This is a region-free DVD-R without case or artwork.In French with English subtitles. This film is also known as 'Who Killed Santa Claus?'Originally released in 1941, this labyrinthine thriller was finally distributed in the U.S. in 1948, five years after its star, Harry Baur, died while in the custody of the Gestapo. Per the title, the film takes place at Christmastime in a small French village where the local children eagerly await the annual arrival of Santa Claus -- actually toymaker Cornuese (Harry Baur) in disguise. This year, however, a pall has been cast on the festivities: a valuable ring has been stolen from a reclusive baron, and another man dressed up like Santa has been found murdered. What, if anything, this has to do with the jovial Cornuese is a mystery that everyone is eager to solve. Meanwhile, a brace of subplots involving a gravely ill child and a mildly addled young girl are neatly woven into the continuity. 'L'assassinat du Père Noël' can be described as a 'romantic mystery,' a specialty of director Christian-Jaque. Also stars Fernand Ledoux and Raymond Rouleau.
