Although the animation isn't remarkable, this long-overdue adaptation of the 1902 book by Wizard of Oz creator Frank L. Baum, offers an intriguing exploration of St. Nick's origins. When fairies find a human infant in their woods, forest-master Ak (voice of Hal Holbrook) orders a tigress to nurse the child. But the nymph Necile (Dixie Carter) bends several rules in order to rear baby "Nick" herself. Raised among mythical creatures like the pixies, the teenaged Nick (Robby Benson) is stunned to learn of his human origins. But encouraged by Ak, he eventually decides to acquaint himself with the human world. Struck by the misery of beggar families, Nick vows to ameliorate suffering in whatever way he can and discovers that children adore his wooden carvings. Nick cultivates his gift-giving niche despite the efforts of the Rock Creatures, who wallow in mankind's misfortune, to sabotage his efforts. But how can a mere mortal defy time and space to become toy dispenser for the entire world? Given the potent story, this tender yarn would have been better served by a more visually daring presentation; fascinating as Baum's faux folklore is, the pixies and nymphs lack individualized presence. Regrettably, the film is also short on humor; that's not to say wisecracking, Disney style talking animals are called for, but less solemnity might have made this inspirational fable feel less like a wallow in cotton candy. Still, small children should be entranced. --Robert Pardo
