Original subtitles

-[theme music]

-♪ some people stand In the darkness ♪

♪ afraid to step Into the light ♪

♪ some people need To help somebody ♪

♪ when the edge of Surrender's in sight ♪

♪ don't you worry

♪ it's gonna be all right

♪ 'cause I'm always ready

♪ I won't let you Out of my sight ♪

♪ I'll be ready

♪ I'll be ready

♪ never you fear

♪ no, don't you fear

♪ I'll be ready

♪ forever and always

♪ I'm always here

♪ 'cause I'm always ready

♪ I won't let you Out of my sight ♪

♪ I'll be ready

♪ I'll be ready

♪ never you fear

♪ no, don't you fear

♪ I'll be ready

♪ forever and always

-[sirens blaring]

-[exciting music]

-garner, call an ambulance!

-garner: all right!

-hobie!

-dad!

Dad!

Dad, over here! I can't find her!

-get hobie. -all right.

-all right, take the can, hobe.

-[tense music]

-mitch: let's get her in.

-let's go.

Got it?

-yeah, I'm fine.

-mitch: no pulse.

One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five.

-come on! -mitch: come on, joey!

One, two, three, four, five.

[coughing]

-mitch: okay, come on, come on. Pull her up.

That's a girl.

Okay.

All right.

-it's the same guy That chased joey

Under the pier yesterday.

I had to climb up after her.

I couldn't leave her alone.

-and you have no idea What he was after?

I'm gonna have you Give our police artist

A description for a composite

And we'll have you look At some mugshots, okay?

-okay.

-I'm proud of the way you Handled yourself, hobie.

You're gonna be a first-rate Lifeguard, just like your dad.

-and I'm sure mrs. Jennings Will thank you personally,

If she ever shows up.

-mrs. Jennings.

Kyla jennings?

-yeah, yeah, I think so.

Joey's mother, you know her?

-I arrested a kyla jennings Two days ago.

She's uh, down at the county Jail waiting to be bailed out.

-well, what did You arrest her for?

-she's a-- a con woman.

She and a little boy Conned a boardwalk vendor

Out of $100.

-I can't believe it.

-yeah, garner, that little Boy is a little girl.

And I think it's time I have a Heart to heart talk with her.

Excuse me.

[knocking]

-come in.

-hey.

[sighing]

Hey.

I brought you a little Sandwich here, huh,

In case you get hungry.

-thanks.

It was nice of you to Let me use your room.

-it's okay.

That was some swan dive You took off the pier, huh?

[laughing]

-thanks for saving me.

-that's okay, you're welcome.

You know, joey, um...

I know about your mom.

-my mom'll be here tomorrow.

I know she will.

-I know she's in jail.

-but I'm gonna bail her out.

-with what?

-we'll be fine.

Honest.

-you know...

I'm a lifeguard, right?

And it's my job to know When someone's in trouble

And needs help.

-my mom and I live Off the streets.

We're homeless unless we have Enough money for a motel.

I was supposed to bail her out,

But I lost the money.

Now she doesn't know where I am

And why I haven't come for her.

-[sighing]

If there really was a santa,

He'd bring my mom Back for christmas.

-I tell you what.

If you eat some Of this sandwich,

Then I personally Will call santa claus

And see if he'll Grant your request.

Eat.

-would you like some?

-no, no no.

You eat first, I'll Get some later, okay?

-my mom always let Me eat first, too.

That's when you know how Someone cares about you.

They let you eat first.

And there's another way, too.

When someone saves your life.

Like you and hobie did to me.

Thanks, mitch.

-you're welcome.

Got a little mustard there, huh?

Now eat.

[groaning]

Smoke.

[groaning]

[sniffing]

Wha--?

What is this? Wha--?

You are smoking a cigarette?

What is the story here?

-I couldn't sleep.

Strange bed and all.

-you had no problem Sleeping last night.

-that was then.

This is now.

-listen, young lady.

Smoking is not cool.

Now, if you have a Problem falling asleep,

You should find Something else to do.

-well then I'll read.

-this is the racing form.

Come on, in the bed.

Come on, slide down, in, in.

What is this?

-in case I get hungry.

-give me those.

I'll trade you.

Goodnight.

-hey.

Mitch, kyla jennings.

Kyla, the man who Bailed you out.

-sergeant ellerbee told Me everything you did

For my daughter, Including saving her life.

And I'd still be sitting in Jail if it wasn't for you.

I guess we both Owe you our lives.

-the gentleman you both conned

Has agreed to drop the charges

As long as you give Back the money,

But the judge wants To talk to you.

He wants to talk to both of you.

-what can I say but thank you.

-mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!

-oh, thank god you're okay!

-how'd you get here?

-mitch.

-mitch.

-yeah.

-I still don't believe in Santa, but I believe in you.

-ah.

-caroline: john, it's Looking really good.

-john: it sure is.

-joey, I don't understand

What this has to do with How you lost the money.

-see all those Presents wrapped alike?

-carla: yeah.

-well, the money's In one of those.

Don't ask, mom.

All I know is, we've gotta Wait until christmas.

-oh no.

Come on.

-c.J., you know Benny and his friends?

-yeah. -the guys have been Hanging around my tower.

Have you noticed anything Different about them?

-yeah, well they're Not too tall.

-well, actually That's part of it.

They say they're from This really cold place,

And they work for the guy

Who's really old and His name is kris.

Benny said that if he Told me what they did,

I wouldn't believe him.

And debbie is always Trying to shut him up.

I came to my tower The other day,

And the whole thing Was decorated.

Christmas tree inside,

A stocking with my name on it.

Benny and the gang went In there one minute

And out the next.

I mean, this is Just all too weird.

-well, it doesn't Seem weird to me.

That's perfectly logical.

They're elves.

-santa's elves?

-sure!

It makes perfect sense.

They know that as a child,

You didn't have too Many happy christmases,

So that's what they're Giving you now for christmas.

-and you believe All this, don't you?

-well, if there can be aliens,

Why can't there be elves?

-ah.

C.J., you've been a big help.

Now I know what to Get you for christmas.

-really? What?

-something in white canvas,

Has long sleeves and Ties in the back.

-matt: come on! -c.J.: matt!

-[laughing]

-get back here!

[laughing]

-hey guys, come on in.

-uh, dad...

We kinda have to talk To you for a second.

-oh no.

When you kinda need to talk,

I know that Something's coming up

That I'm kinda not gonna like.

Hit me.

-joey and I, we--

-mitch?

Excuse me.

I think you better get out here.

-[chattering]

So, these lovely ladies Say they're all here

Waiting for you to choose.

-choose what?

-they sold us Chances to be chosen

To ride in the new Year's parade with you.

So you need to choose one of us.

-um--

I-- uh-- uh--

I'll be right back.

Hobie!

Hobie!

-isn't he just a Living doll, girls?

-I suppose asking You for an explanation

Would be kind of dull

Compared to what the two of you

Have really been up to?

-I was trying to make money To bail my mom out of jail.

-I was trying to make money

To buy you a christmas present.

You wanted that new Camera lens so bad,

I knew you wouldn't Get it for yourself.

-all right, all right,

Both of you had good intentions

To do something nice For your parents,

But, guys, the way you Went about it was lousy.

-it was my idea.

-why did I know that?

All right. Go out there and apologize

And just give them all Their money back, okay?

-about that, uh...

We kind of...

Dropped it off the pier.

-you kind of dropped It off the pier.

Life is a beautiful thing.

-okay.

How are we gonna Resolve this one?

-I don't suppose You want to ride In the new year's parade?

-no.

-hello!

How's it going?

-tracy: good!

-what's that?

-it's an invitation To a christmas party.

-oh!

Well, wait a minute, I didn't get one.

-you won't be getting one.

This is a private party.

For two.

-how romantic.

-beautiful, isn't it?

-I can't tell you How much I appreciate

Your commitment to Giving these children

A christmas, c.J.

-that's what christmas Is all about to me.

You know, we make a good team.

It must've taken a Lot of commitment

To join the priesthood. -hmm.

I used to think so, too.

But I've been having Doubts for some time now.

-about being a priest?

-there's only one good reason

To join the priesthood, c.J.,

Yet there seems to be

So many different Reasons for leaving.

Some priests lose Their motivation,

Some doubt their devotion,

Some want a different lifestyle.

Some even fall in love.

I shouldn't be burdening You with my problems.

-don't be silly.

I'll be the first One on my block

To have a priest confess to me.

-I've gotta run.

Thanks for listening,

And I'll see you tomorrow.

-[romantic music]

-♪ I never felt

♪ the true joy of christmas

♪ my heart has been held

♪ but this time is different

♪ you're just what I wanted

-may I have this dance?

-you may indeed, sir.

♪ I'm spending this christmas in love

-♪ I've been round the word

♪ seen all kinds of lonely

♪ lived and I've learned

♪ wishing someone would hold me

♪ 've spent enough time

♪ chasing stars up above

♪ I'm spending this christmas in love

♪ dancing with you

♪ by the light of the moon

♪ it's like a dream come true

♪ in your embrace

♪ I've found my place

♪ it's all because of you

♪ now we're together

♪ and my heart has a home

♪ I won't spend another silent night

♪ all alone

♪ holding you close

♪ I just can't get enough

♪ I'm spending this christmas ♪

-hey, hey, hey.

What's all this?

-it's been so long Since I cried a tear

Of pure and absolute happiness.

-you know I'm falling in Love with you, don't you?

-c.J.: mitch.

-mitch: hey!

-can we talk?

I need your advice.

-ah, can you make It real quick?

I've got some shopping and oh,

One surfing day Left 'til christmas.

-that's okay.

You wouldn't understand, anyway.

-c.J., wait a second.

You can talk to me.

Come on.

No matter what problem You've ever had,

Lifeguarding, men, money, men.

You know I've always understood.

And I've never Judged you, have I?

-father ryan told Me that he's thinking

Of leaving the priesthood.

And I'm afraid it's because He's fallen in love with me.

-a priest?

Why a priest?

You could have any man you want.

Matt adores you! But a priest?

-mitch, it's not What you think.

I didn't do anything to Encourage father ryan.

I did nothing to be ashamed of.

This is a total Misunderstanding.

Some help you've been.

-ah ah wha-- ah, now That's more like it.

And you did nothing wrong,

It was a total misunderstanding,

You're prepared to take action And do something about it.

You're in total control.

-you're right.

I am in control.

-now go out there and Straighten this mess out.

-thanks, mitch.

-a priest?

It's christmas!

-it's a beautiful thing, huh?

Watching kids play,

Hearing them laugh.

Sittin' on santa's knee.

-I raised my daughter Not to have fantasies Like santa claus.

Her father left and destroyed

Any fairy tale ending For both of us.

-well, I can understand You not wanting joey

To have a fantasy life.

Doesn't she deserve a real one?

I mean it's not Much of a christmas

For that little girl, is it?

Conning people out of money?

Worrying about bailing Her mother out of jail?

It's also not much of a life.

-I did a lot of thinking When I was in jail.

I decided I wanted joey to Have what other children have.

A home, a dog, a dinner time.

But these things Cost money and...

That means a job.

-tell you what.

You go talk to the judge,

And you do what you gotta do,

And I'll help you get a job.

-you'd do that for us?

-tomorrow's christmas.

I want you to give Yourself and your daughter

The best present ever.

A real life.

-[children chattering]

-hi.

-c.J.!

I'm glad to find You, we need to talk.

-let's walk.

-c.J., I've made a decision,

And I want you to Know how much I--

-sam.

Father.

I need to say something.

I can't tell you How flattered I--

I mean I really like You as a friend.

But if you're thinking of Leaving the priesthood for me,

I mean, you probably only think That you're in love with me.

I mean, I'm in love with matt,

And you'll get over me, I know.

-c.J.,

I'm not thinking of leaving The priesthood for you.

-you're not?

-I'm going on a Retreat to figure out

Where my heart is.

If I decide to leave, It'll be for myself.

-but the things you said!

Oh, I'm so embarrassed.

-[laughing]

-c.J., I'm so sorry.

I've been so wrapped up With my own problems.

You're a beautiful, Charming and loving woman

But that has nothing To do with my choice.

I wanted to talk to you to Tell you that I'd be leaving,

But that someone will be Taking my place at st. Francis

While I go on the retreat.

I really need to Make a decision,

And I hope you'll understand.

-oh, I do. I do understand.

Finally. -working with you And the children

Has been a wonderful experience.

I once told you that I envy you.

I do.

I envy your total commitment And passion for your work.

I'm gonna miss you.

-I'm gonna miss you, too.

-not enough.

You're really gonna like the Priest that's taking my place.

Tall, blond surfer type.

-[laughing]

-well you're gonna stay For christmas, won't you?

-oh, I wouldn't miss it.

The sea is simply glorious!

-[christmas music]

-[grunting]

-geez!

Matt!

-benny.

What are you doing Here at this hour?

-uh, straightening up.

You guys are slobs, You know that?

-mm-hmm.

Excuse me, benny, I need To get in the closet.

-no you don't.

-yes, I do.

-matt, there's a Huge dog in there.

[howling]

-benny.

-it's one of them Little nasty dogs.

[yapping]

-now.

-um, a little teeny-- Woof. Woof. -now!

All us guys wanted to do Something special for the kids.

We didn't want you To know it was us.

-benny, did-- did you Guys decorate my tower

And leave me the christmas tree?

-you saved my life, matt.

I wanted to do something Special for you, too.

What?

-I just thought That you were like,

Santa's helpers, you know?

Elves.

-we are.

-[festive music]

-[whistling]

-hey, mitch!

-mitch: yo! -I need a witness.

-what's going on?

-benny, tell mitch What you just told me.

-[sighing]

I can't hide it any longer.

I'm one of santa's helpers.

-[laughing]

-has everyone lost It around here?

I mean it's not bad enough That he thinks he's an elf,

But you actually believe him.

-well, I, uh--

-but I am one of Santa's helpers.

I am an elf!

-okay.

You're an elf.

I mean, who am I to doubt?

Come on, I mean, Parasailing santas,

A priest is in love with c.J.,

I mean, new year's Day parades, wow!

Hey, say hello to the big guy.

Ho ho ho. Whoa!

-gotta go, matt.

Big night, ya know.

Got a lot to do.

Oh yeah, matt?

-yeah?

-gotcha!

-[laughing]

-[chattering]

-could you please go outside

And put that on the Christmas truck?

Thanks.

-merry christmas.

Hey.

Are you behaving yourselves?

-yes, we're behaving as elves.

-caroline: mitch!

-[laughing]

-we have a huge problem,

They don't have one available.

-are you sure?

-yeah, they said the earliest They could get one here

Would be late this afternoon.

-well, then the only Surprise we got going here

Is that there's no surprise.

-[groaning]

-sorry!

-okay. -contact lens!

Nobody move!

-what? What is it?

Hello?

-I'm sorry, we didn't Mean to be elvesdroppping.

Eavesdropping.

We heard you talking About a surprise.

Perhaps we could Be of assistance.

Merry christmas.

-uh, caroline, I would Like to introduce to you,

Benny the elf.

-you're kidding, right?

-about some things We don't kid,

And when it comes to Christmas surprises,

Well, we can't be beat.

And we would be honored

To help you surprise Your beautiful lady.

-wait a minute, I never said Who the surprise was for.

-and nobody else knew about it.

-let's talk turkey.

Come here.

-okay.

Watch out! [laughing]

Are you ready for your surprise?

-if I have to stand here Another moment like this,

I assure you I will burst.

I don't believe it. It's snowing!

-merry white christmas!

-oh!

-mmm.

Come on, come on.

-[festive music]

-[laughing]

-♪ everyday is christmas When I'm with you ♪

♪ you're the joy, you're the peace, You're the gift under the tree yeah ♪

♪ everyday is christmas When I'm with you ♪

♪ listen close and you can hear The angels sing ♪

♪ welcome one and welcome all ♪

♪ on this frosty yuletide eve

♪ we'll be singing deck the halls

♪ now I'm starting to believe

♪ everyday is christmas When I'm with you ♪

♪ you're the joy, you're the peace, You're the gift under the tree yeah ♪

♪ everyday is christmas When I'm with you ♪

♪ listen close and you can hear The angels sing ♪

♪ make it merry make it bright

♪ as we frolic in the snow

♪ tis the season to be light

♪ and the reason that I know

♪ everyday is christmas When I'm with you ♪

♪ you're the joy, you're the peace, You're the gift under the tree yeah ♪

♪ everyday is christmas When I'm with you ♪

♪ listen close and you can hear The angels sing ♪

♪ whoo whoo

♪ fill the stockings, Join the chorus as we sing ♪

♪ whoo whoo

-it's him! Hobie, look!

That's the guy!

-dad! Dad, that's the guy That chased us under the pier!

-garner!

Let's go!

-[exciting music]

-let's go! Let's go!

-[rock music]

-[shouting]

-tony: get off of Me, you little creeps!

-you have the right To remain silent.

Ho ho.

-take that!

-[whimsical music]

-father, we got One just for you.

-this is for me? -benny: hey, merry Christmas to all of you.

-yeah.

-thanks.

I don't believe it.

-[laughing]

Where could this have come from?

-everything's donated. We have no way of Knowing who to thank.

-that should be enough to Help the church and the kids.

-hey, mom!

That's our money!

It belongs to us!

-no, joey, I think it's Exactly where it belongs.

Exactly where It needs to stay.

Listen honey, I think it's time

We turn over a new leaf.

Starting today.

Merry christmas, baby.

-yeah, but, mom, I Had this great idea!

Why can't we turn over A new leaf tomorrow?

-today.

And that's final.

Come on, let's go sledding.

[laughing]

[squealing]

-well, to tell you the truth,

This has been the Best christmas ever.

-well, even though I Really miss stephanie,

I have to admit I had A pretty great day.

-me, too.

Even though benny and his Gang aren't really elves.

They told me they Were a bowling team.

-[laughing] -wait a minute,

They told me they were Rocket scientists.

-wait, they told me They were undertakers.

-I think they're elves.

-I'm convinced.

-so am I.

If it weren't for them, We wouldn't have gotten The snow machine in time.

-and we would've never pulled Off this incredible surprise.

-right.

-how did they pull Off this thing?

-I was afraid to ask.

-well, I'm just gonna have To thank them personally.

-well...

Benny gave me his address if I ever want to write to him

Or if I ever needed anything.

-wait a second, what is this?

This is a christmas Wish list form.

Oh my god, look at This, look at this.

-benny the elf?

Care of kris kringle?

-all: north pole!

-yeah, right. -[laughing]

-I told you they were elves.

-they're elves.

-yes.

-this is beautiful, mitch.

All that's missing Is a christmas carol.

-♪ silent night

♪ holy night

♪ all is calm

-well, I guess there's A santa after all.

-♪ all is bright

♪ round yon virgin

♪ mother and child

♪ holy infant

♪ so tender and mild

♪ sleep in heavenly peace

♪ sleep in heavenly peace

♪ silent night

♪ holy night

♪ all is calm

♪ all is bright

♪ round yon virgin

♪ mother and child

♪ holy infant

♪ so tender and mild

♪ sleep in heavenly peace

♪ sleep in heavenly peace

-all: merry christmas!

-[cheering]

-[ending theme music]