Father Christmas **** (1991, voice of Mel Smith) – Classic Movie Review 1971

The late Mel Smith provides the voice of the titular Father Christmas in director Dave Unwin’s British 1991 seasonal animation joy, based on the Raymond Briggs stories.

Santa, the busiest man in snow business, turns his sledge into a caravan and enjoys holidays in France, Scotland and Las Vegas before coming home to answer the post, get the kids’ gifts ready, deliver them and then still try to get to the Snowmen’s party on time.

The 25-minute short, a companion piece to the 1982 classic The Snowman, is deservedly trotted out every year at the holidays on British TV.

Dianne Jackson and Michael Adams write the screenplay, based on the books by Raymond Briggs. Born on January 18 1934 in Wimbledon, south London, Briggs is also known for The Snowman (1982) and W (1991).

Mel Smith died on July 19 2013, age 60.

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© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1971

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