The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t (1966) Plot Summary Explained

Sam Whipple, [Paul Tripp], a broke lawyer who still carries a spark of youth in his heart, crosses paths with Santa Claus and quickly learns that the jovial visitor is troubled by a new landlord named Phineas T. Prune, [Rossano Brazzi]. Prune has issued a serious threat to seize Santa’s toys and force Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves out of their workshop. The situation sparks a practical plan: to raise the needed funds, Sam and Santa take on temporary jobs at a department store, believing that two working days could secure the entire rent that is owed. At first, Santa is tense, but the bright eyes of children and their natural warmth soon turn him into a triumphant crowd-pleaser, drawing in families and bringing renewed energy to the holiday mission.

Prune, however, crafts obstacles at every turn. He not only acquires the department store for himself but also orders his butler, Mr. Prim, [Sonny Fox], to sabotage the operation by destroying several of the toys and subtracting the resulting damages from the paychecks of Santa and Sam. He openly revels in the idea that Santa will never be able to settle the rent on time, casting a shadow over the holiday efforts.

With funds dwindling again, Sam and Santa face the grim possibility that Christmas might be canceled. A telling moment comes when a little boy questions what’s wrong, and his simple plea resonates. The boy persuades the city’s children to rally for Santa, and they pour into the streets, offering whatever money they can spare. The outpouring of generosity proves enough to cover the entire rent, restoring hope and momentum to their mission.

Santa settles the debt with Prune at the last possible moment, and the trio—Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Sam—begin delivering gifts once more. The final surprise gift is addressed to Prune, and when they reach his home, Santa presents it with care. The package contains the toy sailboat that Prune had wished for as a child, accompanied by a letter from Santa’s head elf apologizing for a clerical error that meant Santa never visited him in the past. This acknowledgment rekindles Prune’s holiday spirit, and he bursts into the street, radiating enthusiasm and shouting a heartfelt Christmas greeting that astonishes the townsfolk.

Moved by the season’s spirit, Prune decides to share his good fortune. He gives his sailboat to a little boy, a generous gesture witnessed by the town’s children. To celebrate this revival of goodwill, Prune invites the children to his mansion for a Christmas party, signaling a hopeful new chapter for everyone involved and sealing the resolution of the story with a communal sense of joy.