The Little Drummer Boy Book II

Little Drummer Boy Book II, The (1976)

*** (out of 4)

Eight years after the previous film, Bass and Rankin came back with this sequel, which is once again narrated by Greer Garson. This time out the drummer boy Aaron is rejoicing the birth of Jesus but soon he must try and protect some Silver Bells from falling into the hands of the Romans. While this film doesn't reach the levels of the original, it remains an entertaining film but I do think that less would have been more. I think the biggest problem with the film are a few of the musical numbers, which just don't come off too well. 'Money, Money, Money' is one of the songs performed that just doesn't take off and it really takes away from the actual story being told as well. I would also say that some of the vocal work in the film isn't nearly as impressive as in the first film but the one exception would be Zero Mostel doing the voice of Brutus. Once again the animation is certainly the high point as it looks even better and I was impressed by the way Bass and Rankin were able to make the film look as if it was filmed at the same time as the original. The story itself is a pretty good one with the obvious messages thrown in for kids.

If you've enjoyed the original Drummer Boy holiday special, you should check this one out. If you recall in the first story, the hatred in Aaron's heart went away when the baby Jesus smiled at him after playing his drum. In this story, Aaron helps a bellmaker keep his fortune safe from Roman soldiers. When Aaron offers to entertain with his animals for the soldiers, his drum gets destroyed. Just think how distraught Aaron was at the sight of his prized possession going up in flames, but things turn out well in the end.

Unlike the original special, this one mentions Christmas. And if you enjoy the Drummer Boy holiday titles, you should also watch Rudolph, Frosty, and other great holiday favorites from Rankin-Bass.

I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES.

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I AM HONEST! I REVIEW Christmas MOVIES AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN!

The Little Drummer Boy, Book II is a Christmas television special produced in stop-motion animation by Rankin/Bass. As the title suggests, it is a sequel to the 1968 special The Little Drummer Boy. Originally broadcast on NBC on December 13, 1976, it is notably the only Rankin/Bass special to receive an Emmy nomination; it was nominated for the 1977 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program.

This special however is not based on the song "The Little Drummer Boy" but it is an original story all on its own! However the story doesn't work all that well.

The special also borrows lyrics from two other Christmas Carols one of them being "Do You Hear What I Hear". That history of that song is actually more interesting that "The Little Drummer Boy Book 2". The song "Do You Hear What I Hear" is a song written in October 1962, with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker. The pair, married at the time, wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney had been invited by a record producer to write a Christmas song, but he was hesitant due to the commercialism of the Christmas holiday. It has sold tens of millions of copies and has been covered by hundreds of artists

Now the special in general is worth watching but I highly doubt most people will go out of their way to see it again upon their initial first viewing.

It is however a great tool to use to help introduce children to the events after the birth of Jesus,

Rankin/Bass sequel to their 1968 classic The Little Drummer Boy. Greer Garson returns to narrate the story, which has the little drummer boy tasked with rescuing some important silver bells from greedy Roman soldiers. As is usually the case with Rankin/Bass, the stop-motion animation is the best part. It's a lovely-looking special. The voice work and music are also very good. The songs are nice, including "Do You Hear What I Hear" and "The Little Drummer Boy," which plays throughout in the background. There's also a catchy song about money that has the Roman soldiers singing and dancing. Greer Garson recites "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." It's a decent sequel. Not as powerful or moving as the original, but pleasant and enjoyable for what it is.

After playing for the new born King, little drummer boy Aaron seeks to do more. One of the wise men suggests a new quest. The villagers ignore Simeon who is preaching the word of God. In order to truly spread the news, he has created giant silver bells. Roman soldiers break in and seize the bells. Drummer boy Aaron comes up with a plan to retrieve the bells from the tax collector camp. This is a fine sequel to the Christmas classic. It has the religious and holiday feels. It is sincere and nice.