All language subtitles for Finding Father Christmas (2016)-

Spirit, show me no more,

I do not wish to see it.

Conduct me home
and haunt me no more.

Scrooge, what you see
are only shadows

of the things that have been.

They are what they are.

Cannot be changed.

Scrooge turned
to look at the ghost.

He could see...

that they were parts
of all of the faces

that had shown him
from his past.

Spirit, remove me.

I cannot bear it.

Soon, Scrooge was conscious
of being exhausted and...

and overcome by
an irresistible drowsiness

and further of being back
in his own bedroom.

He barely had time to reel
to his bed before he sank into a

heavy sleep.

Awaking later to the sound
of his clock as it struck 1:00.

Scrooge could see a ghostly light
from the adjoining room.

He got up softly

and shuffled to the door.

Peeping around the door,
he heard a booming voice.

I am the Ghost
Of Christmas Present.

Come in and know me better, man.

Mum?

Mum?

Yes, the furniture
will be on the truck

first thing in the morning,
we'll have the units staged

and ready to show by lunch hour.

People will be standing
in line to sign a lease.

Great, great.

I'll have my assistant
email over the contract.

No, thank you.

And call Kevin in the warehouse.

Make sure there's a truck
standing by first thing in the morning.

- Where is he going?
- Garber's new building on Fifth.

I just closed the deal to stage
all three condo floor plans.

I thought he already
turned us down.

Annie, what's the first rule
of staging any new home?

Let the potential buyer
see themself in the home.

Which is why I told Garber we will put
a Christmas tree in all the model units.

Nothing says welcome to your new
home like that fresh holiday smell.

Nice.

Oh, could you ask Mr. Turner if we can
push back that meeting by a few hours?

The folks from Portland
are in town and I told them

we could have lunch.

Speaking of Mr. Turner,
he wanted me to remind you

about his Christmas party
on Saturday.

- Is that this Saturday?
- Well, yeah.

I mean, with Christmas only
a week away and all.

Um, tell him
I will let him know.

The Sandlers called again about
Christmas dinner at their house.

I will let them know.

Your building super
wants to know

what you're gonna bring to
the holiday potluck this year.

You'll let him know. Right?

Hey, I will let them know.

I just, I have a lot
on my plate right now.

It's Christmas, Miranda.

You're supposed to celebrate.

Give thanks, exchange gifts,
eat too much, wear ugly sweaters.

Annie, I appreciate
what you're trying to say

but I have work to do.

Speaking of which, are there any
messages that aren't about Christmas?

Um...

a guy named Rick Torrance called.

He said it was important and
wants to talk to you right away.

Doesn't ring a bell. If he calls
back, find out what he wants?

Will do.

And so there I am with
a room full of third graders

so distracted, they can
barely stay in their seats.

Not that I can blame them.

- It's almost Christmas.
- Yeah?

Thank goodness, there's only
one more day to the break.

Though, I'm not exactly looking
forward to flying for the holidays.

No, you'll have a good time
with your folks.

What about you?

Any plans this year?

Um, yeah, yeah.

Um, I'll-I'll probably
just catch up on work.

You mean, like last year.

And the year before that.

Okay,

why is everyone suddenly so
concerned with my Christmas plans?

Because, my dear,
we care about you.

Being alone for Christmas
is hard for anyone.

But for you...

I can't imagine
how it must feel.

I don't know
what's wrong with me, Blair.

I mean, it's been 20 years.

She was your mother.

You lost her at Christmas.

Yeah, but she loved
being an actress

and to go that way,
on-on the stage

performing "A Christmas Carol,"
she's probably still smiling.

That doesn't make it
any easier for you.

No.

But I am not
a little girl anymore.

I have stability,

I'm not wandering the country
the way we used to.

But it's the same thing
every year.

All this, the music,
the lights...

the smell.

It just reminds me that

maybe she would have eventually
told me who my father was

but she never got the chance.

She must have had her reasons.

Maybe.

Annie, are you out there?

Turner-Dorset, this is Miranda.

Miranda Chester?

- Yes.
- Great. Hi.

Uh, look, you don't know me.
My name is Rick Torrance.

I'm sorry, Mr. Torrance, whatever
you're selling, I'm really not...

Your mother was Eve Chester,
the actress?

Hello?

Um...

yes, my mother was Eve.

This is gonna sound strange

but I found something
that belonged to her.

I think you might want it.

Hello?

Miranda?

- Mr. Torrance.
- No, it's Rick.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Sorry about the mess,
everybody's at lunch.

Come on up.

Watch your step.

It's right back here.

I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking.

Oh, it's alright, I just...

I haven't been back here
since that night.

I remember your mother
real well.

Eve was a wonderful person.

You know, always said hello
and asked about my family

and an amazing actress.

Yeah.

I remember you too.

Yeah, the way you'd run around
here sayin' her lines.

I figured you'd
follow in her footsteps.

Nope.

I suppose not.

I was here that night.

It was..

Sure, I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Anyway, uh, when I found this,
I remembered Eve had a daughter.

And I thought
if I could find you...

you might like to have it.

Are you alright?

Yes.

- Thank you so much.
- Oh.

What...

Miranda.

And who are you?

"Carlton Heath, Vermont."

"Carlton Heath, Vermont."

He's still there.

"Carlton Heath."

Yeah, it's a small town in Vermont.
I looked it up. It's beautiful.

It's like a Christmas card.

- Maybe when your mother was on tour.
- I thought of that.

In all her years of touring
she was never in Vermont.

- "The Tempest."
- Mm-hm.

When I was a little girl, I asked
her how she chose my name

and she told me she did a production
of "The Tempest" in San Francisco.

She played Miranda.

And she always loved the name.

Well, if she had such fond memories
of the show why hide the program?

And what does
a little boy in Vermont

have to do with
Shakespeare and California?

There could be a dozen reasons
she kept that picture.

But why keep it hidden?

Maybe she wasn't ready
to talk about it?

No, she could talk to me
about anything.

She was always honest with me.

The only thing she didn't talk
to me about was my father.

Miranda, you don't know that
this has anything to do with him.

This was hers.

I remember
she wore it all the time.

The only time she ever took it
off was when she was on stage.

And I think,

it's from that same town in Vermont.

But she was never there.

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.

But my whole life,
I've wondered who he was.

And now I feel like
I finally have a clue.

I have to do something.

I have to find out.

No, everything's alright, Annie.

It was a spur
of the moment trip.

I'll be on my cell
if you need me, and...

I don't know
how long I'll be here.

OK. Merry Christmas.

Thanks.

Welcome to the
Carlton Heath Inn.

Seattle? Oh, my goodness.

You're a long way from home.

What brings you
to our little town?

Uh, just visiting.

Well, you picked
the perfect time of the year.

Oh, yeah, it's beautiful.

- Here you go.
- Thanks.

My name is Katherine.

I am the owner of the inn
along with my husband, Andrew.

If you need anything,
please don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you.

How about a nice cup of tea
after your long trip?

You can cosy up by the fire.

Um, there's actually something
I wanted to see in town first.

- Could I take a rain check?
- Anytime you like.

And your room is at
the top of the stairs.

- Thanks.
- Enjoy your stay.

Thank you.

Come on.

Come on!

Need some help?

Yeah, my GPS isn't working.

Uh, cell service
is a bit spotty up here.

Where you headed?

Um, I need to find
an address in town.

It's 2625 Bexley Lane.

Oh, no problem.

It's 3 blocks down that way.

You'll run into the old church.
That's Bexley Lane.

Then hang a left, go another
two blocks and you'll be there.

Thanks.

Yeah, my pleasure.

- You work at the inn?
- Yeah.

I just checked in.
It's really nice.

Miranda.

Ian.

- Ah.
- Nice to meet you.

- That looks heavy.
- Little bit.

Sorry.

- Maybe, I'll see you around?
- Yeah.

- Three blocks?
- Yeah, you can't miss it.

Thanks. Again.

I thought you might be hungry.

Those are our scones,
we make them right here.

- Kind of our specialty.
- No, I'm fine. Thank you.

Did you find what you were
looking for in town?

- No.
- Hm.

Maybe I can help.

Andrew and I have lived here
all our lives.

We know Carlton Heath
as well as anyone.

Yeah, it-it's really
not important.

You come all the way
across the country

the week before Christmas all alone

to a place you've
never been before

to find something.

I have a feeling it must be
very important.

Only to me.

I'm pretty sure now that I'm here it
would just sound silly to anyone else.

Though it never hurts to try.

Alright, um, ahem..

Have you ever heard of the
Carlton Heath Photography Studio?

Yep. On Bexley Lane.

It was run by the Halverson family
for years. But it's closed now.

Right, but, um, do you
know where they are?

The-the family who ran it?

The kids grew up
and moved away years ago.

Jane and Eric, they retired

to... Arizona, I think.

- Are you a friend of the family?
- No, um...

this was taken at their studio.

What a cutie.

Who are they?

Um, that's why I came.

To find out.

You came all this way because of a
photograph of someone you don't know?

Told you it would sound silly.

Well, where'd you get this?

My mother, um...

it was important to her and
I wanted to find out why.

You couldn't just ask her?

I never got the chance.

That doesn't sound silly at all.

Well, doesn't matter anyway.

The studio's closed, and

I'm sure they threw
everything away.

There is something
familiar about it.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Maybe it's just the way
Santa's dressed.

We called him Father Christmas
back then.

It was an old tradition around here from
when the English settled the village.

But you've never actually
seen that photo, have you?

You know who you should talk to?
Andrew, my husband.

At the very least

he maybe able to tell you
where the Halversons retired to.

Do you think he'd mind?

Not at all.

But he's still in town

and I have to keep an eye
on things around here.

I'll get my son. He'd be
happy to show you the way.

Ian.

What's up, mum?

This is Miranda.

Hi.

You didn't tell me
your parents owned the inn.

No, you asked if
I worked there, which I do.

Chopping wood?

I also shovel snow,

clear brush, clean out gutters.

And in a pinch,
I make a pretty decent maid.

Ah, a man of many talents.

Well, I threw in that
last part to impress you.

- This town is so beautiful.
- Yeah, I love it here.

I've travelled a lot,

but I always knew
I'd come back home.

What about you?

Your family, all in Seattle?

No family, just me.

Yeah, well, mum told me
about a, a picture.

A picture
and a lot of questions.

Well...

hopefully, we can help you
find the answers.

Listen to that.

I didn't think
towns like this still existed.

It gets better,

come on.

When this was built, it was the
first brick church in New England.

Before the Revolution, the locals
met here to plot against the British.

- Really?
- Mm-hm.

Legend has it that
one Christmas Eve

the British surrounded the church to
try and catch them during the service.

But when they went inside,
there was no one to be found.

What?

They didn't know that
there was secret passageway

that led from under the church
and into the woods.

But some say that on Christmas
Eve if you listen closely enough

you can hear them singing
from under the church.

- Get out of town.
- No, it's true.

I mean, it's not, not, that I've ever
heard them myself or anything...

Oh, of course not.

We have all kinds of stories
and legends.

Not to mention our traditions,
especially at Christmas.

Hm, well, my only
Christmas traditions

are avoiding crowds and traffic.

Well, you came
to the right place then.

Sounds perfect.

Come on, let's go find dad.

Yeah, it was in pretty
rough shape

until the town renovated it
about 30 years ago.

The first show they did
was a Christmas play.

It became a tradition.

They've done it
every year since.

You okay?

Mm-hm.

"James Whitcomb."

Yeah, he was a pretty
well known actor in his day.

He was also one of the
founders of the theatre

and helped pay
for the renovation.

After he passed away,
they named the theatre after him.

- That was nice of them.
- Yeah.

Look, you better get inside,
before you catch a chill.

It's beautiful.

You sure you're okay?

Yeah, no, I'm just
travelling all day.

It's probably just
catching up with me.

Right, well,
let me poke my head in.

Dad's probably about ready
to knock off.

- I'll be right back.
- Okay.

"Soon, Scrooge was overcome

"by an irresistible drowsiness.

"And further of being back
in his old bedroom.

"Awaking later
as the clock struck 1:00

"Scrooge could see a ghostly
light from an adjoining room.

"As soon as Scrooge came
peeping around the door

"he was greeted
by a booming voice.

"I am the Ghost Of
Christmas Present!

"Come in and know me
better, man."

"Soon Scrooge was overcome
by an irresistible drowsiness."

Miranda!

"And further of being back...

"Awaking later
as the clock struck 1:00

"Scrooge could see a ghostly
light from the adjoining room."

Weatherman says there's more
snowfall on the way.

I'm afraid that Seattle jacket
won't do you much good.

I don't have much experience
with New England winters.

Well, we'll have to see
what we can do about that.

Sorry, about leaving.

I just needed some air.

- It's probably jet lag.
- Mm-hm.

Though you're not the first
person to go running off

into the night after seeing our
rendition of A Christmas Carol.

There are parts I'm sure that even
Mr. Dickens himself wouldn't recognise.

Well, I'm sure it's wonderful.

Well, I will say

what we lack in talent
we make up for with volume.

I'm not exactly what you'd call
a theatre person.

Well, then come see
the show with me.

Maybe it'll change your mind.

I think maybe
this was a mistake.

What do you mean?

Coming here.

I don't think I'm gonna find
the answers I'm looking for.

I'm not sure what brought
you here, Miranda

but I'm glad it did.

And while you are here,
you might as well enjoy it.

After all, it is Christmas.

All those questions you have

they'll still be waiting for you.

I bet that's pretty amazing
when it's all lit up at night.

You have no idea.

Okay, now, I'm getting cold.

Ian, no, no, no, no.

- What about you?
- I'll be fine.

You can talk to my dad tomorrow.

Right now,

we should get back to the inn
before we both freeze.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Um, we, uh, we maybe,
kinda, walk a little faster?

Sorry, sorry.

- Good morning!
- Hi!

- Hope you slept well.
- Great. Thank you.

Good! Um, I have a table
for you right there.

Come on in, and, uh,
continental breakfast.

- So, please, help yourself.
- Thank you.

Alright, Katherine, off we go.

Oh, before you go.

Ellie, um, I'd like to introduce you,
Miranda.

Uh, this is Miranda Chester,

she's visiting our little town
for the first time ever.

Welcome to Carlton Heath.
I'm Ellie Whitcomb.

This is my daughter, Julia
and my son, Mark.

It is very nice to meet you.

We had hot chocolate with
a candy cane to stir it with.

- Oh, that sounds delicious.
- It is.

We have it every Christmas
before we go shopping for presents.

A little Whitcomb family tradition.

Whitcomb?

I saw a plaque at
the theatre yesterday.

Are you related to
James Whitcomb?

- Yeah, that's my husband's father.
- Mm-hm, wonderful man.

We wouldn't have a theatre
if it wasn't for him.

Oh, speaking of which,
I hope you plan on attending

the Christmas show
while you're here.

I'm not sure
how long I can stay.

Aw. That's a shame.

Well, you must come to
the tree lighting tonight then.

Yeah!

Yes, you should.

Yeah, we have a fire and we sing
carols, it's a lot of fun.

And a certain someone makes
a special appearance every year.

She means Santa Claus.

Yes, she does. Well, I hope
we see you tonight.

It was a pleasure
to meet you, Miranda.

- You too.
- Bye.

- Bye.
- Bye.

- Bye.
- Merry Christmas!

What?

Oh, someone looks nice and cosy.

It's perfect. Thank you.

Yeah, we can't have our
guest getting frostbite.

I have a question.

Is there somewhere in town
I can get internet?

Library or something.

Well, you could use my office.

- Your office?
- Uh-huh!

Yeah, it's just inside here.

I'll show you.

- Thanks.
- Yeah.

I'll be running around
most of the day

but you can work in here
as long as you want.

This is... nice.

Oh, it's not what
you were expecting?

Not unless you're Batman.

No, I just do the books for the inn.

Bills and inventory.

You know, stuff like that.

And that set of law books,
discreetly in the corner?

Oh, those...

Yeah,

I'm also a lawyer.

Excuse me?

I mean, I have my degree
and passed the bar.

I even practised for a
couple of years in Burlington.

But not any more?

I still know my way around
a tort in a pinch.

But mainly I just help people
with estates.

You know, wills, reading
contracts and adoptions.

Those are the best.

Adoptions.

Hm.

You are a Batman.

Well, let me know if you
need anything else.

- Miranda.
- Hi!

Hi, this is my husband, Andrew.

Miranda, such a pleasure
to meet you.

- And welcome to Carlton Heath.
- Hi. Thank you.

Um, Catherine's told me
a bit about your quest.

Sounds like a real mystery.

So, may I have a look?

Oh, sure.

Oh, yeah.

Now, that's Father Christmas,
alright, yeah.

Do you recognise the boy?

No. No, he doesn't
look familiar.

Katherine thought you might know
how to reach the Halversons.

To see if they can remember?

Well, it hasn't been that long.

I'm sure somebody in town still
sends some Christmas cards. So,

I'll ask around.

Thank you.

Well, I'll leave you to it then.

- Thanks.
- Yeah.

It's such a beautiful day.

It seems like such a shame
to come all this way

just to sit in my son's office.

You're welcome.
Merry Christmas, Mrs. Harris.

We'll, see you tonight.

- Well, hey.
- Hi.

- How did the computer work out?
- Good. Thank you.

You're playing Santa Claus?

Oh, another one
of our holiday traditions.

Tea and Christmas cookies
for some of the locals.

Wow, looks like a lot of work.

Well, it's not work when you're
doing it for someone you care about.

And these folks are like family
to us. Especially at Christmas.

- Big family.
- The bigger the better.

- Sounds noisy.
- That's half the fun.

I should let you get back
to your... Santa Claus-ing.

Why don't you come with me?

What?

Yeah.

We'll make the rounds,
I'll introduce you to the locals.

Really?

Really.

So, what do you do
for the holidays anyway?

Um, my mother was an actress.

So we spent most of our
Christmases in hotel rooms.

Well, that's not
exactly festive.

Don't get me wrong.
She was a really good mum.

And she did whatever she could
to make Christmas special.

But even now, after all
these years on my own

I still don't really see
what all the fuss is about.

It's about life and love

and sharing it with those
who are dear to you.

Merry Christmas, Ruth.

Oh...

Yeah?

Mm-hm.

Mm...

Oh!

- Where to next?
- Oh, that was the last stop.

Oh. Wait, okay.

Thanks for coming along.

Thanks for letting me,
I had fun.

You made a lot
of people happy today.

That's what Christmas
is all about.

Usually when people ask me
what I'm doing for Christmas

I just tell them I'm
catching up on work or

staying home or basically
anything but the truth.

Which is?

That I'm avoiding it
as much as possible.

I can't believe I just told you that.
I don't even know you.

Well, what would you
like to know?

What it's like
to do this every year?

It's nice.

Let me give you a lift
back to the inn.

Hello?

Ian? Katherine?

Andrew?

GONE TO TREE LIGHTING. BACK SOON!

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Miranda.

Merry Christmas!
Ho-ho-ho-ho...

Santa knows my name.

- Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.
Ho-ho-ho-ho!

Merry Christmas.
Ho-ho-ho!

Merry Christmas, everyone.
Ho-ho-ho-ho!

Oh, my goodness.

Why don't you help me
light the tree?

Ready?

Five, four, three, two, one.

Whoa! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.
Ho-ho-ho-ho!

Merry Christmas.

This is amazing.

It really is amazing.
The music, the lights.

It's really Christmas.
Santa even knows my name.

Yes, Santa knows
everyone's name.

Oh, there's your mum.
It's so nice of her to help.

- Your dad couldn't make it?
- He's here.

Off you go, off you go,
that's wonderful.

Ah, young lady.
Up you go!

Ho-ho! Oh, my...

Seriously?

He's so cool.

It looks like my mum
needs some help.

Um, Miranda,
just enjoy yourself, okay?

And if you need to warm up,
the church is right there.

Thanks.

There you go. Right.

- Miranda, hi!
- Hi, Ellie.

Oh, here you go, love.
This will warm you right up.

- Thank you.
- Oh, Peter.

This is Miranda, the young
woman I was telling you about.

Miranda, my husband, Peter.

- Well, it's nice to meet you.
- Hi.

What do you think of
our town's little celebration?

I love it.
I think it's wonderful.

My favourite time of year.

Oh, Peter, you and Miranda
have something in common.

- Is that right?
- Mm-hm.

You both were raised by parents
who made their living on the stage.

Really?

Yeah, um...

I didn't know
word travelled so fast.

Small town.
You'll get used to it.

Your father?

My mother.

Ah.

Tell me,
what was it like for you

growing up in the shadow
of the theatre lights?

Uh... it was different.

Yes, it was.

I should help Ellie.

- Enjoy your visit.
- Thank you. Thanks.

- Bye.
- Bye.

What have we got?

Miranda.

Hey.

Um, listen,
my parents and I, um...

we're going carolling
with a bunch of friends

and then we're heading over to Peter
and Ellie's afterwards to celebrate.

We just thought we'd invite you
if you're up for it.

Oh, that's really sweet, Ian,
but I don't want to impose.

No, you wouldn't be imposing.

Besides, I have a feeling that
carolling is another one of those things

that you might have missed out on.

There's just one tinsy problem.

I can't carry
a tune in a bucket.

Welcome to the club.

Oh, hi.

Did you go carolling
when you were a little girl?

Actually, this is
my very first time.

- Really?
- Mm-hm.

I didn't exactly have a
traditional Christmas growing up.

Didn't you miss it?

Well, I will say this:

I always wanted to have
a house with a fireplace

so I could hang a stocking
by the chimney with care.

If you lived here, you'd get to
do that every Christmas.

- Wouldn't she, mummy?
- Hm, yes, she would.

Wouldn't that be something?

- Dad.
- Andrew, are you alright?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

- Are you sure?
- Aah!

I just needed to catch my breath.

Uh, Merry Christmas,
on to the next.

Hey.

Are you okay?

Yeah, yeah, sorry, I'm...

my dad's been runnin' on fumes
the last couple of weeks.

He does this every year.

Well, he really loves Christmas.

Yeah, he sure does.

But he tends to overdo it.

Do you wanna call it a night?

Oh, no, no, no.
He's not gonna let us do that.

We better catch up.

Here, you'll need these.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

It really feels like Christmas.

Thanks for inviting me.

Hi, guys.

Oh, Ellie, you have
such a beautiful home.

Aw, thank you, love.
This is Peter's family home.

- He grew up here.
- Oh.

Well, I love the way
you've decorated it.

Every year, it gets
a little more festive.

Pretty soon, we won't
have room for furniture.

Come in.

- Hey.
- Hey.

- Uh, I hope it's not too late.
- No.

I just, um,

you hardly said a word
on the way back,

so I-I wanted to make sure
you're okay.

Yeah, I think I'm just
a little tired, that's all.

Look, if you need anything...

- if you need to talk or...
- I'm fine.

- Okay. Um, goodnight then.
- Goodnight.

Ian.

Earlier today, Ellie Whitcomb
mentioned my mother...

about her being an actress.

And you're the only one
I told about that.

Oh, um...

yeah, it-it just kinda came up.

Should I not have said anything?

I met her husband, Peter,

and we talked about both having
actors in the family and

he didn't seem
too happy about it.

Yeah, well, his father was away
a lot while he was growing up.

Doing shows and all that.

I'm sure that was tough
on Peter.

Yeah.

Maybe that's why he's always
stayed so close to his family.

Because he
missed his father so much.

Thanks for checking on me.

Sure.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Good morning. Hi.

Oh, good morning.

Mm. Morning.

I wanted to let you know

I may have a lead
on that photograph of yours.

- Really?
- Yes.

I was speaking with Ben Hailey
this morning, he's the pharmacist.

He got a call a few months ago

from a pharmacy in Tucson.

Now, they were inquiring
about a prescription refill

for Eric Halverson.

He's the fellow that owns
the photo studio.

Turns out, he and his wife,
Jane, are still there.

And, uh, Ben gave me his
email address...

somewhere...

Ah! Here it is.

And I thought if you wanted
to get in touch with him

they might be able to help.

If you still want to, that is.

That is why I'm here.

Well, I'm off to learn my lines!

Only two more days
until the show

and my mind has been
such a sieve lately.

- Thank you, Andrew.
- You're welcome.

Ian?

Miranda.

Hi! What are you doing here?

Uh, I'm workin' on the set
before rehearsal starts.

After last night, I wanted
to give my dad a break.

You know, I saw him this
morning. He really seemed fine.

Yeah, well, the way he looks
forward to the show every year

he wouldn't let a little thing like
exhaustion keep him from that stage.

He's been playin' this role ever since
James Whitcomb passed away.

Wish I could've met him.

Well, stick around for Christmas.
You can meet Margaret.

Margaret?

Yes, his wife.

She comes back for the holidays.

They were married
almost 40 years.

40 years, wow.

I'm sure she has
lots of stories to tell.

Come on, check out the set.

Um, actually, I...

have to go home.

But I thought that you...

Oh, okay, well,
I-I'm sorry to hear that.

Um, I-I guess you won't
get to see the show then.

No.

I gotta go, I'm sorry.

It's the theatre.

For someone whose mother
was an actress...

you sure get very nervous
inside a theatre.

I have stayed away from theatres
since I was 9 years old.

Why?

I was in her dressing room
just like every other night.

And I couldn't understand
why she just... stopped.

She was gone before
I made it to the stage.

I'm sorry.

I didn't have any other family
and nowhere to go.

If it wasn't for a friend
of my mother's

I don't know what
I would've done.

Then what about your father?

She never told me
who my father was.

And I have spent
my whole life wondering.

I used to walk down the street
and wonder, "Is that him?"

"Is that my father?"
"Is that him?"

Um, then, a few days ago...

I found this.

This is the picture
mum told me about?

Mm.

Yeah, my mother kept it hidden

and I came here to find out why.

And you think he lived in
Carlton Heath because of this.

Uh-huh,

and...

this.

It belonged to my mother.

That's our Christmas Angel.

What?

It's kind of an old tradition
around here.

You give it to someone
you care about

to let them know that they're
always in your thoughts.

Um,

I also found this.

- My mother played Miranda.
- Hm.

That's how she picked my name.

And when I found it I just...

assumed that was why she kept it.

- What, there's another reason?
- Mm-hm.

After I got here, I realised

that the dates of the performances...

they're 9 months before I was born.

That's why I asked
to use your computer.

I wanted to...
look up the names.

You think your father had
somethin' to do with the show.

I do.

Only now I'm afraid of the answer.

Why is that?

Last night at the Whitcombs,

I saw that photo.

And I have to ask...

"Is that him?"

"Is James Whitcomb my father?"

James...

I know, it...

His name isn't anywhere
in the program and

he doesn't seem to have had anything
to do with the production, but...

"Special thanks for the support
of the Gray Hall Theatre."

Yeah, I saw that, I've never
heard of the Gray Hall Theatre.

You're sitting in it.

The name was changed

to the James Whitcomb Theatre.

He was there.

They met...

Um, I...

I have to go.

- Miranda...
- This isn't your problem.

- Let me help you.
- You can't.

- I can try.
- Please...

just stop feeling sorry for me.

I know I never
have to feel sorry for you.

You came all this way
to find the truth.

Takes a very strong person
to do that.

Then why don't I know
what to do?

You will.

Wait for me... at the inn.

Miranda!

Oh, Julia, hi!

- Well, hello, Miranda.
- Hello.

We've come for rehearsal.

And the show's tomorrow.
Christmas Eve.

I didn't know
you were in the show.

Mark's in it too.
He even has lines.

Yeah, I play young Scrooge in scenes
with the Ghost of Christmas past.

And then,
the next day is Christmas.

How exciting.

You two should get a move on.
You don't want to be late!

- Bye.
- Bye!

Bye. Bye!

Have fun.

I hope you enjoyed
the party last night.

Very much.

Yeah, I couldn't help noticing,
but you seemed interested

in one of the
family photographs.

Oh, yes, um,

it was the one with the little boy
on Father Christmas' lap.

He had such a sweet smile.

You couldn't tell by looking,
but that little boy was me.

And behind that beard
was my father, James.

Your father?

With all of his travelling
at Christmas,

it was the one time
that I knew I would be with him.

Well, you must've looked forward
to that time very much.

Well, as I'm sure you know,

life as an actor puts
a lot of strain on a family.

Yeah, I treasured those times
when everyone was happiest.

It made Christmas...
very special.

Well, it's a lovely photograph.

I have to go.

Whoa! Whoa!

Whoa! Whoa!

Hey! What do you think?

Um, what?

Well, say hello to Prancer.

Hi, Prancer.

And, yes, in case
you were wondering

this is what
they wrote the song about.

A one horse open sleigh?

Mm-hm.
With one minor adjustment.

Wheels. Much more practical.

- Of course.
- Come on up.

I had to borrow him from Santa

so we have to have him back
in a couple of hours.

- Where are we going?
- Where ever you like.

- Thanks.
- Here we go. Mm-hm.

- I also have hand warmers.
- Okay.

And a thermos
full of hot chocolate.

And best of all...

a hat, with ear flaps

guaranteed to keep your head
nice and toasty warm

while you look
utterly ridiculous.

Yeah, no.

I guess that will be optional.

Step up!

- Another Christmas first?
- Definitely.

- Ho-ho-ho!
- What?

Easy.

I am beginning to understand
why you never wanted to leave.

Wait until you see
the next heavy snowfall.

I'd like that.

You can.

I don't belong here, Ian,
not the way you do.

It's a tricky thing, belonging.

Tricky? Huh?
What does that mean?

Well, take me for example.

After I finished law school, I had
job offers coming in from all over.

New York, Los Angeles,
you name it.

- Some of them were pretty good too.
- I'm sure they were.

When I told them
I was happy here

they assumed that it was because
this was were I grew up.

- 'Cause it was so comfortable.
- It's true though, isn't it?

Yeah, but there's
something else too.

It just feels right.

And when you find that,
that connection in your heart

why would you want to go
anywhere else?

How do you know
when you find it?

You just do.

Whoa! Whoa!

It's beautiful.

Yeah, I've been coming up here
since I was a boy.

I always felt like I could see things
more clearly from up here.

It's a good place to think.

I made up my mind, Ian.

- I have to go.
- But you still don't even know...

I saw Peter at
the theatre earlier.

And he told me.

He's the little boy
in the photo.

And he's sitting on James' lap.

Father Christmas is his father.

My father.

You're sure?

There really isn't
any other explanation.

I mean, they had
to have met during that play.

Who else could've
given her the bracelet?

And then when it was time for
James to go back to his family

my mother wanted something
to remember him by and so she

took the picture.

Okay, even if you're right...

even if that is the truth

it-it still doesn't mean
you have to go.

Ian,

if I stay

and they find out
the real reason I'm here...

nothing would ever
be the same for that family.

Everything that James
ever was or did...

everything he meant to them
all these years...

they would question.

Doubt...

and lose.

Whatever happened between
my mother and James,

I know now she was right
to keep it a secret.

Even if it means never being
a part of that family.

It's better than hurting
so many good people.

Okay.

So we don't say anything.

Ian..

No, what about
what's right for you?

You said so yourself,

you don't have anyone in Seattle
to have Christmas with.

So...

have Christmas with us.

With me.

I have wanted to do that since
the first time I saw you.

I made reservations to fly out
of Boston tomorrow morning.

I'm leaving, Ian. I-I have to.

Well, um,

I'll drive the cart back to the stable
and get Prancer bedded down.

I think I'm gonna take a walk.

See the town
one more time before I go.

Really?

It's, it's pretty cold.

Guess I'm getting used to it.

Yeah. Uh,

excuse me.

Hello?

Peter?

What? What happened?

I'll be right there.

Is everything alright, Ian?

It's my father.

They rushed him to the hospital.

Mrs. McKendrick?

- Yes?
- I'm Dr. Colter.

Andrew's resting comfortably.

He's tired,
but he's gonna be just fine.

Oh, thank goodness.

What happened, doctor?

We've been running some
preliminary tests

and it appears that Andrew
had a mild heart attack.

What exactly does mild mean?

His ECG didn't show any signs of
permanent damage to his heart.

- Oh, thank God.
- But this is a warning.

Andrew's in good shape,
but we need to take a closer look

at his diet and his schedule to
make sure this doesn't happen again.

Okay. Absolutely. Of course.

Right now,
what he needs most is rest.

I'd like to keep him overnight
for observation

and then, for the next
couple of weeks

he's gonna have
to slow things down.

Take things very easy.

Okay.

Hey.

Hey.

What are the two of you
looking so glum about?

I just got a little dizzy,
that's all.

No, that's not what
the doctor said.

Oh, what does he know?

There's nothing wrong with me that
a good night's sleep wouldn't cure.

I-I told them,
I need to get out of here.

We've got that show
tomorrow night.

Andrew, no.

That is absolutely not possible.

What are you talking about?

You've been overdoing it
for weeks, dad.

You need to rest up.
Take better care of yourself.

Those are the doctors orders.

Oh, what about the show?

Can't do "A Christmas Carol"
without Scrooge.

And I can't imagine getting through
one single day without you.

Thirty years.

We've never missed
a performance.

Just won't seem like Christmas
around here without it.

Well, it's a small
sacrifice for us

to make sure that Scrooge
is back to do the show

for many more years.

As long as Andrew's gonna be
okay, that's all that matters.

Well, but he's so disappointed.

He didn't wanna let everybody down.
Not after all these years.

Well, can we do the show anyway?

I-I don't see how, Ellie.

I mean,
all the lines and the blocking.

It's too much for someone
to learn in one day.

I'm afraid Katherine's right.

We have to cancel.

But there must be
something we can do.

I mean, Peter, the show meant
too much to your father.

It's too important.

We don't have a choice, Miranda.

Sorry.

I'm stayin' at the hospital
with dad tonight.

Gonna give mum a rest.

I have an early flight, so I
probably won't see you again.

No.

So...

Yeah.

Thank you for... everything.

Take care, Miranda.

If you're ever in the northwest...

Sure.

Bye.

Looks like they were right.

We're havin' a white Christmas.

I've never seen anything
like it before.

Yeah, feels like home.

Shouldn't you be with your dad?

Uh, my mum went to the hospital
first thing this morning.

She's with him now.

How's he doing?

Better.

I'm glad.

Please say goodbye for me.

- I'd rather not.
- Ian...

Look, you've told me all the
reasons why you should leave.

But you're ignoring the one
reason why you should stay.

You've had to be strong
your entire life...

with no one to depend on.

I-I can't even imagine
how hard that's been.

But coming here to find
the answer to who you are...

that has to be the hardest
thing you've ever done.

But if you leave now...

nothing changes.

Yeah, but I didn't come here
to change anything, Ian.

I came here to see if this might
be a place where...

A place where you could belong.

A place that
you could call home.

With people you could depend on.

Who care about you.

Who could love you...

if you let them.

Believe me,
I know how that sounds.

People don't just do this.

They don't just meet
and suddenly everything fits.

Except...

Tell me you don't feel
the exact same way.

And we can say goodbye
right now.

You can, you can
get on that plane.

You can go on with your life.

And nothing changes.

Stay.

Is that a yes?

Yeah.

I've wanted this
for my whole life.

But you have to
promise me something.

Can you promise me you
won't say anything to anyone?

'Cause...

no one can know why I came here.

I promise.

Thank you.

I have to ask you
for something too.

Yeah, what is it?

Can you help me with my lines?

Are you serious?

My dad was so disappointed

so, I-I actually said
that I would play Scrooge.

- What?
- I mean, I-I know the play.

I-I've been around it
since I was a kid.

But I still only have one day, so...

- It's crazy, huh?
- Yeah.

It's wonderful, are you kidding?

So, you'll help me?

Of course.

Good, because I've got
a long way to go.

We better get started.

You sure you're okay to be back
in the theatre again?

Yeah.

I actually kinda miss it.

- Ian.
- Peter.

Hi. Hello, Mrs. Whitcomb.

Hello, Ian.
How is your father?

- He's better, thank you.
- Oh, I'm so glad.

Well, Peter told me
what you've been doing.

Stepping in at the last minute.

James would be
very, very pleased.

- Thank you.
- I'm happy to do it.

I have a long way to go.

Speaking of which, Mrs. Whitcomb
this is Miranda Chester.

She's been drafted
to help me out.

Miranda. Very nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

And thank you for helping to see
that our little show goes on.

Oh, I'm, I'm just running lines,
he's really doing all the work.

- Do you live in Carlton Heath?
- Just visiting.

And what brings you
to our little town?

Why, I've always wanted to see
Vermont in Christmas.

I've heard it's very beautiful.

Hm...

and here you are.

Ian told me about your husband.

About how the theatre was named
after him. You must be very proud.

Well, this place does hold
a lot of memories for me.

Which is why I come every Christmas,
not just to see my grandchildren, but

to indulge in...

nostalgia.

And also to enjoy my favourite
Christmas show, which reminds me

you two have a lot better things
to do than listen to me jabber on.

Well, we'll see you tonight,
Mrs. Whitcomb.

I look forward to it, Ian.

And, Miranda, every year we have
a cast party back at the house.

After the show, it's become sort
of a Christmas Eve tradition.

Why don't you join us?

- Thank you.
- Good.

Just breathe.

I don't know what to do.

It was light as a feather.

I, am, as happy as an angel.

A merry Christmas to everybody.

I don't know what day it is.

I don't know anything.

I'm...

quite a baby.

Never mind.

I don't care.
I'd rather be a baby.

Oh, glorious, glorious.

Bravo.

Still got a long way to go.

Wish I could do it
the way dad does it.

You don't wanna do it like your
dad does it. Do it like you do it.

Cheers.

Cheers.

You go in.

Oh, good. Thank you.

"I don't know what day
of the month it is."

"I don't know how long I've been
among the spirits."

"I don't know anything.
I'm quite a baby."

I know the line.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You helped me remember all the things
I love about being in a theatre.

I don't know anything.

I'm quite a baby.

Break a leg.

Thank you.

Wow.

So I told that doctor

"I may not be able to act in the
show, but there is nothing

in the world that will stop me
from watching it."

No, thank you.

Could you see me on stage?

Yes, I could,
and you were wonderful.

My grandfather
was a great actor.

I think I might be
an actor too...

when I grow up.

Well then, I will have to come
and see you in all of your shows.

Miranda, be a dear
and put this on the table.

- I got something in the oven.
- Sure.

Mm...

Hi.

Let me get some more wine.

"By the lake shore
in the moon glow

"first time, only time

"beguiling eve once

now ever in this failed heart."

"Beguiling eve."

Eve.

What do you think?

Sorry.

I shouldn't be in here,
I was just...

- All those people.
- Oh.

So many faces, so many names.

Don't give it a thought.

And not many people know that
my husband wrote poetry.

It relaxed him when he was
on the road touring.

Really?

Yeah.

And his work always had
a particular...

pattern,

except for this one.

It's always been sort of a mystery.

What do you mean?

Well, it's different.

I-it's beautiful, that's why
we framed it, but it, it just...

it doesn't sound like him.

We found it after he died, so...

afraid we were never
able to solve the mystery.

Well...

some mysteries are
better left unsolved.

Perhaps you're right.

Uh, Miranda,

that's the character
from "The Tempest."

Well, take your time.

Andrew, don't forget
the potatoes.

- I got them right here.
- Okay.

Ian...

will you let Miranda know
that we're almost ready to go?

- Okay, mum.
- Okay, good.

And can you grab my jacket
while you're up there?

Fine.

Hey.

Hey.

Wow,

you look great.

Thanks, you too.

Well, um, I hope you're hungry.

There's gonna be enough food
to feed an army.

I need to ask you something.

What's wrong?

Last night, did you tell
Margaret about me?

- About the photograph?
- What?

No. No, of course not.

I told you, you could trust me.

I saw you talking to her

and she was holding it,
so I just thought...

It's Christmas, Miranda.
It's a picture of her husband.

She still misses him
very, very much.

Sorry.

Just when I was talking to her later,
the way she looked at me, just...

felt like she...

knew something...

about me.

Maybe I, I shouldn't go.

Like, I really
don't belong there.

I wasn't sure when I was
gonna give this to you.

Now seems like a good time.

What?

Open it.

Oh.

Ian...

That's your very own
Christmas Angel,

to remind you,

no one else can tell you
where you belong.

It's what you feel in your heart
that guides you home.

Merry Christmas.

It's beautiful. Thank you.

Ready?

Mm-hm.

Oh, where are we going?

Come see. It's a surprise.

- What is it?
- It's for you.

Oh,

Julia.

It's beautiful, thank you.

Don't thank me.

- It was Santa.
- Of course.

I will be sure to thank him
the next time I see him.

Well, come on.

Don't you want to see
what he brought you?

Yes, I do. Thank you.

Uh-oh, posture.

You know, Andrew,
I think Ian may have stolen

some of your thunder
in this year's show.

Well, he's always been
a bit of a ham.

And I wonder where
he gets that from?

Oh.

Let me say, for the record

that I am perfectly willing

to pass the dramatic torch

to the next generation.

Oh, no, no, no.
No, you don't.

I am not going
through that again.

- Oh, what?
- What?

Oh, no, but you were
so wonderful.

- Oh, no offence, Andrew.
- None taken.

Now, Miranda,
I'm sure you've never seen

A Christmas Carol quite like
ours back in Seattle, have you?

I don't think anyone has.

- Oh. Oh!
- Oh! Ow!

Oh, no, no, no.
I didn't mean it like that.

No, I really enjoyed it.

I-I can't remember the last time
I've had this much fun.

This whole trip,
you all have been... so generous

welcoming me into your home and

you've really reminded me that
Christmas can be very special.

So, thank you.
All of you.

It's a lovely bracelet, Miranda.

I see that you've discovered
our town's Christmas Angel.

Ian gave it to me.

- Hm...
- Oh!

- Ian.
- Oh.

Tell me, were you
born in Seattle?

Um, no, mm-hm,
I was born in California

but we moved to Seattle
when I was very young.

How come?

- Well, my mother got a job there.
- What kind of job?

She was an actress.

- Like my grandfather?
- That's right.

What about your dad?

Good heavens, where is my head?

Do you know that I have another
present for you two upstairs?

- I completely forgot.
- Really?

Mm-hm, so why don't you two run
upstairs?

They're on my bed.
You can open them up there.

- Thanks, grandmother.
- Thank you.

Beautiful kids.

Was your mother a stage actress?

Mm-hm, yes.

And what was her name?

Eve, Eve Chester.

Eve?

"Whoever in this failed heart."

You know, I should, um...

- I-I really think I need to...
- And your father?

My father was also an actor.

And...

his name was James Whitcomb.

My mother never told me
who my father was.

And my whole life,
I never knew his name.

And then, a couple of days ago,
I found this photograph and

all it said was Carlton Heath,
and...

and that's why I'm here,

to, to find out...

- Stop.
- Peter, I can show it to you.

It's the same one
that you have here.

And when you told me
that that was him

your father, James Whitcomb,
that's when I knew.

- I said stop.
- I was sure.

They-they did a show together.
I-I have the program.

- I can show you the program.
- What?

Can't you see what she's doing?

This is obviously
some sort of scam.

- She-she wants money.
- No, please..

You had it all planned.

You fooled us all
with your touching story.

Well, I won't listen
to another word of it.

I want you out. Leave.

Alright, that's enough, Peter.

- Stop.
- What?

You have your father's eyes.

You knew.

I suspected...

from the first moment I saw you.

But it was the poem
that convinced me.

Eve was your mother.

Just never knew her name.

Mother,

I don't understand...

Peter, you were too young
to remember.

You were just a toddler
when your father

started to have success
as an actor.

The more successful he became...

the harder it was for us
to be together.

Finally, I just had had enough

and I,
I asked him for a divorce.

What?

We were waiting
for the divorce to become final

when James got a call from
a friend of his in San Francisco

who was directing a
production of The Tempest.

He had to replace his lead actor
and he begged James

to step in and...

he was on a plane that night.

And that's when
he met your mother.

Initially,
it was strictly professional.

But...

soon James began to
open up about our divorce

and they grew closer, and...

finally, they fell in love.

So, why did he leave?

Now, the story
might've ended there,

but Peter got sick.

Pneumonia.

James told Eve,

and she was the one who
convinced him to come home

to look after his son,
to take care of his family.

She let him go.

And when Peter
started to recover

we realised that
we really wanted

to try to save the marriage,
and-and...

we did.

I mean, it-it wasn't easy, but we,

we worked things out and...

I was with him until he died.

I still don't understand how you
know all this about my mother.

Because he told me everything.

Except for her name.

And I forgave him.

I realise that your mother...

Oh, she must have loved him
very, very much.

So much that she was willing
to let him go.

I have no idea how she did that.

I...

I mean, I can only imagine
how heart-broken she was.

But I have always been grateful.

But wh-what about me?

Miranda...

Honey, I promise you

if James had had any idea
that he had another child

he would have moved
heaven and earth to find you

to take care of you.

Yeah.

That's why she never told me.

Because it would've been too painful

to see him again, knowing
she couldn't be with him.

So she raised me on her own.

And she gave me all the love
that she couldn't give him.

Oh..

God, he would've
loved you so much.

Thank you.

Come here.

Miranda...

about what I said...

I'm sorry.

It's alright.

The truth is, growing up

I used to wish I had a brother
or a sister.

Maybe we can find out
what that's like.

Yeah.

Listen. Can you hear them?

Dad, they're coming down the street.
Can we go out to listen to them?

Put on your coats.

Mystery solved.
Thank you, thank you.

Now, you and I have a lot
to talk about, don't we?

Yeah.

And we're gonna have
plenty of time.

This is just
our first Christmas.

There are gonna be many more.

Hut, hut!

Ho! Ho!

Do you think she's right?

Do you think it's possible every
Christmas could be like this?

Possible.

I'm counting on it.