Visions of Sugarplums (2001) - full transcript

A confused young man, just out of the proverbial gay closet, must choose between his lover of nine months and his ultra-religious parents on Christmas Eve.

Darrin?

- I'm right here, sweetheart.
- Oh, hi there.

I'll be dressed in a minute.

We're due at the orphanage
in half an hour.

- Did you get the tree?
- Oh, yes. Yes, I got it.

- How much was it?
- Eighteen dollars.

And they wanted 5 dollars extra,
delivery charge.

Must be pretty big.

It was pretty big all right,
but I got it home.

Good, honey. I'll be down in a few
minutes to take it out of the car.

Oh, no. No, Darrin, don't bother.
I can manage.



Five dollars delivery charge.

Good.

Hurry up, Abner.

What's the rush, Gladys?
The kid isn't running away.

- Abner.
- All right, I'm coming, Gladys.

Oh, I'm just excited, Abner. After all,
I've never been a mother before.

- Don't be getting any ideas.
- What do you mean?

We're taking a kid home
to spend Christmas with us.

Christmas, that's all. Understand?

Will you please try and keep
an open mind, Abner?

It's open, but it's also made up.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

- We're Mr. And Mrs. Kravitz.
- Oh, how do you do?

I'm Mrs. Grange, the director.
Now, let's see. You came for a...



A boy. A Tommy Becker.

That's right. Yes, of course.

Which one is he?

Well, he was standing
around the tree a minute ago.

There he is. The sandy-haired boy
in the striped sweater.

Would you like me to introduce you?

Oh, no. That's all right.

- We'll just go over and say hello.
- Fine.

Let me know
when you're ready to leave.

Thank you, Mrs. Grange.

Oh, no. It's we
who thank you, Mrs. Kravitz.

- Hello, Tommy.
- Hello.

What would you like Santa Claus
to bring you for Christmas?

- I don't need anything.
- Sounds like a nice boy.

Tommy, you're gonna come home
and spend Christmas with us.

Would you like that?

That's wonderful.

Now, you stay right here, and we'll tell
Mrs. Grange that we're ready to leave.

Do you suppose Santa is coming
to your house on Christmas?

He'll be there.

The 15th of every month after that.

What do you want, Michael?

You let my Santa Claus alone.

- You still believe in that kid's stuff?
- It's not kid's stuff.

Oh, yeah? What's Santa Claus
gonna bring you?

- Lots of things, that's what.
- I bet you get nothing.

- You wanna bet?
- Yeah, I wanna bet.

I think that's everything.
You just sign this one, but... Oh, dear!

Boys! Tommy, Michael!
Stop this at once.

Stop it, I say. Now get up, boys.

Tommy, Michael,
I'm ashamed of both of you.

Well, he said Christmas
was a lot of bunk.

Oh, you're gonna have a black eye.

Come on, Tommy,
we'll get you a steak for that.

Now what's the matter
with cold cuts?

Michael, some very nice people...

have come to take you home
for the holidays.

This is Mr. And Mrs. Stephens.

- Hello, Michael.
- Hi.

Hello.

Oh, my.

- Here.
- Thank you.

You're welcome.

Perhaps we better complete
the arrangements.

Yes, why don't you. Darrin,
Michael and I will wait for you here.

- Fine.
- Would you come to my desk?

All right. See you later.

Well, what was the fight all about?

I didn't start it.

Self defence, huh?

I won't tell anybody.

Well, just because I busted
his little old Santa Claus...

he punched me in the nose.

Why did you do that?

You must have had a reason.

- He called me a liar.
- Well, that wasn't very nice.

It sure wasn't.

Were you? Lying, I mean?

Of course not. Christmas is a lot
of bunk and so is Santa Claus.

You don't really believe that?

Sure I do. Don't you?

- Not me, I know better.
- Baloney.

You better be careful...

or you're apt to get another
punch in the nose.

Now that they've had a chance
to talk, he's coming to warn you.

He's gonna say, "Don't waste
your time with Michael...

because he's a problem child."
- Are you?

Honey, may I speak
to you for a minute?

Mrs. Grange tells me that Michael's
been a problem around here.

He's a troubled child
if you know what I mean.

- Yes, I can see that.
- No, it's serious, Sam.

A couple adopted him.
Twice they had to bring him back.

Mrs. Grange is of the opinion
that he's not a child...

who would enjoy or appreciate
spending Christmas with us.

I'm sure that Mrs. Grange
means well.

But I think that Michael
is exactly the sort of child...

that has to spend Christmas
away from here with people like us.

- Well, Sam...
- Please, Darrin.

Okay. I just hope
he knows the meaning of:

"Peace on Earth,
goodwill towards men."

How'd you make out?

I can't reach him. Christmas
doesn't mean a thing to him.

He is the youngest Scrooge
I've ever seen.

Maybe when he sees Santa Claus
it'll touch off a spark somewhere.

- I don't know.
- Oh, let's not give up yet.

Whatever it is that disillusioned him,
we can't make it up to him in 5 minutes.

Okay. You take over.
I'll go practice my, "Ho, ho, ho."

"And because of his tiny stature
they called him Tom Thumb.

They let him want for nothing,
yet the child grew no bigger...

but remained the same size
as when he was born."

"Still he looked out on the world
with intelligent eyes...

and soon showed himself
a clever and agile..."

Oh, I'm sorry, Michael.
I didn't know you were asleep.

That's okay.

Maybe we better stop now, huh?

What was that?

- What?
- Did you hear a noise on the roof?

That's funny, I could've sworn...
There it is again.

It's coming from downstairs now.
Didn't you hear it?

Yeah, just then I did.
It's probably Mr. Stephens.

Mr. Stephens had to go to the village.
He won't be back for a while.

Michael, there's someone
downstairs.

- Yeah? Who?
- I don't know. I can't tell.

- Would you mind coming with me?
- Okay.

- Put your slippers on.
- Okay.

Be very, very quiet.

Michael, look.

Well, what do you think
of Santa Claus now?

Well, by my beard, I've been caught.

Here I thought me and my reindeer
were as quiet as mice. Well, no matter.

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Stephens.
Merry Christmas, Michael.

Same to you, Mr. Stephens.

Who? Well, what do you mean?
I'm Santa Claus.

Don't you know me?
Where are you going?

Don't you wanna see what
Santa brought you, son?

I don't care what you've brought me,
and I'm not your son.

Well, that about does it.

Don't be angry, sweetheart.

I've got as much Christmas spirit
as the next fellow.

But there's a limit to what
even Santa Claus can take.

- I'm going to talk to him.
- I wanna wish you good luck.

I'll need it.

Michael.

Michael, I thought we were
going to be friends.

You don't have to treat me like a kid.

- What do you mean?
- I told you, there ain't no Santa Claus.

- Why do you say that?
- Because I know.

How do you know?

Santa Claus is a kid's father
stuffed with pillows...

like Mr. Stephens,
like in a department store...

like my father used to be.

And all the kids used to
ask him for things.

He used to tell me money
didn't grow on trees...

and how there aren't any real
Santa Clauses.

They were all kid's fathers
stuffed with pillows.

Michael, suppose I were to tell you
that it really isn't exactly that way.

Suppose I were to tell you
that there really is a Santa Claus.

And I know because
I've talked to him.

Suppose I were to tell you that.
What would you say?

I'd say, "Prove it."

- I can.
- How?

- I can take you to the North Pole to see.
- The North Pole?

Like that, practically.

No one can do that.

A witch can.

So I can.

Because I am a witch.

I don't believe you.

I suppose you want me to prove it.

Well, all right.

You ready?

How's that?

But where's your pointed hat?

Pointed hat?

Okay.

That's pretty good.
But where's your broom?

Broom, huh?

- Can you ride it?
- Of course.

- With me too?
- If you like.

Michael, how would you like
to take that little trip right now?

- You mean now?
- Now.

Here, you better put this on.
It's apt to be a little chilly.

And don't forget your feet.

- Now, you can...
- What's going on?

Excuse me, Michael.

- What are you doing?
- Darling...

Christmas Eve is almost over...

and we haven't gotten
anywhere with him.

I can't take him back tomorrow...

as unhappy and disillusioned
as he was when he came.

- What are you gonna do?
- Take him to see Santa Claus.

- Another one?
- The real one.

The real...? Are you telling...?

Are you trying to tell me
there really is a...?

- Of course there is, darling.
- Where?

I mean, where...? Where...?

- Where does...?
- Where does he live?

Yeah.

The North Pole.

Oh, come on, Sam.

Well, it's true.

- Why don't you come with us?
- You're kidding.

No, I'm serious.

Me? Go to the North Pole
to see Santa Claus?

Why not? It's Christmas.

All right.

By the time Santa gets here
this tree will be loaded.

Are you sure he's gonna come?

- I told you, he'll be here.
- Oh, sure.

Now, I'm gonna do the dishes.

By the time I'm finished
it'll be time for you to go to bed.

Okay, Tommy?

Abner! Abner, look!

- Look where?
- In the sky.

Three of them. Two big ones and
a little one. Did you see them, Abner?

- Oh, sure I did.
- Did you? Did you really?

- I sure did.
- Did you see all three of them?

Certainly. There was Donder, Blitzen
and Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.

- What are you talking about, Abner?
- I saw them as plain as day.

- I didn't see no Donder and Blitzen.
- So it was Dancer and Prancer.

What's the difference?

They're probably looking
for the house now.

Why don't we sing so they
can fly in on the beam?

Sing, Gladys, sing.

Sleigh, Gladys. Sleigh.

Here we are.

- Where? Where?
- The North Pole.

- Really?
- Certainly.

And that's where Santa lives.

Who's out there?

Excuse me, but is
Mr. Claus very busy?

Of course he's very busy. What do
you think this is? The Fourth of July?

We won't keep him long.

Will you just tell him
Samantha's here?

- Samantha who?
- Just tell him Samantha. He'll know.

All right, but I'm not
promising anything.

Do you suppose he'll see us?

Oh, I'm sure of it.

Have you known him long?

Oh, yes.

A long time.

He'll be right out.
Make yourselves at home.

Samantha.

Samantha, what a pleasant surprise.

How are you, my dear?

- Just fine, Santa, and you?
- Oh, just the same.

Always the same.

Oh, excuse me.
Santa, this is my husband, Darrin.

- How do you do?
- How do you do, Santa?

- And this is Michael.
- I'm pleased to meet you, Michael.

Won't you sit down?
Come on, Michael. Sit over here.

I'm sorry I haven't
much time to chat with you.

I can at least offer you
a cup of tea or a glass of milk.

- Michael?
- No, thank you, Santa.

- Dennis?
- Darrin, Santa.

- Oh, yes. Yes, of course.
- No, thank you. Nothing for me, Santa.

Well, it...

It must be something very important
that brought you all the way here.

What's the problem?

I think the problem's been
solved by just being here.

Those aren't pillows, are they?

No, my boy.
Sometimes I wish they were.

I've tried all kinds of diet,
but nothing works.

But then again, if I got too thin,
my children might not recognise me.

I'd know you.

Yes, I... I think you would.

But what difference does it make
how we look on the outside, eh?

It's what we feel on the inside
that counts, isn't it?

We all grow older...

and our eyes get weaker...

but what we've seen
with our hearts...

remains forever
a thing of joy and beauty.

Do you agree with that, sir?

- Yes, I do, Santa.
- Good.

Now, I must be going.
I've talked long enough.

But before I go, I want you to tell me
what you'd like for Christmas.

I don't know. I guess
I haven't thought much about it.

Well, then, take your time.

Just take a little look around
the display tables.

Pick out something nice for yourself.

Or maybe for someone else.

Remember, Michael...

the real happiness of Christmas
isn't found in what we get...

but what we give.

Darrin.

- Sweetheart, wake up. Wake up.
- What?

Michael's asleep. I think
you better take him upstairs to bed.

You know,
I had the strangest dream.

He was in it and so were you.

We all went to the North Pole
to see Santa Claus. How about that?

- Sounds like fun.
- It was.

Honey, turn the heat up, will you?

Feels like snow.

I'm not gonna start nothing, Tommy.

- What did you come over here for?
- I got a present for you.

I didn't get nothing for you, Michael.

That's okay. Why don't you try it.

Gee, Michael, it's keen.
Where did you get it?

Promise not to tell?
Cross your heart?

Last night we went to the North Pole
to see Santa Claus.

- Mr. And Mrs. Stephens and me.
- You did?

- How?
- Mrs. Stephens' broom.

- Abner!
- What's the matter, Gladys?

- I want you to come with me.
- For what?

The little boy from the Stephens' house
is here. He's talking with Tommy.

So?

Well, I just want you to hear
what they're saying. Come on.

- Where did he go?
- Michael? He had to go home.

Well, now...

would you tell Mr. Kravitz what
he said about where he went last night?

- Where?
- You know...

with Mr. And Mrs. Stephens
on her broom.

He didn't say anything
like that, Mrs. Kravitz.

But I heard you talking.
I was at the window...

and I heard you talking about going
to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.

Wait a minute, Abner.

Tommy, please tell Mr. Kravitz
about the North Pole.

- Gladys.
- Wait a minute, Abner.

Abner. Abner, wait now.

Please try to remember, Tommy.
Tommy, try to remember.

I know. Abner, wait. The broom.

The broom. The broom, Tommy.

He didn't say anything
like that, Mrs. Kravitz.

Gee, Mrs. Kravitz...

when a fella crosses his heart...

what can a fella do?

Take off.

- Turn.
- Watch, watch, watch.

Oh, never mind. I'll get it.

- Merry Christmas, Mrs. Stephens.
- Merry Christmas, Mrs. Grange.

- Won't you come in?
- Thank you so much.

May I present Mr. And Mrs. Johnson.

This is the couple who's been
interested in Michael.

- I see. How do you do?
- Hello.

How do you do? We have a gift for
Michael. We hoped you wouldn't mind.

Of course not.
Let's all go in the living room.

- Hello, Mrs. Grange.
- Merry Christmas, Mr. Stephens.

Merry Christmas, Michael.

This is my husband.
This is Mr. And Mrs. Johnson.

- Hello.
- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.
- And Merry Christmas to you, Michael.

- Thank you.
- You're very welcome.

I've got a present for you too.

I hope you'll like it.

I brought it all the way from...

From town. It's a toolbox.

It's got a hammer
and a saw and a drill.

I bet if we could find wood, we could
build a whole lot of great things.

Would you really like to try it?

I must've caught a cold
somewhere last night.

- Well, come on. Let's open it.
- You think we can open it right now?

Goodbye, Michael. Thank you
for spending Christmas with us.

Thank you, Mr. Stephens.
Goodbye, Mrs. Stephens.

Goodbye, Michael.
You come back and visit us, huh?

We'll certainly see to that,
Mrs. Stephens. Goodbye.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

What was that...?