Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at 50

National Review ^ | 12/11/2014 | James Lileks

[SeekAndFind]

[SeekAndFind]

[VanDeKoik]

I remember watching this when it was less than 20 years old. :^/

Amazing how the old specials just hold up despite all of the attempts to bash on the past by the PC crowd. I dont think there has been any Christmas special in the past 15 years that has obtained the status of the ones made from the 60s-80s.

Of course there is only one other thing on TV that is as classic as these shows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W9V9SZPHAY

[Kirkwood]

I’m not sure if it was this way everywhere, but CBS cut off the end of the show the other night to squeeze in more commercials.

[Jane Long]

First air date: December 6, 1964

[Kackikat]

I saw a small silver car today, in my rear view mirror, it had a big red nose in the middle of it’s grill area...cute.

[Fester Chugabrew]

So let’s spoil it by over-thinking the details . . .

The author certainly succeeds in his latter aim, not only by over-thinking but also by overwriting. I am now reminded to watch this splendid animation with my children and grandchildren since I have not done so in years.

[P.O.E.]

I prefer Magoo's Christmas Carol. With Razzleberry dressing.

[Verginius Rufus]

Apparently the story of Rudolph goes back to 1939. I remember the song version as a kid, which was before 1964, and was completely unfamiliar with the 1964 elaboration of the story before this thread.

Meanwhile, have they ever identified the reindeer who ran over Grandma?

[Jane Long]

Rankin/Bass stop-motion features are recognizable by their visual style of doll-like characters with spheroid body parts, and ubiquitous powdery snow using an animation technique called “Animagic.” Often, traditional cel animation scenes of falling snow would be projected over the action to create the effect of a snowfall.

More productions, in similar style/era, are mentioned here....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankin/Bass_Productions

[Jane Long]

We have that on DVD and watch it every year. I remember watching it, with family/cousins, every year at Christmastime.

It’s Great to be back, back, back...back on Broadway ;-)

[KarlInOhio]

You saw Santa and the reindeers dropping off the toys from the Island of Discarded Production Runs, 

I always want them to go a little bit father and visit the Island of Recalled Toys and pick up some lawn darts for the kids.

[driftless2]

I’m sure you’re aware that Jame Lileks is maybe the best conservative satirist in the business.

[nascarnation]

[Buckeye McFrog]

Sad. I recall waiting with anticipation for the entire year for my one shot to see it (in black-and-white because my father was the last on our block to shell out for a color TV set).

I also miss the Norelco ads that featured Santa traversing the North Pole on a razor head.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Why am I such a misfit?
Clearly I’m being bullied.
I’m going to the Justice Department to file
a Civil Rights Complaint.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I could be lost in Lileks’ website for weeks. He does an excellent job.

[hoagy62]

What I never realized, until read the credits at the end, was that the animation was done in Japan.

I remember the first time I saw it...two years after it premiered. I remember bawling uncontrollably at the very end when Santa called out “Merry Christmas!” I have no idea why.

[Resolute Conservative]

My kids, grandkids and I still watch the big 5 every year: Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (not the Jim Carrey horrible crapper). I grew up watching these every year.

Non animated: Santa Clause 1 and 2, Christmas Story, Jingle All the Way, Miracle of 34th street.

[Fester Chugabrew]

What makes you so sure?