In The Polar Express, a doubting boy boards a magical train on Christmas Eve, which is headed for the North Pole. Adventure after adventure befall him and a little girl who becomes his friend as they are guided along by the conductor.
As the train ascends a particularly steep hill, the threesome is climbing from the top of the engine down into the coal car. The conductor is telling them to watch for ice when the boy slips. The conductor grabs him just in time and swings him back on board, which reminds the conductor of his first trip on the Polar Express. As they make their way back in the train, they talk about what it really means to believe.
Conductor: Years ago, on my first Christmas Eve run, I was up on the roof making my rounds when I slipped on the ice myself. I reached out for a hand iron, but it broke off. I slid and fell. And yet, I did not fall off this train.
Girl: Someone saved you?
Conductor: Or something…
Girl: An angel.
Conductor: Maybe! (but said with the conviction of a Yes!)
Boy: Wait, wait! What did he look like? Did you see him?
Conductor: No sir. Sometimes seeing is believing. And sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.
Elapsed time 41:30 – 42:39, DVD Scene 9 Content: Rated G
