appears that new york's most famous
Santa Claus has a mean streak.
The centerpiece of c. f. Cole's big holiday
ad push is behind bars this morning-
...plans regarding a replacement for
Mr. Kringle.
The spokesperson did say, however,
that for at least the remainder Of today,
there will be no Santa Claus
at the 34th street store.
...without any apparent provocation,
struck him repeatedly with a walking stick.
Police arrived within moments and
arrested kringle-
If you're planning to take your children
to the store today, take note.
There will be no Santa Claus
at the 34th street store.
C.f. Cole's competitors are having
the last laugh this morning.
Who wears a charming suit and
affects a jolly demeanor, you know.
I'm a symbol.
I'm a symbol of the human ability
to suppress the selfish
and hateful tendencies that rule the major
part of our lives.
And if you can't accept anything on faith,
then you're doomed to a life dominated by doubt.
Get me Bryan bedford on the phone.
Bryan?
I know. I saw the papers.
I want you to help him.
He's at bellevue,
and I don't know what's happening,
but he's alone,
And he shouldn't be.
What's cole's position?
Do their attorneys have an opinion?
Oh, this isn't about cole's.
This is about a man
who's had something very wrong done to him.
Somebody you care about.
Somebody... you believe in.
Your honor...
do you have a moment for ed collins?
Send him in.
Thanks, colby.
How are you, eddie?
What can I do for you?
How are you?
Oh, just the commitment papers
for the cole Santa.
That's a shocker, huh?
The press is having a field day.
"age unknown. " Old man, is he?
Very old, your honor.
Do I have to read all this?
No. It's a slam dunk.
Guy's out of his mind.
We'd like it over quick.
- "we"?
- Victor.
- "victor"?
- Lamberg.
Oh, yes.
Right there.
Well. Justice will have to prevail,
of course.
Oh, of course.
Yes, justice will have to prevail...
as always.
Money makes the world go around, eddie.
Yes, it does, your honor, it sure does.
By the way, Mr. Lamberg wanted you
to know that he's Very well aware of
your re-election campaign
coming up this spring.
Tell him I would welcome his support.
Will do.
Come in.
A Mr. Bedford's here to see you.
Who?
He represents Mr. Kringle?
Send him in.
Your honor, there seems to be
some undue haste in this case.
I wish to protect my client's rights,
as I'm sure you do.
Mr. Prosecutor, this is...
Bryan bedford.
Ed collins.
If your honor please, i request a formal
hearing where i may bring witnesses.
Sign the commitment papers now if you like,
but I'll bring in habeas corpus this afternoon.
We'll have a hearing.
Thursday morning, 9 a. m.?
Thank you, sir.
Mr. Collins.
Mr. Bedford.
I thought you said the old man
didn't have an attorney.
What's the difference?
It'll be a hearing, not a jury trial.
You're the only one
that has to be convinced.
Have a good day, judge.
Want to know somethin', mister?
I don't believe it.
This guy ain't dangerous.
He may be off his rails a little bit,
but he ain't no thug.
And if he wants to call himself santy Claus...
then god bless him.
Hello, Kriss.
Hello, Mr. Bedford.
What brings you out
on a miserable day like this?
A friend in need.
Hmm.
You failed your mental exam
on purpose, didn't you?
Huh. Why would I... do a thing like that?
I don't know.
Maybe you've served people long enough.
Maybe you've given all you have to give.
No.
Then why did you do it?
The charges against you were dropped.
The man you hit suffered no injury.
You could've been out of here
if you passed your exam.
I disgraced myself.
I read your transcript, Kriss.
You defended your honor.
You stood up for the dignity of every child.
That isn't a disgrace.
That's decency.
If I'm dismissed as a crazy old man...
then the good name of...
Santa Claus is spared.
That isn't true.
If not for you, there is no Santa Claus.
You are him.
Crazy or not, here or gone,