The Christmas Code

The Christmas Code :
'Twas the Night Before Christmas

by:
The Altiere Bros.
Contact:
Scott Henderson
Paradigm
360 North Crescent Dr.
North Building
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-288-8000
Jonathan Hung
Hung Entertainment Group
11020 Ventura Blvd. Suite G
Studio City, CA 91604
818-761-5664
4/15/11
EXT. THE DARK ARCTIC SKY - NIGHT
Northern lights play against a starry backdrop. Snow

flakes fall and we follow them down to a huge, expansive
lodge nestled between two mountains.
That’s right, it’s SANTA’S WORKSHOP. We move inside...
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - NIGHT
It’s brimming with activity. Hundreds of Santa’s ELVES

hustle about in red & green tunics, making toys, wrapping
presents, and sending them off on dollies stacked with
colorful boxes.
A harried, avuncular ELF with white hair and spectacles

moves from station to station, keeping everyone focused
and on schedule. This is the supervisor, BALDER.
BALDER
Come, come, no slackening now. Only
eighteen hours until launch!
He continues on, passing a sweet-looking elf struggling

with an overstuffed MAILBAG. This is OLLIE.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Careful, Ollie, the last minute missives
are just as important as the early ones!
OLLIE
(struggling)
Uh, yes, sir...
Ollie lugs the mailbag into--
THE MAILROOM
--where MAILROOM ELVES sit at stations opening piles of

LETTERS. Ollie empties his bag into a basket and falls
into his chair. He looks down at his pile of letters...
and then gazes out the window at the distant northern
lights. He sighs and stares longingly at them until--
YOUNGER ELF #1 (OFF)

Psst, Ollie! She wants to hear it!
Ollie turns to see two YOUNGER ELVES (one BOY, one GIRL)
standing behind him. He brightens...and leans in.
OLLIE
Of course she does. It’s a great story!
He checks to make sure no one is looking...

2.
...and then sneaks the elves into another room. He takes

out an old LEATHERBOUND BOOK, opens it...and begins.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Long ago...though not too long ago, the
North Pole was a very different place...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - LONG AGO, THOUGH NOT TOO LONG AGO
A less expansive lodge is nestled between the mountains.
OLLIE (V.O.)
Back then, there was not one but two
powerful Saints in charge of Christmas...
We MOVE INSIDE THE LODGE to see--
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - NIGHT
--a man sitting beside a crackling fire.
OLLIE (V.O.)
There was Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus
to us elves...
REVEAL: it’s SANTA CLAUS, but not as we know him today.

He’s younger, his robes are modest, his beard is short,
yet he still has that twinkle in his eye. He sits in a
rocking chair reviewing a SCROLL entitled “THE NICE.”
OLLIE (V.O.)
And there was his brother, The Krampus.
PAN TO SEE another man, this one sitting on an ebony

throne before a smoldering pit of COAL. This is THE
KRAMPUS. His robes are black as is his long, pointed
goatee. He wears a sneering, mirthless look and is
reviewing a scroll of his own marked “THE NAUGHTY.”
OLLIE (V.O.)
For centuries, Santa and the Krampus
worked side-by-side, one bringing treats
and treasures to the Nice, the other
bringing coal and admonishments to the
Naughty...
They both exchange a nod and suddenly rise to their feet.
EXT. ARCTIC MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
Santa and The Krampus ascend an icy staircase cut into

the rock of a treacherous cliff.
3.
OLLIE (V.O.)
Now this was long before sleighs and
reindeer and going down chimneys. Back
then, these two Christmas Saints were so
powerful they delivered their parcels
right from the North Pole using something
called...the Christmas Magics...
Santa and the Krampus arrive at the mountaintop where

Santa pulls out an exquisite SNOW GLOBE. He shakes it,
places it on a rock, and a SWIRLING LIGHT glows from
within. Santa and the Krampus each lower one hand and
the light LEAPS OUT and PULSES THROUGH THEM. And then--
WRAPPED PACKAGES begin FLYING OUT OF THE SACKS and

DISAPPEARING INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. Santa’s leave colorful
astral trails like shooting stars, the Krampus’s trail
smoldering embers and inky black soot.
OLLIE (V.O.)
But as the years went on, the Krampus
grew unsatisfied with only controlling
half of the holiday...
Mid-conjuring, a dark look crosses the Krampus’s face.
OLLIE (V.O.)
...and one Christmas Eve he turned on his
brother.
The Krampus suddenly turns and DIRECTS HIS MAGIC AT

SANTA. FOOM! Santa is blown back. He skids towards the
cliff but catches himself at the last second. Stunned,
he pulls himself to his feet and spins to face his
brother but...he’s gone. And so are the Christmas Magics.
A stricken look comes across Santa’s face and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE NORTH POLE - NIGHT
The screen is whited out by a BLIZZARD. Snow SWIRLS

AROUND US and we can only catch glimpses of what looks
like an enormous BATTLE playing out on the tundra below.
OLLIE (V.O.)
A great war between Santa and the Krampus
broke out...and this is where we Elves
entered the scene...
The snow SWIRLS PAST US and, just for a moment, we can

see what appears to be a FRONT LINE OF ELVES standing
firmly on the ice like WARRIORS.
4.
OLLIE (V.O.)
You see, back then, Elves were not just
makers of toys or wrappers of presents.
We were great warriors -- soldiers in
service of Santa Claus.
The Elves unsheathe SWORDS from CANDY CANE SCABBARDS and

charge towards another group of warriors on the other
side of the tundra. Is it an army of...SNOWMEN? Before
we can tell for sure, the blizzard WHITES OUT THE SCREEN.
OLLIE (V.O.)
The battle eventually spread beyond the
magical boundaries of the North Pole and
down to the real world where Santa found
allies in a group of men who would come
to be known as...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. A CANDLELIT ROOM - NIGHT
A group of men in VICTORIAN SUITS sit around a table with

a WREATH and a CANDLE at the center.
OLLIE (V.O.)
...the Christmas Guardians. These men
provided counsel and strategy...and
eventually helped Santa turn the tide of
the war and recover the Christmas Magics.
The men whisper to each other, nod, and look to...a

battle-worn SANTA sitting at the end of the table. Santa
nods with appreciation and we--
CUT TO:
EXT. THE NORTH POLE - DAY
The arctic tundra is now marred with the SCARS OF BATTLE.

Three ELF SOLDIERS march into frame dragging a struggling
Krampus. They deposit him in an icy cave when the
Krampus suddenly PUSHES THEM ASIDE and TRIES TO FLEE!
But before he can make it out...
FOOM! Santa steps in front of him and seals the cave

shut with a powerful blast of Christmas magic. Santa
then looks down at the SWIRLING SNOW GLOBE in his hand.
OLLIE (V.O.)
The war made Santa look at the Christmas
Magics with new eyes. He realized they
were too powerful to be kept around and
so he made a very difficult decision...
5.
Santa raises the snow globe over his head and brings it
down hard on the icy ground. CRASH! It SHATTERS,
FILLING THE FRAME WITH LIGHT, and we--
DISSOLVE BACK TO:
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - PRESENT DAY
The two young elves stand before Ollie, eyes wide.
OLLIE
So you see, without us Elves, Christmas
would have been lost forever.
The young elves exchange a look of wonder when--
BALDER (OFF)
And without us elves, the world would be
square and snow would be made of popcorn!
Ollie turns to see Balder in the doorway behind them.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Alright, alright, story time is over.
Shouldn’t you both be back at the
wrapping station?
The younger elves drop their heads and scurry off.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Ollie, when are you going to stop filling
the children’s heads with this nonsense?
Most of those stories have been told so
many times it’s impossible to even tell
what’s true anymore!
OLLIE
It’s all true, Balder, it’s Elfin
History!
Balder takes the book out of Ollie’s hands and turns it

around to reveal the title: “ELFIN LORE AND LEGEND.”
BALDER
Elfin history, huh?
Ollie sags. Balder pats him on the back.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Ollie, I know life in the North Pole can
be boring but...making toys, wrapping
presents, sorting mail -- these are the
things we elves do and I’m afraid they’re
the things we’ve always done.
6.
Ollie looks down, dejected. Balder gives him a

sympathetic look then ushers him out.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Now come come, back to work. Here, I’ll
let you bring the last of the letters up
to Santa. How’s that sound?
He holds out a bundle of letters and Ollie’s eyes widen.
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP, SANTA’S OFFICE - NIGHT
It’s more cluttered than when we last saw it. A

GRANDFATHER CLOCK ticks in the corner, recording 365 DAYS
OF TIME. BLUEPRINTS FOR NEW TOYS hang on the walls and
the shelves are filled with Christmas miscellany...
There’s a collection of NUTCRACKERS, a terrarium of FIR

TREE SEEDLINGS, books about REINDEER HUSBANDRY and ARCTIC
METEOROLOGY. And there, sitting beside a cracking fire,
is the big man himself. His back is to us, all we can
see is a thin trail of smoke rising from his pipe.
After a beat, there’s a KNOCK at the door and--
SANTA CLAUS
(without turning)
Come in.
The door opens and Ollie tentatively steps in. It's like
meeting the President.
OLLIE
Uh, a few last letters for you, sir.
SANTA CLAUS
Thank you. Just leave them on the desk,
please.
Ollie puts the letters on the desk and then turns to

leave. But then...he pauses in the doorway and seems to
gather some courage. He turns back around and:
OLLIE
Santa...the stories about the Great
Christmas War, about how we Elves used to
be great warriors. Are they true or
just...folklore?
At this, Santa turns, finally revealing those famously

twinkling eyes and snowy white beard. He smiles.
SANTA CLAUS
What do you think, Ollie?
7.
Ollie’s eyes widen. He swallows and opens his mouth to

respond when -- A PIERCING ALARM FILLS THE AIR.
SANTA CLAUS (CONT’D)

What the Dickens...?
Santa dashes to the window and blanches.

No...it’s not possible...
OLLIE
(scared)
Santa -- Santa, what is it...?
Santa quickly locks the door. Then he goes to his desk,

scribbles something on a small slip of parchment and
turns to Ollie with urgency.
SANTA CLAUS
Ollie, I need you to listen to me very
carefully. If what I think is happening
truly is happening, the very fate of
Christmas could be at stake.
Ollie’s eyes widen. Santa folds the slip of parchment

and places it into Ollie’s hand.

Take this, go to this address in the real
world and--
OLLIE
What? The real world? Santa, I’ve never
been out of the North Pole, I’m just a
mailroom elf, I can’t--
SANTA CLAUS
You can and you must. The Christmas
Magics are our only hope!
OLLIE
The Christmas Magics? But...the
Christmas Magics were destroyed...
Santa solemnly shakes his head and kneels before Ollie.
SANTA CLAUS
Ollie, you wanted to know if the stories
were true? Well, you’re about to find
out just how true they are. That is,
except for one crucial part...
Ollie looks up at Santa.

8.
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP, GREAT HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
ALARMS continue to ring out as a CLOAKED FIGURE steps in.

We don’t get a good look at it yet but we do see the two
ELVES that enter behind it. They’re wearing tattered
black cloaks and their hair appears permanently frosted
with ice.
Meet NOGGIS and BALE, two ELVES GONE BAD.
Noggis is tall and thin and has a dim, absent look in his
eyes. Bale is short and fat and wears a constant sneer.
They follow the cloaked figure through the workshop,
THROWING OVER TABLES, BASHING TOYS and generally SCARING
AWAY ANY ELF not quick enough to get out of their way.
BALE
‘Tings sure have changed since we’ve been
around, eh, Noggis?
NOGGIS
You said it, Bale! They’ve come a long
way from pop guns and hobby horses!
Noggis picks up an item from a workbench. REVEAL: It’s

an APPLE iPAD. Noggis and Bale marvel at the futuristic
device when a MALEVOLENT GROWL comes from off screen.
MALEVOLENT GROWL
Come.
Noggis and Bale gulp and hurry toward the voice, Noggis
making sure to stick the iPad in his satchel on the way.
They join the figure outside Santa’s office where --
CRASH! The figure KICKS THE DOOR OPEN to REVEAL: Santa
calmly smoking his pipe on his rocking chair.
SANTA CLAUS
Hello, brother.
SWISH PAN TO FINALLY REVEAL: The cloaked figure is none

other than the Krampus himself. He’s older and looks
even more sinister than when we last saw him.
KRAMPUS
Hello, Santa.
Santa and the Krampus lock eyes and then Noggis and Bale
GRAB SANTA and DRAG HIM OUT. The Krampus turns to
follow...but then pauses, sensing something. He looks
around the room...then shakes it off and marches out.
That’s when we REVEAL...
9.
Ollie hiding behind the grandfather clock, his eyes wide

with terror. After he’s sure the Krampus is gone, he
unfolds the parchment Santa put in his hand. It reads:
“Clement Clark Moore

99 Main Street, Troy, NY”
And, beneath that, the words:
“TRUST NO ONE”
Ollie’s eyes widen. MATCH DISSOLVE from the address to--
EXT. 99 MAIN STREET, TROY, NY - DAY
We’re on a quiet small-town main street. Holiday

SHOPPERS pass, all bundled up for the season. We move
down the row of stores and stop outside 99 Main...
It’s a charming but slightly run-down boutique called

“THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST”. A sign in the window reads:
“HOME OF THE ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN COPY OF

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!”
INT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - DAY
It’s clearly seen better days. The shelves are

unorganized, the Christmas trees are only half-decorated
with ornaments to sell, and the aisles are choked with
boxes of unopened merchandise. But it’s December 24th so
despite the obvious neglect, the store is packed.
The shop’s owner, Clement Clark Moore IV, or CLARK, tries

to keep up with the demands of these last minute SHOPPERS
but we can see his heart really isn’t in it and whatever
twinkle there was in his eye burned out a long time ago.
DEMANDING SHOPPER
(to Clark)
Excuse me, do you have yellow Christmas
lights?
CLARK
Uh, I believe we have white and red.
DEMANDING SHOPPER
I need yellow.
CLARK
I think we just have the white and red...
DEMANDING SHOPPER
I can only use yellow.
10.
Clark blinks at the man.
CLARK
(forcing a smile)
I’ll go check.
Clark heads towards the back room, shaking his head. On

the way, he passes another SHOPPER, an older curmudgeon
with a NUTCRACKER in his hand.
CURMUDGEONLY SHOPPER
Does this crack nuts?
CLARK
Excuse me?
This nutcracker. Does it crack nuts?
CLARK
Um, I’m not sure...I think those are
mostly just decorative...
Decorative? My hat is decorative. What
good is a nutcracker that doesn't crack
nuts?
CLARK
I’m...really not sure, sir. Maybe you
should try another--
Suddenly an eccentric OLD LADY gets in Clark’s face.
ECCENTRIC SHOPPER
Can you wrap this?
Clark sees the woman is holding a CHRISTMAS HAM.
CLARK
Did you...buy that here?
ECCENTRIC SHOPPER
Can you wrap it or not? I’m double
parked.
Before Clark can respond, a young BOY dashes up and grabs

the ham. This is Clark’s son, ZACK (8).
ZACK (OFF)
I got it, Dad!
Unlike his father, Zack still has that twinkle and in a

really big way.
11.
CLARK
Thanks, Zack.
Zack leads the old lady to a wrapping station across the

store. Then DING! Must be someone at the register.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Be right there...
Clark heads towards the counter, again passing--
DEMANDING SHOPPER
About those yellow lights?
CLARK
Uh...still checking!
Clark grumbles to himself and gets behind the counter.
CLARK (CONT’D)
All set?
But there’s no one there, just an enormous POINSETTIA on

the counter. Huh? Clark blinks at it when -- A WOMAN
LEAPS INTO VIEW BESIDE IT!
WOMAN
Surprise!
CLARK
(recoiling)
Ahhhh!
Clark TRIPS BACKWARDS and FALLS BEHIND THE COUNTER.

CRASH!
WOMAN
Ohmigosh!
The woman rushes around the counter with the poinsettia

to see Clark pulling himself to his feet.
WOMAN (CONT’D)
I’m so sorry--I didn’t mean to--!
She tries to help him but it’s hard with the poinsettia
in her hand. The leaves and flowers get in Clark’s face.
CLARK
(spitting through leaves)
It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m...
Clark finally gets to his feet and gets a good look at

the woman.
12.
She’s cute and has a spark in her eye that catches your
attention and holds it longer than you expected. Sort of
like it’s holding Clark's right now. This is MOLLY.
CLARK (CONT’D)
...fine.
It's awkward for a moment and then:
CLARK (CONT’D)
(re: the plant in her arms)
Uh...is that for me...?
MOLLY
Oh, right!
She hands it to him.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
Sorry about that -- what was supposed to
happen was I was going to say 'surprise!'
and then you were supposed to say
something like, ‘oh, what’s this plant?’
and then I was going to say ‘a Christmas
surprise!’ Get it?
CLARK
(beat)
Sort of.
MOLLY
I’m going to start over. I’m Molly.
CLARK
Clark.
They shake hands.
MOLLY
I just bought the old florist across the
street and I’m introducing myself to all
the other merchants in town...
(looking around)
Your shop is really fantastic. How long
has it been here?
CLARK
Oh, I don’t know, just a hundred and
fifty years or so...
Molly’s eyes widen.
MOLLY
A hundred and fifty years...?!
13.
CLARK
Well, I mean, it wasn't always a
Christmas store but it’s been in my
family for that long. First it was an
inn and then a printing press and then a
general store. It wasn't ‘The Christmas
Outpost’ until the 1950s.
MOLLY
Wow, what a history! I hope my store
will be around as long. Looks like
business is good, no?
CLARK
Well, ‘tis the season, right? Stop by in
July and it’ll be a different story...
MOLLY
You’re open all year round? How
wonderful! I love Christmas, it’s my
favorite time--
(eyes suddenly widen)
Oh my God, is that it?
Molly rushes up to a DISPLAY CASE on the wall. Inside is

a piece of PARCHMENT upon which is written a SERIES OF
STANZAS in an LAVISH SCRIPT. Before Clark can answer--
ZACK
(excited)
It sure is -- the first copy of ‘Twas the
Night Before Christmas!’ Isn’t it cool?
At this, we see an older, DISTINGUISHED-LOOKING MAN in a

grey overcoat perk up in another aisle. He steps up and
starts listening as:
ZACK (CONT’D)
And you know what’s even cooler? My
great-great-great-great grandfather wrote
it...because Santa Claus asked him to!
Didn’t he, Dad?
CLARK
(playing along)
That’s right, pal!
Clark winks at Molly. She gives Zack a big smile.
MOLLY
Wow! You’re pretty lucky to be a part of
this family, aren’t you?
(to Clark)
And you are too!
14.
Clark forces a smile.
CLARK
Yeah...I am too.
They exchange a smile then Molly checks her watch.
MOLLY
Well, I better be going. I have a little
Christmas tradition I do every year and I
want to beat the traffic. Uh...Merry
Christmas!
CLARK
Yes, uh, Merry Christmas.
Molly exits. Clark watches her go and then looks at the

poinsettia on the counter. That was...interesting. Then
he notices the clock on the wall.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Hey, Zack, your Mom is going to be here
soon. Better get your stuff ready, huh?
ZACK
Okay, Dad.
Zack heads up the stairs in the back of the store. Then--
DEMANDING SHOPPER
So...about those yellow lights?
Clark gives the shopper a look.
INT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST, BACK OFFICE - LATER THAT DAY
Clark slumps into a chair before his desk. He rubs his

eyes and looks down at a pile of BILLS. All PAST DUE.
CLARK
(to himself)
Yeah. Real ‘lucky’...
He sighs to himself when there’s a KNOCK at the office

door. Clark turns to see that distinguished-looking man
who was listening earlier. This is MR. BAINBRIDGE.
MR. BAINBRIDGE
Excuse me, I couldn’t help but
overhearing what you were discussing with
that young lady. Is it true? Is that
really the original copy of 'Twas the
Night Before Christmas?
15.
CLARK
That’s right. Feel free to take pictures
or, if you’re interested, we have
reproductions for sale.
MR. BAINBRIDGE
I’d actually be interested to know
if...the original was for sale.
Clark perks up.
MR. BAINBRIDGE (CONT’D)

I’m sorry, my name is Arthur Bainbridge.
I have a minor collection of rare books
and letters and I’ve recently acquired a
number of Christmas-related items that, I
must say, have only whetted my appetite
for more. If the ungodly sum I paid for
a first edition of Dickens’ “A Christmas
Carol” won’t stop me, I daresay nothing
will.
Clark smiles at Mr. Bainbridge...then shakes his head.
CLARK
I can’t say you’re the first to ask
but...unfortunately, I can’t sell the
poem.
MR. BAINBRIDGE
Oh, come, come. Everything has a price.
CLARK
No, it’s not that. It’s a hard to
explain but my great-great-great-great
grandfather made it so the poem was tied
to the deed of the store. Something
about how this is where it was originally
written so this is where it must stay. I
don’t understand it either. I’d love you
take it off my hands, trust me I would,
but, like I said...I just can’t.
Mr. Bainbridge nods.
MR. BAINBRIDGE
How unfortunate. Well...Merry Christmas!
Mr. Bainbridge turns to leave...but then hesitates in the

doorway and turns back around.
MR. BAINBRIDGE (CONT’D)

Actually...perhaps there’s a different
sort of offer I can make you...
16.
Clark cocks his head, intrigued, and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - LATER THAT AFTERNOON
Clark, now a hop to his step, dashes back out to the

store, humming “JOY TO THE WORLD.” He approaches the
poem, smiles, and starts taking it off the wall when--
ZACK (OFF)
What are you doing, Dad?
Clark turns to see Zack at the stairs with his duffel.
CLARK
Oh, hey, kiddo. Uh...something came up
and, well, I think we might be selling
Grandpa’s poem.
ZACK
(eyes widening)
What? Why...?
Clark places the framed poem down on the counter.
CLARK
Well, it’s kinda complicated but...this
man just came in and said he’d pay us a
lot of money for it. Like, a lot of
money.
ZACK
But...I thought you couldn’t sell it
because of the store...
CLARK
Yeah, well, this man has so much money
that...he’s going to buy the store too.
Now Zack really looked shocked.
ZACK
You’re selling the store too?!
Zack blinks at Clark in shock. Clark kneels before him.
CLARK
Look, pal, I know you think this place is
really cool now -- I know I did when I
was your age -- but when you get a little
older, the last place you’re going to
want to be stuck is Ninety Nine Main
Street.
17.
ZACK
But, Dad, I--
Suddenly a CAR HORN sounds off outside.
CLARK
C’mon, that’s probably your Mom. We’ll
talk about all this stuff later, okay?
ZACK
(dejected)
Okay...
Clark picks up Zack’s duffel and ushers him out. Zack

looks back at the poem sitting on the counter and--
ZACK (CONT’D)
Oh, hey -- can you tell Mom I’ll be right
there? I think I forgot something
upstairs.
Zack runs back upstairs. Clark shrugs and heads outside.
EXT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - LATE AFTERNOON
Clark approaches a MERCEDES BENZ by the curb. The window

rolls down revealing his ex-wife, LAURA. Clark gives her
a big smile.
CLARK
Merry Christmas, Laura!
LAURA
(skeptically)
Uh...Merry Christmas, Clark. Wow, that’s
usually the last thing I hear come out of
your mouth this time of year...
CLARK
Oh, well, things might be changing around
here...
(leaning in)
I’m doing it, Laura. I’m finally doing
it!
LAURA
What do you mean? The store?
CLARK
Yeah -- can you believe it? I finally
found a way to make it work. I’m
actually going to be able to get things
back on track!
18.
Laura looks at him, really wanting to be happy for him.
LAURA
That sounds great, Clark. I...hope it
makes you happy. I really do.
CLARK
Thanks. I know it will.
They exchange a smile then--
LAURA
Hey, thanks for letting me have Christmas
Eve this year -- I know Zack’s cousins
are all really excited to see him. You
sure you don’t want to stop by later?
I’m sure Gary wouldn’t mind.
CLARK
Oh, no, I’ll be fine. I’m going to be
busy here, well, packing this place up!
Clark sees Zack approaching with his backpack.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Okay, Zack, I’ll pick you up tomorrow
afternoon and we’ll do presents, huh?
And like I said, we’ll talk more about
the store and stuff later, okay?
ZACK
Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. Merry Christmas,
Dad!
CLARK
Merry Christmas, pal.
Clark gives Zack a hug and helps him into the car. He
waves to them as they pull off then heads back to the
store. As he goes...we see something appear in the sky
behind him. It looks like...a SLEIGH and EIGHT REINDEER?
INT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - EVENING
Clark heads back inside and puts the “CLOSED” sign on the
door. He goes to flip off the lights...and then stops
and looks around, as if giving the store one last look.
Then he nods to himself and turns off the lights.
He approaches the poem on the counter, smiles, and

removes it from its frame. He grabs a CARDBOARD TUBE
from under the counter and starts carefully rolling up
the poem when -- there’s a KNOCK at the door.
19.
CLARK
Uh, we’re closed!
He continues rolling up the poem when -- another KNOCK.
CLARK (CONT’D)
They’re going to get me right until the
bitter end, huh?
He unrolls the poem, delicately places it back on the

counter and approaches the door.
CLARK (CONT’D)
See the sign? We’re closed. For good.
Try Wal-Mart!
Clark turns back around when -- ANOTHER KNOCK.
CLARK (CONT’D)
You gotta be kidding me!
He throws the door open to see...a strange man dressed

like an ELF on his doorstep. It’s Ollie!
OLLIE
(breathless)
Are you Clement Clark Moore?
CLARK
Are you...dressed like an elf?
OLLIE
Please -- just tell me, this is Ninety-
Nine Main Street, correct? So you must
be Clement Clark Moore!
Clark looks at this odd little man and shakes his head.
CLARK
Uh, well, this is Ninety-Nine Main and I
am Clement Clark Moore but I’m sorry, the
store is clo--
OLLIE
(noticing something)
Oh, thank goodness, it’s still here!!
Ollie suddenly pushes past Clark and up to...the poem.

He picks it up and--
CLARK
Hey, what do you think you’re doing!?
Clark carefully takes it back and smooths it out.

20.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Look, I don’t know who you are but if you
don’t turn around and go back to the mall
or the town Christmas pageant or wherever
it is you came from I’m going to--
OLLIE
I came from the North Pole. I was sent
here by Santa Claus on a mission to save
Christmas.
Clark looks at him...and starts LAUGHING.
CLARK
Did Tony from Tony’s Bagel put you up to
this? I have to say, it’s waaay better
than those carolers he sent over last
year to sing outside my window all ni--
OLLIE
Please, I’m telling the truth! Santa
Claus has been kidnapped and the secret
to saving him is hidden in the text of
this poem. Now time is of the essence so
if you’ll just hand it over I’ll get back
on my sleigh and be on my way!
Clark looks at Ollie sideways and--
CLARK
Your...sleigh?
CUT TO:
EXT. CHRISTMAS OUTPOST, ALLEY BEHIND STORE - A BEAT LATER
Clark and Ollie stand beside...SANTA’S SLEIGH AND EIGHT

REINDEER.
CLARK
Okay, now this is a bit more elaborate
than I expected from a guy who owns a
bagel shop...
(blinking at sleigh)
...but it’s not like it’d be that hard to
set up. It’s just a small herd of...what
are these, caribou?
OLLIE
Reindeer.
CLARK
Reindeer, right. So a small herd of
reindeer, a sleigh rental, no big de...
21.
That’s when he notices...the REINDEER AND SLEIGH ARE

HOVERING A FOOT OFF THE GROUND. Clark blinks and...
CLARK (CONT’D)
You...really weren’t sent by Tony?
Ollie shakes his head.
CLARK (CONT’D)
You...really did come from the North
Pole?
Ollie nods.
CLARK (CONT’D)
So...my great-great-great-great
grandfather...really did know Santa
Claus?
Ollie nods again...and Clark looks like he’s about to

pass out.
EXT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - A BEAT LATER
Clark shuffles back in, dazed. Ollie follows.
CLARK
This...this doesn’t make any sense...
OLLIE
Listen, I don't have time to explain
everything right now -- all you need to
know is that Santa Claus is in danger and
the only way to save him is to find
something called ‘The Christmas Magics.’
Everyone thought they were destroyed but
they weren’t! They were actually hidden
away in a location that was kept secret
even from Santa himself!
CLARK
I...don’t understand. Hidden by who?
OLLIE
By a group of men called ‘The Christmas
Guardians’. They were a collection of
great thinkers from the Victorian Era --
scientists, artists, politicians...
writers.
Ollie steps up to a PORTRAIT of Clement Clark Moore

hanging beside the poem’s display case.
22.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Don’t you see? Your great-great-great-
great grandfather was one of these men!
CLARK
What...?
OLLIE
It’s true! And his most famous poem
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ was not
written just as a story to be read to
children on Christmas Eve...
Ollie picks up the poem and holds it up.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
...but also as a code that contains the
secret to finding the Christmas Magics.
Clark looks at the poem in awe...and then slumps down in

a chair behind the counter.
CLARK
Okay, look...this is kind of a lot to
process. Santa Claus, Christmas
Guardians, a Christmas War...just tell
me, what do you want me to do?
OLLIE
I need you to give me the poem so I can
find the magics and save Santa.
CLARK
(wincing)
I was afraid you were going to say that.
OLLIE
What do you mean?
CLARK
I mean...that’s kind of the one thing I
can’t do.
OLLIE
What? Why not?
CLARK
Well, it’s kind of a funny story but
somebody actually offered to buy it and--
OLLIE
What? You’re selling it?! But-but-this
is one of the most important historical
documents to all Christmaskind!
(MORE)
23.
OLLIE (CONT'D)
Not to mention, the poem must always
remain in the possession of a Christmas
Guardian!
CLARK
Okay, first off, I’m not a Christmas
Guardian -- I’m still not even quite sure
what one is. Second, I want to help you,
I really do, so why don’t you just take a
look at it and see if you can get what
you need off it, okay?
Ollie tries to calm down.
OLLIE
I guess we can at least start there...
Clark carefully picks up the poem and hands it to Ollie.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
(inspecting it)
Hmmm, it’s...much different than I
expected. Lighter...a strange texture to
the paper...
(eyes suddenly widen)
Hey -- what are you trying to pull here?
This isn’t the original poem!
CLARK
What? What are you talking about?
And then Clark sees it, at the bottom of the parchment:
© 2007, QUALITY REPRODUCTIONS, INC.
He gets a puzzled look and then--
CLARK (CONT’D)
ZACK!!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - NIGHT
Clark stomps out of the store, pulling on his coat.

Ollie chases behind him.
OLLIE
‘Zack?’ Is that something you people
down here say when you're angry?
CLARK
No, it’s the name of someone who’s about
to be in big trouble.
24.
Clark steps up to a beat-up old Mazda parked by the curb.
CLARK (CONT’D)
I think I know where to find the
original. I’ll be right back.
Clark goes to open the car door -- but Ollie stops him.
OLLIE
I’m coming with you. But...it might be
faster if I drive.
CUT TO:
INT. SANTA’S SLEIGH - NIGHT
WHOOOOSH! Clark hangs on for dear life, one arm covering

his eyes, as Ollie guides the sleigh across the sky.
CLARK
YAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
OLLIE
I know -- I’m still getting used to it
myself!!!
CLARK
YAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
OLLIE
(getting impatient)
Uh, you know, it might be kind of hard to
tell me where to go if you don't open
your eyes...
Clark peeks out from behind his arm and just catches a
glimpse of ROOFTOPS SHOOTING BY UNDER THE SLEIGH. He
quickly covers his eyes again and points.
CLARK
Uh, that way -- JUST GO THAT WAY!!!
As Ollie guides the sleigh that way, we--
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE NORTH POLE, THE KRAMPUS’S CAVE - NIGHT
We’re in a cave cut into the ice, the very same cave we
saw Santa’s Elves deposit the Krampus in years ago. This
time, another Christmas Saint is being held inside...
Santa Claus is being tied to a column of ice with RED

CHRISTMAS RIBBON by Noggis and Bale.
25.
SANTA CLAUS
Noggis, Bale...I see you two haven’t lost
your talent for wrapping. What’s that, a
straight tannenbaum bow or a double
wreath tie?
NOGGIS
Oh, no, Santa, actually it’s a modified
garland twist. You see, what you do is--
Bale suddenly SLAPS Noggis on the back of the head.
BALE
Noggis!
NOGGIS
Oh, right. Uh, I’ll use a different
knot. A secret one...
Santa smiles and they continue tying him up. Then...
SANTA CLAUS
So tell me, brother. How did you finally
get out?
The imposing figure of the Krampus steps into the light.
KRAMPUS
Oh, let’s just say not all of your elves
are as jolly living under your idiotic
traditions as they appear...
(re: Noggis and Bale)
You really thought these two would be the
last to turn?
SANTA CLAUS
Brother, you do realize that the nice
still outnumber the naughty, don’t you?
The nice will always outnumber the
naughty and, just like last time, my
Elves will defeat you.
The Krampus LAUGHS and begins circling Santa.
KRAMPUS
Oh, Santa. From what I’ve heard, this
will be nothing like last time. From
what I’ve heard, the only thing your
elves are capable of defeating now is an
influx of last-minute letters or an
unusually large order for whatever inane
gadget those snivelling little brats down
there are asking for this year.
(smiling)
(MORE)
26.
KRAMPUS (CONT'D)
And remember -- the last time your elves
defeated me they had the powerful
Christmas Magics on their side...powerful
Christmas Magics that you have so
foolishly destroyed.
The Krampus chuckles to himself then looks down at Santa.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Though...there’s one thing I don’t
understand. How is it that you’ve been
able to perpetuate this infantile
tradition of yours without any magic?
Reindeer don’t just suddenly learn to fly
and a man your size can’t just squeeze
down any chimney he pleases...
(smiling)
The only explanation is...you must have
kept some of it.
One of Santa’s eyes twitches and for the first time we

see his confidence waver. The Krampus notices.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
You did, didn’t you? I knew it! The
only question now is where...
The Krampus leans down and peers at Santa very closely.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
You know, brother, I don't seem to
remember you wearing such a long beard...
The Krampus LIFTS SANTA’S BEARD and...there it is, a TINY

GLOWING SNOW GLOBE ON A CHAIN AROUND SANTA’S NECK.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Well, Merry Christmas to me.
The Krampus rips it off Santa’s neck. He peers inside

the tiny snow globe at the swirling magic...and smiles.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Yes...this should be more than enough...
Off Santa’s growing look of concern, we--
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
A light snow falls as we push towards a large colonial-

style house on a suburban street.
27.
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR BEDROOM - NIGHT
Three CHILDREN, Zack included, are huddled on a bunk-bed

near the window. One has BINOCULARS, one has a little
toy SPYGLASS, the other a STETHOSCOPE.
YOUNG BOY
Wait, I think I see him! Three o’clock!
They all look through their devices (the young girl with
the stethoscope presses it against the window) but--
ZACK
I think that’s just another plane. False
alarm.
All the kids SAG when an OLDER COUSIN steps up.
OLDER COUSIN
When are you dorks going to accept the
fact that you’re not going to see
anything tonight. There’s no such thing
as Santa Claus.
Zack and the younger cousins give him a look when--THUMP!

Sounds like something heavy just landed on the roof.
ZACK
Oh yeah? Then what was that?
Zack and the cousins excitedly run out. The Older Cousin
looks unsure...then shakes it off.
OLDER COUSIN
Probably just some ice from a power line.
He shakes his head and flops back down in bed.
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE, THE ROOF - NIGHT
Ollie and a very dazed Clark climb out of the sleigh.
CLARK
(green)
Uggh...I didn’t know it was possible to
get sleigh-sick...
Clark tries to get his balance and then notices--
CLARK (CONT’D)
Wait...are we on the roof?! Why did we
land on the roof?!
28.
OLLIE
What are you talking about? If we landed
on the ground, we’d just have to climb up
here so we could do down the chimney!
Ollie goes to CLIMB INTO THE CHIMNEY but Clark stops him.
CLARK
Whoa, whoa, whoa, we don’t need to go
down any chimney. This is my ex-wife’s
house -- we can just go through the front
door! And either way, you’re not going
anywhere -- I don’t need you freaking out
a house full of kids...
Ollie watches as Clark starts CLIMBING DOWN A TREE.
OLLIE
(gesturing to chimney)
Sure you don’t want me to meet you down
there?
CLARK (OFF)
I’m sure!
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE, DOWNSTAIRS - NIGHT
Zack and his cousins rush into the living room and
excitedly gather around the chimney when -- FLUMP! A
SHAPE FALLS PAST THE WINDOW.
CLARK (OFF)
Oof--!!
The kids exchange a glance when the door opens, revealing

Clark, WET WITH SNOW and SPITTING OUT PINE NEEDLES.
ZACK
Dad...? What are you doing here? And
were you just...on the roof?
CLARK
What? Oh, uh, yeah, you see, as I was
pulling up in my car I noticed the, uh,
satellite dish was all iced over and I
knew you guys would want to watch the
parade tomorrow so...
GIRL
But...we have cable.
Clark blinks at the little girl and--

29.
CLARK
Shouldn’t you all be in bed? Santa won’t
come unless you’re in bed, you know!
The kids all exchange a panicked glance and scurry up the

stairs. Zack goes to follow but--
CLARK (CONT’D)
Uh, not you, Zack...
Clark stops him and turns him around.
ZACK
(innocently)
What’s up, Dad?
CLARK
C’mon, kiddo, you know what’s up. Hand
it over.
ZACK
Hand what over?
Clark gives him a stern, parental look...and Zack caves.
ZACK (CONT’D)
(sagging)
But...if I give it back, you’re just
going to sell it!
CLARK
Zack, I--
And then THUMP! OLLIE FALLS DOWN THE CHIMNEY!
OLLIE
Ouch! I landed on my bells...
Clark spins to face him.
CLARK
Ollie! I told you to wait on the roof,
er, I mean, outside!
OLLIE
I know but this is too important to--
And then Ollie sees Zack standing there.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Oh, you must be Zack. My name is Ollie
and I need your help to save Santa Claus.
Zack’s eyes widen.

30.
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - A BEAT LATER
Clark and Ollie stand beside the Christmas tree as Zack

spreads the real poem onto the coffee table.
ZACK
I can’t believe this! An Elf! An actual
Christmas Elf!!
CLARK
And I can’t believe you’d take the poem
behind my back, Zack! Not to mention
that you’d hand it over to a complete
stranger before your own--
OLLIE
(cutting him off)
Please, I’m trying to concentrate. I’m
not even sure what I’m supposed to be
looking for...
Clark and Zack watch as Ollie scans down the poem.
ZACK
You said we’re looking for a clue? Maybe
there’s a secret message or a riddle or
something...
OLLIE
I don’t know, I...don’t see anything out
of the ordinary...
ZACK
Hey, maybe there’s something on the back!
Zack quickly snatches the poem and holds it up.
CLARK
Careful, Zack!
Zack and Ollie scan the back of the poem.
CLARK (CONT’D)
I really don’t know what you expect to
find on that thing...I’ve been staring at
it for most of my life, it’s just an old
piece of paper with a bunch of--
Suddenly, Zack and Ollie inadvertently hold the poem in

front of the Christmas tree and...a shimmering outline of
a TREE-SHAPED WATERMARK appears like magic.
CLARK (CONT’D)
--words on it?
31.
Zack and Ollie’s eyes widen.
OLLIE
Jiminy Christmas!
They all stare at the GLOWING CHRISTMAS TREE WATERMARK in

awe. It’s colorful...prismatic...and then, it suddenly
PULSES and the lights all start pointing up to an
intricate STAR at the top of it.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Hey, I think there’s something inside
that star!
CLARK
What? Let me see that...
Clark takes the poem from Ollie and goes to hold it up in

front of a table lamp...and the magical watermark FADES.
ZACK
Dad -- you broke it!
CLARK
What? No, I didn’t do anything!
OLLIE
Wait -- let me see it!
Ollie takes the poem back and again HOLDS IT IN FRONT OF

THE CHRISTMAS TREE. The magical watermark APPEARS AGAIN.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Christmas lights...it only reacts to
Christmas lights!
They look at one another in awe.
CLARK
Okay, that’s kinda cool.
They squint at the star atop the tree watermark and...

there is something inside of it. A tiny drawing of--
OLLIE
A swan?
Clark puts on his reading glasses and leans in.
CLARK
Huh. It actually kinda looks like...the
Swarovski swan.
32.
OLLIE
Swarovski...? Wait, Swarovski! Of
course -- it’s the Swar Star!
CLARK
The...Swar Star?
Ollie pulls his book of Elfin Lore and Legend out of his
satchel and starts flipping through it.
OLLIE
During the Christmas war, the Allies of
Santa would send each other messages by
hiding them in the stars on top of
certain Christmas trees. It’s where the
tradition of Christmas tree stars comes
from!
Ollie finds the right page and holds the book open.
ANGLE ON: a beautiful illustration of an enormous CRYSTAL
STAR that looks just like the one on the poem.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
(reading)
‘The most famous of these messenger stars
was made by renowned glass artisan Daniel
Swarovski, another one of the original
Christmas Guardians. It was known as the
‘Swar Star’ and it was used to carry only
the most important messages to and from
Santa. Since the defeat of the Krampus,
the Swar Star has always had a place on
the top of the world's most famous
Christmas tree!’
CLARK
The world’s most famous Christmas tree?
Are we supposed to know what that is
today?
ZACK
(brightening)
Come on, Dad, everyone knows what the
world’s most famous Christmas tree is!
Mom just took me to see the lighting of
it last week!
Zack pulls out his iPod Touch and turns it on to REVEAL a

picture of him and his mom standing in front of...
THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER.
Ollie looks from the STAR on top of the tree in the photo
to the SWAR STAR in his book and...it’s a perfect match.
33.
CLARK
So you're saying the clue we need is
hidden inside the star on top of the
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
Ollie, Zack and Clark exchange a glance...and then--
ZACK
Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go
save Santa!
Zack turns and runs out. Clark’s eyes widen and--
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
--he chases after Zack as he’s climbing a tree beside the

roof.
CLARK
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on, Zack, we’re
not saving anyone!
ZACK
What are you talking about? We have to!
Clark picks Zack up and puts him back on the ground.
CLARK
No, the elf has to. You have to go back
to bed and I have to take this poem back
to the store.
ZACK
But, Dad, what if there are other clues
in it? Ollie needs our help -- Santa
needs our help!!
OLLIE
He’s right. I have no idea what lies
ahead. There might be things only a
Christmas Guardian can do!
CLARK
Look, I told you -- I’m not a Christmas
Guardian!
They all fall silent for a moment...then Zack speaks up.
ZACK
Dad, it sounds like the poem is the only
way to save Christmas. If you’re really
going to sell it tomorrow...can’t we at
least use it for this one last thing
tonight?
34.
Clark looks down into Zack’s hope-filled eyes and...
EXT. SANTA’S SLEIGH - NIGHT
WHOOSH! Clark hangs on for dear life, one arm again

covering his eyes, as the sleigh zooms across the sky.
CLARK
(yelling over rush of air)
I KNOW I’M GOING TO REGRET THIS!!!!
Zack holds his hands in the air like he’s on a

rollercoaster as the sleigh disappears into the night.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE NORTH POLE, THE KRAMPUS’S CAVE - NIGHT
Santa, still tied to the column of ice, watches as the

Krampus...MAKES A SNOWMAN? He pats down the snow,
shaping it carefully to form the head, humming a
CHRISTMAS CAROL as he goes.
KRAMPUS
Oh, how I love all these holiday
rituals...
The Krampus winks at Santa then steps back to admire his

work. Hmm. Something’s missing. He rubs his chin and--
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Oh, that’s right!
He turns to Santa and RIPS TWO BUTTONS OFF HIS COAT. He

places them on the snowman, creating two BUTTON EYES.
That’s better. Then he uses his finger to make two down-
turned eyebrows, giving the snowman a MENACING LOOK.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
You remember this fellow, don’t you,
Santa? Although, you probably remember
him a little more...animated...
The Krampus pulls out that tiny SNOW GLOBE and SHAKES IT
OVER THE SNOW MAN’S HEAD. Little bits of glowing magic
drift out...
...AND THE SNOWMAN SUDDENLY COMES TO LIFE. It turns its

head and glowers at Santa...and for the first time, Santa
looks frightened.
The Krampus forms a snowball and hands it to the snowman.

35.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Here, go make yourself some friends.
The snowman takes it and SLIDES OUT OF THE CAVE.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Noggis, Bale -- go and help him.
There’s no response. The Krampus frowns and turns to see

Noggis and Bale on the other side of the cave, their
heads buried in that iPad they took from the workshop.
BALE
No, shoot the red bird that way, Noggis!
You can use the bomb bird to get the king
pig later!
NOGGIS
But we won’t get three stars unless we
hit all the fruit with the--
SPLAT! SPLAT! They’re both hit in the face by SNOWBALLS.

They look up to see...the Krampus glaring at them.
NOGGIS (CONT’D)
(gulp)
Maybe we should just let the pigs win.
Noggis drops the iPad and hurries off, and we HEAR:
NEWSCASTER (OFF)
...and I guess we can call that a miracle
on the 34th Floor.
NEWSCASTER #2 (OFF)
Good one, Dale. Now over to our
weatherman Hardy Rains who’s got a very
special report on this Christmas Eve...
Noggis, Bale and the Krampus look around. Where is that

sound coming from? Then Bale notices...there’s a video
playing on the iPad. Must have hit the NEWS APP.
BALE
Er, uh, I got it, boss!
Bale dashes over to the iPad as--
HARDY RAINS (ON SCREEN)

That’s right, Brett, it looks like Jolly
Old St. Nick is arriving a little early
this year. If you’ll take a look at our
exclusive Santa Tracker 2000...
36.
Bale’s about to turn it off but--
KRAMPUS
Wait! Give that to me.
The Krampus grabs the iPad to see...a NORAD RADAR IMAGE

of SANTA’S SLEIGH flying across the Eastern Seaboard.
HARDY RAINS (ON SCREEN)

Looks like he’s just leaving Upstate New
York and heading south fast...
The Krampus turns to Santa, his eyes narrowing.
KRAMPUS
Now why would Santa's sleigh be flying
around down there if Santa Claus is up
here?
Santa tries not to react. The Krampus steps up.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
You’re up to something, aren’t you,
brother?
The Krampus stares at Santa...then looks down at the SNOW

GLOBE in his hand. He runs his fingers over it and...
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
You never destroyed them, did you?
Santa tries not to react. The Krampus sees through him.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Oh, how foolish of me to think you would!
You’d never be able to completely part
with your favorite toy...
The Krampus smiles wide and turns to Noggis and Bale.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Change of plans, boys...
Noggis and Bale look up at him and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ROCKEFELLER CENTER - NIGHT
Hordes of HOLIDAY TOURISTS bask in the glow of the

ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE, with its thirty-
thousand CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, hundreds of ORNAMENTS, and
yes, that extraordinary SWAROVSKI STAR at the top.
37.
We soak in the beautiful tree for a moment and then

notice something in the sky. Looks like...a sleigh...
INT. SANTA’S SLEIGH - NIGHT
Clark, still white knuckled, sits beside Ollie and Zack

as the sleigh WHOOSHES out of the clouds.
ZACK
There it is!
OLLIE
Wow! No wonder it’s so famous!
As Ollie guides the sleigh towards the tree...
CLARK
Okay, so what exactly is the plan here?
OLLIE
I think I’ll just try to swoop down and
grab the star! That way we--
CLARK
(suddenly noticing something)
Wait, LOOK OUT FOR THOSE--
REVEAL: The sleigh is heading right for one of the WIRES

supporting the tree from a building!
CLARK (CONT’D)
--WIRES!!
OLLIE
YAAAAHHHH!!
Ollie PULLS THE REINS and the reindeer suddenly BANK

LEFT, PULLING THE SLEIGH OUT OF CONTROL.
CLARK/OLLIE/ZACK
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
The sleigh CAREENS TOWARDS A SKYSCRAPER! Clark grabs the

reins at the last second and PULLS UP. WHOOOSH! The
sleigh zooms right over the top floor, its rails scraping
the edge of the roof with a SHOWER OF SPARKS.
ON THE CROWD
A LITTLE BOY just catches a glimpse of it.
LITTLE BOY
Daddy, Daddy, I just saw Santa’s sleigh!
38.
HIS DAD pats his son on the head.
HIS DAD
I know you did, son. I know you did.
The kid frowns, knowing his Dad will never understand.
EXT. ROCKEFELLER CENTER, ALLEY OFF TO THE SIDE - NIGHT
WHOOSH! The sleigh finally comes to a stop in a back

alley. Clark woozily climbs out and turns to Ollie.
CLARK
What the heck’s the matter with you?
Don’t you know how to drive this thing?!
OLLIE
Hey, give me a break, I’m new at it!
CLARK
New at it? I thought you said Santa sent
you? Aren’t you one of his top guys?
Ollie’s eyes widen.
OLLIE
Oh, uh, yeah, of course, I mean -- why
wouldn’t I be?
(changing subject)
Look -- can we just concentrate on the
task at hand?!
Clark gives him an appraising look then turns to Zack.
CLARK
Zack -- are you okay, kiddo?
ZACK
Okay? I just zoomed around New York City
in Santa’s Sleigh...I’m great! Can we do
it again!?!!
Clark gives his son a look as Ollie sneaks to the end of

the alley and peers out at the plaza.
OLLIE
Okay, so it looks like flying right up to
the star isn’t going to work...which
means someone has to climb that tree.
Ollie pulls THREE CANDY CANES out of his satchel and--
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Should we draw candy canes or what?
39.
Clark gives him a look then takes the candy canes and
puts them back in his satchel.
CLARK
Nice try, jingle bells, but this is your
show.
Ollie frowns...then looks the enormous tree and GULPS.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ROCKEFELLER CENTER - A LITTLE LATER THAT NIGHT
Your typical NYC COP, ticked off to be working on

Christmas Eve, stands at the tree’s security fence. He
takes a sip of coffee and...WE SEE OLLIE SNEAK BEHIND
HIM, SLIP UNDER THE FENCE and TIPTOE UP TO THE TREE.
ON CLARK AND ZACK
--watching from the alley.
ZACK
He made it!
CLARK
Yeah...but that was the easy part.
BACK ON OLLIE
--stepping up to the tree and peering up through the maze

of branches that stretch high into the sky over his head.
They look like they go on forever.
OLLIE
Boring old mailroom, huh? Bet you
wouldn’t mind being stuck back in there
now, wouldya, Ollie?
He takes a deep breath and STARTS TO CLIMB.
ON CLARK AND ZACK
--watching him disappear into the thicket of branches.

Zack looks anxious, Clark’s starting to be impressed.
CLARK
That crazy elf might make it after all...
BACK ON OLLIE
--continuing to climb. He’s almost halfway up the tree

when -- one of his boots gets caught on a branch!
40.
OLLIE
(cursing)
Chestnuts!
He starts trying to PULL HIS BOOT FREE and...
THE NYC COP
...notices the branch SHAKE out of the corner of his eye.
NYC COP
What the--?
He clicks on his flashlight and heads towards the tree.
ON CLACK AND ZACK
--seeing the cop head for the shaking branch.
CLARK
Or maybe not.
Clark claps his hands together and--
CLARK (CONT’D)
Well, that was a fun night, huh? Hey, at
least we can say we met a Christmas elf,
right?
Clark goes to walk off but--
ZACK
Dad, we can’t just leave him here to get
arrested!
CLARK
Why not?
ZACK
I don’t know, maybe because...he has the
poem!
CLARK
(eyes widening)
What??! How did he get the poem!?
Clark shakes his head and exhales.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Okay, just...stay here.
ZACK
What are you going to do?
41.
Clark sets his jaw and--
CLARK
I’m going to finally put twenty-years of
dealing with annoying customers to good
use...
ON THE NYC COP
--approaching the trunk of the tree with his flashlight.
NYC COP
Hey, is somebody up there?
He’s about to shine his flashlight up the tree trunk when-
CLARK (OFF)
(Midwestern accent)
Excuse me, Officer!
The NYC Cop turns to see Clark with his coat collar
turned up and Zack’s ski cap pulled over his ears making
him look like a CORNY MIDWESTERN TOURIST.
CLARK (CONT’D)
(hamming it up)
Would you be able to give me directions
to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
NYC COP
You tryin’ to be funny or somethin’?
CLARK
No-sir-ree-bob! Wife says I never could
tell a joke -- always get the punchline
wrong. What’s that one about the duck
who wanted to put things on his credit
card?
The cop notices the tree branch SHAKE again and--
NYC COP
‘Scuse me, buddy, I’m kinda busy here...
The cop turns back towards the tree. Clark’s eyes widen
and he quickly steps in front of him again.
CLARK
Oh, you just gotta hear it, it’s a dilly!
You see, there’s this duck and he’s got
all these bills to pay. No, that’s not
it. Oh, I remember, he--
Suddenly, someone jumps in front of him and--

42.
MOLLY
Hey!!
It’s Molly, the woman from the store, and she again
catches Clark off guard.
CLARK
Yaahh!
He STUMBLES BACKWARDS and FALLS INTO A NORTH POLE

DISPLAY. CRUNCH!
MOLLY
Ohmigosh! I totally wasn't trying to do
that this time! I'm so sorry...!
Molly rushes over and helps him to his feet. Clark looks
at her, looks at the cop and...doesn’t know what to do.
CLARK
Uh...hi...?
MOLLY
Don’t tell me you have the same Christmas
tradition I do!
CLARK
Er, uh, what’s that?
MOLLY
You know...coming here on Christmas Eve!
Clark gives the cop a look out of the corner of his eye.
CLARK
Uh, nope, first time here! Heh-heh...
MOLLY
Really? But you live right up--
CLARK
Up, up, waaaaay up, really far from here.
Anyway, it was nice to see you!
Clark turns back to the cop who’s really getting

impatient at this point.
CLARK (CONT’D)
So, anyway, what I was saying was--
--but Molly steps in front of him again!

43.
MOLLY
Hey, I don’t normally do this but...it’s
such a crazy coincidence seeing you here
and maybe I’m a little giddy with
Christmas spirit -- not to mention that I
owe you, I mean, I've nearly given you
two heart attacks -- anyway, what I’m
trying to say is...can I buy you a cup of
coffee? I know this great--
CLARK
What? NO!
MOLLY
(taken aback)
Oh, I’m sorry...uh, just forget I asked,
I didn’t mean to--
CLARK
(feeling bad)
No, it’s not that, it’s just...I’m here
with my son and--
MOLLY
Oh! I’m sorry, I totally understand...
Molly smiles tenderly at Clark and--
BEHIND THEM
--we see the cop take the opportunity to finally excuse

himself and shine his light at the shaking branch...
REVEALING OLLIE IN THE TREE!
NYC COP
What the--?! Hey, what do you think
you’re doin’ up there!?!
ON OLLIE
--finally yanking his boot free when--
OLLIE
(reacting to the cop)
Wha--?!
He suddenly LOSES HIS GRIP, SLIPS OFF THE BRANCH and

starts to FALL!
OLLIE (CONT’D)
WHOOOOOOAAAAA!
But then -- CRUNK! His satchel catches on a lower branch

leaving him DANGLING IN MID AIR!
44.
ON ZACK
--reacting from the alley.
ZACK
Oh, no!
He holds his breath as--
THE COP
--reaches for his radio.
NYC COP
This is Kowalski, we’ve got a situation
at Thirty Rock!
Behind him, Clark looks up at Ollie holding on for dear

life and then looks over at Zack who gives him a pleading
look. Do something!!! Clark looks conflicted as...
NYC COP (CONT’D)

Yeah, you’re not going to believe it.
Some nut is climbing the--
And then -- BONK! He suddenly SLUMPS to the ground,

revealing Clark standing behind him with one of the CANDY
CANE DECORATIONS from the holiday display. Molly’s eyes
widen in shock.
MOLLY
What did you...!?
CLARK
Er, uh -- I’ll explain later!
Molly watches in shock as Clark DRAGS THE COP INTO A

DISPLAY OF OVERSIZED PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE.
MOLLY
But...you just...why did you--?!
(quickly)
If this is part of your family tradition,
forget the coffee!!
CLARK
Look, this isn’t what it looks like -- at
all! Just, I don’t know, just do me a
favor and watch out for more cops, okay?
MOLLY
Do what?!
45.
Clark hops over the security fence and runs to the tree.
He sees Ollie dangling there and--
CLARK
I can’t believe I’m doing this!
Clark STARTS CLIMBING THE TREE.
ON ZACK
--watching his Dad now climb the tree! He pumps his fist.
ZACK
Yeah -- go Dad!!
ON CLARK
--very carefully pulling himself through the branches and

trying his hardest not to--
CLARK
Don’tlookdown--don’tlookdown--
don’tlookdown...
But he can’t resist and looks down through a twisted web

of branches to see the ICE RINK below, the skaters now
the size of MICE. He quickly looks away and--
CLARK (CONT’D)
(trying to soothe himself)
‘Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas
tree...much pleasure doth thou bring
me...’
He CONTINUES CLIMBING, finally pulling himself alongside

Ollie who’s hanging onto the branch for dear life.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Ollie! C’mere, grab my hand, I’ll help
you get back--
OLLIE
I can’t go any higher, Mr. Moore! PLEASE
DON’T MAKE ME GO ANY HIGHER!!
CLARK
What? But I’m not going any higher
either!
OLLIE
But you’re already halfway there!
CLARK
So are you!
46.
OLLIE
But you’re at least pointed in the right
direction! Please, Mr. Moore!!
Clark looks at Ollie, looks up at the star, and...
CLARK
Fine! But this is the last time I’m
helping you with anything!!!
Clark takes a deep breath and continues climbing towards

the star. It’s like a MINE FIELD OF ORNAMENTS and...TINK!
He knocks one off a branch!
IN SLOW MOTION he watches as it falls towards...ANOTHER

COP’S HEAD! Oh, no! Clark braces himself when -- A HAND
REACHES OUT AT THE LAST SECOND AND OLLIE CATCHES IT!
Phew! Clark wipes his brow and continues to climb.
BACK ON ZACK
--squinting through the branches but -- he can’t see

either Ollie or his Dad.
ZACK
Where are they...?
And then...he catches a glimpse of something appearing in

the sky. It looks like...two little SLEDS ZOOMING OUT OF
THE CLOUDS? Zack’s eyes widen.
BACK IN THE TREE
Clark finally reaches the star. He’s really high now, a

full hundred feet off the ground. The wind whistles
around him as he squints at the beautiful SWAROVSKI STAR.
CLARK
(shivering)
Okay...now what?
Then he sees it. A tiny little SWAN imprinted on the

bottom the star, no bigger than a kernel of corn.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Huh...
Clark presses it...and it seems to PUSH IN. And then...

CLICK! With the hiss of pressurised air, a little
COMPARTMENT opens and a thin BRASS CANISTER drops out.
CLARK (CONT’D)
What the...?
47.
He squints at it when -- WHOOSH! Something zooms out of

the sky right in front of him! It’s NOGGIS AND BALE ON
FLYING SLEDS MADE OF ICE!
CLARK (CONT’D)
WHOA!!!
AS THEY FLY UP:
NOGGIS
(seeing canister)
What’s he got there?
BALE
Looks like a present for us!
(to Clark)
Oh, you shouldn’t have!
Bale DIVES TOWARDS CLARK ON HIS SLED and tries to SWIPE

THE BRASS CANISTER OUT OF HIS HAND but Clark PULLS IT
BACK JUST IT TIME and Bale WHOOSHES PAST HIM.
CLARK
Now there’s evil elves?! You gotta be
kidding me!!!
Clark quickly starts CLIMBING BACK DOWN THE TREE as--
ZACK
--watches with wide eyes.
ZACK
Dad...!
He looks around for a way to help as--
CLARK
--continues furiously climbing down the tree.
CLARK
(to Ollie, below him)
Who the heck are those guys!?
OLLIE
You don’t want to kn--LOOK OUT!!
WHOOOSH! Now Noggis SWOOPS IN, this time trying to KNOCK

CLARK OUT OF THE TREE. But Clark hugs the tree close and
CRUNCH! Noggis slams right into the branch!
CLARK
Whoooah!
48.
The branch Clark’s on SHAKES. He can’t hold on and SLIPS

OFF IT AND FALLS...right into Ollie! BONK!
OLLIE
Oww!
They both FALL THROUGH THE BRANCHES.
OLLIE/CLARK
YAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
They’re right about to HIT THE GROUND when -- WHOOOSH!

SANTA’S SLEIGH APPEARS UNDER THEM AND CATCHES THEM!
CLARK
Huh?!
Clark looks to see...ZACK AT THE REINS!?
ZACK
I got ya, Dad!!
WHOOOSH! Zack FLIES THE SLEIGH INTO THE AIR. NOGGIS AND
BALE FOLLOW ON THEIR SLEDS. As they all fly off...
THE NYC COP
--starts to stir. He looks up to see...Santa’s sleigh

and two elves on flying ice sleds!? He blinks at
them...and then PASSES RIGHT BACK OUT.
CUT TO:
A CHRISTMAS CHASE
It’s two ICE SLEDS vs. SANTA’S SLEIGH all through the
holiday-decorated cityscape of Manhattan.
WHOOSH! They shoot past SKYSCRAPERS, making the

CHRISTMAS PARTIERS inside GAPE and SPILL THEIR EGG NOG.
CLARK
Zack -- how do you know how to drive this
thing!
ZACK
It’s called Xbox, Dad! Maybe it’s not
such a waste of--WHOOOOOAAAA!
CRUNCH! They CRASH THROUGH the GIANT SNOWFLAKE over

Fifth Avenue! As Zack tries to get control, Clark
notices...THE TUBE HOLDING THE POEM IS STARTING TO FALL
OUT OF ZACK’S BACKPACK IN THE BACKSEAT!
49.
CLARK
Hey -- I thought you said Ollie had the
poem!!
Zack gives a sheepish shrug.
ZACK
Sorry, Dad!
Clark grits his teeth, dives into the back seat, and
grabs the poem tube. But then...NOGGIS FLIES UP AND
GRABS THE OTHER END!
NOGGIS
Whatcha got there? Looks like something
else we might want for Christmas!
YOINK! Clark PULLS IT OUT OF NOGGIS’S HAND but -- then

BALE FLIES UP AND TAKES NOGGIS’S PLACE! It’s a TUG OF
WAR IN MID-AIR as the sleds and sleigh WHIZZ AROUND THE
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, all lit up in red and green.
OLLIE
Don’t let them get it, Mr. Moore!
CLARK
(gritting his teeth)
Why...do I...have to do...everything!?
Clark and Bale continue their TUG OF WAR and that’s when
we notice...all of the tugging has LOOSENED THE PIN THAT
HOLDS THE SLEIGH TO THE REINDEER. Uh-oh!
BACK ON CLARK
--finally PULLING the tube out of Bale’s hand. Bale’s

sent FLYING BACKWARDS...RIGHT INTO NOGGIS! CONK!
NOGGIS
Oof--!
They LOSE THEIR BALANCE IN THE AIR and--
NOGGIS/BALE
WHOOOOOAAAAHHH!
They SPIRAL OUT OF CONTROL, ZOOMING TOWARDS THE STREET

where they CRASH THROUGH A DEPARTMENT STORE WINDOW!
ON NOGGIS AND BALE
--emerging from the debris in the window to see...a

MECHANICAL SANTA CLAUS smiling and waving at them.
50.
BALE
(to Santa)
What are you smiling at?
He knocks the statue over with an angry punch.
BACK ON THE SLEIGH IN THE AIR
Ollie and Zack pump their fists.
OLLIE
You did it, Mr. Moore! You did--
(suddenly worried)
Uh-oh.
CLARK
Uh-oh? Uh-oh what?!
OLLIE
Uh-oh that.
Ollie points to -- that pin that holds the sleigh to the

reindeer. IT’S JUST ABOUT TO POP OUT!
CLARK
Get it!!!
Clark goes to grab it when -- TINK! There it goes.

Zack, Ollie and Clark look at each other for a moment...
...and then ZING! The reindeer FLY OFF IN ONE DIRECTION

and the sleigh...starts FALLING.
CLARK/OLLIE/ZACK
YAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
They FALL WILDLY THROUGH THE AIR and...RIGHT INTO THE

HUDSON RIVER! SPLASH!
INT. HUDSON RIVER - NIGHT
After a beat, Clark SURFACES, freezing.
CLARK
(teeth chattering)
Is-is-is everyone o-o-o-k?
Zack and Ollie SURFACE NEXT and nod. And then--
CLARK (CONT’D)
Oh, no! The poem! Where’s the poem!?
Clark frantically looks around when--

51.
MOLLY (OFF)
Looking for this?
Everyone turns to see Molly on the pier with...the poem

tube!
MOLLY (CONT’D)
You have got to tell me about this
Christmas tradition of yours.
They give her a look and--
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. NYC COFFEE SHOP - LATER THAT NIGHT
Clark, Zack, Ollie and Molly are crammed in a booth among

a smattering of lonely souls spending Christmas Eve in
this classic greasy spoon. Clark, Zack and Ollie SHIVER
and DRY THEMSELVES WITH NAPKINS as--
MOLLY
Okay, so you’re a Christmas Elf who’s
come down from the North Pole to follow
clues hidden in their first edition of
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas so you
can find powerful magics that are the
only hope of saving Santa Claus from his
evil brother the Krampus?
(taking this in, then:)
Okay -- how can I help?
CLARK
You just...believe it? Just like that?
Molly shrugs.
MOLLY
I chased Santa’s sleigh and two flying
elves through the streets of Manhattan --
this isn’t that much of a leap.
Clark can’t help but smile when an old, seen-it-all New

York City WAITRESS steps up.
WAITRESS
Start with some coffee?
CLARK
Oh, yes, and some hot cocoa for my son.
WAITRESS
(nonplussed)
And the Christmas elf?
52.
OLLIE
You wouldn’t happen to have reindeer
milk, would you?
(off her look)
Uh, cocoa is fine.
Without batting an eyelash, the Waitress exits into the

kitchen. After she’s gone, Ollie turns to Clark.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
So -- what was in the star?
CLARK
The star? Oh, right...
Clark pulls out the BRASS CANISTER and hands it to Ollie.
OLLIE
(looking it over)
Hmmm...
Ollie very delicately removes the top and slides out...
CLARK
A candy cane? Well, that was sure worth
risking our lives over. So do we each
get one lick or...
OLLIE
It’s not just an ordinary candy cane, Mr.
Moore. Look!
Ollie hands it to Clark. ANGLE ON: the candy cane. It’s

not candy at all. It appears to be made of...PEWTER and
RED VELVET.
CLARK
Huh. I wonder what it’s--
SNAP! The HOOKED END of the candy cane BREAKS OFF.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Oops?
OLLIE
(horrified)
Mr. Moore...!
CLARK
Don’t worry, I can fix it, I can fix it!
Clark starts frantically trying to press the two pieces

back together again when...he notices that his hands are
getting covered with RED INK.
53.
MOLLY
Is that...ink?
Everyone blinks at the ink on Clark’s hand and sees...

it’s seeping out of the velvet stripes on the candy cane.
Ollie takes note of this...and MAKES A CONNECTION.
OLLIE
Wait, I don’t think you broke it at all,
Mr. Moore, I think you may have figured
out how to use it! Here, let me see the
poem for a second...
CLARK
Okay...just be careful with it, huh?
Clark hands him the tube and Ollie lays the poem out on
the table. Then he takes the candy cane and lines it up
with the stanzas. They’re the EXACT SAME WIDTH.
OLLIE
Just what I thought. Now what if we...
Ollie starts ROLLING THE CANDY CANE DOWN THE POSTER.
CLARK
Wait, what are you doing!? You’re going
to get ink all over it!!
OLLIE
No, I’m not, Mr. Moore -- look at your
hands.
Clark sees the ink is DISAPPEARING FROM HIS HANDS.
CLARK
Huh?
Everyone blinks at it and--
ZACK
It’s magic ink!
OLLIE
Magic ink that’s going to give us our
next clue. Watch...
Ollie continues ROLLING THE CANDY CANE DOWN THE POEM

and...the red ink from the stripes starts HIGHLIGHTING
CERTAIN LETTERS THROUGHOUT THE TEXT.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Does anyone have a pen? We need to write
these letters down!
54.
Molly pulls a pen out of her purse as Ollie recites:
OLLIE (CONT’D)
T...H...E...H...O...U...
Molly writes the letters on a napkin as Ollie continues

ROLLING THE CANDY CANE until...a FULL SENTENCE IS FORMED.
MOLLY
‘The...house...where three...ghosts were
born.’
CLARK
Oh, great. Another clue.
Everyone looks at each other.
ZACK
What does it mean? Ghosts aren’t born,
are they?
OLLIE
No ghosts I’ve ever heard of! Maybe it
just means where they were created. You
know, like where three people died! But
what three people?
CLARK
Maybe the three wise men? The three
musketeers? The three...stooges?
Molly gives them all a look.
MOLLY
Come on, guys. We’re talking about three
ghosts on a Christmas poem.
CLARK
So?
MOLLY
So...do you know of any other Christmas
ghosts than the ghosts of Christmas Past,
Christmas Present and Christmas Future?
Everyone’s eyes widen. Molly gives Clark a look.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
Don’t you, like, own a Christmas store?
Clark shrugs, embarrassed, as Ollie slaps his forehead.

55.
OLLIE
It makes perfect sense! Charles Dickens
was another of the Christmas Guardians!
So...’the house where the three ghosts
were born’ must mean the house where he
wrote ‘A Christmas Carol!’ Come on!
Ollie leaps to his feet, grabs the poem and goes to run
off -- but Clark steps in front of him.
CLARK
Whoa, whoa, whoa, I’m afraid this is
where we get off the Polar Express.
C’mon Zack, we’re going home.
Clark takes the poem from Ollie and turns to the door but-
OLLIE
Uh, I’m not sure you can do that anymore,
Mr. Moore.
CLARK
Sure I can. See all those big yellow
things outside? They’re called taxi cabs
and all you have to do is--
OLLIE
No, it’s not that. It’s...those other
elves that we just barely got away from.
They could only have been sent here by
the Krampus. Which means he knows we’re
searching for the Christmas Magics.
CLARK
So?
OLLIE
So...how long do you think it will be
before he figures out that poem got us
this far? How long do you think it will
be before he figures out it’s in the
possession of one of the descendants of
its author?
Clark’s eyes widen.
CLARK
What?! You’re saying he’ll come after
us?
OLLIE
I’m sorry, I had no idea this was going
to happen!
(MORE)
56.
OLLIE (CONT'D)
I’m afraid the only way to ensure your
safety is to find the Christmas Magics
and put the Krampus back where he
belongs.
Clark just stands there staring at Ollie until...the

Waitress comes back with the drinks.
WAITRESS
So who wants to hear our holiday
specials?
Clark gives her a look and we--
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF NEW YORK CITY - LATER THAT NIGHT
A light snow falls as Clark, Molly, Ollie and Zack make

their way down the sidewalk. (At one point, they pass a
SALVATION ARMY SANTA who gives Ollie a look and then
takes another belt off his flask.)
OLLIE
One Devonshire Terrace in London,
England? How do you know that?
Zack shrugs and holds up his iPod Touch.
ZACK
Don’t you have Wikipedia in the North
Pole? Trust me, you can find out a lot
cooler stuff than where Charles Dickens
used to live.
CLARK
I know something you can’t find out --
how are we going to get to London without
the sleigh? I’d suggest we head for the
airport but I can’t imagine Elves have
passports...
Ollie looks up at Clark and smiles.
OLLIE
There are other ways to travel than by
sleigh for a Christmas Guardian!
Molly perks up.
MOLLY
Christmas Guardian? What’s a Christmas
Guardian?
57.
CLARK
Don’t worry about it. I’m not--
ZACK
You are too, Dad!
(to Molly)
Our family was picked by Santa -- and he
still wants to sell the store, can you
believe it?
CLARK
Zack...
MOLLY
You’re selling your store? But it’s such
a cool place, why would you-- oh, I’m
sorry, this is probably a family issue I
shouldn’t poke my nose into...
(beat)
But I’m going to anyway -- why would you
sell your store?!
CLARK
Uh, look, it’s just a long story, okay?
(to Ollie)
So, elf -- you were saying? Another way
to travel?
Ollie pulls out his book of Elfin History as he explains:
OLLIE
During the great Christmas War, the
Guardians figured out a way to help Santa
travel great distances in just a matter
of seconds...
Ollie holds up the book to reveal a drawing of a WREATH.
CLARK
Uh...he flew on wreathes?
OLLIE
No, wreathes marked the location of these
magical transit stops -- they were hung
outside.
CLARK
Great. So we’re trying to find a
building with a wreath hanging outside it
on Christmas Eve...
Clark motions and we REVEAL: a row of BROWNSTONES, all

with WREATHES ON THEIR DOORS.
58.
OLLIE
It’s nice to see the tradition is still
going but we’re looking for something a
little more...permanent...
CUT TO:
A CLOSE-UP OF: a wreath carved into the STONEWORK over a

door. PULL BACK TO SEE we’re...
EXT. ABANDONED BROWNSTONE - NIGHT
Clark, Zack, Ollie and Molly stand outside.
CLARK
Okay, that’s interesting but...this
building looks like it’s been abandoned
for years...
OLLIE
Which means we’re in luck. That’ll make
it even easier to access the transit
stop! C’mon!
Ollie scrambles up the steps followed by Zack. Molly

goes to follow but...Clark stops her.
CLARK
You don’t have to help us anymore, you
know. I mean, you’re not in any danger,
you can just go home.
MOLLY
Are you kidding me? Helping a ‘Christmas
Guardian’ save Christmas? I wouldn’t
miss it for the world!
(beat)
Not to mention, I think you guys are
going to need my help. The three
stooges? I mean, come on...
Molly gives Clark a look and heads up the stairs. Clark

smiles in spite of himself and follows.
INT. ABANDONED BROWNSTONE - NIGHT
CREEEEAK! The front door opens, revealing a decrepit

brownstone covered in cobwebs and dust.
CLARK
Looks pretty empty in here, Ollie...
OLLIE
Empty except for...this!
59.
Ollie dashes up to...an enormous stone FIREPLACE.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
You know how Santa goes down chimneys to
get into houses? Well, during the war,
the Guardians used the Christmas Magics
on certain chimneys to help him go a lot
further than that...
Ollie steps into the chimney and looks around.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
I just wish I could remember how to make
it work...
Clark frowns. But then...Zack’s eyes widen.
ZACK
Wait a second, I think I know how to make
it work!
CLARK
You do?
ZACK
Yeah -- it says how right on the poem!
Zack runs into the chimney, unrolls the poem and reads:
ZACK (CONT’D)
‘He spoke not a word, but went straight
to his work, and filled all the stockings
then turned with a jerk, and laying his
finger aside of his nose...’
Zack PLACES HIS FINGER ON THE SIDE OF HIS NOSE.
ZACK (CONT’D)
‘And giving a nod...’
Zack NODS.
ZACK (CONT’D)
‘Up the chimney he roooooooooseee!’
Zack suddenly SHOOTS UP THE CHIMNEY!
CLARK
Zack!!
But he’s gone. Clark quickly runs into the chimney, puts
his finger beside his nose, nods, and WHOOOSH! SHOOTS UP
AFTER HIS SON! Ollie and Molly exchange a glance, brace
themselves, and do the same. WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
60.
EXT. SKYLINE OF NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT
All is peaceful until--
ZACK (OFF)
Yaaaaahooooooooooooooooooo!
--Zack comes FLYING INTO FRAME, shooting HIGH INTO THE

SKY. And then--
CLARK (OFF)
Zaaaaaaaaacccccccccckkkkkkkk!
Clark FLIES INTO FRAME AFTER HIM. Ollie and Molly follow
and they all sail HIGHER and HIGHER in a great swooping
arc until...they start to FALL BACK TOWARDS EARTH!
CLARK (CONT’D)
Whaaaaaaattttt nooooowwwwwww?!!?!
ZACK
IIIII haaaavvvveeeee nnnoooooooo
iiiidddeeeeaaaaa!!!!!
They fall CLOSER and CLOSER to the ground until...FOOM!

FOOM! FOOM! FOOM! They all drop into ANOTHER CHIMNEY.
INT. ANOTHER BROWNSTONE - NIGHT
FLOP! FLOP! FLOP! FLOP! Zack, Clark, Ollie and Molly

land inside ANOTHER FIREPLACE.
CLARK
What the heck are we doing?!!?
OLLIE
I think we have to keep going east until
we hit London!
CLARK
East?! How do we even know we’re going
east?!
ZACK
Maybe we can ask them!
REVEAL: This brownstone is not so abandoned! A MOM and

DAD stand frozen in the middle of wrapping presents
before a tree. Clark, Molly and Ollie blink at
them...and then Zack smiles innocently.
ZACK (CONT’D)
Excuse me, where are we?
61.
MOM
(in shock)
You’re...in our chimney...
ZACK
I know, I mean...where in the country?
The Mom and Dad are too shocked to even respond.
MOLLY
(to Zack)
That sounded like a New Jersey accent to
me -- I think we went the wrong way.
ZACK
Try a different hand!
Zack puts a finger from his other hand beside his nose,
nods, and SHOOTS BACK OUT OF THE CHIMNEY. Molly and
Ollie follow and then Clark gives the Mom and Dad an
awkward smile.
CLARK
Uh...Merry Christmas?
WHOOSH! Clark ZOOMS OUT AFTER THEM. The Mom and Dad
stand there frozen until...the bike the Dad was building
topples over with a CRASH.
EXT. HUDSON RIVER DOCKS - NIGHT
Noggis and Bale are standing on the docks, staring at the

DEBRIS OF SANTA’S SLEIGH floating in the Hudson River.
BALE
It’s not my fault, it’s your fault!
NOGGIS
It is not! We only lost them because you
crashed into me!
BALE
Bah! One thing’s for sure -- you’re the
one who’s gonna tell the boss.
NOGGIS
Me? Why do I always have to--
They suddenly hear a distant YELP and look up to

see...the silhouettes of Clark, Ollie, Zack and Molly
sailing through the sky!
CLARK (DISTANT)
YaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
62.
Noggis and Bale exchange a glance, smile, and ZOOM OFF

AFTER THEM ON THEIR ICE SLEDS.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. LONDON, ENGLAND - NIGHT
Foggy sky, full moon, all is peaceful until...Clark,

Ollie, Zack and Molly come sailing out of the clouds.
INT. LONDON FLAT - NIGHT
FOOM! FOOM! FOOM! FOOM! Four shapes land in a grand

stone chimney in a proper English drawing room. It’s
Clark, Ollie, Molly and Zack, covered in SOOT.
CLARK
(woozy)
I don’t think I want to do that again...
ZACK
I don’t think we have to -- we’re in
London!
Zack points out the window where the face of BIG BEN
glows in the distance. And then -- a LIGHT goes on at
the top of the stairs.
BRITISH VOICE
Is someone there...?
OLLIE
Come on!
EXT. STREETS OF LONDON - NIGHT
Clark, Ollie, Molly and Zack emerge from a darkened mews.

Zack checks his iPod Touch and--
ZACK
It looks like we’re not that far!
Everyone follows Zack off down the sidewalk. As they go,

Clark senses Molly looking at him.
CLARK
What?
MOLLY
Nothing...
They keep walking...and then Clark senses she’s still

looking at him.
63.
CLARK
What?
MOLLY
I don’t know, it’s just...you said it’s
kind of a long story and we might have a
few minutes...
Molly gives him a hopeful smile and...Clark gives in.
CLARK
Okay, you really want to know why I’m
selling the store?
He takes a deep breath, checks to make sure Zack is out

of earshot, and then...
CLARK (CONT’D)
I was twenty-two. I just graduated from
college and had an amazing job lined up
with this really cool startup in New
York. I’ve always dreamed of doing
something big with my life, you know?
Something great...
He shakes his head.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Anyhow, I had given myself two weeks off
to enjoy my ‘last summer’ and then I was
going to start my new life. Well, two
days into those two weeks my father had a
heart attack.
MOLLY
Oh...I’m sorry...
Clark takes a deep breath.
CLARK
Now, July isn’t the busiest time for a
Christmas store but there were things
that needed to be done and my Mom
couldn’t do them all by herself. The
plan was to just help out until Dad got
back on his feet -- I was even able to
push the job back a month -- but when
that month turned into two and two turned
into four, the job pushed back and, well,
all the sudden it was two years later,
both my folks were gone and instead of
doing some big, great thing with my life
I was running my parents’ Christmas store
in my hometown.
64.
Clark sighs.
CLARK (CONT’D)
So, I guess what I’m trying to say is,
I’m selling the store because I never
really wanted to own it in the first
place.
Molly looks at him and nods.
MOLLY
I’m...really sorry. About your parents
and, well...everything.
CLARK
Thanks.
They walk another moment in silence then--
MOLLY
But...
CLARK
But what?
MOLLY
But you have to admit, there are worse
places to be stuck than a Christmas
store.
CLARK
Oh, yeah? Like where?
MOLLY
Oh, I don’t know, like...a St. Patrick’s
Day store? I mean, really -- how many
shamrocks could you possibly sell?
Molly gives Clark a smile...and he can’t help but smile

himself.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
And hey...you being stuck at the store is
going to help save Christmas. That’s
gotta count for something, right?
Clark looks at Molly, not sure how to respond, when--
ZACK (OFF)
Hey, I think it’s right up here!
Clark and Molly turn and hurry off and, as they exit
frame...we see two familiar SHAPES appear in the sky over
their heads. The shapes of ICE SLEDS.
65.
EXT. ONE DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, LONDON - NIGHT
We’re CLOSE ON: A STONE CARVING on the side of a

nondescript office building depicting a portrait of
CHARLES DICKENS with some of his MOST FAMOUS CHARACTERS.
MOLLY (OFF)
(reading the plaque)
‘While living in a house on this site,
Charles Dickens wrote six of his
principal works, characters from which
appear on this sculpted panel...’
PULL BACK TO SEE...Clark, Zack, Molly and Ollie standing

before the panel.
CLARK
Okay, so we know we’re in the right
place. Now what?
ZACK
Maybe there’s something on the poem, Dad!
Clark pulls out the poem and they all scan it.
CLARK
Anyone have any ideas?
BRITISH VOICE (OFF)

Ideas? Countless! Unfortunately, life
wasn’t long enough to get them out...
Everyone blinks at each other.
CLARK
Uh...who said that?
BRITISH VOICE (OFF)

I did!
Clark slowly lowers the poem to REVEAL: THE STONE CARVING

OF DICKENS’S HEAD IS SMILING AT THEM!
CARVING OF DICKENS
Good Christmas Eve to you!
CLARK
(flabbergasted)
But...how...are you Charles Dickens...?!
66.
CARVING OF DICKENS
Who did you expect, William Shakespeare?
(then, like a tour guide)
Incidentally, if you’re looking for old
Willie, he can be found across town in
Leicester Square...
Dickens gives them a wink and then nods at the poem.
CARVING OF DICKENS (CONT’D)

I see you have the poem. I must admit, I
was a bit slighted when the big man chose
it to carry the clues over something from
my canon...but then again, its verse is
rather memorable...
(nodding)
Yes, I've written some handsome opening
lines in my day but none quite as
indelibe as ‘Twas the Night Before
Christmas and all through the house, not
a creature was stirring not even a
mouse...’
Dickens savors the poetry of the verse then--

Oh, listen to me ramble on. You’ll have
to forgive me, I haven’t had a
conversation with anyone living since,
well, I was living. Now, I expect you’re
after the clue. I’m afraid I can’t give
it to you myself but I think you’ll find
what you’re looking for inside...
CLARK
Inside? Inside...where?
Clark motions -- there’s not a door in sight.
CARVING OF DICKENS
Oh, pardon me. Inside my house!
The Carving of Dickens furrows his brow and...the two

buildings beside the plaque SLIDE APART, revealing a
VICTORIAN HOUSE in the gap. It’s perfectly preserved,
complete with flickering CANDLES in the windows.
The gang exchange a look of wonder and shuffles towards

the front door. As they go...

Good luck! Oh, wait, I nearly forgot!
Be wary, the company inside can be a
touch...spirited...
67.
INT. DICKENS’S HOUSE - NIGHT
The gang steps into the house of Charles Dickens, circa

1843. A small WRITING DESK sits in the corner...DICKENS
FAMILY PORTRAITS hang on the wall...a CHRISTMAS TURKEY,
still steaming from the oven, sits on dining room table.
ZACK
Now what?
They all look around when...a MOANING fills the air.
OLLIE
What was that...?
The gang exchanges a worried glance when -- the candles

on the windowsills suddenly BLOW OUT and a GHOST SHOOTS
OUT OF THE WALL BESIDE THEM!
GHOST
BOO!
CLARK/ZACK/OLLIE/MOLLY
YAAAAAAAAHHHH!
The gang turns and RUNS FOR THE DOOR when--
GHOST #2
BOO!
More candles BLOW OUT and ANOTHER GHOST shoots out of the
door in front of them!
YAAAAAAAAHHHH!
They spin and RUN IN THE OTHER DIRECTION when--
GHOST #3
BOO!
ANOTHER GHOST flies out of the fireplace, BLOWING OUT THE

FIRE and PLUNGING THE ROOM INTO DARKNESS.
YAAAAAAAAHHHH!
The gang freezes and the ghosts start CLOSING IN ON THEM,

their glowing bodies the only illumination in the room.
And then...THE GHOSTS SUDDENLY BREAK INTO HYSTERICS.
GHOST #1
(laughing)
Had ya goin’ there, didn’t we?
68.
GHOST #2
(chortling)
Shoulda seen the looks on your faces!
GHOST #3
(guffawing)
Never gets old, that!
The candles FLICKER BACK ON, giving the gang their first
good look at the ghosts. They seem to resemble one
another, like THREE GHOSTLY BROTHERS. The only thing
that distinguishes them is their HATS: one wears a TOP
HAT, the other a BOWLER, the third, a tweed SPORTING CAP.
ZACK
(in awe)
Are you really...the ghosts of Christmas
Past, Christmas Present and Christmas
Future? The ones Charles Dickens
created?
The ghosts’s eyes widen in shock.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Created? Oh, my dear boy, he didn’t make
us, we made him!
TOP HAT GHOST

That’s right, we were ‘ere when he moved
in. Gave him the idea for his most
beloved novel, we did!
SPORTING CAP GHOST

And what did we get in return? Not a
sausage!
The ghosts frown and fold their arms. Clark clears his
throat.
CLARK
Uh, I’m sorry to hear that, I really am
but...we were told you might be able to
give us some sort of clue...?
TOP HAT GHOST

You hear that? He wants the clue. Oh,
sure, we’d be more than happy to hand it
over...to a Christmas Guardian.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Yeah...but there doesn’t appear to be one
around ‘ere, does there?
69.
SPORTING CAP GHOST

Not one that I can see, no sir...
Ollie nudges Clark to step forward. Clark shakes is

head. Ollie nudges him forward again and Clark finally
gives in.
CLARK
(stepping forward)
Uh...I guess I’m...I mean, according to
some people I could be considered...a
Christmas Guardian.
The Ghosts all turn and look at Clark.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

What?
TOP HAT GHOST

You?
SPORTING CAP GHOST

Oh, that’s a good one, that is!
Clark turns and gives Ollie a look.
CLARK
(sotto)
See -- I told you!
Ollie pushes him aside and quickly steps forward.
OLLIE
No, it’s true, he is the Christmas
Guardian, really! He has the poem -- and
he’s the descendant of Clement Clark
Moore!
The Ghosts all squint at Clark...then shake their heads.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Well, blood only goes so far...it’s
spirit that counts.
SPORTING CAP GHOST

Yeah, and we know all about spirits!
The ghosts all LAUGH and then--
TOP HAT GHOST

(to the other ghosts)
But you know, lads, he did come all this
way. What do you say? Maybe we oughta
judge him, just to be sure?
70.
CLARK
Judge me?
BOWLER HAT GHOST

(ignoring Clark)
Yeah, I reckon we could do that...
SPORTING CAP GHOST

It has been a long time since we’ve
gotten out of this infernal flat...
TOP HAT GHOST

Do you want to take him first or may I
have the pleasure of--
CLARK
(interrupting)
I’m sorry, what do you mean ‘judge me?’
The Ghosts all turn to Clark with wide smiles.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Don’t tell me you haven’t read old
Charlie’s book? We mean...THIS!
Bowler Hat Ghost suddenly grabs Clark’s hand and PULLS

HIM INTO HIS TRANSPARENT BODY!
ZACK
Dad!
A bright FLASH whites out the screen...
EXT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - DAY
...and when we come back into focus we see we’re back in

Clark’s store, WATCHING THE SAME SCENE FROM WHEN WE FIRST
MET CLARK IN THE BEGINNING:
DEMANDING SHOPPER
Excuse me, do you have yellow christmas
lights?
CLARK
Uh, I believe we have white and red.
DEMANDING SHOPPER
I need yellow.
CLARK
I think we just have the white and red...
71.
DEMANDING SHOPPER
I can only use yellow.
CLARK
(forcing a smile)
I’ll go check.
Clark heads off and we PULL BACK TO SEE Bowler Hat Ghost,
apparently the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT, floating on
the other side of the store with a very confused Clark.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Is this...my store?
BOWLER HAT GHOST

If it is, you should be ashamed of
yourself. The shelves are a mess! And
you certainly aren’t going out of your
way to satisfy your customers...at least
not the way a Christmas Guardian would...
CLARK
What? Come on, some of these people
can’t be satisfied, Christmas Guardian or
not!
Clark points to HIMSELF talking to that CURMUDGEONLY

SHOPPER.
Does this crack nuts?
CLARK
Um, I’m not sure...I think those are
mostly just decorative...
Decorative? My hat is decorative. What
good is a nutcracker that doesn't crack
nuts?
BACK ON CLARK AND THE GHOST:
CLARK
See? That guy wasn’t going to be happy
no matter what I did! And speaking of
nuts...
Clark gestures to...THAT ECCENTRIC OLD LADY with a

CHRISTMAS HAM.
ECCENTRIC SHOPPER
(to Clark’s other self)
Can you wrap this?
72.
CLARK
Did you...buy that here?
ECCENTRIC SHOPPER
Can you wrap it or not? I’m double
parked.
BACK ON CLARK AND THE GHOST:
CLARK
See? What can you do with someone like
that?
BOWLER HAT GHOST

I don’t know, your son didn’t seem to
have much trouble coming up with an
idea...
The Ghost points to Zack dashing up.
ZACK (OFF)
I got it, Dad!
Clark and the Ghost watch Zack grab the ham and dash off.
CLARK
Well, he’s eight years old, you know? He
doesn’t understand how crazy she was
being.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Oh, right -- he was the one who didn’t
understand...
The Ghost grabs Clark’s hand again and PULLS HIM INTO HIS
TRANSLUCENT FORM. FLASH!
EXT. SMALL SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
Clark and the Ghost pop back into view outside the window
of a small house on a snow-covered street.
CLARK
Where are we now...?
The Ghost just points inside the window. Clark looks

inside and sees...that ECCENTRIC OLD LADY from the store.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Your son did quite the wrapping job,
didn’t he?
Clark looks to see she has the ham -- and it’s now ALL
WRAPPED UP and COVERED IN BOWS. He can’t help but smile.
73.
Then he watches the Old Lady shuffle up to...her husband,

an ECCENTRIC OLD MAN, sitting in an easy chair.
BOWLER HAT GHOST (CONT’D)

A ham for Christmas may be ‘crazy’ to
you...but for some people, it’s all they
can afford. And for others, it’s all
they really want.
The Old Man unwraps the ham...and completely LIGHTS UP.

He kisses his wife and she lights up just as much as him.
Clark blinks at this display of Christmas cheer...and
then the Ghost grabs his hand again and FLASH!
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
A YOUNG BOY lays in hospital bed looking, well, how a

young boy would look laying in a hospital bed on
Christmas Eve. Then...that CURMUDGEONLY SHOPPER, clearly
the boy’s GRANDFATHER, enters and the boy LIGHTS UP.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

A Christmas Guardian would know that no
present is wrong on Christmas...not a
nutcracker that can actually crack
nuts...
The Curmudgeonly Shopper pulls out a NUTCRACKER from a

shopping bag. It’s clearly different from the one he was
looking at in the store, more durable, authentic. Then
he raises a walnut, puts it in the nutcracker’s jaws and
CRACK! The boy LIGHTS UP EVEN MORE.
Clark watches, deeply affected by the moment, and--
EXT. CHURCH - NIGHT
FLASH! Clark and the Ghost pop back into view outside a
church where that DEMANDING SHOPPER is dashing about,
putting the finishing touches on the NATIVITY SCENE.
BOWLER HAT GHOST

...or a certain color of lights for a
church nativity scene.
The man starts fastening a string of YELLOW CHRISTMAS

LIGHTS to a big wooden star hanging over the manger and--
FLASH! Clark and the Ghost pop back into view. Zack,
Molly and Ollie blink at them in shock.
74.
ZACK
Dad!
OLLIE
Where did he take you, Mr. Moore?!
Clark shakes his head, still taken with what he saw.
CLARK
Uh...a lot of places...
Molly notices his unsteadiness.
MOLLY
You okay?
CLARK
(no he’s not)
Yeah, yeah, I’m fine...
Molly looks at Clark with concern.
OLLIE
(to the ghosts)
So? He passed, right? You’re going to
give us the clue now?
Bowler Hat Ghost looks down at Ollie and...
BOWLER HAT GHOST

I’m afraid not.
OLLIE
What...? Well he gets another chance,
doesn’t he? I mean, that’s why there’s
three of you, right?
CLARK
Wait, Ollie, I don’t think I want to do
that agai--
But the TOP HAT GHOST already has Clark’s hand and FLASH!
They disappear.
INT. HIGH RISE OFFICE BUILDING - NIGHT
FLASH! Clark and the Top Hat Ghost, clearly the GHOST OF
CHRISTMAS FUTURE, pop into view inside a glass-enclosed
office. At the desk sits a slightly older Clark, hunched
over a stack of FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS.
CLARK
Is this...my future?
75.
TOP HAT GHOST

Your future...if you choose to sell the
store.
CLARK
What? But how did you...?
TOP HAT GHOST

I’m the Ghost of Christmas Future. It’s
what I do.
Clark watches as the phone on the desk RINGS and FUTURE

CLARK looks at the caller ID. It says “ZACK.” He was
dreading this. He steels himself for another ring and
then answers it.
FUTURE CLARK
(cheerful as possible)
Hey, buddy! How was your trip down?
(beat)
Great. Hey, your mom told me about your
grades. Not bad for your first semester--
(beat, what he was dreading)
What’s that?
(beat)
Oh, no...I’m sorry but...I’m not going to
be able to make it tonight.
(beat)
Yes, I’m definitely going to try to get
there tomorrow, it’s just that--
(beat)
Yeah, I know it’s Christmas, pal, but
I’ve told you, this is my busy time and--
(beat)
Yeah, okay. Sure. I’ll give you a call
then. Uh, Merry Christm--
CLICK! Future Clark looks at the phone, sighs heavily,

and then hangs it up. He shakes his head and returns to
his paperwork. Clark blinks at his older self and--
FLASH! Clark and Top Hat Ghost pop back into view.
OLLIE
Well?
Top Hat Ghost looks at Clark and--
TOP HAT GHOST

A Christmas Guardian who doesn’t have
time for his own son on Christmas? I
think not...
76.
Zack looks up.
ZACK
What? What’s he talking about, Dad?
CLARK
Uh, nothing, Zack...
Zack looks up at his Dad but Clark looks away. And

then...the Sporting Cap ghost floats up.
SPORTING CAP GHOST

Care to go for the trifecta?
CLARK
Do I have a choice?
The Sporting Cap Ghost smiles, GRABS HIS HAND, and--
INT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - YEARS AGO
FLASH! Clark and the Sporting Cap Ghost, the GHOST OF

CHRISTMAS PAST, pop into view back in The Christmas
Outpost. But...it looks different now -- the shelves are
perfectly stocked, the aisles clean. Clark looks around
the store...and then his eyes widen.
CLARK
Is that...my Dad?
Clark turns to see...a MAN at the other end of the store

stocking shelves. Clark’s eyes well up. It is his Dad.
And then...a LITTLE BOY about the same age as Zack runs
into the room. Clark’s Dad sweeps him up into his arms.
CLARK’S DAD
Heya, buddy!
Clark’s eyes widen. It’s him -- it’s his YOUNGER SELF!
YOUNG CLARK
Dad...will you tell it to me again?
CLARK’S DAD
Of course, Clark. It’s a great story.
Clark’s Dad takes Young Clark by the hand and walks him
over to...the POEM hanging on the wall.
CLARK’S DAD (CONT’D)

Your great-great-great-grandfather wrote
this very poem...because Santa Claus
asked him to!
77.
Young Clark’s eyes widen in wonder...AND OLDER CLARK’S DO

TOO. Sporting Cap Ghost takes note of this and--
FLASH! They suddenly pop back into Dickens’s house.
CLARK
Wait, what are you doing? I wasn’t done
there yet!
SPORTING CAP GHOST

I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I was.
Clark frowns. Ollie steps up.
OLLIE
Well...?
Sporting Cap Ghost gives a solemn look and...
SPORTING CAP GHOST

I’m afraid this man is not a Christmas
Guardian...
Ollie, Zack and Molly sag.
SPORTING CAP GHOST (CONT’D)

...but he could have been at one time.
Everyone looks up.
CLARK
What...?
SPORTING CAP GHOST

And in Santa’s time of need...that will
just have to do.
Sporting Cap Ghost reaches into his jacket pocket and

pulls out...a small SCROLL.
TOP HAT GHOST

Are you sure about this?
BOWLER HAT GHOST

Yes, it does seem quite reckless...
The Sporting Cap Ghost shakes his head.
SPORTING CAP GHOST

Somewhere deep down inside, this man has
the spirit. All we can do now is hope
that he finds it again...
78.
The other Ghosts nod, giving their consent, and Sporting

Cap Ghost hands Clark the scroll.
CLARK
Thank you...
Clark takes the scroll and UNROLLS IT TO REVEAL: A series

of DRAWINGS of...PLANTS and FLOWERS?
CLARK (CONT’D)
I think this might be your department...
He hands the scroll to Molly.
MOLLY
(examining it)
Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus,
Amaryllis...these are all Christmas
plants and flowers. But what does it
mean?
BALE (OFF)
It means you’ve just made our jobs a
whole lot easier!
Everyone turns to see NOGGIS AND BALE AT THE DOOR! And

then DICKENS’S VOICE bellows from outside:
CARVING OF DICKENS (OFF)

I’m sorry! They threatened to deface me!
And all I am is a face!!!
And then it all happens so fast. Bale SWIPES THE POEM

OUT OF CLARK’S HAND as Noggis GRABS THE SCROLL OUT OF
MOLLY’S. And then they grab Zack and THROW HIM INTO THE
EXTINGUISHED STONE HEARTH.
BALE
Merry Christmas!
Bale takes Zack’s finger, puts it beside his nose and

nods his head for him. WHOOSH! Zack ZOOMS OUT OF SIGHT.
ZACK (OFF)
Daaaaaaaaaddddd!
CLARK
Zack!
Clark looks at the chimney in panic, looks at the poem in

Bale’s hand...
...and then runs into the chimney and puts his finger
beside his nose.
79.
CLARK (CONT’D)
I’m coming, Zack!
WHOOOSH! He SHOOTS UP after his son. Noggis and Bale

step towards Molly and Ollie menacingly...and Molly and
Ollie rush into the chimney after Clark and Zack. Noggis
and Bale grin at each other then turn to the three ghosts
who are floating there horrified.
BALE
Boo to you too.
CUT TO:
EXT. A DARK, SNOW-COVERED VALLEY - NIGHT
The full moon peeks over a distant mountain range,

shedding faint light on a vast, snowy field. A forest of
leafless trees creak in the whistling wind, but other
than that, all is quiet. Until...
CLARK/ZACK/OLLIE/MOLLY (OFF)
YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Four SILHOUETTES break from the clouds and plummet

towards what looks like the rubble of an OLD COTTAGE on
the edge of the forest. And then--
FOOM! FOOM! FOOM! FOOM! One by one, Clark, Zack, Ollie

and Molly drop into the remains of an old STONE HEARTH in
the cottage. CRASH! It COLLAPSES.
MOLLY
(woozy)
I thought we said we weren’t going to do
that anymore...
Molly stumbles out of the rubble, followed by Clark and

Zack.
CLARK
Zack, are you okay...?
ZACK
I think so...but I’m with Molly. No more
flying okay, Dad?
CLARK
It’s a deal.
Molly looks around.
MOLLY
Where are we?
80.
Ollie stumbles out of the rubble.
OLLIE
Uh, we went east, right? So
maybe...Norway? Finland? But, lords a-
leapin’, we could be in Siberia for all I
know. And wherever we are, it looks like
we’re stuck here.
Ollie points to the RUBBLE OF THE CHIMNEY. Everyone

exchanges a frown and then Ollie looks up at Clark.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
They got the clue, didn’t they?
Clark nods solemnly.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
And...the poem?
Clark nods again.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Well...Merry Christmas to us.
Ollie slumps down on a chunk of rubble and puts his head

in his hands. Clark gives him a pat on the back...and
then sighs and looks off into the dark woods.
We slowly PULL OUT, taking in the expanse of the

wilderness around them, reducing them to four tiny
figures huddled in the middle of nowhere.
DISSOLVE TO:
Snow SWIRLS around us as we take in the icy, barren

landscape. There seems to be movement on the glacier
below and we push towards it to see a line of familiar
silhouettes. As we get closer, we see it’s a row of...
SNOWMEN. There are HUNDREDS of them now, all ALIVE and

working to MAKE MORE BY THE MINUTE. PULL BACK TO SEE:
The Krampus standing in the doorway of his ice cave. He
smiles and sings quietly to himself:
KRAMPUS
(singing)
‘Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy
soul...’
(chuckles)
He wouldn’t be so jolly if he met these
frosties.
81.
He chuckles and then steps back into his cave to reveal

Santa shivering on his column of ice, straining against
his ribbon ties. He looks weak now, worried.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Oh, save your strength, brother. It’s
not ribbon from your workshop.
Santa stops struggling as the Krampus turns towards him.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Speaking of which, would you like to know
what I’ll be doing with your workshop
once I take over? I’ve got lots of
plans...
The Krampus turns and saunters up to Santa.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
First, all those fascinating contraptions
you use to make all those adorable toys?
I’m going to put them in a great big pile
and burn them.
Santa’s eyes widen.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
That’s right...and I’m going to keep that
fire burning all year long. Then, every
Christmas Eve, I’m going to draw coals
from it that I will deliver to every boy
and girl in the world. But they’re not
going to be those boring old lumps of
coal that sit in the bottom of stockings,
oh, no, they’re going to be hot, glowing
embers that set fire to their Christmas
trees and burn down their houses and
destroy all their hopes and dreams.
Santa looks up at the Krampus.
SANTA CLAUS
Why?
The Krampus cocks his head, not understanding.

Why do any of this, brother? I used to
consider you a necessary evil...something
that balanced out the world and inspired
children to be good. But now I see
there’s nothing necessary about your
evil. So I ask you -- what do you get
out of any of this?
82.
The Krampus smiles and shrugs.
KRAMPUS
Oh, I don’t know...I guess the same thing
you get from delivering presents...
(grinning)
A warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Krampus and Santa lock eyes and then--
BALE (OFF)
We got it, boss.
The Krampus turns to see Noggis and Bale in the doorway

with the POEM and the SCROLL from Dickens’s house.
KRAMPUS
Well, ho ho ho.
The Krampus smiles and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DARK, SNOW-COVERED VALLEY - NIGHT
Zack helps Ollie stack the bricks back onto the remains
of the fireplace, trying to repair it.
OLLIE
You know, this might actually...
CRASH! The fireplace collapses into a pile of rubble.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
...work.
Ollie and Zack sag and then Ollie turns to Molly who’s
shivering at the half-collapsed dining room table.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
How’s it going?
MOLLY
I think I can remember most of it...
Molly holds up a piece of scrapwood to reveal she’s

managed to recreate some of the drawings of the plants
and flowers from the scroll with a piece of charcoal.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
I’m sure there was an Amaryllis, two
Poinsettias and a Christmas Cactus but I
know there’s a couple more I’m
forgetting...
83.
ZACK
I think I saw one of those green pointy
ones with the red berries.
MOLLY
Oh, right -- holly! Thanks, Zack!
Molly scribbles a sketch of a holly plant with the

charcoal and then blinks down at the scrapwood.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
I just know there was another one...but I
can’t remember what it was.
She sighs and shakes her head.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
I’m sorry, Ollie. I’ll keep working on
it...
Ollie nods and resumes working on the fireplace with

Zack. Molly looks back down at the piece of scrapwood...
...and then notices Clark sitting off by himself, staring

into the woods. She watches him for a moment...and then
puts down the scrapwood and charcoal and heads over.
ON CLARK
--lost in thought. Molly appears behind him.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
Hey, you okay?
CLARK
What? Oh, uh...yeah, I’m fine.
Molly stands there for a moment then--
MOLLY
You sure?
Clark looks up at her and...
CLARK
Can I ask you something?
MOLLY
Of course.
CLARK
Are you happy?
84.
MOLLY
Uh, you mean right now? Because we’re
kinda stuck in the middle of nowhere and--
CLARK
No, I mean...in life. Are you happy in
life?
Molly blinks at him.
MOLLY
Oh. Right. Uh...wow, that’s kind of a
big question...
(beat)
What happened back there with those
ghosts? Sounds like they really got you
thinking.
CLARK
Yeah...
Clark looks off again. Molly looks at him for a

moment...and then sits down next to him.
MOLLY
Okay. Am I happy? Well, I guess I am
now but...I wasn’t for a very long time.
CLARK
Why not?
Molly takes a deep breath.
MOLLY
Oh, you know, same old story...got myself
into a bad relationship that went on way
too long and, I don’t know, I guess I
just sort of...lost myself for awhile.
CLARK
What do you mean?
MOLLY
Well, pre-Bert I--
CLARK
Pre...‘Bert’?
MOLLY
I know. Should have been a warning sign.
They share a smile.

85.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
Anyway, pre-Bert I was finishing an
apprenticeship at a florist outside of
New York and just starting to think about
opening my own place. But then, the next
thing I know, I’m following a guy to the
city and helping him chase his dream. A
chain of massage parlors -- for pets.
(off Clark’s look)
I know. Should have been another warning
sign. You’d be surprised how quickly it
took off though...
(beat)
Anyway, after a few months, he’s opening
his third location and I’m...wondering
why I’m so miserable.
She shakes her head, in the memory.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
Then one Christmas Eve we had this huge
argument. I stormed out, wound up
wandering the streets half the night and
somehow found myself in Rockefeller
Center...
Molly smiles, remembering.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
...and there it was, that amazing tree.
And all of the sudden it hit me.
Everything I had given up...it all came
rushing back to me right there under
those thousands and thousands of
twinkling lights...
(coming out of it)
And that was it, I moved out by New Years
Day. Bert was actually really great
about it -- he knew we weren’t right for
each other. And every year since I go
back to see that tree to be reminded to
never to forget who I really am.
Molly looks at Clark.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
I guess that’s why I liked you when I
first met you. A guy who owns a small-
town Christmas store? I figured that’s
gotta be a guy who really knows who is he
is.
Clark laughs.
86.
CLARK
Boy, you sure had me wrong. I don’t know
if I’ve ever known that...
MOLLY
What do you mean?
CLARK
Well, I guess I had a ‘Bert’ in my life
too...but I’m starting to think it wasn’t
what I thought it was.
Clark takes a deep breath.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Those ghosts...they showed me my past
present and future -- actually showed
them to me, just like in ‘A Christmas
Carol’ -- and the only one I was happy
in, I mean really happy, was the
past...back when I was a kid.
MOLLY
So...?
CLARK
So maybe it wasn’t inheriting the store
that got in the way of me doing this big,
amazing thing in life...maybe it was the
idea of doing this big amazing thing that
got in the way of me and the store.
Maybe the store actually is that big
amazing thing.
Molly gives him a smile.
MOLLY
Well, like I said, it is a great store.
Clark smiles back and they share a moment. Then--
CLARK
Wait, did you say you liked me when you
first met me?
MOLLY
(blushing)
What? Oh, uh...did I say that...?
Clarke chuckles and then notices something over her head.

87.
CLARK
Hey, you’re a florist. What’s the name
of that plant that you’re supposed to
kiss under?
MOLLY
Uh...mistletoe?
Clark smiles and points up to...a MISTLETOE VINE hanging

over their heads.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
Oh...wouldya look at that...
Their eyes meet. They start leaning in for a kiss when--
MOLLY (CONT’D)
That’s it!
CLARK
Huh? What’s it?
MOLLY
The plant I couldn’t remember from the
clue -- it’s mistletoe!!
Clark’s eyes widen and--
BACK AT THE FIREPLACE
--Zack and Ollie are just stacking a few more bricks onto
the chimney when -- Molly suddenly charges up with Clark.
CRASH! The fireplace COLLAPSES AGAIN.
OLLIE
Hey, we almost had it that time!
MOLLY
Where is it -- where is it?!
OLLIE
Where’s what...?
MOLLY
That piece of scrapwood with the drawings
of the Christmas plants -- I think I
figured it out, Ollie!!
Ollie’s eyes widen and he quickly grabs the piece of

scrapwood and hands it to her. Molly frantically
sketches two sprigs of mistletoe and--
88.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
There -- that’s exactly what was on the
scroll, I’m sure of it!
OLLIE
Okay -- now what does it mean?
MOLLY
(still excited but)
I have no idea.
Everyone frowns, the excitement rushing out.
MOLLY (CONT’D)
But hold on, hold on, I’m sure we can
figure it out...
(scanning the pictures)
Let’s see...none of these plants and
flowers have any relationship to one
another other than they’re all connected
to Christmas...
ZACK
Could it be something to do with their
colors?
MOLLY
Well, they’re pretty much all either
green, red or white -- basically, the
colors of the season.
Ollie’s eyes suddenly widen.
OLLIE
Wait a minute, you’re sure there were two
sprigs of mistletoe?
MOLLY
Yes -- yes, I’m sure.
OLLIE
(pointing at the scrapwood)
Is it possible that the second mistletoe
could have been here instead of here?
MOLLY
Uh...yeah, I guess. Why?
A wide smile suddenly fills Ollie’s face.
OLLIE
Just watch!
89.
Ollie starts writing a letter under each of the pictures,

THE FIRST LETTER OF THE NAME OF THE FLOWER:
OLLIE (CONT’D)
‘M’ for Mistletoe, ‘A’ for Amaryllis, ‘P’
for Poinsettia, ‘P’ for Poinsettia, ‘A’
for Alstromeria, ‘M’ for Mistletoe, ‘A’
for Amaryllis, ‘C’ for Christmas Cactus
and ‘H’ for Holly!
CLARK
Okay...so what does that spell?
OLLIE
(smiling)
Mappamach!
CLARK
Mappamach?
OLLIE
Yeah, you know, the Mappamach Valley --
where Santa found his magical reindeer!
Clark blinks.
CLARK
Oh, right, the Mappamach Valley. We were
actually thinking of vacationing there
this spring...
Molly and Zack smile. Ollie shakes it off.
OLLIE
No -- it makes perfect sense! That’s why
this outpost is out here in the middle of
nowhere -- we’re not far from the
Mappamach Valley! Let’s just hope we can
get there before the Krampus. Come on!
Ollie runs off. Clark, Molly and Zack follow and we--
CUT TO:
EXT. MAPPAMACH VALLEY - NIGHT
We’re moving through a vast snow-covered valley that

seems to glow from the light of the full moon. Ollie,
his book of Elfin Lore and Legend in hand, emerges from
around a snow drift followed by Clark, Zack and Molly.
90.
OLLIE
(reading from his book)
It was one of the darker moments of the
war. Santa had become stranded alone out
here and would have frozen to death had
it not been for the reindeer. They found
him, pulled him to shelter and saved his
life. After the war, Santa repaid them
by giving them some of the Christmas
Magic...magic that gave them the ability
to fly. Some even returned to the North
Pole with him -- eight of them, in fact.
I’m sure you know their names.
Clark nods then looks around.
CLARK
You sure we’re in the right place? I
mean, I don’t see any magical reindeer...
ZACK
Uh, Dad?
CLARK
Yeah?
ZACK
I think I do.
Zack points to the sky where...THOUSANDS OF REINDEER ARE

FLYING LIKE A FLOCK OF BIRDS! They stare at them in
wonder until...the reindeer seem to notice them and turn
in their direction.
CLARK
Uh...guys?
The reindeer suddenly begin DESCENDING FROM THE SKY!
CLARK (CONT’D)
LOOK OUT!
They all leap into a snow drift as the reindeer WHOOSH

OVER THEIR HEADS, JUST MISSING THEM! And then one by
one, they start landing all around them, their hooves
THUNDERING as they hit the ground.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Uh...Ollie...?
Ollie gives Clark a panicked shrug as the reindeer all

start ENCIRCLING THEM and moving CLOSER and CLOSER. They
get so close, in fact, the gang nearly disappears in the
cloud of their breaths.
91.
CLARK (CONT’D)
(terrified)
What--are we--supposed to do...?!
And then the herd of reindeer suddenly stops circling and

begins to PART. A gap forms that goes all the way to the
end of the herd where the last reindeer steps aside to
REVEAL: a BEAUTIFUL WHITE STAG standing majestically in
the distance.
Clark, Zack, Molly and Ollie look at it in awe as it

starts approaching them through the opening in the herd.
When it reaches Clark...
...it leans very close and starts SNIFFING HIM. Slowly

it SNIFFS UP HIS ENTIRE BODY until...Clark and the stag
are nose to nose, the stag staring him directly in the
eye, almost as if it’s judging him. And then...
...it turns and starts walking back through the opening

in the herd. It stops midway and looks back at Clark.
ZACK
Dad...I think he wants you to follow him.
Clark looks at the others. They nod and...he starts

after the Stag. He follows it to...
A GIANT FROZEN-OVER WATERFALL
It’s extraordinary. The cascading water is solid ice --

like it was flash frozen. The stag takes a few steps
onto some exposed rocks and then -- disappears behind the
waterfall. Clark casts a glance back at Zack, Molly and
Ollie, takes a deep breath and follows him in.
INT. ROCKY CAVE - NIGHT
It’s dark. But there seems to be some light ahead --

just enough to see...THE WHITE STAG HAS DISAPPEARED.
CLARK
Uh...hello?
But it’s really gone. Then, from behind him:
ZACK (OFF)
Dad...?
Clark turns to see Ollie, Molly and Zach making their way
around the frozen waterfall.
CLARK
Be careful, Zack.
92.
Clark helps them over to where he’s standing.
CLARK (CONT’D)
That white reindeer -- it just
disappeared.
Ollie looks around the cave in awe.
OLLIE
This is it! This must be where the
magics are hidden!
ZACK
Yeah, but where?
OLLIE
(exasperated)
We probably need the poem again! There’s
probably another clue hidden it or
something in one of the stanzas about ice
or--
CLARK
Snow.
Everyone turns to Clark.
CLARK (CONT’D)
(reciting)
‘The moon on the breast of the new-fallen
snow gave the lustre of mid-day to
objects below...’
Everyone blinks at him, surprised. Clark shrugs.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Hey, I’ve been staring at the thing my
entire life -- I better know at least
some of it.
Clark looks around the cave and takes a deep breath.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Okay...the moon...
He looks up to see an OPENING IN THE CAVE ABOVE THEIR

HEADS through which the MOONLIGHT IS FALLING.
CLARK (CONT’D)
...on the breast of the new-fallen
snow...
He points to a spot where snow fell through that same

opening and...there’s a pile of NEWLY-FALLEN SNOW.
93.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Gave the lustre of midday to objects
below...
He gets down on his knees and brushes away the snow to

reveal...solid ice. Huh. But wait...there’s something
under the ice. He leans down to see...a KALEIDOSCOPE OF
COLORS dancing just beneath the surface. Wow...
Clark looks around and finds a big rock. He raises it

over his head...but then he pauses. He looks at Ollie.
Ollie nods. Clark closes his eyes and--
CRASH! LIGHT EXPLODES FROM THE OPENING, FILLING THE CAVE

WITH THAT AMAZING KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOR! A light-show of
snowflake patterns dances off the walls. It’s beautiful.
Clark reaches into the opening and, with the most careful
of touches, pulls out...THAT SNOW GLOBE THAT CONTAINS...
OLLIE
The Christmas Magics...!
(hushed, to the others)
We did it...we actually did it!
They all stare at it, entranced, their eyes gaining a new

twinkle in its presence, when--
VOICE (OFF)
Hello...?
Clark quickly hides the snow globe behind his back and
they all turn to see...
THAT SUPERVISOR ELF, BALDER, STEPPING INTO THE CAVE!
OLLIE
(shocked)
Balder...? What are you doing here?!
Balder, looking tired and harried, scrambles up to Ollie.
BALDER
Oh, Ollie, it’s terrible, the North Pole
is in chaos! The Krampus -- he’s
building a new army. The elves are so
frightened they don’t know what to do!
Balder grabs Ollie’s hands.
BALDER (CONT’D)
But you knew what to do, didn’t you? Oh,
Ollie, I’m so sorry -- the stories, they
are all true, I see that now.
(MORE)
94.
BALDER (CONT’D)
When I discovered you were gone I put it
all together -- but why didn’t you tell
me what you were up to? I could have
helped, I could have come with you!
OLLIE
I’m sorry, there just wasn’t time -- but
I don’t understand...how did you find me?
BALDER
Your books...I poured through them,
gathered what clues I could, sent elves
to all ends of the earth. It was just a
lucky turn -- Dickens’s ghosts sent us in
the right direction and...
And then Balder spots it, the glowing snow globe that
Clark is holding behind his back.
BALDER (CONT’D)
(in awe)
Is that it...?
Balder goes to touch it but Clark protectively pulls it

back from him.
OLLIE
(to Clark)
It’s okay...
Clark looks at Ollie to be sure then hands the snow globe

to Balder. Balder stares down at it, his face glowing
along with it...but then he seems to DARKEN.
BALDER
I’m sorry, Ollie.
OLLIE
Sorry?
BALDER
Yes, I think I’ve misled you. I’ve
always believed the stories to be true,
just like you. I just never thought they
had the right ending.
Noggis and Bale suddenly step into the cave behind

Balder.
NOGGIS
Merry Christmas!
BALE
And a ‘appy new year!
95.
Clark, Zack, Molly and Ollie gasp in shock.
ZACK
Dad!!!
Noggis and Bale grin wickedly at them as Ollie turns to

Balder in shock.
OLLIE
(shaken)
But...Balder...I don’t understand...
Balder shakes his head at Ollie.
BALDER
Oh, Ollie, do you really think you were
the only elf who wanted something more
out of life? The only difference was I
willing to do something about it.
(grinning)
You’d be surprised how easy it was to
find where the Krampus was locked away.
And boy was he grateful to be
freed...promised me quite a reward...
Balder chuckles.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Let’s just say I’m no longer going to be
making toys or wrapping presents or
chasing after daydreaming elves. And
it’s all thanks to you.
Balder gives Ollie a wink and then marches to the

entrance to the cave with Noggis and Bale. But then he
stops and turns back around to face Clark.
BALDER (CONT’D)
Oh, and you can have this back,
‘Christmas Guardian’. We certainly won’t
be needing it anymore...
Balder reaches into his satchel and pulls out...THE POEM

TUBE! He drops it on the ground before Clark and marches
out with Noggis and Bale. Ollie rushes after them--
EXT. ROCKY CAVE - NIGHT
--and emerges from the cave just in time to see Noggis,

Bale and Balder SHOOTING INTO THE CLOUDS ON THEIR ICE
SLEDS. Ollie can just follow the glowing trail of the
Christmas Magics before they disappear into the night.
And then -- Clark, Molly and Zack appear behind him.
96.
CLARK
Ollie...?
Ollie shakes his head.
OLLIE
It’s over.
He turns and shuffles back into the cave. Clark, Zack

and Molly exchange a glance and follow.
INT. ROCKY CAVE - CONTINUOUS
Ollie is picking up his satchel when Clark, Zack and

Molly come back in behind him.
CLARK
Over? What do you mean over?
OLLIE
With the Christmas Magics, the Krampus
will have no problem overcoming the elves
and rolling over Santa’s workshop like
it’s nothing more than a gingerbread
house.
Ollie closes his satchel and latches it shut.
ZACK
But...we’re not giving up, right? I
mean, you’re one of Santa’s top guys,
you’ll think of--
OLLIE
No I’m not.
ZACK
What?
OLLIE
I’m not one of Santa’s top guys -- that’s
just something your Dad said. I’m just a
mailroom elf...and that’s all I’m ever
going to be.
Clark, Zack and Molly look at one another. Ollie picks

up the poem tube and hands it to Clark.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Here. I hope you can still sell it -- it
should at least do someone some good.
Clark looks down at the poem as Ollie throws his satchel

over his shoulder and starts heading out of the cave.
97.
MOLLY
Wait, where are you going?
OLLIE
It doesn’t matter. I’m a Christmas Elf --
without Christmas, I have nowhere to go.
And then he turns and shuffles out. Clark, Zack and

Molly watch him disappear into the night.
ZACK
Dad -- we’re not going to just let him
go, are we? I mean, we’re going to do
something, right?
CLARK
No, Zack. You heard what he said -- it’s
over.
Zack looks up at his Dad...but Clark won’t look back.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE NORTH POLE, THE KRAMPUS’S CAVE - EARLY MORNING
The Krampus gazes down at the Christmas Magics, his eyes

lit up like we’ve never seen them before.
KRAMPUS
(transfixed)
They’re even more beautiful than I
remembered...
Noggis, Bale and Balder step up behind him.
BALDER (OFF)
(clearing his throat)
Yes, and you wouldn’t have them right now
if it wasn’t for me. So about that
reward...?
The Krampus turns to Balder with a smile.
KRAMPUS
Oh, you elves. So greedy. You’d think
you more than anyone else would know...
(suddenly sneering)
It’s better to give than to receive!
The Krampus raises the Christmas magics and WHOOOSH!

Balder is FROZEN IN A COLUMN OF ICE. Noggis and Bale
look at each other and--
98.
NOGGIS
We’re strictly pro-bono, boss!
BALE
That’s right -- our payment is the
pleasure of serving you!
The Krampus nods at them and then starts sauntering out

of the cave with the Christmas Magics.
SANTA CLAUS
(desperate)
Brother, please, don’t do this...
KRAMPUS
(sneering)
Oh, but Santa, I have to. Don’t you see?
This will finally prove once and for all
that naughty is stronger than nice.
The Krampus raises the snow globe over his head and
WHOOOSH! A BURST OF SNOW AND ICE FILLS THE SCREEN! When
it FADES, we see the entrance to the cave is SEALED SHUT,
just as it was the day Santa sealed the Krampus inside.
The Krampus turns and saunters away from the cave, a

jaunty hop now in his step. He crests a snowy hill to
reveal...the valley is teeming with THOUSANDS and
THOUSANDS of SNOWMEN.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
(singing to himself)
‘It’s beginning to look not like
Christmas...’
The Krampus saunters down the mountain to join his army.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MAPPAMACH VALLEY - NIGHT
The herd of reindeer grazes in the valley. Clark stands

in front of one.
CLARK
(to reindeer)
Uh...Upstate New York? Do you know where
that is? Here, I could draw you a map...
Clark tries to sketch something in the snow but the

reindeer just snorts at him. He turns to Molly.
99.
CLARK (CONT’D)
I don’t think this is going to work. We
should just start walking, maybe we can
find a nearby town or something...
Clark picks up his backpack and the poem tube from the
ground -- but then stops. He opens the tube and looks
inside but...it’s EMPTY. Huh? And then from OFF SCREEN
he hears:
ZACK (OFF)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all
through the house, not a creature was
stirring, not even a mouse...’
Clark turns to see Zack reading from the poem.
CLARK
Zack, what are you doing? We’re not
going to find any more clues in there.
ZACK
I’m not looking for clues, Dad, I
just...want to read it one more time.
CLARK
Why?
ZACK
Because after tonight...there’s not going
to be a reason to anymore.
Zack’s words penetrate Clark. He looks at his son for a

moment and then nods. Zack looks back at the poem and--
ZACK (CONT’D)
(continuing)
‘The stockings were hung by the chimney
with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there...’
As Zack continues, we DISSOLVE through the faces of

Clark, Molly and Zack, all responding to different
verses...
ZACK (CONT’D)
‘...when what to my wondering eyes should
appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight
tiny reindeer...’
Zack smiles as he reads, his eyes filled with wonder.

100.
ZACK (CONT’D)
...‘now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer
and Vixen! On, Comet, on Cupid, on
Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the
porch, to the top of the wall, now dash
away, dash away, dash away all...’
Molly closes her eyes as she listens, a childlike smile

filling her face, and then she walks up alongside Zack
and starts to read along with him:
ZACK/MOLLY
‘...and then, in a twinkling, I heard on
the roof, the prancing and pawing of each
little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and
was turning around, down the chimney St.
Nicholas came with a bound...’
Clark watches them read...and can’t help but start to get

caught up in it.
ZACK/MOLLY (CONT’D)
‘...his eyes, how they twinkled! His
dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like
roses, his nose like a cherry...’
Clark smiles as Zack and Molly reach the last stanza:
ZACK/MOLLY (CONT’D)
‘...he sprang to his sleigh, to his team
gave a whistle, and away they all flew
like the down of a thistle. But I heard
him exclaim, as he drove out of sight...
And then Clark steps up and finishes it along with them:
CLARK/MOLLY/ZACK
‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a
goodnight.’
They all look at each other and exchange an emotional

smile.
CLARK
It’s funny. All those years staring at
the poem and...I never really knew what
it meant.
He gets down on one knee before Zack.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Thanks, kiddo. I needed that. But you
know something? You were wrong about one
thing.
101.
ZACK
What’s that?
CLARK
There is going to be a reason to read it
after tonight...because we’re going to go
after Ollie, get those Christmas Magics
back, and save Christmas.
Zack’s face lights up.
ZACK
We are?
CLARK
Yeah, because that’s what you do when
you’re a Christmas Guardian.
Molly BEAMS, Zack HUGS HIS DAD, and Clark gets a WHOLE
NEW LOOK IN HIS EYE...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DARK WINTRY VALLEY - NIGHT
Ollie trudges through the snow under the starless sky.

The wind whistles through the trees and he bundles up
more tightly and pushes on until...three shadows draw
across the snow in front of him. Huh? He looks to see--
--three reindeer flying in the sky over his head, Clark,

Zack and Molly on their backs!
OLLIE
Mr. Moore...? What are you doing?
CLARK
(in the sky)
What does it look like? I’m saving
Christmas! Now are you coming or are we
going to have to do this without Santa’s
top elf?
Ollie looks up at Clark and--
OLLIE
But, Mr. Moore, I told you -- I’m not one
of Santa’s top elves.
Clark smiles.
CLARK
You could have fooled me, Ollie. In fact
-- you did fool me, didn’t you?
102.
A smile takes over Ollie’s face and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE NORTH POLE, SANTA’S WORKSHOP - NIGHT
The full moon glows over the glaciers and out of the
clouds emerge...Clark, Ollie, Zack and Molly on the back
of FLYING REINDEER.
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP, TOY-MAKING ROOM - NIGHT
The elves are huddled around the dying embers of a fire

in the great hearth in the center of room. The two
YOUNGER ELVES Ollie told the story to in the beginning
are there, looking particularly frightened.
ELF #1
We should just surrender! He’ll probably
just make us work for him, right?
ELF #2
Yeah, or seal us away in an icy cave.
ELF #3
Well, what choice do we have? What else
can we do?
OLLIE (OFF)
We can fight!
The elves turn to see Ollie standing in the doorway with

Clark, Zack and Ollie. The two Younger Elves light up.
YOUNGER ELF #1
Ollie...!
All the elves blink at Ollie in awe as he marches through

their ranks.
OLLIE
Nobody is going to surrender and we’re
never going to work for him.
Ollie takes his place in front of the mighty hearth.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Listen to me. I know you think we elves
are capable of nothing more than making
toys and baking cookies and wrapping up
presents with pretty bows...but it’s not
true. Each and every one of us is part
of a great legacy, a legacy that we can
honor if we just stand up and fight.
103.
ELF #2
But Ollie, it’s suicide! The stories say
we only defeated the Krampus last time
because we had the Christmas magics on
our side!
OLLIE
Forget the stories! It’s time to make
our own stories, our own history. It’s
time for us to be the elves who saved
Christmas.
Ollie looks at all of them.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
And besides, the Krampus may have the
Christmas magics on his side...but we
have a Christmas Guardian on ours.
Ollie turns and presents Clark.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
This is Clement Clark Moore the Fourth.
He comes to our aid in this fight -- just
like his great-great-great-grandfather
did so long ago.
Clark nods at the room of elves when--
ZACK
Yeah, and his son and new girlfriend too!
Clark and Molly’s eyes widen.
CLARK
Zack...!
ZACK
I saw you kiss under the mistletoe!
CLARK
We didn’t! I mean, we almost did, I mean
-- can we talk about this later?!
Clark and Molly share a embarrassed glance and then Ollie

turns to the room of elves.
OLLIE
So...who’s with us?
He scans the room. The elves all look at each other,

hesitant, when--
104.
YOUNGER ELF #1
I am.
Ollie turns to see Younger Elf #1 stand up. Then--
YOUNGER ELF #2
Yeah -- me too!
He stands as well. And then ANOTHER ELF and ANOTHER and

ANOTHER until EVERY SINGLE ONE IS ON THEIR FEET. Ollie
looks at Clark, Zack and Molly, excited but also a little
terrified. They smile back and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
PREPARATION SEQUENCE
A series of QUICK SHOTS show the Elves getting ready for

battle...
...sharpening CANDY CANES into SWORDS...
...dumping cookies out of COOKIE TRAYS and strapping them

to their arms as SHIELDS...
...wrapping colorful WRAPPING PAPER around each other’s

torsos to create CUSHIONED BODY ARMOR...
PULL BACK TO SEE:
Clark, Ollie, Molly and Zack looking over a small TOY

MODEL of the battlefield (using actual TOY SOLDIERS.)
OLLIE
Okay, here’s what I think we should do...
We PULL BACK before we hear his plan and--
DISSOLVE TO:
Gusts of wind whip up the snow like a sandstorm. Pale

moonlight shines through it, making the very air seem to
glow. Suddenly...
...a distant CRUNCHING sound is heard. It gets LOUDER

and LOUDER and then...SHADOWS appear on the horizon.
PULL BACK TO SEE...it’s the SNOWMAN ARMY.
The Krampus marches before them, flanked by Noggis and

Bale on their ice sleds. They get to the crest of the
hill and look down at Santa’s workshop in the valley
below. It looks empty, abandoned.
105.
KRAMPUS
Just as I thought. This is going to be a
piece of fruitcake.
The Krampus turns to his Snowmen and--
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
What do you say? Think it’s time for a
good old-fashioned snowball fight?
(sneering)
ATTACK.
The Snowmen Warriors suddenly RAISE THEIR SNOWMEN ARMS

and ROLL DOWN THE MOUNTAIN TOWARDS THE WORKSHOP. The
Krampus smiles...
...but then the STABLE DOORS FLY OPEN and an army of

ELVES marches out, now wielding the CANDY CANE SWORDS and
holding the COOKIE TRAY SHIELDS!
The Krampus blinks at them, surprised.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
What...?
ON OLLIE
--bracing himself at the head of the elf army. He takes

a deep breath...and RAISES HIS SWORD.
OLLIE
Alright elves...for Santa!
Ollie GALLOPS TOWARDS THE SNOWMEN ARMY on his reindeer.

The elves CHARGE AFTER HIM and they all MEET THE SNOWMEN
WITH A CLASH in the middle of the valley.
And then it’s on.
SNOWMEN start SHOOTING SNOWBALLS RIGHT OUT OF THEIR ARMS.

THOOM! THOOM! THOOM! THOOM!
ELVES deflect with their COOKIE SHEET SHIELDS and slice

through the snowmen with their CANDY CANE SWORDS,
reducing them to PILES OF ICE AND SLUSH.
Even though the elves are nimble and quick, the snowmen
outnumber them and start to OVERPOWER THEM. Until...
THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! Toy arrows with FLAMING MARSHMALLOW

TIPS start landing all over the battlefield causing
snowmen to SIZZLE and MELT with each hit.
106.
Where are they coming from...? PULL BACK TO REVEAL: rows

of ARCHERS lined up on the roof of Santa’s workshop! Zack
and Molly stand behind them, ROASTING MARSHMALLOWS and
handing them to the archers to replenish their munitions.
BACK ON THE BATTLEFIELD
The Krampus watches with concern as the battle starts to

turn. He grimaces and turns to Noggis and Bale floating
behind him on their ice sleds.
KRAMPUS
(to Noggis and Bale)
What are you two doing just floating
there? GET DOWN THERE!
NOGGIS
But they’re shooting flaming marshmal--
(off the Krampus’s look)
Right away, boss!
Noggis and Bale FLY INTO THE FRAY ON THEIR SLEDS.
ON A GROUP OF ELVES
--slicing through the remaining snowmen on this side of

the fire line when THUD! Noggis and Bale slam into them,
knocking them back across the ice like bowling pins!
Noggis and Bale laugh and fly back into the air to go for
another run.
ON OLLIE
--spotting them from across the battlefield. He grits

his teeth.
OLLIE
Not those guys again...
(to his reindeer)
C’mon girl! Hiyaa!
He SPURS ON HIS REINDEER and TAKES OFF INTO THE AIR.
ON NOGGIS AND BALE
--diving through the air towards another group of elves

when Ollie appears in front of them on his reindeer!
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Remember me?
He RAMS THEM IN MID-AIR, sending them spinning backwards

through the sky.
107.
NOGGIS/BALE
Whoooooaaaaa!
They finally right themselves in the air and SHOOT AFTER

OLLIE. Ollie’s eyes widen and he SHOOTS OFF AHEAD OF
THEM.
They SLALOM THROUGH THE TREES and OVER SNOW DRIFTS in a

thrilling AERIAL CHASE until Noggis and Bale manage to
pull alongside Ollie in the air.
BALE
Hey, Noggis -- what’s red and green and
smooshed all over?
NOGGIS
I think I know!!
Noggis grins and they both suddenly DIVE TOWARDS

OLLIE...but he HITS THE BREAKS just at the right moment
and Noggis and Bale SLAM INTO EACH OTHER. CRASH!
NOGGIS/BALE
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
They go PLUMMETING TOWARDS an icy lake and CRASH! Break

through the layer of ice on the surface and SPLASH INTO
THE FREEZING WATERS. After a beat, PLOP! PLOP! They
each surface inside elf-sized CHUNKS OF ICE.
Ollie grins at them from the air.
OLLIE
There. See how you like it.
And then he turns and FLIES OFF TO ASSIST HIS ELF

BRETHREN.
ON THE KRAMPUS
--seeing Noggis and Bale floating in the lake. Grrrr.

He turns back to the battlefield to see...
THE ELVES ARE ACTUALLY STARTING TO OUTNUMBER HIS SNOWMEN!

He grimaces and--
KRAMPUS
Enough!
He pulls out the snow globe and raises it over his head.
WHOOOSH! A powerful blast of Christmas Magic EXPLODES
OUT, HITTING THE GROUND and creating a ROLLING WAVE OF
SNOW! IT HEADS TOWARDS THE ELVES LIKE AN AVALANCHE!
108.
ELF #1
Look out!!
The elves scramble but they’re not fast enough and

FLOOOM! They’re BURIED in the wave of snow.
ON OLLIE
--looking around in alarm.
OLLIE
(worried, to himself)
Okay, Mr. Moore, any time now...
ON THE KRAMPUS
--smiling as another wave of snow washes over the elves.

But then...a shape emerges from the clouds over his head.
It’s...CLARK ON THE BACK OF A FLYING REINDEER!
ON CLARK
--completely panicked.
CLARK
Can’t believe I’m doing this--can’t
believe I’m doing this--can’t believe I’m
doing this!!
He takes a deep breath and DIVES TOWARDS--
THE KRAMPUS
--who has the snow globe raised over his head, about to
delivery another blast when...he notices Clark’s shadow
on the ground in front of him!
KRAMPUS
Huh--!?
He spins to see Clark reaching out to grab the snow globe

and -- he quickly PULLS IT BACK JUST IN TIME. Clark
WHOOSHES PAST HIM.
CLARK
Whoooaaaaa!
Clark wobbles on the reindeer but regains his balance and

goes to LOOP AROUND AGAIN...but this time Krampus is
ready. He RAISES THE SNOW GLOBE OVER HIS HEAD again and--
BLAST! The Krampus sends out a blast of Christmas

Magics! It WHOOSHES over his head, just missing him.
109.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Yikes!!!
The Krampus grins and sends out another ARRAY OF BLASTS

IN RAPID SUCCESSION. BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
Clark tries to dodge them as best he can but finally

SLAM! One connects with his reindeer and sends it FLYING
WILDLY OFF COURSE.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Whooaaaaaaa...!!
Clark tries to hold on but -- he can’t. He slips off the

reindeer and THUD! Hits the icy ground.
ON THE ROOF
Zack and Molly react in horror.
ZACK
Dad...!
Zack tries to go help him but Molly holds him back.
ON CLARK
--weakly looking up to see the Krampus standing over him.
KRAMPUS (OFF)
Christmas guardian, I presume?
The Krampus smiles, raises the glowing, swirling snow

globe over his head and...
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
Some guardian you are.
BLAST! Magic explodes out of the snow globe, connects

with Clark and--
FLASH! It BOUNCES OFF HIM and RICOCHETS RIGHT BACK AT

THE KRAMPUS!!! BAM! It knocks him off balance.
KRAMPUS (CONT’D)
(reeling)
Raaaaaarr--!!!!
The Krampus stumbles backwards, stunned. He regains his

footing and turns to see Clark looking at himself with
wide eyes. He’s...GLOWING WITH THAT SAME YELLOW-GOLD HUE
OF THE SNOW GLOBE!
110.
CLARK
(looking down at himself)
What...?
Both the Krampus and Clark blink at Clark in awe as the

colors swirl and twinkle like Christmas lights.
ON THE ROOF
Zack and Molly watch with awe as--
CLARK
--stands up and looks at the Krampus.
CLARK (CONT’D)
(newfound confidence)
You were saying?
The Krampus narrows his eyes and raises the snow globe
again. WHOOOSH! He sends out another blast but...
...it again BOUNCES OFF CLARK and ricochets RIGHT BACK AT

THE KRAMPUS, this time hitting the snow globe in his hand
and--
SHATTERING IT INTO A THOUSAND PIECES!
The magics WHOOSH OUT, dissipating into the sky...and

Clark’s magical glow starts to FADE. Clark looks to see
a horrified expression growing on the Krampus’s face as
he sees...
...his snowman army starting to MELT. One by one they

all drain right back into the snowy ground until they’re
an army no more. The Krampus blinks, scared now, and
pulls himself to his feet. He goes to run off -- but his
escape is blocked by a battalion of elves led by Ollie.
OLLIE
You know, I’ve read a lot about you...
(beat)
...and you’re much uglier in person.
The Krampus frowns. Ollie smiles and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ICY CAVE - EARLY MORNING
TINK! TINK! TINK! TINK! A group of elves with mallets

and ice picks chisel away at the wall of ice until...
CRASH! It finally collapses.
111.
All the elves anxiously peer into the dark mouth of the
cave.
OLLIE
Santa? Are you there, sir...?
There’s no answer. The elves exchange worried looks when-
SANTA CLAUS (DISTANT)

Ho ho ho...
All the elves look up to see...Santa Claus emerging from

the darkness! He looks worn and weathered but still has
that twinkle in his eye.
OLLIE
Santa!!!
The elves all CHEER and surround him, hugging and

squeezing him. Santa hugs them back and gives Ollie a
smile.
SANTA CLAUS
You found him.
Ollie nods and steps aside to reveal Clark, Zack and

Molly.
OLLIE
Santa Claus, meet--
Santa steps up to Clark and gives him a smile.
SANTA CLAUS
Clement Clark Moore the Fourth.
(looking over him)
I have to say, you’re a spitting image of
your ancestor...apparently in more ways
than one.
They exchange a smile.
CLARK
Thank you, sir.
Santa sees Zack and Molly standing there.
SANTA CLAUS
(to Zack)
And you’re the spitting image of your
father, Zachary!
He pats Zack on the shoulder and Zack lights up. Then--

112.
MOLLY
(stumbling, in awe)
Uh, hi, Santa. I’m a...big fan. I mean,
it’s great to meet you, I mean,
uh...Merry Christmas?
SANTA CLAUS
(chuckling)
Yes, Merry Christmas indeed.
They all exchange a smile then--

Alright then, what are we still doing
standing around here? If I’m not
mistaken, we still have a holiday to
deliver!
The elves all look at each other, as if they had

forgotten.
ELF #1
Do you think there’s still time, Santa?
SANTA CLAUS
Oh, there’s always time...especially with
the Christmas magics on our side.
All the elves wince and look down.
CLARK
Uh, about those Christmas magics...
Clark pulls out the BROKEN PIECES OF THE SNOW GLOBE.
CLARK (CONT’D)
It happened during the battle, I’m sorry,
I...
SANTA CLAUS
Oh, come now, there’s nothing to
apologize for...
Santa steps up to him and takes the broken pieces.

Funny thing about Christmas magic...it
can be difficult to find, but once you
do, it’s almost impossible to destroy.
Santa gives Clark a wink and...HE STARTS TO GLOW AGAIN.

All the elves look at him in awe as...the glow starts to
SWIRL OUT OF HIM and FLOW BACK INTO THE SNOW GLOBE that’s
suddenly REASSEMBLING ITSELF IN SANTA’S HAND.
113.
Everyone’s eyes widen...and then the glow fades and the

Christmas Magics are once again SWIRLING INSIDE THE SNOW
GLOBE.

You see, the clues hidden inside your
great-great-great-great grandfather’s
poem were not just riddles to lead to
some secret location...they were keys to
unlock the magic inside of someone with
even the hardest of hearts.
Clark nods, taking this in, as Ollie clears his throat.
OLLIE
Uh, Santa, what do you want to do with
them?
Santa turns to see a group of elves holding the Krampus,

Noggis and Bale, all tied up with CHRISTMAS RIBBON. The
Krampus has a BOW on his head and Noggis and Bale are
BLUE and have CHATTERING TEETH.
SANTA CLAUS
Oh, I suppose it’s up to them. They can
either agree to be nice and stay out here
with us...or they can choose to remain on
the path of the naughty...
Santa nods to the ICE CAVE.

...which would be a more chilling
decision, to say the least.
Noggis and Bale look at one another and...frantically hop

over to Santa.
NOGGIS
We want to be nice, Santa! Please!
BALE
Yeah -- we’ve learned our lesson, naughty
doesn’t pay!
Santa nods at them and then turns to the Krampus.
SANTA CLAUS
And what about you?
The Krampus looks at him and--

114.
KRAMPUS
You just don’t get it, do you, brother?
Naughty isn’t something I chose...it’s
just what I am.
He turns and walks into the icy cave. Santa watches him
go, shaking his head, and then raises the snow globe and--
FOOOM! A burst of Christmas magics explodes out of it,
whiting out the screen, and we--
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - EARLY MORNING
We’re CLOSE ON Santa’s sleigh, all loaded up with an

enormous bag of presents. PULL BACK TO SEE: Ollie,
Clark, Zack and Ashley standing beside it.
CLARK
Santa’s chief of staff? Looks like you
actually are Santa’s top elf now, huh?
OLLIE
Yes, well, after what happened with
Balder, Santa felt like he needed someone
who had proven his loyalty.
CLARK
Oh, yeah, what happened to that guy
anyway?
Ollie smiles.
OLLIE
Defrosted...and demoted.
Ollie points to...Balder making his way down the hallway

with an enormous overstuffed MAILBAG.
OLLIE (CONT’D)
Careful, Balder, the last minute missives
are just as important as the early ones!
BALDER
Yes, Mr. Ollie, sir, I--
Then CRASH! Balder collapses OUT OF FRAME. Ollie and

Clark exchange a smile then Ollie takes a deep breath.
OLLIE
Well, I guess this is goodbye.
I...really appreciate you helping me
tonight, Mr. Moore.
115.
Clark smiles.
CLARK
I think we both know that you helped me a
lot more than I helped you.
They exchange a smile then--
SANTA CLAUS (OFF)

I understand someone’s going to be
needing a ride home?
Clark turns to see Santa STEPPING UP TO THE SLEIGH.
ZACK
Come on, Dad!
Zack runs and jumps in. Clark gives Molly a look.
CLARK
Oh, great. Another sleigh ride...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE SKY OVER THE NORTH POLE - EARLY MORNING
Santa’s sleigh flies into the morning sky, Clark again

with his arm over his eyes and screaming his head off.
CLARK (OFF)
YaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
The sleigh passes before the rising sun and we--
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN ON...
EXT. THE CHRISTMAS OUTPOST - ONE YEAR LATER
The store is again brimming with activity...but this time

the shelves aren’t dusty and the trees are covered with
beautiful ornaments for sale. It looks...transformed.
Clark dashes around helping the customers and this time,

he does have that twinkle.
CUSTOMER #1
Excuse me, do you have blue garland?
116.
CLARK
All our garland is in the first aisle --
we’ve got gold, silver, blue and red --
and if we don’t have what you’re looking
for we can special order it and have it
in first thing tomorrow.
CUSTOMER #1
Really? Thanks!
Clark smiles and then turns to see -- that same ECCENTRIC

OLD LADY browsing the aisles with the HAM in her hand.
Clark smiles and approaches.
CLARK
Ma’am -- would you like that wrapped?
The Eccentric Old Lady brightens.
ECCENTRIC CUSTOMER
Oh, that would be wonderful! You see, my
husband--
CLARK
(with a smile)
I know.
The Eccentric Lady blinks at Clark as he takes the ham.
CLARK (CONT’D)
Think fast, sport!
He throws it towards the register where Zack catches it.
ZACK
Got it, Dad!
Zack dashes off with the ham. Clark smiles at him when--
CUSTOMER #2
Excuse me, do you sell poinsettias?
CLARK
We do not -- however, we have a
relationship with the florist across the
street. You’ll get twenty-five-percent
off if you tell them the ‘Christmas
Guardian’ sent you.
CUSTOMER #2
Really? Thank you!
The customer hurries out, passing...Molly who’s just on

her way in.
117.
MOLLY
(overhearing)
Clark! That’s the fifth person you’ve
sent over today! Do you have any idea
what you’re doing to my profit margin?
Clark smiles.
CLARK
Ah, come on, have a little Christmas
spirit, huh?
She smiles in spite of herself and Clark pulls her in for

a kiss. And then we PULL BACK TO SEE...
...the original copy of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’

hanging back on the wall.
FADE TO BLACK.
The End

The Christmas Code

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The Christmas Code

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The Christmas Code :

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

The Altiere Bros.

Northern lights play against a starry backdrop. Snow

That’s right, it’s SANTA’S WORKSHOP. We move inside...

INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - NIGHT

It’s brimming with activity. Hundreds of Santa’s ELVES

A harried, avuncular ELF with white hair and spectacles

He continues on, passing a sweet-looking elf struggling

Ollie lugs the mailbag into--

--where MAILROOM ELVES sit at stations opening piles of

YOUNGER ELF #1 (OFF)

He checks to make sure no one is looking...

...and then sneaks the elves into another room. He takes

A less expansive lodge is nestled between the mountains.

We MOVE INSIDE THE LODGE to see--

INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - NIGHT

--a man sitting beside a crackling fire.

REVEAL: it’s SANTA CLAUS, but not as we know him today.

PAN TO SEE another man, this one sitting on an ebony

They both exchange a nod and suddenly rise to their feet.

EXT. ARCTIC MOUNTAIN - NIGHT

Santa and The Krampus ascend an icy staircase cut into

Santa and the Krampus arrive at the mountaintop where

WRAPPED PACKAGES begin FLYING OUT OF THE SACKS and

Mid-conjuring, a dark look crosses the Krampus’s face.

The Krampus suddenly turns and DIRECTS HIS MAGIC AT

EXT. THE NORTH POLE - NIGHT

The screen is whited out by a BLIZZARD. Snow SWIRLS

The snow SWIRLS PAST US and, just for a moment, we can

The Elves unsheathe SWORDS from CANDY CANE SCABBARDS and

INT. A CANDLELIT ROOM - NIGHT

A group of men in VICTORIAN SUITS sit around a table with

The men whisper to each other, nod, and look to...a

EXT. THE NORTH POLE - DAY

The arctic tundra is now marred with the SCARS OF BATTLE.

FOOM! Santa steps in front of him and seals the cave

DISSOLVE BACK TO:

INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP - PRESENT DAY

The two young elves stand before Ollie, eyes wide.

The young elves exchange a look of wonder when--

Ollie turns to see Balder in the doorway behind them.

The younger elves drop their heads and scurry off.

Balder takes the book out of Ollie’s hands and turns it

Ollie sags. Balder pats him on the back.

Ollie looks down, dejected. Balder gives him a

He holds out a bundle of letters and Ollie’s eyes widen.

INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP, SANTA’S OFFICE - NIGHT

It’s more cluttered than when we last saw it. A

There’s a collection of NUTCRACKERS, a terrarium of FIR

After a beat, there’s a KNOCK at the door and--

Ollie puts the letters on the desk and then turns to

At this, Santa turns, finally revealing those famously

Ollie’s eyes widen. He swallows and opens his mouth to

SANTA CLAUS (CONT’D)

Santa dashes to the window and blanches.

SANTA CLAUS (CONT’D)

Santa quickly locks the door. Then he goes to his desk,

Ollie’s eyes widen. Santa folds the slip of parchment

SANTA CLAUS (CONT’D)

Santa solemnly shakes his head and kneels before Ollie.

Ollie looks up at Santa.

INT. SANTA’S WORKSHOP, GREAT HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

ALARMS continue to ring out as a CLOAKED FIGURE steps in.