Original subtitles

Look at it, Mom.

It's beautiful.

Do you think there's a 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 anyone where we were.

No? Why not?

Then no one would find us,

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

That would be nice, wouldn't it?

But you know, Katie,

Daddy and I have a very important job.

I know.

But we love you

more than a million Christmases all wrapped up into one,

and no matter what,

you will always be our little princess.

I'm glad we get to come here for Christmas.

Me too.

Oh, speaking of which...

an early Christmas gift.

Something to help you stay awake

during all those boring speeches today.

It's a camera!

It's an antique!

Thank you! It's perfect!

Well, it's not an antique,

but it was my first camera,

and it still takes great pictures.

It's so perfect!

Okay...

It's time to go now, honey.

Okay.

Princess Katherine, we must review your itinerary.

It's just as I remember it.

Although I feel like there was snow falling...

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Consulate

begins promptly at 8:00 tomorrow morning.

The staff's children will sing one or two carols,

you'll hand out gifts,

and time permitting,

the Ambassador will 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 privately with the Ambassador.

He will ask how things are back home.

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

You have brunch at 10:00.

They'll ask you to say a few words,

I've had the media office prepare a brief speech.

So when are we going to the gallery?

I tried.

Aunt Margaret...

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

Besides commitments of state and the Christmas concert,

now you have George Hoult on his way for a visit...

but we only have three days.

We need to be home for the Christmas Festival.

There's just no time to 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 fine while you were at school.

Your father and I were raised

to believe the study of art

is perfectly respectable.

It's also happens to be something that I love.

And in your position, you can be a patron

to museums and galleries

to your heart's content...

but you also have more important responsibilities.

It's past time for 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 travel is so aggravating.

All that recycled air,

you never know what you're inhaling.

Yeah, well, still,

the city's beautiful during the holidays.

I'm sure you'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 an incredibly busy schedule

during your stay.

I sure do...

but I have been looking forward to seeing you.

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

I thought you forgot about me.

Not a chance, kiddo.

You look fantastic.

Thank you.

I hope this is good news.

Oh, Freddy, you're killing me.

I've got to have those skylights tomorrow.

No. Uh-huh.

No...

I'm pretty sure I said tomorrow...

because if I don't have them by tomorrow,

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

Well, listen, I'd hate for you

to get a lump of coal in your stocking, too,

but what choice do I have? Freddy!

I've got to get these skylights in

before my crew disappears for the holidays.

All right. Thanks, Freddy.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, yeah, absolutely, no...

Santa will hear all about it.

All right, you too.

Merry Christmas.

Jack?

Ed! Hey.

Shouldn't you be at the airport?

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

I'm thinking they'd look good in the kitchen,

uh, for the counter top.

Beautiful.

This is looking so good already.

Yeah, it's coming.

Okay... any questions,

just give me a shout on the Maui number.

Absolutely. 'Scuse me...

See you after 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.

I remember you stood

and gazed out the window of my office,

just like that

when you were a little girl.

I remember it so well.

A visit to your mother's attorney'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 out the lights,

or a tree, or some sort of display,

and that'd be the start of it all,

and then we would go exploring the city,

looking at all the decorations to find the most perfect fit.

I looked forward to those visits, too.

I knew your mother since she was a little girl,

and we were at school together...

but once she married the prince,

those visits...

it's the only time I got to see you both.

Well, it's been far too long, George.

No need to make any excuses.

I'm sure the Princess of Montsaurai

has plenty more important things

to keep her busy.

Yeah, so busy,

they can't even get by for an hour without me.

What's the deal?

If Montsaurai is such a small country anyway,

why do they even need a princess, huh?

You know, I remember

your mother asking the same question

when she married your father.

Well, that was a different story.

She fell in love with a prince.

All I ever do

is stand here and wave,

and flash a smile,

and give speeches to a bunch of people

that don't listen anyway.

Hey, what you do is very important.

People depend on you.

Maybe...

I'd like to be undependable.

What is going on with you, Katie?

This.

I didn't ask to be a princess.

You know, it never stops, 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 me of how much I miss her.

Yeah, well...

especially at Christmas.

It was her favorite time of the year.

She gave me this.

This, uh...

was the last Christmas present she gave me.

Let me see.

Wow. Look at that.

It's beautiful.

It was the same year she gave me my favorite camera.

I take it with me everywhere I go.

Your mother loved the idea

of you growing up to be a photographer.

And look at me now.

Mm?

I have studied with the finest teachers

at the best universities,

and I can't get one hour to myself.

What do you think your mother would say,

if she were here right now?

Right now, mm?

I think she would tell me

what she said when she gave me this.

She said that kingdoms and castles vanish and fade,

but our love lasts forever.

Harry?

Jack!

It's freezing in here.

All right...

Now, what have you got going on here?

Uh-huh...

Yeah, well, Harry,

these old circuits...

they can't handle the juice that sign of yours takes.

Sorry, Jack. I forgot.

I was in the back making breakfast,

and all of a sudden, poof!

The... power goes out.

Yeah, well, if we're not careful,

you're going to go up in a puff of smoke.

Huh... always wanted to go out that way.

All right...

Presto!

Change-o!

Alakazam!

Now, that's magic.

I've got to get down here

and rewire the whole place.

Since when do you have the time?

I'll make time.

Can't have you living without heat, hmm?

Speaking of which...

I'll check the apartment,

make sure the 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.

Very well.

So, um, I'm wondering...

do you think that, uh, we should...

I'll meet you downstairs.

The Princess is on the way down.

Our ETA is around 15 minutes?

Perfect.

Aunt Margaret...

unavailable.

Katherine, we need to leave.

Need I remind you of the schedule?

Did she say anything, George?

You know, it's only been a few minutes, Margaret.

I'm sure she just went for a walk.

The 17th Princess of Montsaurai

does not go for a "walk..."

certainly not alone.

No sign of her, ma'am.

Well... don't just stand there.

Go find her!

What is wrong with that girl?

She has responsibilities!

She knows.

All right...

well, that should hold you for today.

I'll come back tomorrow

and fiddle around with it a little more.

Hey, listen, everybody's coming over tonight.

We're having our big Christmas potluck,

getting our Santa gear all ready...

why don't you drop by?

It's very kind of you,

but I'm having dinner with 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 Bear jump-in-the-ocean thing,

and brr!

Sounds about right.

I've got to go.

Well, then come by after dinner and say hi.

Everybody's been asking about you.

All right, let me see.

So I'll tell 'em you're coming?

What's going on, Harry?

What? Nothing.

Oh, hey, look at what I found in your ear.

All right.

When you start pulling stuff out of my ear,

I know something's up.

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

Mike, he's got a niece visiting,

and she's a nice girl,

and I thought maybe you'd like to...

What did I tell you about trying to set me up?

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

I don't want to get back in the game.

It's a stupid game.

They keep changing the rules.

Okay, okay.

No nieces...

but, um...

why don't you come 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 girlfriends calling ♪

♪ Grab a cup of Joe ♪

♪ Then we're on the go... ♪

It is a wonderful life.

♪ ...As we finish off our shopping ♪

♪ Bags are full of toys ♪

For the girls and boys

♪ See how happy we can be... ♪

Wow.

Excuse me, miss?

Would you take my picture?

Oh. Yes. Of course.

I'm just visiting for the holidays,

but my grandmother, she grew up in this building.

- Oh, wow... - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The family used to gather around,

she told me stories...

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

That's very sweet of you.

Oh, yeah. She's a sweetie.

Family, you know?

That's all there really is to it...

especially around the holidays.

Do my part... make my Mom proud.

Okay, great, thank you so much.

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 could give the police a description.

You've got to look out for 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 guys that stole your purse.

Oh! Oh, no!

Oh, my camera! My camera's gone.

This man said he wanted to 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 them at my hotel room.

What are you talking about? Call them right now.

They're still in 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 van is right over here.

At least let me give you a 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 assuming you're all alone...

and you don't want to call the police?

I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, okay?

Course you are.

Thank you.

All right.

Fine, no.

Hey, good luck with that.

Hey...

Here.

Oh, I can't take this.

Come on.

You can't be alone in the city without money. Just...

Okay, thank you.

I'll pay you back, I promise.

Consider it a gift.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas!

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Oh, no, everything's fine.

It's just that Katherine mentioned

she might drop by to say hello?

No?

Oh, well, another time, then.

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

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

It's tradition.

No member of the royal family has missed it

in over a hundred years.

I will. You too.

Bye.

That's it. I've called everyone.

It's only been a few hours.

A little tea. Relax...

she'll be back.

She's my niece, George.

She's my brother's only child.

Suppose she's lost? Or hurt?

Katie is not helpless.

She's a smart, young, resourceful girl.

She's been all around the world.

She can take care of herself.

She is also a princess.

She's never been alone on the streets.

She's never even carried money.

She can't just be running around.

Why not?

What's wrong with a little "running around"?

With Christmas only four days away?

You have no idea

what it would mean to the people of Montsaurai

if she isn't there to celebrate with them.

No, I can't let that happen.

I have to find her.

All right.

Would you like me to call the police?

Oh, we never involve the police.

I've called Simon.

And who is Simon?

And we've been pledged

to protect Princess Katherine's family

for generations.

You don't stay on the throne for 300 years

trusting to luck, George.

Now, we're fully accredited

with the local law enforcement agencies.

Now that gives us a free hand to move around the city

as much as we need to.

If anyone can find Katherine quietly,

Simon can.

Does Katie know about this?

Of course she knows.

She just doesn't especially like it.

You know, I don't think she's that far.

Her mother used to do this all the time...

just stayed within a few-block radius.

Find her, Simon.

We will.

Oh...

Hi, hi.

To the Shelton on the Park Hotel, please.

$40 to go to the Shelton.

Plus tip.

Okay, well, I can pay you when 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 me that 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 know my sister's boyfriend?

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

you know, be friends.

Oh, what we'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 my skinny little sister

wasn't following me around... Hey, do not!

Careful.

Hey... go on.

Jack, it's almost Christmas.

Just talk to him.

Please?

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 Christmas stocking stuffer

from WVBC Channel 6 News.

Wally Simpter.

Tell me, Wally,

you've been dancing in front of this barbershop

every Christmas for over 40 years.

What makes this barbershop so special, Wally?

And why only at Christmas?

Oh...

Wally Simpter.

Singer.

Dancer.

Christmas enigma.

This is Ross Hargrave reporting.

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 what I was going for.

You know, between you and me,

this is just a means to an end...

Sure.

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

and I'm ready to, you know, break out.

I just need that one big story,

get my ticket punched for a network gig, my friend.

Oh, yeah.

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

Mm-hmm.

You guys hungry?

Oh, starving!

Yeah.

You sure I can't help you?

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

Yeah, I think I'm going to take off.

How come?

I told Harry I'd drop by.

Hmm...

thought maybe you had a hot date.

Right.

So...

are you dating anyone?

Why is everyone so suddenly interested in my personal life?

Because you're a nice guy...

and you shouldn't be alone 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 out and have some fun.

It's been a year since you and Gretchen...

Thanks for dinner, Sis.

Aw, don't leave...

he's going to think you'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 doing way 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's just lovely,

so I thought I would take the scenic route.

- Back to your hotel. - Exactly...

which is actually where 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 nice to 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 going to crack this case wide open,

so that's good.

Yeah, you told them you 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.

Well, it seems like you're missing all the fun,

so you should go back inside.

No, no...

they look forward to this all year.

It's kind of a Christmas tradition...

and the night is young.

They will make the most of it.

Well, seems like they 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 always way too much food,

and it's warm.

Oh, really?

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

Well, I could come in for a minute...

Oh, really?

Oh, okay.

And here's this cute little kid,

sharp as a tack.

He's going down his list.

Me, I'm just trying to keep up.

"Ho ho...

"Your friends are going to be so jealous.

Oh, ho ho ho!"

Hey, Jack!

You made it!

I'm a man of my word.

Oh!

Oh, Dixie...

Mwah! Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

And lookit, he brought a friend.

Well, Jack?

Aren't you going to 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 you on the poster?

Are you really a magician?

Well, I dabble.

Why, thank you, Mr. Santa Claus.

Jack, you can bring her by any time.

Hi, honey, I'm Dixie.

I was Harry's assistant for almost 40 years.

And still as beautiful as the day I hired her.

Oh, quite the charmer here.

You look hungry.

Starving.

Let's get you a plate.

Ah...

All right, just...

So, how long have you known Jack?

Mm... who?

Jack?

Oh, Jack.

Not long.

He has never brought anybody before.

Well, I guess it was

kind of one of those spur of the moment type things.

But he seems really nice.

He's a sweetie.

So what's going on here?

Why is everybody dressed up like Santa Claus?

Because they are Santa Claus.

What do you mean?

Retired police officer.

Accountant. Dentist.

History professor...

but when this time of year rolls around,

all they want to do is make those children smile.

It's a Christmas tradition.

It's wonderful.

Just don't get them started on their stories, honey.

We'll be here all night.

We checked all the hospitals.

We monitored all the police activity.

There's no one in the system

who matches the princess' description,

and...

we found her phone.

She ditched it in the basement.

Why would she get rid of her phone?

Well, her phone has RFID with GPS.

I can track this phone almost anywhere.

I just didn't think she knew about it.

Heh...

She's a smart girl.

Simon, my niece is alone in a strange city at night.

We have to find her.

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

It's almost impossible to disappear these days.

Between all the surveillance cameras

and the computers out there,

there's no place left to hide.

And then we have another problem.

Her schedule?

She has so many important commitments 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 then it 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't have me laughing...

So what's the story with you two?

There's no story.

Who is she?

I have no idea.

What, like, you just found her wandering the streets?

As a matter of fact...

You're serious.

Yeah.

A couple guys swiped her purse.

Her camera was inside.

She didn't want to call the cops.

You think she might be in some kind of trouble?

I don't know.

She was wearing that raggedy coat

over some pretty nice clothes.

What are you going to do?

I already tried to help her.

She wanted no part of it.

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

I'm not going to put her anywhere.

She's a grown woman.

Besides, I hardly even know her.

So, get to know her.

What?

She's a nice girl.

I don't think she's from around here,

so find out what's going on...

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

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 just gave me a story,

like, a real story,

like, the kind I deserve, you know?

Wow, just like that?

Well, when I've done the puff piece I'm on now,

but yeah.

Princess something-or-other and 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...

- Oh, no! - Oh, no?

- Hi. - Hi.

Um...

I'm so sorry that I fell asleep.

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

Yeah, I know, I told Harry to 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 time for a cup of coffee?

Will you tell everybody thank you?

That was, honestly, like, the best Christmas party

I've been to in such a long time.

Wait. Wait a sec...

I'm sorry about yesterday.

I'm not really used to people helping me like that.

I don't know what 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 have done without this.

Thank you so much.

Come on. Let me give you a lift.

It's not far. It's okay.

Yeah, I've heard that before.

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

and then I'll get out of your hair.

Jack, it's okay.

Hey, if it makes you feel any better,

you can blindfold me

so I don't know where we're going.

Can you help me with this?

Uh, yeah.

Boyfriend?

No.

Husband?

No.

It's my mother.

All right, Ms. Holiday where to?

The Bat Cave?

Fortress of Solitude? North Pole?

Can I show you something special?

Yeah.

Ah-hah! The art gallery.

Yeah.

They just opened a new photography exhibit.

One of the best collections ever...

Robert Capa, Brassai, Ansel Adams...

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

Have you? Yeah?

Well, most of the pieces are from private collections,

and none of them have been put 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 all for coming today.

As you know, Princess Katherine had planned on introducing

the members of Montsaurai's National Quartet

in preparation for tonight's concert.

Unfortunately, the Princess won't be attending at all.

How come?

Oh, she's a bit under the weather.

You mean, like a cold, or what?

Nothing serious,

but with her back to back schedule

celebrating the holidays when she returns home,

we don't want to take any chances.

Who cares?

Just operate the camera, let me ask the questions.

I thank you all for coming again.

Thanks, Trish.

Good job.

Hey, you know,

whatever's going on,

obviously, it's none of my business,

but, um, if you're in some kind 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 Christmas and photography...

what more do I need to know?

Oh, this song!

My mother used to sing it to me

all the time.

We used to come here for the holidays,

run around the town together,

just the two of us.

It was the best part of our Christmas.

Wait, so yesterday,

you were just having a nice little stroll

down memory lane,

and those jerks took your purse?

Yes.

And now you're all alone for Christmas?

Well, this is unacceptable.

I'll be fine.

Give me two Big Apple dogs with the works.

My treat.

Thank you.

I hope you canceled your credit card.

What?

Otherwise,

those guys are on one heck of a Christmas shopping spree.

Oh, I don't have any credit cards.

Come on, everybody has credit cards.

Not me.

All right...

So... just...

Get in there. Mm!

Mm!

It's delicious!

Why, you never had a hotdog before?

Yeah, well...

I mean, you know...

like they say,

everything's better in New York.

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 beautiful New York space.

Oh, it is beautiful.

It's going to be even more beautiful

when we're done with it.

"Langdon Restoration and Renovation," is it?

That's you.

Start rolling.

We've got to get this back to the station.

Just stay tight on me.

Whoa, excuse me, sir, can I help you?

Is that the princess in there?

Sir, please step away from the car.

I just want to ask her a 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.

You just got so totally punked.

You smell that, Trish?

Something's fishy.

I love the light in this room.

It's got a...

it's got a color.

I don't even know what to call it.

Gold? Ochre, maybe.

With a hint of umber.

Ooh.

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

from the '40s, just after the war,

first time they could put up Christmas lights.

It's almost identical to...

Milan?

Uh... I saw it in a book.

You like photography.

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

Just wanted to think, you know?

Something about a art gallery,

it always helps me clear my head.

So why did you want to take off so quickly?

I don't know, I...

Because it seemed to me

like you didn't want to see those two guys you saw...

or maybe...

you didn't want them to see you?

I should go.

Hey, look, if...

if you're in trouble...

if someone's trying to hurt you...

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

What I understand

is that whatever you'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 do whatever you put your mind to.

I wish it were that easy.

Trust me,

it's a lot easier than spending the rest of your life

being someone you don't want to be.

How can you be so sure?

Mm?

Ah, look, I was thinking...

if you need a place to 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 it all to yourself.

It's up to you.

Why are you doing this for me?

I know what it's like to need a little help.

It's not always easy to ask.

Besides...

look at this!

We have authentic Christmas trees

in every room.

Just... think about it.

May I help you?

Ross Hargrave to see the Princess?

Excuse me?

Sorry.

Ross Hargrave, WVBC Channel 6 News

to see the 17th Princess of Montsaurai.

You know...

Katherine Sophia Lenore Marta-Louise

Ariane Hollingston.

Her family's been on the throne for 300 years.

You've never heard of her?

There's no one by that name staying at this hotel.

Of course not!

Of course not,

but if you could inform Her Highness

that I'm here for our exclusive interview,

that would be great.

Are you sure you have the right address, sir?

Never mind.

Jack?

Hey, Jack?

Em-ay!

Thanks for coming.

Oh, this is great.

You were a little vague on 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 take an early lunch.

I, uh...

I called, uh...

My sister has a consignment store,

and I thought you might want a change of clothes.

I know. She told me.

Thank you.

Doesn't she look great, Jack?

Uh, yeah! Yeah!

I told Katie that if she didn't like these,

you'd bring her by the store later

to pick out something else.

These are fine.

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

It's good. Good.

It's good.

Hey, speaking of Christmas,

I need you to go pick up the Christmas tree later.

I know it's last minute,

and I would do it myself if I could,

but I have to be at the store

because everyone else is on holiday,

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

Em...

Can you just help me? Please?

Em, I would love to,

but I'm on a tight enough schedule as it is.

It's three days before Christmas.

Why don't you have a tree?

You ask me that every year.

I don't decorate until Christmas Eve!

You know that.

Look, I can't pull guys off this job,

and I can't do it by myself.

You always want the biggest tree!

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

Well, what about me?

What about you?

I can help.

I thought you had somewhere to be?

I do...

but she brought me all of these amazing clothes,

so I would love to return the favor.

Do you have any idea how heavy it'll be?

Watch, okay?

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

I knew we were going to be best friends!

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

Mm-hmm...

Okay, I'm going to grab my coat.

I would say, uh,

give me a call around 4:00, all right?

Just to let me know what'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 know it was some big mystery.

Hi.

Katie!

Hi. Ready?

What are you doing for Christmas?

Come with Jack, dinner at my house!

Um...

Want to get the tree?

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, no.

No, no, no,

just a case of the sniffles, Ambassador.

Naturally, she wants to attend the concert.

I had to insist she stay in bed.

Oh...

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

How could Montsaurai celebrate Christmas without its Princess?

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

Thank you for standing in at the concert.

Bye, now.

Where are you, Katie?

I'm pulling it.

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!

What... are you trying to kill me?

No! Ah!

Okay. Sorry.

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

You're welcome.

Want me to take the pointy end?

No... oh!

Yeah! Take the pointy end!

Here you go!

That better?

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 know if you remember me.

I was at the press conference this morning.

I remember you.

I was hoping the princess might feel up to an interview,

just the two of us?

The princess won't be doing any interviews

while she's here.

Well, I suppose, then,

I'll have to run with my other story.

And what story is that?

The rumors that she's disappeared.

I'm afraid you've been misinformed.

The princess is upstairs right now,

resting in her suite.

Look, we can dance around like this all day...

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

that the princess has never missed a Christmas event.

Ever.

I find it hard to believe

that a little case of the sniffles

is going to change that.

Well, I find it hard to believe

that your station is in the habit of airing rumors.

We live in such a litigious society.

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

Let me see the princess.

- I've got to... - 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 again for your help.

It means a lot to Emma.

Well, I thought it turned out to be kind of fun.

Maybe I should hire you on full-time.

I could use somebody around to do the heavy lifting...

and snowball throwing.

I might take you up on that.

You know, Emma meant what she said before

about Christmas dinner.

Oh, Jack...

I know, I know...

you've got a lot of stuff up in the air...

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

Thank you.

It's still here.

Oh, my goodness...

Ah...

I don't believe it.

I was here with my mother when I was a little girl.

You're kidding me?

I used to come here all the time when I was a kid.

Did you really?

Yeah.

My goodness...

It's exactly...

it's exactly the same.

It's just unbelievable.

I sat on Santa's lap here.

Look at this! Oh, my goodness!

Watch out for the...

Look at this right here!

This is exactly the same!

Oh!

You know, I thought that I was going 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 everything you've ever imagined

for so long

can't possibly be real?

That's why you're in New York...

to see if it's real.

I miss them so much.

Yeah.

Come here.

You've got to see this. Come here.

And what's your name?

Ha ha, sit down!

You've got to be kidding me.

Now, I know you 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.

Jack? Soup's ready.

Two minutes.

Man never stops.

Well, not since I've known him.

How'd you guys meet?

Jack and I met a couple years ago.

I had just retired the act,

didn't know what to do with myself.

I told him, I said,

"Harry, why don't you open a store or something,

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

I found this place to rent

and came out to talk to the owner...

grumpiest young man I ever set my eyes on.

Jack?

He was this hot-shot real estate broker back then.

Man, all this money...

And smart as a whip.

He got an MBA from one of those big schools.

So, Jack...

the guy that has a van and renovates old buildings?

Really?

The point is, he hated every minute of it.

All he really wanted to do was to work with his hands.

You know, word gets around...

the guy is like a magician with his hands...

no pun intended.

Next thing you know, he quits real estate,

buys himself a van.

Which did not sit well with Gretchen.

Who's Gretchen?

Well, they were supposed to be married.

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

for some guy who works with power tools...

and that, as they say, was that.

So, she just... left?

It wasn't pretty.

When was this taken?

This afternoon.

I just got this from one of my men.

My niece was at the gallery this afternoon,

and you and your men missed her?

I'm...

I'm not sure how that happened.

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

Well, evidently,

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

which would explain

how she's been able to evade our men,

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

Thanks for walking me home, Harry.

Good night, Katie!

So what have you been doing back there?

Ah, those old circuits are on their last legs.

I was patching them up

until I can find the time to get down here

and rewire the whole place.

How's that going for you?

I'd probably be better off

with one of Harry's magic spells.

Come on.

I see what you're doing to that building.

It's like you're bringing it back to life.

Yeah... well, some days,

it feels like I'm banging my head

against the wall.

Oh, I just can't believe

you ever used to do anything else.

Somebody's been talking to Harry.

Apparently,

you used to be really grumpy all the time.

Well, you know...

kind of hard to be chipper

when you stop looking forward to getting up in the morning.

Hey, when you decided to start over

and try something different,

how did you know it was what you wanted?

I...

I guess I always... kind of knew.

I just had to make up my mind

to do something about it.

Well, do you ever look back

and miss all the things that you had?

No.

I don't see the point in looking back.

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

Jack?

- Em! Hey! - Hey!

Katie, hi!

- Jack. - Ross.

I thought I'd find you here.

Katie, this is my 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.

Oh, no, no, no, we can't.

I wanted to bring these by.

I thought you could use a change of clothes

after the day you put in.

Thank you.

Are you kidding? Thank you.

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

Why're you guys all dressed up?

Ross is taking me to dinner,

and then we have tickets to see a concert

by the National String Quartet of Montsaurai.

Concert?

Have you heard of them?

Yeah, I heard...

I've heard they're lovely.

What's the difference?

I got their tickets free from work.

The important thing is, we are celebrating tonight.

What's the occasion?

I finally found it, Jack...

my big score that's going to get me that network gig.

Ross is a television reporter.

He's working on a big story,

but he can't really talk about it.

Well, I can say that...

a certain member of a certain royal family

is on the loose in 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...

♪ Silent night Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon virgin Mother and child ♪

♪ Holy infant So 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 night sometimes,

when it's quiet.

You know, helps me think.

Hmm.

What are you thinking about?

Lately? You.

I don't know you...

what you do, where you're from.

You just show up all of a sudden...

wondering if you're going to leave the same way.

You know, my entire life,

I have always wanted to make my own decisions,

and here I am,

with no one to tell me what to do...

and I can't decide...

because either way,

I hurt somebody I care about.

Ah...

Well, I was going to give you this tomorrow,

but I suppose you should open it now

in case you decide to go and run off on me.

Kind of an early Christmas gift.

It's nothing fancy,

but I mean,

a photographer shouldn't be 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 gallery tomorrow.

We'll talk then, okay?

Okay.

Cool.

Thank you.

Good night.

Night.

♪ ...Christ the Savior is born ♪

♪ Christ the Savior Is born ♪

Do you have to keep looking through those things?

Nobody else has them.

Hey!

Hello, Princess.

Ross!

Ross!

Ross!

Thank you.

Hmm?

Well, art is inspirational.

I need to make a phone call.

Okay.

Thank you.

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 did on the dancing elf.

It was very illuminating.

Yeah, thanks.

Listen, there was a woman here the other night...

friend of Jack's?

Katie, sure.

Right, Katie.

I think I know her from somewhere.

Any idea where I might find her?

Oh, well, she'll be back later.

She likes to hang around

while Jack works on the place.

Great.

Thanks! Thanks a lot.

Yup!

Hmm.

Hello?

George?

Oh, my God...

Katie! Are you all right?

I'm fine, George, really.

Just tell Aunt Margaret I'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 needed some time to myself.

Well...

I understand,

but don't you think it'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...

I see...

I just... if you could hold Aunt Margaret off

a little while longer,

that would be great.

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 asking a lot of questions.

I know. I saw. It's bad.

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

I mean, you've got a 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.

Ma'am!

Okay...

Okay.

Are you sure?

Well, find out and get back to me.

Ma'am, two of my men

made contact with the princess this afternoon.

Do they have her?

Is she safe?

Well, apparently, she recognized them

and jumped into a van to avoid them.

A van? With whom?

The man from the surveillance photo?

Now we know who we're looking for...

Langdon Renovation and Restoration.

Who were these guys?

I don't know, but they looked like they meant business.

Ross is on his way over.

Yeah, he keeps coming around.

What's important is,

why would anyone want to kidnap you?

Yeah, that's a good question.

I'm sorry. I should have told you.

Told us what?

The reason this all started

was because I wanted to find a way

for Christmas to feel the way it used to,

the way I remembered it with my family...

and then I met you guys,

and you made me feel so welcome,

like...

like I belonged,

like I was part of your family...

and... it felt really good...

and for the first time in a really long time,

I didn't have to worry

that you were being nice to me because of who I am.

Who are you?

Well...

you know me as Katie Holiday...

but my real...

my full name is Katherine...

Where is she?

I know she's in there!

I demand to see her right now!

Ross?

'Kay, Trish, I want a gentle pan off the sign

and find me in three, two...

This is Ross Hargrave with another exclusive story

from WVBC Channel 6 News...

Ross?

What are you doing,

and where did you go last night?

While this may be a time of Christmas miracles

for most of us,

the true mystery this holiday season

is the amazing story of the young woman

who vanished among the lights and tinsel

of our own city.

What are you talking about?

Jack, are you aware of the true identity

of the young woman currently hiding inside this magic shop?

Ross, get that thing out of my face.

You can't hide the truth, sir.

What "truth"?

What the heck is going on out here?

Sir, what my viewers want to know,

is what the heck is going on in 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.

Ross, just stop.

What are you doing?

You getting this?

Every word.

Ah-hah!

Ta-dah...

Do any of you have any idea how long I've been waiting

for a story like this?

Do you think it's every day that Ross Hargrave

gets an exclusive interview with a runaway princess?

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

Katie?

You really didn't know?

I think I would've mentioned it.

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

Well, I couldn't risk my exclusive.

But you knew that Katie was my friend.

You should have told me.

Come on, baby,

you know how important this 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!

Did you get that?

Oh, yeah.

It's all right.

Ross disappear-o!

Where...

Actually...

shift's over anyway. See ya.

You okay?

I can watch the other channels.

Prrrr... fzoot!

It's a really small country.

What?

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

It's not like Katie lives in a castle or something.

Actually...

Really?

Oh...

Wow!

What's it like?

Later.

So who were those guys chasing you?

They technically work for me.

At home, in Montsaurai,

we celebrate Christmas every year

with a national festival.

It's a very old tradition.

The whole country looks forward to it,

and for hundreds of years,

the royal family...

my family...

has always presided over it.

And now you've got to go home.

Um...

hey, I'm happy you got the chance

to come back and 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 you for everything.

Um...

keep in touch.

I will.

Well, I'm sorry I'm going to miss the Christmas dinner.

Next year.

Next year.

Thought you'd be gone.

There's some beautiful work in here.

Hate for you to lose it.

Thank you.

You never did get to the gallery.

All I ever wanted was one hour.

Just one hour?

Yeah.

I think we might need some of Harry's Christmas magic.

How did you do this?

You know the place I'm working on?

Yeah?

So the owner is a friend of mine.

He's a stock broker. Very successful.

Happens to be on the 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 you to my friends.

All right.

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

Because if you're a 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 going to want this.

Thank you.

Enjoy.

I will.

Jack Langdon.

Well, call me crazy,

but I had a feeling you guys were going to show up.

Fellas.

Where's the Princess?

She's hanging out with some friends.

I need to see her.

Okay, come on, Jack.

Neither of us want to get the police involved.

That's true...

although if you were going to call the police,

you probably would've done that already.

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 Princess isn't back home

on Christmas morning,

a lot of people are going to be very disappointed,

and these people truly love her.

You know, that's the first thing you've said

that I understand.

All she wanted

was to experience a Christmas the way she did with her mother.

How could you not love that?

Jack, I understand.

I used to come with them on those trips.

Now it's gotten very complicated.

Oh, it's about to get a 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 called the Power of Suggestion.

You learn a few things, hanging out with Harry.

I'll have to thank him, too.

You have no idea how much this means to me.

Everyone should get what they want for Christmas.

Seven Santas, and there's no Princess?

Well, there's got to be a mistake.

Keep searching!

Where is she?

Oh, we're on top of it.

There were a lot of Santas.

Hey!

It's yours now.

You know, my mother gave this to me.

She told me to wear it close to my heart,

because...

kingdoms and castles vanish...

but love lasts forever.

I think I would have liked your mom.

Yeah.

I have to go.

Yeah.

Hey, Montsaurai's a beautiful place

this time of year... magical.

We're here.

I know.

You look absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, Aunt Margaret.

Katherine?

Don't forget to smile.

After all, it is Christmas Day.

I won't.

Jack?

Thank you.

I just couldn't stop thinking about you.

You know...

I wonder if, after 300 years,

Montsaurai would mind

if you started a new tradition?

What would that be?

That we spend all of our Christmases together

for the rest of our lives.

And every day in between?

Merry Christmas, Katie.

Merry Christmas, Jack.