I remember you stood

and gazed out the windowof my office,

just like that

when you werea little girl.

I remember it so well.

A visit to your mother'sattorney's office

at Christmas...

how festive.

No, really, though.

My mom and I, we had...we had this game that we'd play,

and I would pick outthe lights,

or a tree,or some sort of display,

and that'd be the startof it all,

and then we would goexploring the city,

looking at all the decorationsto find the most perfect fit.

I looked forwardto those visits, too.

I knew your mothersince she was a little girl,

and we were at schooltogether...

but onceshe married the prince,

those visits...

it's the only timeI got to see you both.

Well, it's beenfar too long, George.

No need to make any excuses.

I'm surethe Princess of Montsaurai

has plenty moreimportant things

to keep her busy.

Yeah, so busy,

they can't even get byfor an hour without me.

What's the deal?

If Montsauraiis such a small country anyway,

why do they even needa princess, huh?

You know, I remember

your mother askingthe same question

when she marriedyour father.

Well, that wasa different story.

She fell in lovewith a prince.

All I ever do

is stand here and wave,

and flash a smile,

and give speechesto a bunch of people

that don't listenanyway.

Hey, what you dois very important.

People depend on you.

Maybe...

I'd like to be undependable.

What is going onwith you, Katie?

This.

I didn't askto be a princess.

You know, it neverstops, by the way.

There's always someone there,

trying to tell me how to talk,

how to-- how to look,how to smile...

just how to be.

It comes with the territory.

I can take care of myself.

Thank you.

I'm sorry, George.

You know...

being in this city...

it reminds meof how much I miss her.

Yeah, well...

especially at Christmas.

It was her favorite timeof the year.

She gave me this.

This, uh...

was the last Christmas presentshe gave me.

Let me see.

[chuckles warmly]

Wow.Look at that.

It's beautiful.

It was the same yearshe gave me my favorite camera.

I take it with meeverywhere I go.

Your motherloved the idea

of you growing upto be a photographer.

And look at me now.

Mm?

I have studiedwith the finest teachers

at the best universities,

and I can't getone hour to myself.

What do you thinkyour mother would say,

if she were here right now?

Right now, mm?

I think she would tell me

what she saidwhen she gave me this.

She said that kingdomsand castles vanish and fade,

but our love lasts forever.

[chuckles]

Harry?

[Harry]:Jack!

[Jack exhales,shivers]

It's freezing in here.

All right...

Now, what have you gotgoing on here?

Uh-huh...

Yeah, well, Harry,

these old circuits...

they can't handle the juicethat sign of yours takes.

Sorry, Jack.I forgot.

I was in the backmaking breakfast,

and all of a sudden, poof!

The... power goes out.

Yeah, well,if we're not careful,

you're going to go upin a puff of smoke.

Huh... always wantedto go out that way.

All right...

Presto!

Change-o!

Alakazam!

Now, that's magic.

I've got to get down here

and rewirethe whole place.

Since whendo you have the time?

I'll make time.

Can't have you livingwithout heat, hmm?

Speaking of which...

I'll check the apartment,

make surethe heaters are fired up.

Don't touch anything.

Hands off.

Bring the car around.

Always a pleasure, George.

Come along, Katherine.

Margaret,if I could have a word?

It'll only take a moment.

[Margaret]:Very well.

[George, low voice]:So, um, I'm wondering...

do you think that, uh,we should... [whispers]

I'll meet you downstairs.

[driver]: The Princessis on the way down.

Our ETA is around 15 minutes?

Perfect.

[cell phone rings]

Aunt Margaret...

unavailable.

Katherine, we need to leave.

Need I remind youof the schedule?

Did she sayanything, George?

You know, it's only beena few minutes, Margaret.

I'm sure she justwent for a walk.

The 17th Princessof Montsaurai

does not gofor a "walk..."

certainly not alone.

No sign of her, ma'am.

Well...don't just stand there.

Go find her!

What is wrongwith that girl?

She has responsibilities!

She knows.

All right...

well, that should hold youfor today.

I'll come back tomorrow

Hey, listen,everybody's coming over tonight.

We're havingour big Christmas potluck,

getting our Santa gearall ready...

why don't you drop by?

It's very kind of you,

but I'm having dinnerwith Emma tonight.

How's your sister doing?

She's good.

You know, I saw her boyfriend,Ross, on TV the other night.

He was reporting

on this nutty Polar Bearjump-in-the-ocean thing,

and brr!

Sounds about right.

I've got to go.

Well, then come byafter dinner and say hi.

Everybody's been askingabout you.

All right,let me see.

So I'll tell 'emyou're coming?

What's going on, Harry?

What? Nothing.

Oh, hey, look at whatI found in your ear.

All right.

When you start pulling stuffout of my ear,

I know something's up.

No, it's just,you know...

Mike, he's gota niece visiting,

and she's a nice girl,

and I thoughtmaybe you'd like to...

What did I tell youabout trying to set me up?

Maybe it's time for youto get back in the game?

I don't wantto get back in the game.

It's a stupid game.

They keep changing the rules.

Okay, okay.

No nieces...

but, um...

why don't youcome over tonight anyway?

Everybody's asking about you.

Okay, yeah.

And I believe this is for you.

Save it for me.

Oh!

Oh.

[♪♪]

♪ See the snowflakes falling

♪ Hear some girlfriendscalling ♪

♪ Grab a cup of Joe

♪ Then we're on the go...

It is a wonderful life.

♪ ...As we finish offour shopping ♪

♪ Bags are full of toys

♪ For the girls and boys

♪ See how happy we can be...

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

Wow.

Excuse me, miss?

Would you takemy picture?

Oh. Yes.Of course.

[man]: I'm just visitingfor the holidays,

but my grandmother,she grew up in this building.

-[Katie]: Oh, wow...-[man]: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The familyused to gather around,

she told me stories...

I figured she'd geta kick out of a picture.

[Katie, laughing]:That's very sweet of you.

[man]: Oh, yeah.She's a sweetie.

Family, you know?

That's allthere really is to it...

especially aroundthe holidays.

Do my part...make my Mom proud.

Okay, great,thank you so much.

[Katie]: Merry Christmas.

-And a Happy New Year to you!-'Kay...

Hey! Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Somebody stop that guys!Stop those guys!

Hey!

Sorry, sorry.

Sorry...

I lost him.

Uh... uh...

I got a pretty good look,though.

I could-- I couldgive the police a description.

You've got to look outfor these guys.

I mean,they're all over the city...

You going to call the cops?

Excuse me?

You know, file a report.I mean...

These guys are gone,but maybe you can catch 'em.

Catch them?

The guysthat stole your purse.

Oh! Oh, no!

Oh, my camera!My camera's gone.

This man said he wantedto take a picture,

that it was a present,for his grandmother...

What a liar!

Where are you going?

-I'm going to get him.-You're going to get him?

What, really?

What's the plan,you going to run him down?

Look, call the cops.

The cops?

Yeah, I mean,it's kind of their thing.

Well, I'll call themat my hotel room.

What are you talking about?Call them right now.

They're stillin the neighborhood.

Besides, you've got a witness.

I don't want to bother you.

It's no bother.

Thank you.Thank you.

All right, well...

Listen, my vanis right over here.

At least let me give youa ride to the hotel.

No, it's not far.Thank you, though.

Thank you.

So you have no phone,

you've got no money,

I'm assumingyou're all alone...

and you don't wantto call the police?

I am perfectly capableof taking care of myself, okay?

Course you are.

Thank you.

All right.

Fine, no.

Hey, good luckwith that.

Hey...

Here.

Oh, I can't take this.

Come on.

You can't be alone in the citywithout money. Just...

Okay, thank you.

I'll pay you back,I promise.

Consider it a gift.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas!

Hey, Merry Christmas.

[Margaret]:Oh, no, everything's fine.

It's justthat Katherine mentioned

she might drop by to say hello?

No?

Oh, well, another time, then.

Oh, yes, we're looking forwardto the Christmas Festival, too.

Oh, well, of course,the Princess will be there.

It's tradition.

No member of the royal familyhas missed it

in over a hundred years.

I will. You too.

Bye.

That's it.I've called everyone.

It's only beena few hours.

A little tea.Relax...

she'll be back.

She's my niece, George.

She's my brother'sonly child.

Suppose she's lost?Or hurt?

Katie is not helpless.

She's a smart, young,resourceful girl.

She's beenall around the world.

She can take careof herself.

She is also a princess.

She's never been aloneon the streets.

She's never evencarried money.

She can't just berunning around.

Why not?

What's wrong witha little "running around"?

With Christmasonly four days away?

You have no idea

what it would meanto the people of Montsaurai

if she isn't thereto celebrate with them.

No, I can't letthat happen.

I have to find her.

All right.

Would you like meto call the police?

Oh, we never involvethe police.

I've called Simon.

And who is Simon?

And we've been pledged

to protectPrincess Katherine's family

for generations.

trusting to luck, George.

Now, we're fullyaccredited

with the locallaw enforcement agencies.

Now that gives us a free handto move around the city

as much as we need to.

If anyone can findKatherine quietly,

Simon can.

Does Katie know about this?

Of course she knows.

She just doesn'tespecially like it.

[Simon]: You know,I don't think she's that far.

Her mother used to do thisall the time...

just stayedwithin a few-block radius.

Find her, Simon.

We will.

Oh....

Hi, hi.

To the Shelton on the ParkHotel, please.

$40 to go to the Shelton.

Plus tip.

Okay, well, I can pay youwhen I get there.

Are you se-- really?

Okay.Well, that's great.

I guess I will just walk...then.

Merry Christmas.

All I'm saying is,

you could have warned methat he was going to be here.

If I had,you wouldn't have come.

Sure, I would've.

Probably.

Maybe.

Come on, Jack...

Ross is not a bad guy,once you get to know him.

He's your boyfriend.

Why do I need to get to knowmy sister's boyfriend?

He likes you.He wants to hang out...

you know, be friends.

Oh, whatwe're in eighth grade now?

I'm like--I'm one of the cool kids?

You are one of the cool kids.You always were.

Yeah, when myskinny little sister

wasn't following mearound... Hey, do not!

[giggles]

Careful.

Hey... go on.

Jack,it's almost Christmas.

Just talk to him.

Please?

[Ross]: Jack! It's on!

Grr....all right, fine.

I'll talk to him.

Go, go...

I'll take care of dinner.

Come on, sit down.

I'm Ross Hargrave,

with another Christmasstocking stuffer

from WVBC Channel 6 News.

Wally Simpter.

Tell me, Wally,

every Christmasfor over 40 years.

What makes this barbershopso special, Wally?

And why only at Christmas?

Oh...

Wally Simpter.

Singer.

Dancer.

Christmas enigma.

This is Ross Hargravereporting.

Back to you, Stan.

So, Jack?

Tell me the truth.What did you think?

It was, uh...it was heart-warming.

Yeah! Yes!

That's whatI was going for.

You know,between you and me,

this is justa means to an end...

Sure.

Get my TV cue up,some good exposure...

and I'm readyto, you know, break out.

I just needthat one big story,

get my ticket punchedfor a network gig, my friend.

Oh, yeah.

I mean,that's what it's all about.

Mm-hmm.

[Emma]:You guys hungry?

Oh, starving!

Yeah.

You sureI can't help you?

I'll take care of this.You go relax, talk to Ross.

Yeah, I think I'm goingto take off.

How come?

I told HarryI'd drop by.

Hmm...

thought maybeyou had a hot date.

Right.

So...

are you dating anyone?

Why is everyone so suddenlyinterested in my personal life?

Because you're a nice guy...

and you shouldn't bealone at Christmas.

You kidding me?

Look at me...I'm doing great.

I'm dancing!

Jack, I'm serious.

All you do is work

and take care of everyone else.

You need to get outand have some fun.

It's been a yearsince you and Gretchen...

Thanks for dinner, Sis.

Aw, don't leave...

he's going to thinkyou're avoiding him.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Hey, Jack? Jack?

Where'd he go?

Hey!

Oh!

We meet again!

Yes, we do!

What're you doingway over here?

Oh, I'm just...taking in the sights.

In the dark?

I like Christmas lights,

and it's more...Christmas-y at nighttime.

Ah.

Yeah... are you lost?

-No.-Oh.

The weather'sjust lovely,

so I thoughtI would take the scenic route.

-Back to your hotel.-Exactly...

which is actuallywhere I'm headed now,

so I'm going to...I'm going to go to my hotel...

which is...

this way...

but it was really niceto see you. It was.

You too.

Uh, any word on your purse?

Yes!

Actu-- um, no.

Well, kind of...I mean...

the cops, you know,they're all over it.

They said they were goingto crack this case wide open,

so that's good.

Yeah, you told themyou have a witness?

-Mm-hmm.-Okay.

Yeah, and they were like..."Pfft, we got this."

So you're good...

but thank you.

So...

are those your friends inside?

-Yeah?-Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

so you should go back inside.

No, no...

they look forward to thisall year.

It's kind ofa Christmas tradition...

and the night is young.

They will make the most of it.

Well, seems likethey already are.

Yep.

Do you... want to come in?

Uh, no, no, no.

I don't want to intrude.

Oh, no, it's a potluck.

There's alwaysway too much food,

and it's warm.

Oh, really?

Yeah, but, I mean,if you have somewhere to be...

Well, I could come infor a minute...

Oh, really?

Oh, okay.

[Harry]: And here'sthis cute little kid,

sharp as a tack.

He's going down his list.

Me, I'm just tryingto keep up.

He's going down his list.

and a Turbo Booster!

Well, finally, I get it--

these arefor some computer game!

So, he finishes his list,

and I said, "Son, you nevermentioned the Backgammon.

"The Backgammon"is rarer than any Omni drive.

"Your friends are goingto be so jealous.

Oh, ho ho ho!"

Hey, Jack!

[laughs]

You made it!

I'm a man of my word.

-Oh!-Oh, Dixie...

Mwah!Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

And lookit,he brought a friend.

[Harry]:Well, Jack?

Aren't you goingto introduce your friend?

Of, of course, yeah...uh, this is...

um...

Katie.

Um...

Katie Holiday.

Katie Holiday!

It's a pleasure to meet you...

and Merry Christmas.

I'm Harry Ballentine,the Great Matriando.

Yes, this is youon the poster?

Are you reallya magician?

Well, I dabble.

Why, thank you,Mr. Santa Claus.

Jack, you canbring her by any time.

Hi, honey, I'm Dixie.

I was Harry's assistantfor almost 40 years.

And still as beautifulas the day I hired her.

Oh, quitethe charmer here.

You look hungry.

Starving.

Let's get you a plate.

Ah...

All right, just...

[Christmas music playing]

So, how longhave you known Jack?

Mm... who?

Jack?

Oh, Jack.

Not long.

He has neverbrought anybody before.

Well, I guess it was

kind of one of thosespur of the moment type things.

But he seems really nice.

He's a sweetie.

So what's going on here?

Why is everybody dressed uplike Santa Claus?

Because they are Santa Claus.

What do you mean?

Retired police officer.

Accountant.Dentist.

History professor...

but when this time of yearrolls around,

all they want to do is makethose children smile.

It's a Christmas tradition.

It's wonderful.

Just don't get them startedon their stories, honey.

We'll be here all night.

We checkedall the hospitals.

We monitoredall the police activity.

There's no one in the system

who matchesthe princess' description,

and...

we found her phone.

She ditched it in the basement.

Why would she get ridof her phone?

Well, her phone has RFIDwith GPS.

I can track this phonealmost anywhere.

I just didn't thinkshe knew about it.

Heh...

She's a smart girl.

Simon, my niece is alonein a strange city at night.

We have to find her.

Yes, ma'am, I understand.We will find her.

It's almost impossibleto disappear these days.

Betweenall the surveillance cameras

and the computers out there,

there's no placeleft to hide.

And thenwe have another problem.

Her schedule?

She has so many importantcommitments tomorrow.

She can't just not show up.

George, I hate to ask,

but I could use your help.

And it was so funny,

because thenit was the next day,

the very next day,

that I answered the door,and who's standing there?

Harry.

And I thought,"Who is this?"

Well, if he didn'thave me laughing...

So what's the storywith you two?

There's no story.

Who is she?

I have no idea.

What, like, you just found herwandering the streets?

As a matter of fact...

You're serious.

Yeah.

A couple guysswiped her purse.

Her camera was inside.

She didn't wantto call the cops.

You think she might bein some kind of trouble?

I don't know.

She was wearingthat raggedy coat

over somepretty nice clothes.

[Harry]:What are you going to do?

I already triedto help her.

She wanted no part of it.

Well, you can't just put herback out on the street.

I'm not goingto put her anywhere.

She's a grown woman.

Besides, I hardlyeven know her.

So, get to know her.

What?

She's a nice girl.

I don't thinkshe's from around here,

so find out what's going on...

and if she's in trouble,maybe you can help.

[phone rings]

Hello?

Really?You're going to let me do that?

No, no, no, absolutely,I understand.

Yeah, I got it covered.

Thanks, Ray!

I won't let you...

Ray?

Hi!

What was that about?

Fantastic news.

My editor justgave me a story,

like, a real story,

like, the kindI deserve, you know?

Wow, just like that?

Well, when I've donethe puff piece I'm on now,

but yeah.

Princess something-or-otherand her string quartet

are over from Europe,in town

for a concert or something,I don't know.

Ooh, concert?Can I come?

I've never heard of her,but it's got to be covered.

Yeah, she's from some country,

some little country...Montsaurai...

Montasaurus, or... not sure.I can't remember.

Ray was talking, like,really fast, so...

Hey...

[gasps awake]

-Oh, no!-Oh, no?

-Hi.-Hi.

Um...

I'm so sorrythat I fell asleep.

You should've...you should've woken me up.

Yeah, I know, I told Harryto toss you out

in the middle of the night,

but he's funny like that.

Coffee?

Ah.

I have to go.I'm...

You don't have timefor a cup of coffee?

Will you tell everybodythank you?

That was, honestly, like,the best Christmas party

I've been toin such a long time.

Wait. Wait a sec...

I'm sorry about yesterday.

I'm not really usedto people helping me like that.

I don't knowwhat I'd have done without you.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Katie! Hey.

Is that yours?

Thank you.Thank you!

I don't know what I would havedone without this.

Thank you so much.

Come on.Let me give you a lift.

It's not far.It's okay.

Yeah, I've heardthat before.

Look, I'll take youwhere you want to go,

and then I'll getout of your hair.

Jack, it's okay.

Hey, if it makesyou feel any better,

you can blindfold me

so I don't knowwhere we're going.

Can you help me with this?

Uh, yeah.

Boyfriend?

No.

Husband?

No.

It's my mother.

All right, Ms. Holidaywhere to?

The Bat Cave?

Fortress of Solitude?North Pole?

Can I show yousomething special?

Yeah.

[Jack]: Ah-hah!The art gallery.

Yeah.

They just opened thisnew photography exhibit.

One of the best collectionsever...

Robert Capa, Brassai,Ansel Adams...

Oh, I've actually heardof a couple of those folks.

Have you? Yeah?

Well, most of the piecesare from private collections,

and none of them have beenput on public display before.

Um, hey, I'm starving.

Want to go get some food?

Is there a problem?

No problem.

Just hungry.

Okay.

What about Brassai?

Well, Brassai can wait.

Thank you allfor coming today.

As you know, Princess Katherinehad planned on introducing

the members of Montsaurai'sNational Quartet

in preparationfor tonight's concert.

Unfortunately, the Princesswon't be attending at all.

[Ross]:How come?

Oh,she's a bit under the weather.

You mean,like a cold, or what?

Nothing serious,

but with her back to backschedule

celebrating the holidayswhen she returns home,

we don't wantto take any chances.

Who cares?

Just operate the camera,let me ask the questions.

I thank you allfor coming again.

Thanks, Trish.

Good job.

[Jack]: Hey, you know,

whatever's going on,

obviously,it's none of my business,

but, um, if you're in somekind of trouble...

It's not like that.

I'm just saying,if you need a ride somewhere,

or want to make a phone call,just say the word.

You don't even know me.

You like Christmasand photography...

what more do I needto know?

[Christmas music playing]

Oh, this song!

My mother usedto sing it to me

all the time.

We used to come herefor the holidays,

run aroundthe town together,

just the two of us.

It was the best partof our Christmas.

Wait, so yesterday,

you were just havinga nice little stroll

down memory lane,

and those jerkstook your purse?

Yes.

And now you're all alonefor Christmas?

Well, this is unacceptable.

I'll be fine.

Give me two Big Apple dogswith the works.

My treat.

Thank you.

I hope you canceledyour credit card.

What?

Otherwise,

those guys are on one heckof a Christmas shopping spree.

Oh, I don't haveany credit cards.

Come on, everybodyhas credit cards.

Not me.

All right...

So... just...

Get in there. Mm!

Mm!

It's delicious!

Why, you never hada hotdog before?

Yeah, well...

I mean, you know...

like they say,

everything's betterin New York.

-[phone rings]-Sorry.

Freddy, what's up?

You kidding me?

I've got to take it.

No, no, I'm coming.

Here it is...

Freddy!

Jack!

You want skylights today,you got skylights today...

delivered personally!

It's a Christmas miracle!

Yeah, yeah...enough sweet talk.

Come on, give me a hand.I'll bring 'em up.

All right,let me just handle this.

Take a look around.

It's a beautifulNew York space.

Oh, it is beautiful.

It's going to beeven more beautiful

when we're done with it.

"Langdon Restorationand Renovation," is it?

That's you.

[phone rings]

Start rolling.

We've got to get thisback to the station.

Just stay tight on me.

[Simon]: Whoa, excuse me,sir, can I help you?

Is thatthe princess in there?

Sir, please step awayfrom the car.

I just want to ask hera couple of questions.

I understand.Please step away from the car.

Take it easy, man.I'm just doing my job.

I'm just doing mine, too.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

[Trish]: You just gotso totally punked.

You smell that, Trish?

Something's fishy.

[Jack]:I love the light in this room.

It's got a...

it's got a color.

I don't even knowwhat to call it.

Gold?Ochre, maybe.

With a hint of umber.

Ooh.

There's this photographin this gallery in Milan...

from the '40s,just after the war,

first time they could put upChristmas lights.

It's almost identical to...

Milan?

Uh... I saw it in a book.

You like photography.

This is why you wantedto go to the gallery, okay.

Just wanted to think,you know?

Something about a art gallery,

it always helps meclear my head.

So why did you wantto take off so quickly?

I don't know, I...

Becauseit seemed to me

like you didn't want to seethose two guys you saw...

or maybe...

you didn't want themto see you?

I should go.

Hey, look, if...

if you're in trouble...

if someone's tryingto hurt you...

No, uh...you don't understand.

What I understand

is that whateveryou're running away from,

you don't have to go back

if you don't want to.

It's not up to me, Jack.

Isn't it?

It's your life.

You can dowhatever you put your mind to.

I wish it were that easy.

Trust me,

it's a lot easier than spendingthe rest of your life

being someoneyou don't want to be.

How can you be so sure?

Mm?

[clears throat]

Ah, look,I was thinking...

if you need a placeto crash, you know,

for a couple days,

stay here.

Here?

Yeah!

The owner is a good friend.

He's in Hawaii for Christmas,you know...

place is empty.

You'd have itall to yourself.

It's up to you.

Why are you doing this for me?

I know what it's liketo need a little help.

It's not always easy to ask.

Besides...

look at this!

We have authenticChristmas trees

in every room.

Just... think about it.

May I help you?

Ross Hargraveto see the Princess?

Excuse me?

Sorry.

Ross Hargrave,WVBC Channel 6 News

to see the 17th Princessof Montsaurai.

You know...

Katherine Sophia LenoreMarta-Louise

Ariane Hollingston.

You've never heard of her?

There's no one by that namestaying at this hotel.

Of course not!

Of course not,

but if you could informHer Highness

that I'm herefor our exclusive interview,

that would be great.

Are you sure you havethe right address, sir?

Never mind.

[Emma]: Jack?

Hey, Jack?

Em-ay!

Thanks for coming.

Oh, this is great.

You were a little vagueon the phone.

Who are these for?

Uh, she's in the bedroom.

Who's in the bedroom?

-Katie.-Great...

Who's Katie?

She's...

I...

Just see if any of them fit.

Uh-huh.

Good? Good?

-Ha.... hi.-Hi.

All right guys,

let's takean early lunch.

I, uh...

I called, uh...

My sister hasa consignment store,

and I thought you might wanta change of clothes.

I know.She told me.

Thank you.

Doesn't she look great, Jack?

Uh, yeah!Yeah!

I told Katie thatif she didn't like these,

you'd bring herby the store later

to pick outsomething else.

These are fine.

Yeah, no, th...this is...

[clears throat]

It's good.Good.

It's good.

[Emma]:Hey, speaking of Christmas,

I need you to go pick upthe Christmas tree later.

I know it's last minute,

and I would do it myselfif I could,

but I have to beat the store

because everyone elseis on holiday,

and even if I could,my car's so small and...

Em...

Can you justhelp me? Please?

Em, I would love to,

but I'm on a tight enoughschedule as it is.

It's three daysbefore Christmas.

Why don't you havea tree?

You ask me that every year.

I don't decorateuntil Christmas Eve!

You know that.

[sighs]

Look, I can't pull guysoff this job,

and I can't do it by myself.

You always wantthe biggest tree!

It's a two-person job.I'm sorry.

Well, what about me?

What about you?

I can help.

I thoughtyou had somewhere to be?

I do...

but she brought meall of these amazing clothes,

so I would loveto return the favor.

Do you have any ideahow heavy it'll be?

Watch, okay?

Oh, Katie...thank you, thank you!

I knew we were goingto be best friends!

Wait, I've got to call them,let them know.

Mm-hmm...

Okay, I'm goingto grab my coat.

I would say, uh,

give me a callaround 4:00, all right?

Just to let me knowwhat's going on, okay?

Thanks, guys.

Hey.

She didn't... say anything?

Who?

The Queen of England.

Katie!

About what?

About, you know,about, like...

who she is,where she's from?

Wait...you don't know who she is?

No!

I mean, I...

I just...didn't you ask her anything?

Well, I didn't knowit was some big mystery.

[Katie]: Hi.

Katie!

Hi. Ready?

What are you doingfor Christmas?

Come with Jack,dinner at my house!

Um...

[laughs awkwardly]

Want to get the tree?

Yeah.

[Margaret]: Mm-hmm.

Oh, no.

No, no, no,

just a case of the sniffles,Ambassador.

Naturally,she wants to attend the concert.

I had to insistshe stay in bed.

Oh...

Well, of course she'll be backin time for the Festival.

How could Montsaurai celebrateChristmas without its Princess?

[laughs]

Mm-hmm.I'll tell her you called.

Thank you for standing inat the concert.

Bye, now.

[sighs]

Where are you, Katie?

[Katie]: I'm pulling it.

[Jack]: No, no.No, no, don't pull it.

Push. Push it.

Are you sure?

Here, let me grab it.Let me grab it.

No, no, no!

Hold on, hey!

[Jack]: What--are you trying to kill me?

No! Ah![laughs]

Okay. Sorry.

[laughs]

Yeah, that's the heavy end,by the way.

You're welcome.

Want me to takethe pointy end?

No... oh!

Yeah!Take the pointy end!

Here you go!

That better?

[laughs]

Okay.

Go!

Let's get 'er done.

What?

Just get in the house.

Right.

George Hoult.

Hi. I'm Ross Hargrave...

WVBC Channel 6 News.

What can I do for you,Mr. Hargrave?

Mr. Hoult, I don't knowif you remember me.

I was at the press conferencethis morning.

I remember you.

I was hoping the princessmight feel up to an interview,

just the two of us?

The princess won't be doingany interviews

while she's here.

Well, I suppose, then,

I'll have to runwith my other story.

And what story is that?

The rumorsthat she's disappeared.

I'm afraidyou've been misinformed.

The princess is upstairsright now,

resting in her suite.

Look, we can dance aroundlike this all day...

but I've done my research,and I know for a fact

that the princess has nevermissed a Christmas event.

Ever.

I find it hard to believe

that a little caseof the sniffles

is going to change that.

Well, I find it hard to believe

that your station isin the habit of airing rumors.

We livein such a litigious society.

Well, if it's just a rumor,prove me wrong.

Let me see the princess.

-I've got to...-[Margaret]: George!

She is just like her mother!

Margaret...

Katherine Hollingstons...they always run away!

The Runaway Princess!Exclusive story at 6:00!

Thank you!

Thank you.

Well, thanks againfor your help.

It meansa lot to Emma.

Well, I thoughtit turned out to be kind of fun.

Maybe I should hire youon full-time.

I could use somebody aroundto do the heavy lifting...

and snowball throwing.

I might take youup on that.

You know, Emma meantwhat she said before

about Christmas dinner.

Oh, Jack...

I know, I know...

you've got a lot of stuffup in the air...

but it's Christmas.You shouldn't be alone.

[carolers sing"Joy to the World"]

Thank you.

It's still here.

Oh, my goodness...

Ah...

I don't believe it.

I was here with my motherwhen I was a little girl.

You're kidding me?

I used to come hereall the time when I was a kid.

Did you really?

Yeah.

My goodness...

It's exactly...

it's exactly the same.

It's justunbelievable.

I sat onSanta's lap here.

Look at this!Oh, my goodness!

Watch out for the--

Look at thisright here!

This is exactly the same!

Oh!

You know, I thought that I wasgoing to be here forever.

I really did,just her, my father, and I...

was it.

Where are your folks now?

They, uh...

I was really young...

and, um,there was a plane crash.

I'm sorry.

Yeah.

Hey...

are you ever afraid

that everythingyou've ever imagined

for so long

can't possibly be real?

That's whyyou're in New York...

to see if it's real.

I miss them so much.

Yeah.

[laughs]

Come here.

You've got to see this.Come here.

[Katie giggles]

[Harry]:And what's your name?

Ha ha, sit down!

[chuckles]

You've gotto be kidding me.

Now, I knowyou love coloring.

Oh...

but it's not colored!

Tap your magic wand.

Oh, ho, ho, ho!

You are a magician!

Merry Christmas!Ha, ha!

Merry Christmas!

Oh, have some soup, dear.

Thank you.

Do you wantsome bread with that?

Yes, please.

You're both so lovelywith the children.

Everybody talks aboutthe magic of Christmas.

Me? I like to let the kidssee it for themselves.

You know, my parents oncetook me to see a magician.

It was amazing!

He just madehis assistant disappear.

It was just--poof!

An oldie but a goodie.

Jack...

So you can makepeople vanish?

Honey, Harry has disappearedme so many times,

I should get frequentflyer miles.

Jack?Soup's ready.

Two minutes.

Man never stops.

Well, not since I've known him.

Oh, this is hot.

It is.

How'd you guys meet?

Jack and I meta couple years ago.

I had just retired the act,

didn't knowwhat to do with myself.

[Dixie]:I told him, I said,

"Harry, why don't youopen a store or something,

you know,so you don't get rusty?"

I found this placeto rent

and came outto talk to the owner...

grumpiest young manI ever set my eyes on.

Jack?

He was this hot-shotreal estate broker back then.

Man, all this money...

[Dixie]: And smart as a whip.

He got an MBAfrom one of those big schools.

Which one was it, Harry?

Oh, I can neverremember.

So, Jack...

the guy that has a vanand renovates old buildings?

Really?

The point is,he hated every minute of it.

All he really wanted to dowas to work with his hands.

So, after he rents methe place,

he starts coming around,you know,

and doing the repairs himself.

And pretty soon,

he's doing odd jobsfor Mike, and Ray,

and everybody.

Word gets around

this guy is like a magicianwith his hands...

no pun intended.

Next thing you know,he quits real estate,

buys himself a van.

Which did not sit wellwith Gretchen.

Who's Gretchen?

Well, they were supposedto be married.

[Dixie]: She hung aroundfor a while,

thought it was a phase--

till the moneystarted to get tight.

It was aroundthis time last year,

just before Christmas.

She shows up one day,tells him she didn't sign on

for some guy who workswith power tools...

and that, as they say,was that.

So, she just... left?

It wasn't pretty.

Since then,

he's pretty muchkept to himself.

When was this taken?

This afternoon.

I just got thisfrom one of my men.

My niece was at the gallerythis afternoon,

and you and your menmissed her?

I'm...

I'm not surehow that happened.

-Who is that with her?-Oh...

Well, evidently,

she's got a contact in the citywe don't know about...

which would explain

how she's been ableto evade our men,

but don't worry.We'll find a name.

Thanks for walkingme home, Harry.

Good night,Katie!

So what have you been doingback there?

Ah, those old circuitsare on their last legs.

I was patching them up

until I can find the timeto get down here

and rewire the whole place.

How's that goingfor you?

[laughs]

I'd probably be better off

with oneof Harry's magic spells.

Come on.

I see whatyou're doing to that building.

It's like you're bringingit back to life.

Yeah... well, some days,

it feels likeI'm banging my head

against the wall.

Oh, I just can't believe

you ever used to doanything else.

Somebody's been talkingto Harry.

Apparently,

you used to be really grumpyall the time.

[chuckles]

Well, you know...

kind of hard to be chipper

Well, you know...

Hey, when you decidedto start over

and try something different,

how did you knowit was what you wanted?

I...

I guess I always...kind of knew.

I just hadto make up my mind

to do something about it.

Well, do you ever look back

and miss all the thingsthat you had?

No.

I don't see the pointin looking back.

It's kind of just aboutbeing in the present, you know?

[knocking,followed by door opening]

Jack?

-Em! Hey!-Hey!

[Emma]:Katie, hi!

-[Ross]: Jack.-Ross.

I thought I'd find you here.

Katie, this ismy boyfriend, Ross.

Ross, this is Katie.

-It's nice to meet you.-Hi.

You look familiar.

Really?

That's weird.

Come in,have some soup.

[Emma]: Oh,no, no, no, we can't.

I wantedto bring these by.

I thought you could usea change of clothes

after the dayyou put in.

Thank you.

Are you kidding?Thank you.

I don't know whatI would've done without you.

Why're you guysall dressed up?

Ross is taking meto dinner,

and then we have ticketsto see a concert

by the National String Quartetof Montsaurai.

Concert?

Have you heard of them?

Yeah, I heard...

I've heard they're lovely.

What's the difference?

I got their ticketsfree from work.

The important thing is,we are celebrating tonight.

What's the occasion?

I finally found it,Jack...

my big score that's goingto get me that network gig.

Ross is a television reporter.

He's working on a big story,

but he can't reallytalk about it.

Well, I can say that...

a certain memberof a certain royal family

is on the loosein a certain city...

tonight, right now.

Isn't that exciting?

It's exciting.

All right,we'd better scoot.

See you guys later.

Royal family...

[scoffs]

["Silent Night" playing]

♪ Silent nightHoly night ♪

♪ All is calmAll is bright ♪

♪ Round yon virginMother and child ♪

♪ Holy infantSo tender and mild... ♪

Harry was right.

You never stop working,do you?

Sorry.Was the music too loud?

No, I like it.

Yeah...

Yeah, I do this at nightsometimes,

when it's quiet.

You know, helps me think.

Hmm.

What are you thinking about?

[chuckles]

Lately? You.

I don't know you...

what you do, where you're from.

You just show upall of a sudden...

wondering if you're goingto leave the same way.

You know, my entire life,

I have always wantedto make my own decisions,

and here I am,

with no oneto tell me what to do...

and I can't decide...

because either way,

I hurt somebodyI care about.

Ah...

Well, I was goingto give you this tomorrow,

but I supposeyou should open it now

in case you decide to goand run off on me.

Kind of an earlyChristmas gift.

It's nothing fancy,

but I mean,

a photographer shouldn'tbe going around

without a camera, right?

Thank you.

Hey, do me a favor.

Don't just disappear on me.

Come with me to the art gallerytomorrow.

We'll talk then, okay?

Okay.

Cool.

Thank you.

Good night.

Night.

♪ ...Christ the Savior is born

♪ Christ the SaviorIs born ♪

[strings musicof "O Come All Ye Faithful"]

Do you have to keep lookingthrough those things?

Nobody else has them.

Hey!

Hello, Princess.

Ross!

Ross!

[slight commotion,whispering]

[Emma]:Ross!

Thank you.

[gasps]

Hmm?

Well, art is inspirational.

I need to make a phone call.

Okay.

Thank you.

[knocks]

I'm coming!Hold your horses.

Oh! You're an early bird.Come on in!

Uh, Harry, right?

Yeah, and you're Ross.

I loved that thing you didon the dancing elf.

It was very illuminating.

Yeah, thanks.

Listen, there was a womanhere the other night...

friend of Jack's?

Katie, sure.

Right, Katie.

I think I know herfrom somewhere.

Any idea where I might find her?

Oh, well,she'll be back later.

She likes to hang around

while Jack workson the place.

Great.

Thanks!Thanks a lot.

Yup!

Hmm.

[George, on phone]:Hello?

George?

Oh, my God...

Katie!Are you all right?

I'm fine, George, really.

Just tell Aunt MargaretI'll be back soon.

I promise.

She is very worried about you.We all are.

I know. I know.I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to worry you.I hope you know that.

I just really neededsome time to myself.

Well...

I understand,

but don't you thinkit's time you come home now?

I can't.

Um, something happened.

What happened?

Well, I'm not really sure.

Does this "something"have a name?

Jack.

Okay.

Does this "Jack"know who you are?

Mm...

[chuckles]I see...

I just... if you could holdAunt Margaret off

a little while longer,

that would be great.

[George chuckles]

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Look, I can hold her off,but there's another problem.

There's this local TV reporter

that's been askinga lot of questions.

I know. I saw.It's bad.

Well, you know,if he spins this the wrong way,

I mean, you've gota lot at stake here, Katie.

More than you know.

I've got to go.I've got to go.

I'll call you.I'll call you.

[Simon]: Ma'am!

Okay...

Okay.

Are you sure?

Well, find outand get back to me.

Ma'am, two of my men

made contact with the princessthis afternoon.

Do they have her?

Is she safe?

Well, apparently,she recognized them

and jumped into a vanto avoid them.

A van?With whom?

The manfrom the surveillance photo?

Now we knowwho we're looking for...

Langdon Renovationand Restoration.

[Harry]:Who were these guys?

I don't know, but they lookedlike they meant business.

Ross is on his way over.

[Harry]: Yeah, he keepscoming around.

What's important is,

why would anyone wantto kidnap you?

Yeah, that's a good question.

I'm sorry.I should have told you.

Told us what?

The reasonthis all started

was becauseI wanted to find a way

for Christmasto feel the way it used to,

the way I remembered itwith my family...

and then I met you guys,

and you made me feelso welcome,

like...

like I belonged,

like I waspart of your family...

and... it felt really good...

and for the first timein a really long time,

I didn't have to worry

that you were being nice to mebecause of who I am.

Who are you?

Well...

you know meas Katie Holiday...

but my real...

my full name is Katherine...

[Ross]: Where is she?[shakes door]

I know she's in there!

I demand to see her right now!

Ross?

'Kay, Trish, I wanta gentle pan off the sign

and find mein three, two...

This is Ross Hargravewith another exclusive story

from WVBC Channel 6 News...

Ross?

What are you doing,

and where did you golast night?

While this may be a timeof Christmas miracles

for most of us,

the true mysterythis holiday season

is the amazing storyof the young woman

who vanished amongthe lights and tinsel

of our own city.

What are you talking about?

of the young woman currentlyhiding inside this magic shop?

Ross, get that thingout of my face.

You can't hide the truth, sir.

What "truth"?

What the heckis going on out here?

Sir, what my viewerswant to know,

is what the heck is going onin there!

In here?

See for yourself.

Trish!

Where is she?

Where's who?

Your friend, Katie.

-What do you want with her?-Oh, come on, Jack. We all...

know who she really is.

[Emma]: Ross,just stop.

What are you doing?

You getting this?

Every word.

Ah-hah!

Ta-dah...

Do any of you have any ideahow long I've been waiting

for a story like this?

Do you think it's every daythat Ross Hargrave

gets an exclusive interviewwith a runaway princess?

-Wait...-Who's a princess?

Katie?

You really didn't know?

I thinkI would've mentioned it.

That was your big story?The one you had to keep secret?

Well, I couldn't riskmy exclusive.

But you knewthat Katie was my friend.

You should have told me.

Come on, baby,

you know how importantthis story is to me.

More important than us?

Well... yeah.Nothing personal, you know.

You're right...nothing personal.

Hey! Whoa!No, babe, babe, babe!

[banging]

Did you get that?

Oh, yeah.[giggles]

It's all right.

Ross disappear-o!

Where...

Actually...

shift's over anyway.See ya.

You okay?

I can watchthe other channels.

Prrrr... fzoot!

It's a really small country.

[laughs]

What?

So she's a princess!What's the big deal?

It's not like Katie livesin a castle or something.

Actually...

Really?

Oh...

Wow!

What's it like?

[Ross makes muffled noisesin closet]

Later.

So who were those guyschasing you?

They technicallywork for me.

At home, in Montsaurai,

we celebrate Christmasevery year

with a national festival.

It's a very old tradition.

The whole countrylooks forward to it,

and for hundreds of years,

the royal family...

my family...

has always presided over it.

And now you'vegot to go home.

Um...

hey, I'm happyyou got the chance

to come backand see Christmas again,

the way you remember it.

Jack, I...

I've got to--

I've got to go to work.

Um...

have a safe trip home...

Katie.

Thank youfor everything.

Um...

keep in touch.

I will.

Well, I'm sorry I'm goingto miss the Christmas dinner.

Next year.

Next year.

Thought you'd be gone.

There's some beautiful workin here.

Hate for youto lose it.

Thank you.

You never did getto the gallery.

All I ever wantedwas one hour.

Just one hour?

Yeah.

I think we might needsome of Harry's Christmas magic.

How did you do this?

You know the placeI'm working on?

Yeah?

So the owneris a friend of mine.

He's a stock broker.Very successful.

Happens to be onthe Board of Directors.

Called him up in Maui,

he owes me a favor...

here we are.

Wow.

Okay, well, my turn.

I want to introduce youto my friends.

[chuckles]All right.

Just to be clear,you are a princess, right?

Because if you'rea duchess or countess

or any of those things,deal's off.

I'm just a princess.

-Just?-Yes.

Okay.

Uh-oh...

You've got to go.

Uh...

You're goingto want this.

Thank you.

Enjoy.

I will.

Jack Langdon.

Well, call me crazy,

but I had a feeling you guyswere going to show up.

Fellas.

Where's the Princess?

She's hanging outwith some friends.

I need to see her.

Okay, come on, Jack.

Neither of us wantto get the police involved.

That's true...

although if you were goingto call the police,

you probably would've done thatalready.

The point is,you know who she is,

and you know she has to go back.

I'd say that's up to her.

Jack, if the Princessisn't back home

on Christmas morning,

a lot of people are goingto be very disappointed,

and these people truly love her.

You know, that'sthe first thing you've said

that I understand.

All she wanted

was to experience a Christmasthe way she did with her mother.

How could you not love that?

Jack, I understand.

I used to come with themon those trips.

Now it's gottenvery complicated.

Oh, it's about to geta lot more complicated.

What do you mean?

Cliff?

Are you serious?

Which one is she?

Poof!

Which one is she?

I...

Stop those Santas!

Elevator?

Thank you.

Thank you, Jack.

It's calledthe Power of Suggestion.

You learn a few things,hanging out with Harry.

I'll haveto thank him, too.

You have no ideahow much this means to me.

Everyone should getwhat they want for Christmas.

Seven Santas,and there's no Princess?

Well, there's got to bea mistake.

Keep searching!

Where is she?

Oh, we're on top of it.

There werea lot of Santas.

[Jack and Katie laughand giggle together]

Hey!

It's yours now.

You know,my mother gave this to me.

She told me to wear itclose to my heart,

because...

kingdoms and castlesvanish...

but love lasts forever.

I think I would haveliked your mom.

Yeah.

I have to go.

Yeah.

Hey, Montsaurai'sa beautiful place

this time of year...magical.

[festival chatter]

[cheering]

We're here.

I know.

You lookabsolutely beautiful.

Thank you, Aunt Margaret.

Katherine?

Don't forget to smile.

After all, it is Christmas Day.

I won't.

[crowd murmuringwith excitement]

Jack?

Thank you.

I just couldn't stopthinking about you.

You know...

I wonder if,after 300 years,

Montsaurai would mind

if you starteda new tradition?

What would that be?

That we spendall of our Christmases together

for the rest of our lives.

And every day in between?

Merry Christmas, Katie.

Merry Christmas, Jack.

[crowd cheers]

[church bells ring]

[♪♪]