Il Natale Che Quasi Non Fu (film)

Il Natale Che Quasi Non Fu
aka	The Christmas That Almost Wasn't
Year	1966
Directed by	Rossano Brazzi
Produced by	Barry B. Yellen
Written by	Rossano Brazzi & Paul Tripp
Studio	Bambi Productions Childhood Productions (USA)
Cast	Rossano Brazzi Paul Tripp Alberto Rabagliati Mischa Auer Lydia Brazzi
Run time	89 minutes

“	We don't care if it all makes sense, the name of the song is "Prune".	”
	- Johnathan the Elf

For the MST3K episode, see MST3K 1113 - Il Natale Che Quasi Non Fu.

Il Natale Che Quasi Non Fu is a 1966 Italian-made Christmas movie that was written, directed, and acted in by Rossano Brazzi. It also stars Paul Tripp, the co-writer.

Plot

The bitter millionaire Phineas T. Prune purchases Santa Claus' home and workshop at the North Pole, and demands back rent. Santa Claus seeks out the help of a sympathetic attorney, and they embark on an effort to raise the money and pay off Mr. Prune.

Cast

• Rossano Brazzi as Mr. Prune
• Paul Tripp as Sam Whipple
• Alberto Rabagliati as Santa Claus
• Mischa Auer as Johnathan, the Head Elf
• Lydia Brazzi as Mrs. Claus

Notes

• This film was released in English-speaking countries as The Christmas That Almost Wasn't.
• Mischa Auer, who played Johnathan the Head Elf, appeared in several highly-regarded films throughout his career, including My Man Godfrey, Destry Rides Again, Hold That Ghost, and the film adaptations of You Can't Take it with You and And Then There Were None.
• As was common in the European film industry of the day, the movie was shot without live sound. Rossano Brazzi, who had previously appeared in many American films, was the only Italian actor whose dialogue is used with his real voice and native accent. The other performances were all dubbed by other actors without accents.
• At the time this film was made, Rossano Brazzi was married to actress Lydia Brazzi (Mrs. Claus).
• The title song was performed by American folk singer Glenn Yarbrough. Yarbrough later sang songs in the animated film versions of The Hobbit and The Return of the King.

MST3K Connections

• Writer and actor Rossano Brazzi also portrayed Don Lamanna in Final Justice.
• Valentino Macchi (unspecified role) also portrayed Henchman X3 in Danger!! Death Ray.
• Composer, musical director, and orchestrator Bruno Nicolai was also composer for Operation Double 007 and musical director for Diabolik.

Critical Response

• Leonard Maltin wrote: "One-and-a-half stars ... Santa is threatened with eviction from the North Pole in this substandard kiddie film."