Ex-con Stretch Sears (Barry Fitzgerald) finally gets another chance at parole, and is given the job of a department store Santa during the holidays. At first Sears hates the idea of the job, but, soon begins to take it seriously when a young juvenile delinquent boy questions his really being Santa. Sears plans to show the young boy by stealing a toy plane he wanted while at the store, but, how will it work out for Sears in the long run.
I've never really been a great fan of holiday themed episodes, but, this one isn't to bad considering it sticks out like a sore thumb in a series devoted to tales of crime, mystery, & thrillers. The main reason to catch this one is the great performance by Barry Fitzgerald, his scruffy old look and Irish accent make him a pleasure to watch. Other then that its pretty standard fair, with a happy ending, even though it doesn't get to sappy on us like most holiday shows do. Hitchcock himself even kinda scoffs at the idea of Christmas and holiday themed shows in general with his opening and closing monologues.