Rudolph, le petit renne au nez rouge

I've seen and loved all of the great Rankin/Bass Christmas shows, and I have most of them on video, but this first one, "Rudolph," is still the best, and still the one that holds the warmest memories for me.

In terms of Holiday atmosphere, it can't be beat. The late Johnny Marks' songs are all winners, and "Rudolph" and "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" are now firmly established Christmas classics. And holding it all together is Burl Ives' warm, friendly singing and narration. His sincerity and joviality just naturally make you want to "pull up an ice block and lend an ear." I'm now 41 years old, I know all the dialogue practically by heart, and yet I still watch "Rudolph" practically every Christmas. And, what's more, I still love it.

Finally, a word to Julie Landry, of Orlando, on her review. I myself was dyslexic as a child. And yes, I got picked on because of it. But, in deference to your opinion, I see "Rudolph" as a story of how even a perceived outsider can fit in. As a successful Senior Librarian today, I'm living proof that outsiders can succeed. But, then, Rudolph proved that long before I did.

Briefly, this movie contains my favorite movie-flub (mistake) of all time. Did you catch this?

Early on, when Rudolph arrives at the Isle of Misfit Toys, one of the Misfits is a toy bird that can not fly (he swims).

At the end of the movie when the credits are running, an elf riding in the back of Santa's sleigh is "parachuting" the Misfit Toys to the homes below by handing each toy an umbrella and then tossing them over-board. Everyone gets an umbrella... everyone that is except the poor flightless bird. Just as the elf is about to hand the bird an umbrella, he looks at the umbrella, looks at the bird, apparently decides birds don't need umbrellas, and then tosses the poor bird overboard assumedly to his death.

Merry Xmas. :)

Sam the Snowman narrates the story of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His parents, the Donners, try to hide his glowing nose but during the Reindeer Games, his fake nose falls off. He is ridiculed and kicked out of the games. Meanwhile, an elf named Hermey would rather be a dentist than making toys. He runs away and meets Rudolph. They join up with prospector Yukon Cornelius who is looking for gold and silver. They escape the Abominable Snow Monster and discover the Island of Misfit Toys.

This is a classic with two of the best Christmas songs ever; "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas". The stop-motion animation has an old fashion charm. It also brings to the world the Island of Misfit Toys. The only minor complaint is that Santa needs to be more jolly. He's a little judgmental on Rudolph's nose early on. It's a small point in what is an imaginative icon.

Remember People, This was made in 1964. I LOVE IT, cause I've been watching it since I was 2 or 3 years old in the late 60's and it was DAMN MAGICAL!! I wanted to grow up to be MOONRACER, and I kinda did, but I have an island of misfit animals instead of toys. And they are all Truly Beautiful! :) Some reviewers complained about negative elements of the story, well, yes it is sexist, and full of bullies, but come on people. That's how REAL LIFE was then, and sadly it's reverting back to just as bad if not worse the last few years. I think what you should try to stick to is that it's a cartoon, and old cartoon at that. If I could pick out a positive character as a 3 year old to want to model my life after,(Moonracer) who finds value and beauty in all things. Then I think you adults should try to look at what is positive in the story. True Friendship between Hermey the elf, Rudolph, the little doe Clarice, the abominable snow man and the fun trippy ol prospector dude Yukon Cornelius. Why you gotta focus on all the negative??? It's a damn classic movie and isn't going away anytime soon. The whole point is it's Not too Late to Change your mind and your heart! Learn how to model yourself and your kids after the positive aspects, not the negative please. And if your just a Christmas hater, then celebrate FESTIVUS instead. ;D It's a Festivus for the Rest of US! :D

Oh this one is great! I loved it as a kid, and must admit to being scared of the Abominable when he showed round age 5 or so. The parts with Herbie doing the 'Oink oink oink' routine and with Yukon Cornelious are a Scream! (One of my cousins reminds me of Yukon, actually...)

There are some terrific vignettes here-the iceberg drifting off into the northern lights, the Beasts' roaring echoing all round, the Island of Misfit Toys(Charlie in the Box is the best!)...'Bumbles Bounce!'...

Who can not like this? Plus Burl Ives, the one and only. This one will still be shown long after the Beavises of the world are gone.

*** outta ****, a definate watch. +