Bristol, RI – 16 JAN 2013 – The Bristol Statehouse will be hosting private screenings of the documentary, They Wore the Red Suit – the Director’s Cut, on March 9th at 1pm and 7pm and March 10th at 2pm.

Santa Claus is, for most of us, the last connection we were allowed to the realm of magic and pure innocence. Every year, tens of thousands don the red suit for families, parties, and parades. But only a handful of men have reclaimed that connection by turning the portrayal of Santa into a full-time career.

They Wore the Red Suit is a documentary featuring those who have devoted their lives to keeping childhood magic alive in the world by actually being Santa Claus 365 days a year.

The documentary features – James (Jim) D. Rielly – who was well known for his kindness, generosity, and charitable acts. Most notably, Jim Rielly was known as Rhode Island’s Most Famous Santa Claus for 62 years.

Throughout his Santa Claus career, Jim Rielly took no money for his appearances. Born in 1908, He first donned the red suit in 1928 at the age of 19. His first appearance as Santa Claus was for several underprivileged children living in an abandoned chicken coup.

Jim Rielly was featured in hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and on national television shows and received letters from celebrities, dignitaries, Presidents, and His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. In 1979, his name was recorded in the United States Senate Congressional Record as “James D. Rielly, A Truly Remarkable Santa Claus from Rhode Island.”

Most recently in December 2010, Jim Rielly was honored as one of the original 14 inaugural inductees into the prestigious International Santa Claus Hall of Fame (www.santaclaushall.com) in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Tickets are $15 in advance. Seating is limited so be sure to purchase tickets early at www.bristolscreening.brownpapertickets.com or by calling Michael Rielly at 401-965-5985.

Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased at the door for $20.

For more information about They Wore the Red Suit and to view the trailer, please visit: www.thesantamovie.com.