The international title of this 23-minute animated short film "Christopher's Christmas Mission" is fairly different to the Swedish "Sagan om Karl-Bertil Jonssons julafton". Even the title character's name is different. Per Åhlin directed this movie fairly early in his career, even if he was already over 40. It is based on the story by Tage Danielsson, who also voices one of the main characters. It is a classic holiday film in Sweden and I cannot say that this is very much in favor of Swedish television. This short movie has a couple decent moments, but as a whole it's not a great success either in emotional warmth or in terms of comedy. The animation is okay for the 1970s and if you have seen some other Scandinavian animated films, you can see that it's a similar style they use. Sometimes, it also reminded me of the German "Werner Beinhart" movies. All in all, not a must-see by any means.

Shown mostly every Xmas in Sweden, this 'short' is typical of the output of Tage Danielsson, one of the greatest and brightest figures of Swedish entertainment and even political thought.Ever incisive, Tage could cut to the quick with skits that had you rolling in the aisles - and feeling good at the same time (which is no mean feat).And he always had a message with all that he did. And this Xmas story is no exception.It's brilliant, it's brilliantly narrated (by Tage himself of course) and no Xmas at home in Sweden would be really complete without it.Let's all play homage to a great man and thank him for what he gave us all those years - Tage tragically died in skin cancer at an early age. I was fortunate enough to meet him privately, and he was every bit the same person the public knew him as.A truly great man - and here is yet another gem he gave us. Enjoy. It's a lot of laughter, but it's extremely big hearted. It will make your Xmas all the more full of warmth.

"Sagan om Karl Bertil Jonssons julafton" might be the cutest Swedish movie of all times. It's about Karl Bertil, the son of a very rich man, who steals Christmas presents from the rich and give them to the poor.The movie is both funny, intelligent and warm. And even though it´s quite simple, it really touches my heart.The film is sent on Swedish television every Christmas Eve, and Christmas would not be the same without it.

I really love this little TV-film. It's just about 25 minutes long but truly a masterpiece; the tone, the humour, the message and perhaps most of all - the soundtrack.Per Åhlins art work is superb.Swedish Television has shown this on Xmas Eve every year since 1975. Bless it.