Will the Real Santa Claus Please Come Down the Chimney?

Episode aired Dec 19, 1962
TV-Y7
26m

IMDb RATING

7.6/10

YOUR RATING

Bob Denver and Dwayne Hickman in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959)

Comedy Family

The Gilleses believe that the time has come to disabuse Maynard of his belief in Santa Claus and set in motion an elaborate scheme to accomplish the task.The Gilleses believe that the time has come to disabuse Maynard of his belief in Santa Claus and set in motion an elaborate scheme to accomplish the task.The Gilleses believe that the time has come to disabuse Maynard of his belief in Santa Claus and set in motion an elaborate scheme to accomplish the task.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.6/10

YOUR RATING

1User review

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos

Top cast8

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Dwayne Hickman

Dobie Gillis

Frank Faylen

Herbert T. Gillis

Florida Friebus

Winifred Gillis

Bob Denver

Maynard G. Krebs

Bobby Diamond

Duncan Gillis
(as Bob Diamond)

Anthony Spinelli

Duffy
(as Sam Weston)

Dick Cherney

Workman
(uncredited)

Bess Flowers

Woman in Line
(uncredited)

Director
- Rod Amateau
Writers
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

User reviews1

7.638

Featured reviews

7kgraovac

Classic TV Xmas Countdown Episode #30

The Gillises have an Xmas house guest: 21-year-old Maynard, who still believes in Santa Claus.

This is very good for an Xmas episode. Unlike Xmas 1959 where Herbert was the Scrooge, this time it's Winnie who's barking "Bah, Humbug". We don't learn why until the very end - but the payoff is very funny.

Maynard takes it upon himself to make sure each of the Gillises get their Xmas wish - even if he does it in a roundabout way that is going to cost Herbert big bucks. His heart was in the right place (even if his mind wasn't). Even those who aren't familiar with the series can see Maynard is just a kid at heart. If they can't, the sight of Maynard in his onesie pyjamas on Xmas Eve will confirm it.

This one has a nice twist ending but I won't spoil it. One of the better Xmas episodes of television's B&W era. 7/10.

Did you know

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Trivia
The title refers to the request given by Bud Collyer at the climax of the To Tell the Truth (1956) game show when the impostors are revealed as the guest is asked to stand up. "Will the real Mr./Mrs. XXXX please stand up."

Connections
References Gunsmoke (1955)

Soundtracks
Deck the Halls
(uncredited)
Traditional tune, lyrics by Thomas Oliphant
Performed by Frank Faylen, Bobby Diamond, Florida Friebus & Dwayne Hickman
Herbert and Dunky sing the song while they trim the tree; Winnie sings the song in the store for Dunky; and Dobie, Dunky and Herbert sing the song when they're playing with their opened presents