From an imperial-era Russian Christmas party, a young girl named Clara is whisked in her dreams to an imaginary world populated by the animated creations of the wizard toy maker Drosselmeier. Clara innocently develops a crush on the imaginary Nutcracker prince. Upon her arrival in the Land of the Sweets, she dances a yearning pas de deux with the Nutcracker Prince. It makes the ballet far more interesting. The frequent involvement of Drosselmeyer throughout the ballet reinforces a magical effect.

Originally broadcast on CBS in 1977. Based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann.