The Rooftop Christmas Tree (2016) Movie Script

♪

Sarah!

Hello!

Merry Christmas,

Mrs. Costello.

Oh,

Merry Christmas!

Sarah's home!

Now it's Christmas!

Hey there, kiddo!

Hi, Mom.

Hi, Dad.

I'll catch up

later, Mrs. Costello.

God bless you,

hun, you go on.

Give me a hug!

I missed you.

Of course your mother wouldn't

let us decorate the tree

until you got home.

But I've got hot

chocolate on the stove!

Perfect.

Come on.

Chilly, huh?

It's a little cold, yeah.

Just watch your step there,

it's awfully slippery.

Oh, it's so nice

to have you home.

You know, I can't believe

it's been three years

since we spent

Christmas together.

Neither can I.

Sounds like that law firm really

kept you hopping up there.

That's how they do things at

Chandler, Abbott and Jonas.

Always on call,

24/7 even holidays.

You know, we're really sorry

to hear about you and Richard.

You two seemed

so happy together.

Richard's

a very nice guy.

It just turned out, we

wanted different things in life.

So, when's that truck

supposed to get here

with the

rest of your stuff?

Day after tomorrow.

You know,

you could stay here.

I mean, your old room's

just sitting up there.

Thanks, Mom, but I'm

pretty sure my old room

isn't the best place

to start my own practice.

She's got

a point, Abby.

Well, you can't

blame me for trying.

But I found a great

place right in town.

It's not far, and it even

has a spare bedroom

I can use as an office

until I get things going.

That's gonna be

quite a change for ya'

from that hotshot

law firm in D.C.

Believe me, Dad,

I've had enough swimming

with sharks to last a lifetime.

Well, all you've

gotta do is sit back, relax

and let us spoil

you a little bit.

Thank you.

At least until you're ready

to hang out your shingle.

So,

what do you think?

I think we're ready.

All set.

One. Two. Three.

♪

It's beautiful.

Merry Christmas, kiddo.

♪

Merry Christmas,

Mr. Landis.

Remember me?

Sarah Wright?

Merry Christmas.

Here we go again.

He's still doing this?

A week before

Christmas like clockwork,

it's the

same thing every year.

I used to love it

when I was little.

From my bedroom at night,

it looked like the tree

was floating up there,

like some sort of beacon.

Should I help him?

Since when

has Dale Landis

ever let anybody help him

put up that tree?

Dale, you're gonna break your

fool neck one of these days.

We should have bought

that man a net years ago.

Either that

or a trampoline.

I think it looks nice.

What I

don't understand,

is why he keeps doing it

year after year.

I mean, he knows darn

well what's gonna happen.

It's like

he doesn't care.

He doesn't.

♪

Where did all

these people come from?

Dale's become a bit

of a Christmas tradition

around Rosedale.

Some towns have

Christmas pageants,

others have

Candy Cane Lane.

We've got

Dale Landis.

♪

Sarah!

Welcome home!

Gosh,

it feels like forever!

I know, it has

been way too long.

But look at you,

you look great!

And this

place is amazing!

That's right, you haven't

been home since we opened.

Mm-mm but I've been reading

awesome things about it on-line.

Lord love

the internet.

Did you ever think

when we were in school

that I'd end up

being a chef?

When we were in school,

who knew you could cook?

So good to have you

home for Christmas.

Your parents must

be over the moon.

You have no idea.

Come on, so like,

how's it going.

Tell me everything,

you okay?

Yeah, yeah.

You know.

No regrets leaving that

fast track law firm of yours?

It was time.

You hear

from Richard?

Ughh, let's just say,

that ship has sailed.

Then maybe I'll keep an eye

out to find you a new shipmate.

Uh, I'm actually on an

extended leave of absence

from the rocky world of romance,

so thanks, but no thanks.

Okay, I'll just have to cook

you a five-star meal instead.

I like

where this is going.

If you need anything,

anything at all, just ask.

Thanks, Jess.

Come on,

let's sit down.

♪

I have seen you

stare at that Courthouse

in exactly the same way

since you were a little girl.

Judge Conner.

For all these years, I wondered

what mysteries were hidden

behind those bright

young eyes of yours?

No mysteries.

Just the same questions.

As long as

you're never satisfied

with the

same old answers.

You haven't

changed a bit.

And you are a

sight for sore eyes.

How are you, Judge?

Well, I'm okay except I seem to

be the last person on earth

to find out

you're moving home.

Oh well,

I was gonna come by.

Yeah and that you've

left Chandler, Abbott and Jonas

to open

your own practice?

I see my parents have

been talking to you.

Well, as matter of fact,

I got a call from Carl Jonas.

Your old boss asked if I would

try and talk you out of leaving.

Mr. Jonas

called you himself?

Well, he seemed

to think you've got

a promising

future with his firm.

According to him, they were

gonna renew your contract,

with a promotion?

It was

a good offer.

Which you declined.

What did

you tell him?

Well, I told him that if my

favorite young protégé

turned down his offer, she must

have a pretty good reason.

It wasn't

about the money.

With you,

it never was.

Now look,

I'm due in court.

Why don't you come by

my chambers tomorrow

and we'll talk more.

I'd like that.

All right, I'll get Marcie to

phone over to the diner,

order in sandwiches.

You still

like tuna salad?

How do you remember that?

How many times

did you come and visit me

when you

were in law school? Huh?

You never

ate anything else.

Hey, don't

forget the pickle.

♪

I know you're in

there, Mr. Landis.

This doesn't change

anything, Mr. Landis.

You've got 48 hours.

♪

Mm, Mom this

is so delicious.

I forgot how much

I missed your cooking.

Wait till you see what's on

the menu for Christmas dinner.

I assume you've invited

the entire town again?

Your mother

cut back this year,

she's only inviting

half the town.

Ha-ha, you two.

I saw a someone posting a notice

on Dale Landis' door today.

He had a police

officer with him.

They didn't waste

much time, did they?

What's going on?

He's from the city.

He was serving Dale with a court

order to take that tree down.

What? Why?

They say it's a

building code violation.

And a serious fire hazard,

which makes it a danger to him

and everyone else in

the neighborhood.

Dale Landis has been putting

that tree on his roof every year

since I was 9 years old.

A lot's changed

since last time you were

home for dinner, sweetie.

Changed? How?

Well, when you

were growing up,

nobody minded that Dale

put a tree on his roof.

You know, it looked nice,

and it didn't hurt anyone.

But back then everyone in

the neighborhood knew Dale.

So, even if he didn't

talk about it much,

we all had a pretty

good idea just how difficult

it was for him around the

holidays, without his family.

I remember that night

when his family left.

I felt

so sad for him.

He just looked so--

Lost.

He was, honey.

He still is.

What do you mean?

Dale's had less and less

to say in the last few years.

He hardly

leaves that house.

It's starting to

fall down around him.

The only time

that we're sure to see him

is when Christmas comes around,

and he puts that tree up.

The man just wants

to be left alone.

But we've had a lot of people

move into the neighborhood

and they're

nice and cordial.

But you know, they

don't really know Dale.

Every year that tree goes up

and it starts up all over again.

Someone complains.

And

even if they don't,

I'm pretty sure that Dale

is on the city's radar by now.

They show up with that

court order like clockwork.

And he has to

take the tree down.

Not exactly.

What?

He won't

take it down.

But it's

a court order.

Either he takes that tree down,

or he could wind up in--

Yep.

Wait. Seriously?

Mhm.

The last

three years,

Dale Landis has spent

Christmas in jail.

And by the sounds of it,

that's where he's headed again.

Over a

Christmas tree?

But, why?

Well, nobody knows.

Well, has anyone

asked him?

Oh, sure.

I mean, every year

when he appears in court,

Sam Conner asks

him the same question.

And he gets

the same answer.

Because he

"likes the way it looks".

That makes

absolutely no sense.

It does to Dale.

♪

Come on, Barney, he

admitted he was in the car.

Exactly.

Doesn't matter if

he was sleeping.

He woke up when his

buddies got back in.

Yeah, gimme a break,

of course they knew each other

they went out for

burgers afterwards.

We've got them with

the surveillance camera.

I know,

cameras everywhere.

What's the

world coming to?

Yeah, all right, yeah,

nothing's written in stone.

I'll talk

to you later.

Bout an hour.

Hey,

don't give up now!

You were setting a great

pace, really in sync there!

See ya!

Yeah, Steve,

we both know

I can't take that

offer to my boss.

Oh, please.

Uhh, excuse me.

Mhmm.

Yeah,

excuse me just--

Yeah,

yeah, no, I know.

Well, because he'd make Santa

Clause put coal in my stocking.

Excuse me, just,

just over there.

Yeah, yeah, all

right, call me later.

I need and offer I can

work with though, Steve.

Okay,

excuse me I'm just--

Yeah.

Hi there, didn't

see you up here.

What are you doing?

What do you mean?

I'm buying you

a cup of coffee.

No, you're not.

You're

cutting in line.

Uhh look, just work with me

here, I'm running a little late.

Excuse me?

Look,

everything is on me.

The muffins are really

great, they make 'em fresh here.

You know, it's bad

enough with guys like you,

your phone calls

are so important,

we all

have to listen.

Wait,

guys like me?

But heaven forbid you

should have to wait in line

like everybody else.

No look,

w-wait a second.

Hi, what can

I get for you?

Single tall,

non-fat latte, please.

And you, sir?

Oh, no, no.

We're not together.

- No.

- We are.

N-no,

no we're not together.

We're not together.

Yeah, thank you.

Unbelievable.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, kiddo.

Your mom's out.

Said she had to

run some "errands".

Mmm, which is code

for Christmas shopping.

She'll be back in

a couple of hours.

I just

wanted to say hi.

I'm meeting Judge

Conner for lunch.

Eh,

like old times.

Yeah.

You just

finishing that up?

Yep,

just about there.

Mmm.

Hey Dad, do you ever

miss being a lawyer?

Honey,

that was 20 years ago.

I know, but do you

ever regret leaving law?

I suppose if I miss anything,

it's that feeling when

everything comes

together, you know?

When the

system works

and you feel like you

really made a difference.

Yeah.

Mmm.

Something on

your mind, Sarah?

I was just thinking about

something you said,

I must've

been 9 or 10?

It was Christmas,

and I asked you if

you didn't like being

a lawyer anymore.

You said--

You said you found

something you liked better.

Something that

made you happy.

Yeah, that was a

big leap of faith.

What do you mean?

I wanted

to build furniture.

This is what

makes me happy.

You know?

Being

a lawyer was--

well, I didn't have

the passion for it.

Not like you do.

So there I was,

walking away from a job.

Your mother and I had to start

over again, risking our home,

our future.

Were you nervous?

I was petrified.

I'm not gonna kid you,

times were tough for a while,

we really had to

tighten our belts.

A lot of people thought I was

crazy when I set up out here.

But how

can you be sure?

That you made

the right choice?

You can't.

Not completely.

But that's when you

need to look in your heart,

and trust what

you feel there.

Yeah.

It's beautiful, dad.

Hmm.

Thanks hunny.

Okay,

I gotta get ready.

Alright,

I'll see you later on.

See ya.

I'm a little early.

Oh that's fine, he's got

somebody in there

but they'll be

done soon.

I understand

we're gonna be

seeing a lot more

of you around here.

Looks that way.

Well, if I hear about anybody

needing a good attorney,

I'll be sure and

send them your way.

Thank you, Marcie.

Okay, John.

Okay, keep me posted,

we'll get to the bottom of it.

Thanks, I will.

I will.

Sarah.

Good.

Someone

I want you to meet.

This is

John Keaton.

John, this is

Sarah Wright.

We have got to stop

meeting like this.

What, you two

know each other?

No.

But not

for lack of trying.

It's a pleasure.

John is the Deputy Prosecuting

Attorney for the county.

Been with us almost a

year doing a dandy job.

Thank you, Judge.

Sarah is the pride

and joy of Rosedale.

Top of her

class at law school,

four years with Chandler,

Abbot and Jonas.

Wow, running

with the big dogs.

But we have

the great good fortune

of having her

back home now.

Well, I look forward

to seeing you at work.

Nice meeting you.

Judge.

Marcie.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney?

He knows his stuff.

I don't doubt it.

But what s a guy like that

doing in our little town?

Oh, I didn't ask.

But whatever brought him

here, he seems to like it.

Which is

just fine by me.

That dog can hunt.

Believe me,

I know the type.

He's all

about the job.

First one in,

last one out,

and it is the only thing

he really loves.

Shall we go in?

♪

Hi Marilyn,

there you go.

Lunch?

I remember the first

time you came in here.

Skinny little thing.

You sat right there

and you told me you

were going to be a lawyer.

And I thought you were

here for my sage advice.

That was part of it.

No, what you really wanted from

me was for me to ask you

why you were gonna

become a lawyer.

Hmm?

Even back then, you weren't

afraid of the hard questions.

Yeah, as I recall, you

didn't pull any punches either.

Well, from that day

forward, I never have.

Not with you.

Something tells me we're not

just taking a walk down

memory lane

here, are we?

If you tell me you've

thought this through,

that you're clear in your head

about coming home--

I'll mind

my own business.

♪

Seems like these days I'm not

clear about much of anything.

What do you mean?

I never set out to

change the world, judge.

I just wanted to make a

difference, for the better.

Well, you have

made a difference.

You gave your

clients their day in court,

helped them

find justice.

But that's just it.

The longer I do this,

the more I realize,

it isn't about justice

or what's right.

It's about winning.

Hmm.

Sometimes it can feel

like that, yeah.

What are

we supposed to do?

I--

I'm not naive, I know the

law is never black and white.

But that gray area

just keeps getting bigger,

we keep trading off

and compromising,

making deals that sometimes,

they don't even make sense.

How am I supposed to

explain that to someone

who has put

their faith in me?

How am I supposed to

just sit back and watch

while these good

people are made to feel that

their day in court

was just a lot of haggling?

It's not justice.

And it's not right.

And I'm tired of it.

Why did you leave

Chandler Abbott?

A woman and her children

were being kicked out

of their apartment.

The owner wanted to covert

the building into a co-op,

she couldn't afford it and

I wanted to take the case.

I thought I could stall

him at least long enough

so they wouldn't be

on the street for Christmas.

Was the

eviction legal?

It's Christmas, Judge.

She has three kids

and nowhere to go.

Counselor.

Of course,

it was legal.

The owner

was our client.

You wanted to take a case

against your own law firm?

Technically.

Yes but I would've

done it on my own time.

Pro Bono.

And of course,

they said no.

So, you quit?

It wasn't

just that case, Judge.

I've been feeling

this way for a long time

and I couldn't stay

there anymore.

I don't even

know if I can--

If you can what?

I don't even know if

I can do this anymore.

I don't know if

I can be a lawyer.

I see.

I hope--

I hope that you're

not too disappointed in me?

You have been blessed

with a rare gift, Sarah.

A good heart and a legal mind

and that's what makes you

a very fine lawyer and

an even better person.

You could

never disappoint me.

But the hardest part of what

we do is to finally admit

to ourselves that we

can't save everyone.

Right now, I would be

happy with saving just one.

Maybe that's what's

brought you home again.

What?

Looking for

that one case,

that one client to

restore your faith.

I wish

I could believe that.

But it 's the season

for believing.

What better

time to find out?

Who knows, maybe you'll

change the world after all.

Or maybe just our

little corner of it?

♪

Of course.

Your client should

have thought about that

before he started

taking a joy ride.

Come on, Sid,

don't take it personally.

I'm just

doing my job.

♪

Sid, I gotta

call you back.

♪

It's off.

You can check.

I thought you

threw that away.

Uhh.

Yeah, no, that was

just for dramatic effect.

Just to show you

that I was listening.

Very convincing.

Well, so were you.

Really?

Absolutely.

You know,

you were right.

I should be more considerate

towards other people.

Mmm, yeah.

No.

Too sincere?

Little bit.

Yeah, I can never

get that right.

Listen, you seem like a

very nice guy, I'm sure.

And you're even funny-ish,

in a cocky sort of way.

Thank you.

Not really a compliment,

anyway--

The point is, you don't

have to work so hard.

Because this,

right here?

It's not

gonna happen.

So--

O-Okay.

Good to know.

Uhh, though, actually I just

wanted to share your table.

What?

Right.

But I'm glad

we got all that other stuff

out of the way first,

you know?

Just to be clear.

Sit.

Thank you.

I'm--

Listen, I'm sorry, I shouldn't

have said that, I--

It's been a bit

of a tough week.

Tough year.

Hm.

Does that have anything to do

with why you moved back home?

Let's just say,

that this is the one place

that still

makes sense to me.

Oh.

Well, that

would explain a lot.

It would?

Yeah, well--

I mean, people

don't just walk away

from Chandler,

Abbott and Jonas.

I mean,

'that place is mythic,

People are lined up around

the block to get jobs there.

So, why would anyone leave all

that just to move back here?

I don't know, why would

anyone trade all this,

to go work there?

What?

Yeah well, I mean,

don't get me wrong.

I can

see the appeal.

You know, huge career

bump, perks like crazy.

But, yeah, it's

not for everybody.

Hang on a second,

are you doing that

"sincere" thing

again?

Because I'm getting

all turned around here.

No, no, no,

I'm serious.

You know,

I like it here.

This is--

This is the kind

of town I used to--

Be curious about

when I grew up.

Why?

Well, when I was a kid my

parents moved around a lot.

They never really set up roots

anywhere, don't ask me why.

It's like they were

always looking for something.

Did they

ever find it?

Yeah, you can't really

find what you don't know.

But the whole time, I kept

imagining a place like Rosedale.

A place where people knew each

other, just help each other out.

Yeah.

This must've been a

great place to grow up.

Hmm,

especially at Christmas.

And this is gonna be my

first Christmas here.

I heard

they do it up right.

Oh, we have a big tree lighting

ceremony, right in the Square.

The whole

town comes out.

We sing carols,

drink hot cider.

Santa always

makes an appearance.

That sounds

beautiful.

It really is.

♪

John Keaton.

I should--

I should

take this outside.

Very good.

Okay,

I'll see you later.

See you later.

♪

Yeah, uh-huh.

♪

This place is

so great, Sarah.

Now, I just have to figure

out where to put everything.

Hi, Jess!

Hi, Mrs. Wright!

Mr. Wright!

It's always a good sign when

Jessica shows up with food.

It's a

housewarming gift:

my smoky butternut squash

Christmas soup.

Perfect,

when do we eat?!

Oh, hey, I passed your

neighbor on the way over here.

Mr. Landis?

Yeah, been a while since I've

seen him out on his bicycle.

Probably

about a year?

What do

you mean?

Remember, when we said that Dale

doesn't get out much anymore?

So if he's riding into

town at Christmas,

he's headed

for the courthouse.

Because of the tree?

Once the order

goes on his door,

he has 48 hours

to take the tree down.

If he doesn't, he has

to appear in court.

And he

always shows up.

And he

always says no.

Do you mean Judge Conners is

gonna put him in jail today?

No, Sam will give him a few

more days to think about it.

Not that it makes

any difference.

Well, what does

his attorney say?

Dale doesn't

have a lawyer.

Says he

doesn't need one.

Wait, what?

Sam tried to assign

him a public defender

but he wanted

no part of it.

How can he understand what's

happening without an attorney?

That's like

asking to go to jail.

Which some people

believe is the whole point,

that he's just a lonely man

looking for attention.

Others think there's really

something wrong with him.

That he's not

all there anymore.

Well,

what do you think?

I think every Christmas story

should have a happy ending.

I just don't think that's

this one's gonna turn out.

Do you guys mind holding down

the fort for a little while?

Where are

you going?

I think wanna hear this

Christmas story for myself.

♪

Excuse me.

♪

Well,

I'm sorry Mr. Miller

but we don't have a lot of

room to move here.

We're gonna have to ask you

to pay the fine after all.

All right, well now let's see if we can move on to the next case.

Ah, Mr. Landis.

How are you,

my friend?

I'm okay, your

honour, thank you.

How are you, sir?

Oh, just fine.

And a

Merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas, sir.

It wouldn't be Christmas

without a visit from you

to our courtroom,

would it?

No, sir, I guess not.

I see that you have again

violated the town's building

codes by placing your

Christmas tree on your roof.

Yes, sir.

And you received the courts

order to take the tree down?

Yes sir, I did.

Oh.

And I take it you have

no intention of doing so.

No, sir.

I won't be

doing that.

Yeah.

I gather that you have once

again decided to appear in court

without benefit

of counsel?

I'll be just fine,

your Honour.

I want to

remind you, Dale,

that once these wheels

are set in motion,

we're obliged by law

to follow through on this.

Yes, sir.

I understand.

Come here.

If you don't take the tree

down, I have to put you in jail.

Ah, yeah.

I understand, Sir.

Okay.

Alright.

Mr. Keaton.

It's all yours.

Thank you,

your honour.

In the matter of the town of

Rosedale versus Dale Landis,

the defendant is accused

of being in violation

of the following town

and county codes.

Uhh, Mr. Keaton, most of us here

have been down this road

a few times.

Why don't we just

stipulate the violations,

and we can

move it along a bit?

Yes, sir.

Alright.

For the past three

years,

the defendant has ignored

identical court orders to comply

with the town's

building and security codes.

We don't think this is gonna

be any different this year.

Agreed.

The people request an immediate

court date for Mr. Landis,

and a fine of

$5,000 for each day

that the tree

remains on his roof.

That's a little

steep, don't you think?

Your honour, this has been

going on for four years now.

I think it's about time the

defendant took it seriously.

Mr. Landis, you do understand

that this Christmas tree

of yours could end up

being very expensive?

I don't have any

money, your Honour.

Well, then I suggest

you take the tree down.

I'm sorry.

I can't do that.

Why not?

Your Honour, I don't mean

to be disrespectful,

but I just like the way

the tree looks up there.

Your honuor--

Oh, trust me,

nobody would enjoy hearing an

answer to your

question more than I would.

This is just part of our annual

tradition, isn't it, Dale?

Yes sir,

I guess it is.

♪

In that case, your Honour,

I request the court order

a psychiatric evaluation

of the defendant,

to determine his competency

to accept these charges.

It's--

It's a Christmas tree,

Mr. Keaton.

It's a matter of

public safety, your Honour.

I'll take it

under advisement.

Mr. Landis, the Clerk will

assign you a court date,

at which time I will rule

on Mr. Keaton's motion.

In the meantime,

I think--

I think you should

think very carefully

about what

you're gonna do now.

It's not just a

matter of

another night in

jail anymore, Dale.

Yes, sir.

Okay.

♪

Court's adjourned.

♪

Yeah, okay.

Hey, hey.

I wanna

talk to you.

Hey, Sarah.

What was

that all about?

Excuse me?

A psychiatric evaluation?

Seriously?

Oh, I didn't know

you were in there.

No, no, no, there is nothing

wrong with Dale Landis, okay?

He's just

a little bit lonely.

And you know

this because?

Because he lives

across the street from me.

Wait, you're actually neighbours

with the Christmas tree guy?

You're smiling, why are you

smiling, how is this funny?

It's not, no, I just, this is

what I mean about small towns.

I think it's great that

everyone knows each other.

It's not that small.

And I didn't say

I know everyone, just him.

And there's nothing

wrong with him, okay?

Look, I'm sorry but I can't talk

about an on-going case,

not out here

like this.

It's not my

first rodeo, Cowboy.

Don't try

and pull that

"can't discuss it" lawyer

brush-off line with me.

What?

You don't wanna talk about

it because we both know

you pulled out your

Big Guns way too fast.

Alright, you wanna

discuss this, Counselor?

Step in my office.

My pleasure.

The fact that the

defendant's your neighbor

doesn't change a thing.

Look, there has to be

more going on here.

I know

Dale Landis isn't crazy.

He's been breaking

these laws for years,

it doesn't seem

to matter to him.

Sure it matters.

So he doesn't mind

spending Christmas in jail?

Of course not.

He would just rather

spend Christmas in jail

than take

down his tree.

And this to you sounds like

the decision of a rational man?

It's a

zoning code, okay?

It's not like

he robbed a bank.

It's the law.

And as long as

I'm in that courtroom,

my job is to

enforce that law.

It's not that simple.

It couldn't be simpler, right

is right and wrong is wrong.

That's just the

way it is, Sarah,

whether we

like it or not.

What about people?

What about having

faith in your fellow man?

You know, trying to look a

little bit closer at the things

that they do, so we can

understand them better.

Especially now,

at Christmas.

How do you think he feels,

being all alone like that,

when everyone

around you is celebrating

with family

and friends?

♪

Look, I appreciate

what you're doing.

But I have faith in

the law, not people.

Law makes a lot

more sense to me.

Excuse me.

♪

I can't believe he's up

there straightening the tree.

Look, it's leaning

to the right.

Well, at least he put

green on the bottom.

What are you two doing

out here, it's cold.

Hi.

Just in case.

In case of what?

In case

we have to call 9-1-1.

Is he taking it down?

Don't be silly, dear.

It's crooked.

You can't have a crooked

Christmas tree on your roof.

What will

the neighbours say?

Oh, how did

court go today?

Not good.

That man.

You know,

I hate to think of him

spending another

Christmas in jail.

That's why

I came over.

To try

and talk to him.

Good luck, honey.

Why don't you two go back

inside where it's warm.

I'll call you if we

have any emergencies.

Okay.

Thanks.

Mr. Landis?

You okay up there?

Uh-huh.

Your tree

looks really nice.

Haven't seen it

for awhile.

It's just the way

I remember it.

Thank you.

Mr. Landis, could I talk to you

for a second about what happened

in the

courthouse today?

What about it?

Well, it's just

that um--

You see, I think that,

this would be a lot easier

if I didn't

have to shout.

Okay, I can do this.

I can do this.

♪

So uhh--

Look straight to you?

Yeah, yeah, that--

That looks great.

You uhh, used to have

this shiny blue soccer ball.

Used to kick it around

in the yard all the time.

That was

a long time ago.

Yeah.

There was this time when uhh,

you kicked it across the street,

in our yard.

When you came over to get it,

my son, Danny--

He thought that ball

was something.

And well,

you played with him

and that ball for

a long, long time.

I remember.

I never did

thank you for that.

That was nice

that you did that.

How is Danny?

He's fine, just fine.

Mr. Landis, did

you understand

what the Deputy

Prosecuting Attorney

said in

the court today?

You mean

that part about,

he doesn't think my

head's on straight?

Well, that's--

We all know

that's not true.

But he's not

from around here,

and he likes to

play hard ball, so--

He's just

doing his job.

It could get very

complicated.

You know, you should

really have an attorney.

I'll be fine.

Mr. Landis.

I really appreciate you coming

up here to talk to me, Sarah.

But I'm uhh,

I'm doing just fine,

I don't need any

help, thank you.

♪

Well, maybe you

could help me.

How's that?

Like I said,

I've been away for awhile.

I'm trying to set up

my own law practice up

and you know getting that

first client, it's not easy.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe if it would

be alright with you,

I could just sit

with you in court

and you know, we could tell

people you're my client,

that I'm

representing your case

but I wouldn't have

to do anything,

not if you

don't want me to.

You figure that would help

you with your law business?

It would

be a big help.

But you wouldn't join up

with the-with the Judge

and that other fella, try'n

make me take this tree down?

Not if you

don't want to.

♪

You were

always nice to Danny.

♪

I guess it'll

be alright.

Thank you,

Mr. Landis.

Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

♪

Okay.

♪

Good morning.

Beautiful day.

Yes it is.

Think we'll have a

white Christmas?

Looks like it.

Isn't it great how we

can banter like this?

Do you really intend to give

Dale Landis a psych evaluation?

Ah, okay,

that's not banter.

That's more

like shop talk.

Because you know, you

can't have it both ways.

Alright,

What do you mean?

You can't question

his competency

and charge him $5,000

a day for leaving his tree up.

Why not?

Doesn't wash.

Either he knows what

he's doing or he doesn't.

You can't

penalize someone

if they're not responsible

for their actions.

Wow.

Not bad.

Make up

your mind, Counselor.

Hold on, is this

your way of saying

that you

represent Landis now?

That's right.

How'd you get him

to change his mind?

He still

doesn't want a lawyer

but he was happy

to have a friend.

Nice bantering

with you.

♪

You're telling me,

Dale has agreed to this?

He wants you

to represent him?

Let's just say, we've

come to an understanding?

And would this

understanding involve him

taking that tree down

and staying out of jail?

I think first I need to

figure out why he puts it up.

I've waited a long time to solve

that little Christmas mystery.

Has he ever mentioned

his family in court?

Not that I recall.

He has a son,

doesn't he?

Danny.

He moved away with his

mother when he was very young.

I tried to look him up on-line,

but there's no record

of a Daniel Landis

from Rosedale.

No way of knowing where he is,

or even if he's alive or dead.

Why are you

trying to find him?

This man has no one, Judge

Conner, he's all alone

and I thought if I could just

find someone, a family member,

someone he could trust,

he might listen to them.

Hey Marcie, do me a favour,

will you pull all the files

on Dale Landis for the

past three years.

As soon

as you can.

I have a bright-eyed

young attorney here

who has some

homework to do.

Thank you!

♪

Okay.

♪

No drivers license,

no credit card,

no e-mail,

no contact person.

It's like outside of

Christmas, he doesn't exist.

Hi.

Hey, umm, sorry, I'm just in

the middle of something here.

Yeah,

I figured that.

Hot fresh Cider.

You've been here for hours,

you worked right through dinner.

I did, jeez.

Thought you

might need a break,

Hang on a second, how do you

know how long I've been in here?

Ae you following me

now or something?

As fascinating as you may be,

no, I haven't been watching you.

I thought umm,

maybe--

Umm--

Never mind.

Bad idea.

Hang on, I--

I just get a little cranky

when I'm hungry.

Hmm, I had a

feeling, so--

Hold this.

♪

Tuna salad, right?

How did you--?

I sometimes

eat at the diner

and I overheard Marcie

take your order the other day.

Apparently,

you have a long history

of tuna salad

sandwiches.

Thank you.

Umm, why are

you doing this?

Those Landis' files?

Yeah.

Yeah, about the

other day umm,

I didn't mean to

lecture you on the law.

Especially when it

comes to Mr. Landis.

I know he's more than

just another case for you.

I got

a little caught up.

I do

that sometimes.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I--

Get a little

caught up sometimes too.

Really?

You noticed.

Yeah.

You know,

when I'm in that courtroom,

I have to do everything

I can to win that case,

you know that.

Including this one.

I do.

And you have to do everything

you can to help out your client.

So things are gonna get kinda

sticky before this is over.

Yeah, and when they do,

I just want you to remember

that this sandwich is a token

of our professional respect.

Okay.

And that I envy your

faith in other people.

You do?

Yeah I might be a

pretty good lawyer,

but I don't have much luck

in that department.

Especially at Christmas.

♪

You want half?

We don't discuss the case.

Agreed.

Okay.

Goodnight, Barney.

Good one.

Sometimes they don't

toast the bread enough

depends on

the chef that day.

Hmm.

♪

I mean, we were together all

through law school, it was fine.

But I should

have seen it coming,

the signs

were all there.

Such as?

She took a job in D.C.

the day

after we graduated,

and then stopped

returning my texts and calls.

Ouch.

Yeah, should've realized at that

time our days were numbered.

And since then?

Since then?

Well, it turns out

not everyone relates to

my love for small town life.

Mmm.

Working in

a place like Rosedale

doesn't exactly fit their

visions of success.

They don't know

what they're missing.

How about you?

No one to keep the

home fires burning?

No,

I gave up on that.

Oh, please.

I mean, not as a

permanent situation.

It's just dating in the

city is way too exhausting.

Like the past four years

have been all about money

and titles and

connections and winning.

Mostly winning.

No matter what.

"Guys like me"

in other words?

Nothing like you.

You know, that may be the nicest

thing anyone's ever said to me.

Well, this is me.

So umm, guess I'll see

you in court tomorrow.

Yeah.

♪

Good night.

Sarah?

And what I said before,

about that sandwich?

I meant it.

♪

I'm impressed.

You got your

first case already.

Yeah,

only on the condition

that I do and say nothing to

keep my client out of jail.

He'll change

his tune.

Mmm,

I wouldn't be so sure.

How can he say no to

the best lawyer in town--

Who's doing it for

free, I might add.

The same way he's

said no everyone else.

And, you know,

as for being the best,

the Deputy Prosecuting

Attorney is no slouch.

Believe me.

So, you've

met John Keaton.

Oh,

you know him?

Not exactly.

He comes into my

restaurant sometimes.

So he has

good taste too.

Why, thank you, it's all

very mysterious though.

What do you mean?

Whenever

he comes in,

he's always with the same

attractive young woman.

- Really?

- Mhm.

She must be from

out of town, I assume.

That's the only

time I ever see her.

That would

makes sense.

He hasn't lived in our

little town very long

and he doesn't realize that

people notice these things.

I'm sure

you're right.

All rise.

Be seated.

Ms. Wright.

I see

you've joined us.

Welcome, as always.

Thank you,

your Honour.

Well, let's get

right to it, shall we?

Dale, I don't suppose you've

given us an early

Christmas present

by taking that tree down?

Uhh, no,

your Honour, I haven't.

And I gather you still have

no intention of doing so.

No, sir.

Hmm, Mr. Keaton.

Your honour, upon further

review, the prosecution has

decided to withdraw the motion

to fine Mr. Landis everyday

the tree is

on top of his house.

Well, I like the way

this is starting out.

So noted.

Did you

get that, Dale?

The prosecution is

dropping the fine?

I appreciate it.

However, the defendant continues

to be in violation of several

building codes and in so

doing presents a clear danger

to himself

and to the community.

I would never hurt

anybody, you honour.

No one,

really, never.

Ehh, Dale,

let him finish.

Therefore, your Honour, we ask

that you rule on our request for

immediate psychiatric evaluation

to determine the competency

of the defendant, as well as

authorize the immediate

enforcement of the court

order to take the tree down.

Dale you understand

that one way or the other,

that tree

is coming down.

I really wish you

wouldn't do that, your honour.

With all due respect,

your honour,

the defendant's wishes

have no relevance here.

Your Honour, the wishes of the

defendant are precisely

what this case

is all about.

Your Honour, excuse me,

if I could finish my point--?

It was Mr. Landis' wish

to place the tree on his roof,

it was his wish to

keep it on his roof.

Then it must have also been

his wish to break the law.

The Prosecution has made

it clear that this case

is no longer

just about the law.

It is also about the defendant's

understanding of the law.

I understand the law

just fine, your Honour.

I just don't wanna

take down my tree.

I-I think they're on to

something else here, Dale.

They seem pretty

steamed about it.

Oh yes, they do.

You honour, I'm confused, who

am I speaking to here?

Is Mr. Landis

representing himself,

or is Ms. Wright now

arguing this case?

Fair question,

Ms. Wright?

Mr. Landis has agreed to let

me assist him, your honour.

What does

that mean?

In the case of Dooley

vs. The State of Washington,

Raymond Dooley declined to be

represented by an attorney.

What?

However, when his competency was

questioned, the court ruled that

while he had the

right to refuse representation,

he could be

assigned an advisor.

An "advisor"?

You mean something

like, an attorney?

They weren't

there to represent him,

they were

there to interpret.

And uhh, clarify.

The law,

so to speak.

What's the difference?

It's right there,

read it for yourself.

I don't have to read it,

you're talking about semantics.

Excuse me?

Look you're either his

lawyer or you're not.

Doesn't

make any sense.

It makes more sense than putting

him back in jail, doesn't it?

He knew he was gonna go there

when he put the tree back up.

Well, at least he didn't make

up stories about his tree

to try and

impress people!

Excuse me?

You two, in my chamber now, this

court's in recess, ten minutes.

♪

Okay, what was

that all about?

You think I'm making up

stories about something?

I think you would do

anything to win this case.

I'm not the one pulling

rabbits out of my hat,

"Dooley vs. State

of Washington"?

Please.

Are you questioning

my citation?

I'm questioning

your cheap shot.

Alright.

Neutral corners.

Your Honour, she's obviously

trying to help her neighbour,

whether he

wants it or not.

Do you even know what

we're talking about here?

Have you been

to see the tree?

What's that got to

do with anything?

Your Honour, Dale Landis

has been putting a tree

on his roof since

I was a little girl.

I used to look

forward to seeing it

from my bedroom

window every year.

Wait, how long has this guy

been getting away with this?

The point is, what he does

may be technically illegal--

"Technically"?

It is also beautiful.

And in some way that

none of us can understand,

it makes him happy.

But that does not

make him crazy.

And I will not

let the prosecution

make him

think he is.

Your Honour,

the law clearly states--

I'm familiar with the

law, Mr. Keaton.

But you're right.

The law is quite

clear on this point.

But your Honour--

However, Ms. Wright

has also made a point.

Whatever the legal issues

here, Mr. Landis is harmless.

Which leads me to believe that

we must be missing something,

that there must be a

different solution.

Such as?

No idea.

Which is why I'm putting you in

charge of finding that solution.

- You are?

- Mhm.

And, you're

gonna help her John.

Woah,

woah, wait, what?

You two are gonna

work this out together.

And the next time

I see you,

I want to hear that

you've found a way to satisfy

the court's and

Mr. Landis' dreams

for a happy and

healthy Christmas.

Wait a second--

If you two put half as much

effort into sorting this out

as you do into sniping at each

other, you're gonna bring

a lot of Christmas cheer

into my courtroom!

Your Honour, I have

a full case load.

For which, I will give

you a full continuance.

Hmm?

Your only concern right now is

to create a Christmas miracle.

Any questions?

Good.

Tomorrow is

Christmas Eve.

I want this

resolved before then.

Otherwise, Mr. Landis spends

another Christmas in jail.

And we don't

want that, do we?

I really think--

Sir--

No, sir.

Alright.

Off you go.

Play nice.

"Play nice"?

He was

talking to you.

You wanna

tell me what I did?

Let's just

get through this.

Fine.

Any ideas?

You?

Mm-mm.

I'll get the files.

I'll get the coffee.

♪

Okay, you want neighbors'

complaints or building codes?

Well, it's your

neighborhood.

I'll take

the building codes.

Okay.

♪

Non-fat latte.

Thank you.

♪

Could you--

Can I have a--

Sorry?

Uhh, could you pass me

the critique of law.

Sure, there you go,

Thank you.

Did you find the--

Yeah, could I see

that for a second?

- Yeah.

- Thanks.

♪

Where's that

coming from?

I think

it's the town square.

Oh, no.

They're lighting

the tree.

That's tonight?

I completely

forgot about it.

I've been looking

forward to this for years

and now I'm

going to miss it.

Come on.

But we haven't

found anything yet.

It's all gonna be

here when we get back.

You want to

see it or not?

Come on.

♪

♪ Mother and child

♪ Holy infants so

tender and mild ♪

It's just like

I remember.

This is home.

This is where I learned

to put my faith in people.

You're lucky.

We can't stay long.

Hi.

As soon as they light the

tree, we should head back.

Well, I thought

you wanted to--

We don't have time.

What's--

What's going on?

I don't understand, I know

we're off a rocky start

but I thought, I thought

you liked the sandwich.

It's a

small town, John.

Yeah I figured so.

That restaurant

you like?

The Bostrum Bistro?

Mhm.

My best friend is

the chef there.

Okay,

it's good food, so?

So, she remembers

you coming in, okay?

I still don't--

Am I a bad tipper?

She also

remembers--

There she is,

Sarah, honey!

Hey there, kiddo.

We were looking

all over for you.

Oh yeah, sorry.

I had to work late.

I told your father that

you wouldn't miss this

for the world.

No, you're right.

John Keaton.

Hi.

Hello.

John is the Deputy

Prosecuting Attorney.

These are my parents.

Nice to meet you.

Keaton.

Judge Conners tells me you're

handling Dale Landis' case.

That's right.

You've got your

hands full there.

Yeah, well we're actually

handling it together now,

try to

straighten things out.

Sarah, did you convince Dale

into letting you be his lawyer?

No, not exactly.

It was the judge's idea

actually, to try and keep

Mr. Landis from spending

another Christmas in jail.

Well,

I hope it works.

Yeah, so do we.

Uhh, you know,

I should--

there's something

I need to take care of.

Excuse me.

I'll come

by tomorrow.

Love you.

Honey, they're

gonna light the tree.

What was

that all about?

I should probably go

help her with that thing.

It was really nice

to meet you both.

Excuse me.

♪

Her name's Emily.

What?

The woman your friend saw

me with in the restaurant.

It's none of

my business, John.

No, probably not,

but just for the record,

she's my

little sister.

Your sister.

Yeah, she's

a senior in college.

She's really busy,

which is why I can't see

her that often but--

When she can come visit, she

loves your friend's restaurant.

John,

I-I thought that--

I'm sorry.

Hey--

Look, I haven't

lied to you, Sarah.

I never will.

♪

Come on.

♪ We all know that Santa's

coming and soon will be here ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring

to you and your kin ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year ♪

erry Christmas we wish you a

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year ♪

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

♪

Merry Christmas.

Oh, hey.

Merry Christmas.

My sister's what

brought me to Rosedale,

she was the reason

I took the job.

What do you mean?

Well, our family moved

around so much,

it was umm, it felt like

it was just her and I.

And I was the big brother,

so I had to take care of her.

What about

your parents?

They made sure

we were okay.

In a

sort of uhh--

how do you say,

non-committal sort of way.

What?

I guess looking back on it, they

liked the idea of kids a lot

more than the actual

day to day reality.

John, that must have been so

hard for you and your sister.

Yeah.

But it did give me a lot of

time to figure things out.

And I figured out pretty quickly

that if someone says "trust me,"

you gotta

watch your back.

That's not always

true, you know.

Yeah, maybe not.

But when

you're a little kid

looking after

your little sister,

the first thing

you learn is that

no one's gonna hand

you what you need.

You gotta--

You gotta go out

there and get it.

You know, I guess that's kinda

stuck with me over the years.

Especially when

it comes to Emily.

So, you came here so she would

know what it felt like,

to have

a real home.

Yeah.

You know,

you remind me of her.

Really?

She has a lot of

faith in people too.

Well,

why wouldn't she?

She had you.

I guess it's time to

call it a night, huh?

Actually,

it's morning.

And we're no closer

than when we started.

We'll find something.

I don't know.

You know, this thing with Landis

has been going on for so long,

I can't believe no

one's tried this already.

And-and what if we do

find some sort of loophole?

I mean, how do we

know Landis won't wanna,

you know,

come along with it?

John.

Yeah, I'm beginning to

think we're gonna need

a real Christmas miracle to

keep him out of jail.

John,

did you see this?

What?

"Central Valley Drug Mart

vs. Springfield County".

They had a platform on their

roof with some sort of

big promotional

display, including a tree.

Lemme see.

The county asked

them to take it down,

said it

represented a hazard.

Right and--

But the judge ruled they could

keep it up as long as the tree--

Wasn't

attached to the roof.

Show me this tree.

♪

Hey!

Hey, what do you

think you're doing?

Who are you?

I'm Mr. Landis'

attorney.

Who authorized you to

take down that tree?

Well, the county says that

if he doesn't follow the law

and take it down,

we can do it for him.

I'm the Deputy County

Prosecutor, and this case is

still being

heard in court.

Hmm.

Looks like we

settled it for you.

Excuse me.

Oh, and Counselor?

Umm, If you

could remind your client

that he may still be

looking at some jail time.

What do

you want to do?

We've come this far,

we can't give up now.

Come on, let's go.

They already

pulled the tree down?

Yes, sir.

Hmm.

Well, I don't like it,

but strictly speaking,

I suppose they

were within the law.

Well, what about the court

ruling on Central Valley Drugs?

Would it

hold up in court?

Does it apply?

Well, I think you

found your loophole.

But it's a moot point,

the tree's no longer an issue.

It is if

we put it back up.

Wait, what?

The court

ruling clearly stipulates

that as long as

the tree isn't attached.

Hold on, Sarah.

Now look,

you did what I asked.

You both

worked together.

You found a solution.

You made

sure that Mr. Landis

is never gonna spend

another Christmas in jail.

You should

be proud of that.

You made a difference and

justice has been served.

Now look.

Tonight is

Christmas Eve.

It's a time to be with

the people you care about.

Alright?

And that's what I want you to do.

Both of you.

With all due respect,

your Honour,

I don't think we've made

any difference at all.

I'm sorry?

This isn't about the law

or about serving justice.

This is

about Mr. Landis.

He's still all alone

in that big old house.

He doesn't have anyone

to spend Christmas with.

The only thing

he wanted, the only thing

that means anything to

him, they took down.

It doesn't matter anymore why

he wants that tree on his roof.

What that matters is that,

that is his Christmas wish.

And I'm gonna do

everything I can

to make sure that

wish comes true.

Do you know how much

work it will take

to get that tree back

up there to code?

But there's still time.

If I had

a little help.

John, is the Prosecutor's office

ready to go along with this?

Absolutely.

Alright.

Well, you're gonna

need a building permit.

Marcie, would you get

me the county permits office

on the phone?

Oh yeah, tell them we have

a Christmas tree to put up.

Way up.

Thank you.

♪

Thanks.

Okay guys,

right in here.

Yes ma'am.

We gotta go.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

thank you.

This is perfect.

It sure is.

Hey pal,

you wanna grab this?

♪

Mr. Landis?

It's Sarah.

Could I talk to

you for a minute?

Mr. Landis?

I just wanted you to know, we're

gonna put your tree back up.

♪

Hey there kiddo, I thought maybe

you could use some sawhorses.

Hey.

Thank you.

There you go.

What do you say we

grab the tree, alright?

♪

If we had a straight

edge, that would be ideal.

Dad, we're gonna be

hammering the two by fours.

♪

John?

Sarah Wright?

Before you say anything, Judge

Conners knows all about this,

the building permit

is being expedited

and it should

be here any--

Yeah, I know.

What's this?

Your building permits.

The Judge told me to

deliver it personally.

With a smile.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah.

Alright, we got it.

Thank you.

So cute.

Shhhh.

I know!

Woo-hoo!

Judge Conner?

Well,

would you look at that?

We thought you

might need some help.

Come on boys,

let's get this done.

Alright.

♪

Wooo!

Come on!

No, no, no.

I'm good.

Come on, hunny.

Go for it kiddo.

Come on, go.

You can do it.

Here,

I'll grab the ladder.

♪

Oh.

Easy peasy.

There you go,

you're good.

Do you trust me?

Yeah.

Here we are.

Are you ready?

Three.

Two.

One.

Thank you.

It was all you.

Let's go tell

Mr. Landis.

Mr. Landis?

We're ready.

Come and

see your tree.

Sarah.

Come and take a look.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Do you like it?

Yeah, it's nice.

Very nice.

Good night.

I don't understand.

Look, we may

never understand.

You did

something else here.

You showed us all what

a difference it can make

to show a little extra

faith in your fellow man.

No one's gonna forget

this any time soon.

Especially me.

Let's go.

Are you sure you don't want

to come in for a few minutes?

I would love to, but my sister's

coming in on the red-eye.

I think

I'm gonna go home.

Okay, well listen umm,

my parents throw this uhh,

Christmas dinner party

and they invite a few friends.

Actually,

a lot of friends.

So, umm, maybe you and

your sister should join us?

I can meet her.

You know,

I'd love that.

Okay.

Oh, that's a

friend of yours?

I don't think so.

Who is that?

I don't know.

But whoever it is,

it's the last thing

Mr. Landis needs right now.

I'm gonna go

talk to him.

Alright.

Can I help you?

♪

Can I help you?

Oh uhh, sorry, ma'am,

I just uhh, saw the tree.

I wanted to just

stop for a look.

I hope that's alright.

It's okay.

Do you happen to

know who lives here?

Yeah, that's--

That's him right there,

Dale Landis.

Landis?

Yeah.

♪

Danny?

Hi, Dad.

Danny.

My son.

Oh.

Let's go.

Sarah, John, wait.

This is my son, Danny.

Danny, these are

friends of mine.

Good friends.

Very good friends.

Hi Danny,

it's been a long time.

You always

wanted to know why

I put that tree up there

every Christmas?

This is the reason,

right here.

I was just a little boy

when my mother took me away.

I remember, it

was Christmas Eve.

I've made my

decision, it's over.

No, it's already

done, we're leaving.

She said we were

never coming back here.

But just before

we left, my Dad,

he pulled me aside

and he told me--

Look for the

Christmas tree.

No matter what,

no matter how long it took,

if I ever

wanted to find him--

Always

look for the tree.

On the rooftop.

So that tree

really was a beacon.

To show

your son the way home.

It was

my only hope.

When my Mom got married

again, she changed my name too.

So I knew there wasn't

much chance you'd find me.

These last few years

I've been in the army.

But I got

leave this Christmas.

And as soon as I got

back, I started looking.

And I found you.

I finally found you.

Welcome home, son.

God bless you.

Merry Christmas.

It's a nice tree.

It's a very nice tree.

You know, maybe next year,

we could get one just like it.

Okay.

♪

Merry Christmas.

♪

The Rooftop Christmas Tree (2016) - full transcript