A2 Scene 5 there is no such person as Santa Claus, Your Honor

Question 1

FRED
Do you believe him to be truthful?

Answer 1

MARA
(jumping up) Remember, you are under oath, Mr. Macy

Question 2

JUDGE
Ms. Mara, do you wish to…
you may step down

Answer 2

(MARA shakes her head)

Question 3

PIERCE
Yes, I do

Answer 3

MARA
Doctor, you are a woman of science, are you not? Have you any rational, scientific reasons for your opinion?

Question 4

JUDGE
Ms. Mara, I must caution you again! You may question the witness when Mr. Gayley is finished

Answer 4

MARA
Yes, Your Honor

Question 5

FRED
Your witness

Answer 5

MARA
Dr Pierce, lots of Christmas presents come with cards saying “From Santa Claus.” Do you know of any other possible donors?

Question 6

PIERCE
No

Answer 6

MARA
Now, be careful, Doctor Pierce. We are in a court of law, and only tangible facts and logical testimony can be accepted as evidence… Tell the court, why do you feel so sure a very expensive item like this machine came from an old man who has just a temporary Christmas job in a department store?

Question 7

DUNCAN
Yet these same reindeer will walk right up to Mr. Kringle and eat out of his hand

Answer 7

MARA
Objection! This is irrelevant and immaterial– not to mention ridiculous. Mr. Gayley is making a circus out of this proceeding. Does he plan to have the reindeer testify, for heaven’s sake? There is no such person as Santa Claus, Your Honor. Everybody knows it.

Question 8

FRED
Can you offer any positive proof that there is NO Santa Claus?

Answer 8

MARA
Well… No… Of course I can’t! (Stronger.) And I don’t intend to try! This isn’t a nursery! This is a New York State Court! We are wasting the court’s time with this childish nonsense. Is there, or is there not a Santa Claus? I ask Your Honor for an immediate ruling.