Original subtitles

Merry Christmas.

Attention, shoppers, don't forget to visit...

Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho, ho.

All items priced under $5.

Congratulations, Mrs. Martin.

- Here's the key to your locker. - That's it?

- I got the job? - You can start right now.

With this Christmas rush, we need all the help we can get.

Right away?

Is there a problem?

There's a personal matter I have to take care of.

If I'm back in a hour, would that be okay?

I think we can wait that long.

- Welcome to Hinshaw's, Mrs. Martin. - Thank you very much.

Ahem. Hello, Miss Bradshaw.

Can I have one of those forms for the Employees Club?

Somehow I didn't have you pegged as the social type, Pulver.

Ah, you'd be surprised.

Ahem. What, are you crazy?

Come on. It's boring in here.

Hey, so is a 20-year stretch in the joint.

I gotta go out for a while. You stay here till I get back.

And keep the noise down.

Where you going? We got business to do here.

Take it easy. I'll be back.

Is something wrong?

Just a loose end, but I found out in time.

I'm gonna go take care of it.

Sister Stephanie.

It is very, very precarious up here.

Well, look at it this way, Phil, you're a little nearer to heaven.

Yes, but I don't wanna get there just yet.

Ah! Now I've dropped the garland.

Why don't you let me do it if you're worried about being up there?

I'm not worried about being up here. I'm worried about falling down there.

- Would you hold the ladder steady? - Yes.

Father Dowling?

Wendy.

- How are you? - I'm fine, Father.

Good. Steve.

Nice to see you again.

Sister Stephanie, this is Wendy Martin.

- Sister Stephanie. - Hi. Call me Steve.

Frank's told me so much about you.

- Welcome to Chicago. - Oh, thank you.

I've only been here a week and Father Dowling's made me feel

like an old friend.

Mm. Is there something you need?

Yes. Your help.

Whatever we can do.

I spent the whole week looking for a job

and today I found one at Hinshaw's Department Store.

- That's great. - That's wonderful.

But the problem is they want me to start right away.

I just have enough time to go home and get changed,

but that means there's no one to meet Brian.

- Who's Brian? - My son. He's 8 years old

and staying with his grandma in Montana.

He's due in on the noon flight, for Christmas,

but I can't be two places at once.

I need this job so badly.

You're the only person I know to turn to.

Well, I think we can help you out, can't we, Steve?

Sure, I'll meet Brian. It's no problem.

Oh, would you? STEVE: Sure.

Oh, thanks.

If you could bring Brian here,

I can pick him up on my way back to Hinshaw's.

They have a daycare room.

I'll probably need a note or something.

They're not gonna hand over Brian just to anybody, not even a nun.

Yes. I thought of that.

This and my driver's license, will that do?

Great. That'll do it.

I don't know how to thank you.

You know, Wendy, it would help if I knew what Brian looked like.

Oh, of course.

Blond hair, blue eyes, just like his dad.

Thank you both so much.

That's what we're here for.

Thanks again. I'll see you in about an hour.

- Mm-hm. - Okay.

- Nice lady. - Very.

So I guess you can probably handle the decorations

with Father Prestwick alone, huh?

Just a moment.

Merry Christmas.

I thought you'd remember me.

No. Please.

Heh, you know, when I was a boy,

my parents always put up all the decorations early,

before they went to Europe.

Why decorate at all if you spend Christmas in Europe?

Oh, no, Mama and Papa went abroad. I stayed at home.

I had so many allergies,

my parents were afraid that traveling might be too strenuous.

They were always worrying about me.

So I learned to spend Christmas alone.

Well, if you're not busy for Christmas dinner...

We'd love to have you join us, Phil.

Well, really? I'll be there.

Thank you.

Mm. Come early. We open presents right after breakfast.

I'll be there very early.

Not too early.

No.

Well, we found each other. - Oh.

Everybody, this is Brian.

- Brian, this is Father Dowling. - Hello, Brian.

This is Mrs. Gillespie.

- Hi. STEVE: And this is Father Prestwick.

Hello.

Hi.

He's very quiet. He's probably scared.

Hmm.

I suppose Sister Stephanie told you that your mom's starting a new job.

She told me.

Mm.

Well, would you like to help us put up the Christmas decorations?

I already did that last week at my friend's house.

Oh.

Well, you can do it again here, with us.

Do you know what you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?

My mom's gonna get me a robot maybe.

Well, that sounds great.

I guess.

It's hard to leave your friends and your school at Christmas, isn't it?

I don't care much about Christmas.

Your mom told me that your dad died about this time last year.

You know, it's difficult to feel sad when everyone is happy.

But it's okay to miss your dad.

You know, Brian,

sometimes the Christmases that we remember best

are the hard ones.

Like the years you're sick or someone you love dies

or there's a war on and everybody's worrying.

But we remember,

because no matter what happens, Christmas brings us hope.

People remember what's important.

Kindness, love, family, friends.

Do you understand what I'm saying?

Say, I finished with the shepherds and wise men.

How about some milk and cookies over at the rectory? Come on.

I'll get it.

I'm never gonna get these stars done in time without any help.

Oh, Brian, could you hand me some of that snow, please?

It's cotton.

Oh.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

I would have been here sooner,

but Christmas is running the department off its feet.

Scams, pickpockets, drunk drivers.

Someone even broke into a costume shop

and stole Santa Claus suits.

Figure that one.

Oh, these are clothes for the homeless kids.

- Everyone at the precinct chipped in. - Thank you, Clancy.

- Bless you. - Would you care for a cookie?

Oh, thanks, but I'm running.

Clancy, this is Brian Martin. He's visiting us for a while.

Sergeant Clancy is a police officer.

She's got a really cool badge and everything.

Merry Christmas, Brian.

Hi.

Well, I'll see you later. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, dear, I've got it.

When's my mommy coming?

You know, I was about to ask myself that same question.

I'm gonna call her and see if she's on her way, okay?

She must be on her way.

Well, maybe she got snarled up in the Christmas traffic

and had to make a choice, coming here to pick up Brian...

- Or go to Hinshaw's to keep that job. - Hmm.

- Are you worried? - Are you?

- Let's go down to Hinshaw's. - And see if she's okay.

And this one.

And...

And that's it.

Okay, let's go.

- How about that loose end? - Plugged.

Now, let's spread a little Christmas cheer.

Ho, ho, ho.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

I gave her an hour and that was over two hours ago.

This will be the first time I had to fire someone before they started work.

Well, there must be a very good reason

why Wendy hasn't turned up yet.

If she had a problem, she should have phoned.

Maybe she wasn't able to.

Maybe she's been in an accident. - Maybe.

On the other hand, you'd be surprised how many people I've taken on

who don't have the right attitude. They don't care.

No, not Wendy. I'm sure of it.

Look, she was delighted to get this job. She needs it.

She's a widow and the sole support of her little boy there.

I'm sorry. We have our rules.

What if somebody stood in for her till she showed up?

Would you hold her job then?

It is Christmas.

Yes, I suppose I could agree to that. If it could be arranged.

That's very kind of you.

Are you sure you wanna do this? We've got a lot to do.

Frank, you don't want her to lose her job, do you?

Maybe her phone is out of order.

Come on, Brian.

- Bye, Brian. - Bye.

Who could you possibly get to stand in for Mrs. Martin on such short notice?

Me.

There we are.

Aha, Frank.

Oh, do you have your Santa Claus suit for the retirement party tomorrow?

I've had one for seven years.

Phil, take care of Brian for me, will you?

- Entertain him until I get back. - Entertain him?

I have to pick up my Santa suit. Where you going?

I've got a cab out there and the meter's running.

Entertain.

Yes. Yes, of course, nothing to it.

You'll be a floater.

- We'll use you where we need you. - Sounds like fun.

That's the right attitude.

Just remember, your job is to promote customer interest

- and to move the merchandise. - What about the Christmas spirit?

Yeah, well, that too. Come on.

Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.

Wait here for me.

Oh, dear God.

Yes, this is a medical emergency.

A woman has been shot at 2117 North Kenmore

and her vital signs look bad.

Will you send the paramedics right away?

So here you go. Here's your change and your receipt.

- Do you want me to wrap it for you? - Hmph.

I guess not.

- Hi. Can I help you? - Oh, yes.

I'd like to get this doll for my granddaughter.

She's gonna love this.

She's spending the holidays with me.

Poor thing, she was so disappointed

she couldn't go on vacation with her parents.

So I wanna give her a very merry Christmas.

I'm sure you'll do a great job.

Oh. Her name is Victoria.

Oh, what a beautiful name.

She's 6.

She's so adorable.

- Would you like to see her picture? - Yes, I'd love to.

Here... Where is it? Here we are.

- Ahem. - Aw, she's so...

Oh. Oh, you're busy. I'm sorry I took up your time.

No, that's all right. That's all right.

How much is the doll?

She is...

She is 69.95. Her name is Lovable Lucy.

Pull the string and she talks.

Hi. My name is Lucy.

What's yours?

Oh, I didn't realize it was so much.

Oh, I have others that aren't so much. Why don't I show you one?

No, I don't think so.

Well, you see, I brought her here to see Santa

and she picked this one out.

Well, you know it is the thought that counts, especially at Christmas.

Yes.

Well, she's just a little girl.

She had her heart set on this one.

Let me check something. Don't go away, all right? I'll be right back.

There's a lady over there who wants one of those Lovable Lucy dolls.

Ugh, those things. I'm sorry we ever stocked them.

The string pops off the reel as soon as you pull it.

Really? Well, I noticed you had some that were returned here.

She complaining because it doesn't work?

No, she thinks it's too expensive.

Then sell her something else.

Well, what if I sold her one of these broken ones.

If you can get her to take it.

If the price is right, maybe.

Ten bucks.

- Okay. Thanks. - Sure.

How's $10?

Really?

Oh, that's wonderful.

I love you.

Oh, you're so kind.

Oh, don't mention it.

- Are you sure it's all right? - Oh, I'm sure it's all right.

Have a really merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too.

- Oh, and thank you so very much. - You're welcome.

Did you fix that doll?

What do you think I am, some kind of mechanical genius?

Listen, Steve, why don't you take a break?

- Go get some coffee or something. - You sure?

- Yes, I'm sure. - Thanks.

Thanks.

It's all right.

Excuse me.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas to you too.

Um, do either of you guys carry guns?

What for?

- I don't know. Security? - No way.

Heh. We're not security. We're Santa Claus.

But I just saw one of you Santas with a gun.

- Ah, must've been a toy. - Yeah.

Yeah. That may be.

Listen, tell me, how many Santas are they here today?

Well, let's see. There's ten of us,

but I think they hired a couple more because I counted 12 this morning.

Hmm. Can't have too many Santas, right?

- Merry Christmas. - Yeah. Merry Christmas to you too.

And a Happy New Year. - Thank you.

- She's cute. - She is.

You did it again.

- No matter where I go, you win. - Mm-hm.

How do you do that?

I already showed you.

Right. Right.

This is a child's game.

You have had a lot more practice.

I'll tell you what, Brian.

How would you like to go and visit Santa Claus?

Okay. If you want.

Great. He's over at Hinshaw's Department Store.

Let's go.

Mm-hm.

Hey, it's really good.

It's okay. I work here.

I'll take this.

- You like it gift-wrapped? - No, thanks.

Thanks. Merry Christmas.

Excuse me. Coming through.

Oh, I don't think you'll find any prints besides hers.

It wasn't a robbery.

Her purse was untouched and nothing of value is missing.

Could be that she came in and surprised a burglar.

She was here first.

She had time to change her clothes. That's what kept her alive.

Well, didn't you notice the metal buttons on her jacket?

There was one right next to her heart.

Well, that button got chipped. The bullet deflected.

Another quarter of an inch and she'd be dead already.

As it is, it's gonna be a miracle if she pulls through.

Well, the button could have got chipped during the struggle.

- What struggle? - The broken vase.

Oh, no, no. She broke that to alert me.

You see, I think

the killer stood right here in the doorway,

facing her when she opened it. A professional.

- How'd you work that out? - Single shot, aimed at the heart.

My guess is that you'll find a motive back in Montana.

Back in her past.

She hasn't been in Chicago long enough to make enemies.

Have you left anything for us cops to do?

Mm-hm.

Find out who did it.

Are you still on break?

Not really, but, you know, there's a Santa around here...

Yes, I know. They work here.

And so do you. Come on, we need you in toys.

You run along, okay? And be a good boy.

You too, Max. And remember, I'll be watching.

Come here, now. Let's see.

I'll bet I know what you want for Christmas.

You want a doll.

But, Mr. Miller, I think you should check to see

if one of your Santas packing a gun.

This whole thing is ridiculous.

I'm sure you didn't see what you think you saw.

But I did.

One of the Santas I talked to said that there are more of them here

- than there's supposed to be. - Well, that's impossible.

Why don't you count them yourself and find out?

Because I've got more important things to do.

- Excuse me. - Mr. Miller, look.

Something really weird is going on here, you know.

- I'm just trying to figure out what it is. - End of conversation.

Stop worrying about things that don't concern you, Steve.

Move these toys.

He took him to Hinshaw's?

Yeah, to see Santa Claus. I suggested it.

Well, it's okay, isn't it?

To have a little Christmas fun, why not?

It may be the last for him in a long while.

Marie, his mother's been shot.

Oh, how terrible. Oh, that poor woman.

And just at Christmas.

What kind of a world are we living in, Father?

Let's pray for her, Marie.

Oh, you bet. And for that poor little boy too.

Frank?

Clancy.

- Any news? How is she? - She's still unconscious.

However, we did get an interesting reply

from the state police in Montana.

- And? - You were right, Frank.

A year ago, Wendy Martin and her husband were out

shopping for kid's clothes

and they walked straight into a jewelry-store heist.

Her husband was shot and killed.

And the killer got away but Wendy got a good look at him.

Unfortunately, she never got to make an ID

- because the guy was never found. - So there's your motive.

Now, the killer must be right here in Chicago.

And somehow he and Wendy ran into each other,

and he gunned her down

since she was the only witness who could identify him.

You say they went shopping for children's clothes?

That's what the report says.

Well, don't you usually take a child along to make sure the clothes fit?

Absolutely.

I'll bet you anything that Brian was on that shopping trip too.

Which means that he saw everything.

Including the face of the man who murdered his father.

And that man is after him right now.

Where's the boy?

He's at Hinshaw's Department Store and he could be in terrible danger.

You're next, Brian.

You get to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Isn't this exciting?

Yes, sir.

Hey, when I was a boy, I didn't get to see Santa.

My father explained to me that Santa was a pagan symbol

grafted onto Christianity after the fact.

He made a rather convincing argument for that point of view,

but even so I was disappointed.

You're a lucky boy, Brian, aren't you?

Yes, sir.

And have a very merry, merry Christmas.

Next. Come up here, sonny,

and tell me what you want Santa to bring you for Christmas.

Go on, Brian. Santa wants to talk to you.

He's shy. SANTA: Ho, ho, ho.

Don't be afraid of Santa, Brian.

Come sit on my lap

and tell me what your very favorite, favorite toys are.

Go on. Go on, go on.

Come on, Brian.

Come on.

Well, Brian, have you been a good boy this year, huh?

That's good.

And what do you want for Christmas?

Hmm?

Brian?

Where you going?

- Excuse me, I'm sorry. - Excuse me.

- Brian! - Is that boy with you?

I'm looking after him. He's disappeared.

I'll find him for you, Father.

Brian?

You know, actually, you are not the first one to complain

about this doll, but if you just give me a minute here...

Hold on. One second.

Steve?

I'm sorry. This gentleman over here will help you.

Merry Christmas.

I was gonna call you. Something really strange is going on here.

There are too many Santas

and I think I just saw one of them with a gun.

What? What's the matter?

Steve, Wendy Martin's been shot.

- What? - She's still unconscious.

The doctor says it's touch and go. It's a miracle she's still alive.

And I think that Brian could be in danger too.

- Now, where is he? - But you took him.

No, Father Prestwick brought him back here.

- Frank. You're not gonna believe... - Where is Brian?

Well, that's... I took him to see Santa and he suddenly ran away.

But you were supposed to be taking care of him.

I was. He suddenly disappeared.

- Well, let's go find him. - I'll notify security.

Steve.

Listen, I'm gonna have to fire you if you don't...

Mr. Miller, I'm sorry, I quit.

Merry Christmas.

Brian.

Brian.

- You lost your kid? - Yeah.

- Come on, I'll help you look. - Okay.

Brian.

Brian.

Your attention, please.

A small boy named Brian Martin is lost somewhere in the store.

He's 8 years old, has blond hair...

- Sorry, Father. - Uh-huh.

Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.

Bring him to Information on the main floor.

Thank you.

You know, I think maybe we should split up.

I'm gonna look down that way.

- Okay, but give a yell if you find him. - All right.

There you are.

I found him! Come here.

- No! - Wait. Hey, hey, hey.

It's me. It's Steve. Hey, hey, hey.

I'm not gonna hurt you. What's wrong?

That man killed my daddy.

Pulver. Shouldn't you be out in the main store?

Routine check, Miss Bradshaw.

Shoplifters should be your main concern today.

Yes, Miss Bradshaw.

What is the problem here?

Nothing that won't hold.

- I'll take care of it later. - Good. Now, please get back up front.

Yes, ma'am.

Don't worry, Brian. Everything's gonna be okay, all right?

I'm gonna get us out of here.

What are you gonna do, pray or something?

Maybe.

Maybe, but not right now,

because God helps those who help themselves.

So let's try to find a way to get out of here, all right?

Come on.

- No luck? - I have been over this place

- from top to bottom. - He's gotta be somewhere here.

Unless whoever shot the kid's mother got to him first.

Oh, my goodness. And it would all be my fault.

Father. I think I know where the boy is.

- You saw him? - Yes. He was wandering around lost,

- and this woman took him away. - What woman?

I don't know. She was young, slim, pretty,

wearing a long blue dress.

- Steve. - Oh, where did they go?

- They left the store. - You sure?

- Yes, ma'am. - When was that?

Couldn't be more than five, ten minutes ago.

- Thanks. - Probably took him home to his mom.

Why didn't Steve bring the boy to us?

Maybe her first thought was to get him out of here

- and somewhere safe. - Well, I don't like it, Clancy.

- Something is wrong. - Oh, come on, Frank.

If they're on the street, we'll pick them up.

Now, my bet is that they'll both turn up at St. Michael's safe and sound.

Well, I hope you're right.

We'll go back, but if you hear anything...

I'll call you.

- Merry Christmas. - Yeah, merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Store is closed.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas to you.

Good night.

Night, you guys.

Take care, man.

Happy Holidays. - You too.

Drive safely home.

Get behind the counter.

Get down.

Am I glad that's over for another year.

Come on, Ed. Where's your Christmas spirit?

I'm surprised I've got any left at all after this grind.

I do. Come on I'll buy you a beer.

Eh, thanks anyway, but I'm going over to my sister's.

- Ah, you're lucky you got a family. - I sure am.

Yeah, I got nobody.

Hey, man, that's a bummer.

Hey, why don't you come over to my sister's with me?

- She won't mind? - It's Christmas.

Hey, hey, show's over, huh? Merry Christmas. Go home.

This guy's a fanatic, I'm telling you.

Brian, why don't you look over there?

For what?

I don't know yet.

Hmm.

For this.

Well, I'm gonna go home and soak in a tub

- for maybe a couple of weeks. - Sounds good.

- Merry Christmas to you. - Same to you.

We are gonna be out of here in no time.

You ever drill through a door before?

There's a first time for everything.

Well, place is empty. Everyone's cleared out except you.

Guess you don't have any family, huh? I mean, volunteering for this shift.

Ah, there's different ways to celebrate Christmas.

Pacing an empty store?

Which reminds me, we ought to take one more look...

Already did. Even the mice have taken a vacation.

Ah, well, just the same we... You know?

- Look, you have family, don't you? - Yeah.

Then why keep them waiting any longer than they have to?

Yeah, I guess it's all right.

Look, any thieves bust in here,

you wish them a merry one for me, all right?

- I'll do that. - Take it easy.

Tully.

All right, come on, get the lead out.

- Frank, we've got a problem. - What problem, Phil?

When we go to the retirement home, shouldn't just one of us play Santa?

Won't two Santas be too many?

- Too many Santas? - My point exactly.

Now, I'm perfectly willing to step aside.

Steve tried to tell me that, something odd at the store.

Too many Santas.

- Well, what's your point, Frank? - I'm not sure.

What do you think, Tully?

It's gonna take me a while to get through with the oxyacetylene.

How long?

Oh, ten, 15 minutes.

Let's get to it. There's a lot of Christmas cash in there.

What's the matter?

Drill broke.

Now you gonna pray?

That is not a bad idea.

You wanna help me?

Are we in bad trouble?

No, we're gonna be okay.

Father Dowling is gonna be looking for us.

- And Sergeant Clancy. - Sure.

So we got all this time to kill.

What should I say?

Well, you just have to think it.

God can hear what you're thinking.

- He can? - Yeah, he can.

I'm gonna pray for my mommy to come back.

Oh, that's wonderful news.

Thank you so much for calling.

Wendy has regained consciousness

and the doctor says she's gonna be all right.

Oh, thank the Lord.

Yes, indeed, Phil, he gives Christmas presents too.

Why home to his mom?

What?

That security guard.

He said, "She probably took him home to his mom."

That's a reasonable assumption, Frank.

Well, why not just home?

Or to his folks or to his mom and dad?

And how did he know that Steve wasn't his mother?

- I don't follow you, Frank. - Wait a minute.

Wait a minute. Clancy said that some costumes were stolen.

It was staring me in the face all the time.

It was?

Too many Santas.

Sergeant Clancy, please. This is an emergency.

Mm-hm.

How much longer?

Ah, about five more minutes.

- I'll be right back. - Where you going?

I'm gonna take care of that unfinished business, but don't worry.

I'll be back before he has that cut open.

Ho, ho, ho.

All right, come on out.

All right, come on, I got no time to fool around.

All right, you wanna play hide-and-seek?

Come on out, kid. I won't hurt you.

Come on. Good job.

Party's over.

You bet it's over.

Don't move a muscle, pal.

Unless you don't wanna be around for New Year's.

Hold it right there.

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say...

Steve. Thank God we got here in time.

Yeah, well, you cut it a little close, but at least you made it, Frank.

I should have figured it out sooner.

Yeah, well, we're not complaining, are we, Brian?

I should've finished you off when I had the chance.

Yeah. Merry Christmas to you too.

Brian? Are you all right?

Yes, but I didn't get to tell Santa what I wanted for Christmas.

Hey, you did better than that.

You told his boss, and I know he heard you.

Mm.

Perfect?

It's beautiful.

Would you like to turn the lights on, Brian?

Now, we have something for you.

A robot.

Good news, everyone.

I just radioed in and they're expecting him.

I got a squad car parked right out front.

Brian, what Christmas present would you like best of all?

How would you like to go riding in a police car

with the lights flashing and the sirens going and everything?

Tell him, Frank.

Your mother woke up.

She's feeling much better,

and the doctor says she can have a visitor.

One visitor.

And guess who that one visitor is.

- Who, me? - Heh, heh. Go on.

Heh. Come on, Brian.

You can turn on the siren so your mom knows we're on our way.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

Merry Christmas.

And God bless us, every one.

Where have I heard that before?

Merry Christmas, Sister Stephanie.

Merry Christmas, Father Dowling.