Who doesn’t love Christmas TV specials, especially the animated ones, right? And here’s a list of at least ten of the best. En-joy (and peace)!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (NBC, 1964): Directed by Larry Roemer. Written by Romeo Muller, Robert May, and Johnny Marks. The unbeatable story that teaches tolerance, and acceptance; offers separate and combined tales of true love and courage, facing fears, coming of age; the meaning of true friendship, and the importance of retaining a holiday spirit throughout the year. A script of immense charm (“Yep, this is where we ‘grow ’em,’ RE: “Christmas trees”; “A toy is not truly happy unless it is loved by a child”; “elf-improvement”). All of it is accented with an equally unbeatable soundtrack including “There’s Always Tomorrow,” “Holly, Jolly Christmas,” and “Silver and Gold,” among others. Arguably, no animated Christmas special does it better than “Rudolph.”
[This article is edited material from Herbie J Pilato’s new book, CHRISTMAS TV MEMORIES: NOSTALGIC HOLIDAY FAVORITES OF THE SMALL SCREEN.][This article is edited material from Herbie J Pilato’s new book, CHRISTMAS TV MEMORIES: NOSTALGIC HOLIDAY FAVORITES OF THE SMALL SCREEN.]
Image Credit: IMDb.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (CBS, 1965)
Directed by Bill Melendez. Written by Charles Schulz. Young voice-over talent Peter Robbins made his indelible mark as Charlie Brown in this poignant holiday classic that spawned a series of similar specials for every holiday. Here, Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas and the perfect tree. While directing a school play, he finds both, though not before our young low-achiever confronts several obstacles. Not the least of these conflicts is presented by his own dog Snoopy’s obsession with winning first prize in a local decorations competition or by his mean-spirited peers who mock his choice of a tiny, sickly tree. Through it all, Charlie continues to struggle for peace of mind in his December time, when he is forced to visit with his pseudo-psychologist friend (and foe) Lucy, who offers him a 5-cent therapy session.
Following a desperate plea (during which he screams, “Can’t anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?!”), Charlie Brown finally hears the real deal — from Lucy’s young brother Linus, of all people. “I can tell you,” Linus reveals. And in one of the most uniquely animated moments in the history of the genre, Linus goes on to quote the Biblical story of the first Christmas. In a matter of moments, Charlie Brown’s misguided pals realize their inconsideration and, with the help and reconfiguration of Snoopy’s prize-winning decorations, breathe life into a once-listless tree — further uncovering and “illuminating” the true meaning of Christmas. “Hark the herald” these young animated angels then all sing.
Image Credit: IMDB.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CBS, 1966)
Directed by Chuck Jones and Ben Washam. Written by Bob Ogle and based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Director Ron Howard and actor Jim Carrey made a valiant attempt to bring Whoville to the live-action big screen a few years back but that film does not compare to this original — especially due to the vocal brilliance of Boris Karloff.
Image Credit: IMDB.
The Little Drummer Boy (NBC, 1968)
Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr. and others. Written by Romeo Muller. Two years after CBS got heavy with A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Peacock network delivered this equally deep and spiritual take on an animated Christmas TV special. Based on the classic song (that was later historically performed by Bing Crosby and David Bowie on one of Crosby’s traditional NBC holiday specials), this poignant special featured the vocal character prowess of Jose Ferrer, Paul Frees, June Foray, and narration by Greer Garson.
Image Credit: IMDB.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (ABC, 1969)
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Written by Romeo Muller. Taking its cue from Rudolph, this smart Christmas tale expands on the popularity of a Christmas song and threads a charming tale about the origins of St. Nick — here voiced by Mickey Rooney. Also along for the ride: Fred Astaire (serving the narrator’s purpose, as did Burl Ives on Rudolph) as the Christmas Mailman. This also features the vocal gymnastics of Keenan Wynn, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, and Robie Lester.
Image Credit: IMDB.
Frosty The Snowman (CBS, 1969)
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin. Written by Romeo Muller. Here, Jimmy Durante (like his cartooned colleagues Burl Ives and Fred Astaire before him) serves as narrator to yet another Christmas carol come to life — along with Frosty. A sequel (Frosty Returns) later followed (with John Goodman, years before he donned the live-action edition of The Year Without a Santa Claus in the Frosty role originally voiced by Jackie Vernon). But it wasn’t the same. This special also featured the voices of the great Billy De Wolfe (The Doris Day Show) and Bass/Rankin/Miller stalwarts Paul Frees and June Foray.
Image Credit: IMDB.
A Christmas Carol (Syndicated, 1969)
Directed by Zoran Janjic. Written by Michael Robinson and based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens. Who says television isn’t educational — and this production introduced to the grand literary mind of Charles Dickens to American children visually and vocally. Up until this point, “cartoons” meant only Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! This special featured the voice-over talents of Alistair Duncan, Ron Haddick (as Scrooge), John Llewellyn, Bruce Montague, Brenda Senders, and many others.
Image Credit: IMDB.
The Night the Animals Talked (CBS, 1970)
Directed by Shamus Culhane. Written by Peter Fernandez, Jan Hartman, and others. This unique special was just about as far away from Dr. Doolittle as you can get; we learn what the animals were thinking at the birth of Christ. They are granted the gift of gab — and we are granted the gift of insight. Mind-boggling and eons ahead of its time, this special featured the voices of Patricia Bright, Ruth Franklin, Bob Kaliban, Len Maxwell, Joe Silver, Frank Porretta, and others.
Image Credit: IMDB.
The Year Without A Santa Claus (ABC, 1974)
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Written by William Keenan and based on the novel by Phyllis McGinley. Mickey Rooney returns as Santa, this time joined by Shirley Hazel Booth as Mrs. Claus in a witty take that may be sub-coded Santa Takes A Holiday — as the jolly one gets sick and decides to take a break from Christmas. A sophisticated animated tale is delivered, along with an astounding message and pristine dialogue. This cartoon proved so impressive it spawned a live-action TV-movie (starring John Goodman) in 2006.
Image Credit: IMDB.
’Twas the Night Before Christmas (CBS, 1974)
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Written by Jerome Coopersmith and based on the poem by Clement Moore. Producers/directors Bass and Rankin steered away from stop-action animation (Rudolph, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town) and headed into the then-more traditional animatronics of the era. What’s more, it’s also told in a 30-minute format (as opposed to the aforementioned 60 minutes, though first completed a few years before with Frosty the Snowman in 1969). But their style is still evident especially drawn in the eyes and “heart” of each character. The result: a sweet narrative delivery of a perfect holiday rhyme. Featuring the voices of Patricia Bright, Scott Firestone, George Gobel (Hollywood Squares), Broadway giant and film legend Joel Grey, and Tammy Grimes (the original choice for Samantha on TV’s Bewitched).
This article originally appeared on upbeatwithherbiejpilato.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: IMDB.
