Call Me Claus Details

Nigel Hawthorne tries to convince Whoopi Goldberg that she should take over the reindeer reins as Santa Claus for the next 200 years in this seasonal blend of Miracle on 34th Street and The Santa Clause. Oddly, race and sex are never an issue or a concern in this TV vehicle for Goldberg's grouchy, sharp-tongued schtick. Playing a home shopping channel producer, Goldberg discovers a money magnet in Hawthorne, whose jolly, sincere demeanour charms the viewers. The stars acquit themselves well enough and despite its fair share of manipulative moments, there's an amusing sideline in Christmas cynicism. The finale may take some swallowing, however.