La storia di Lumetto

This version of Rudolph has transcended the simple childhood fantasy originally intended, becoming a visible part of our popular holiday culture. The sound track, which included new tunes for my generation are now woven into the fabric of traditional holiday fare. For me, this film sparks memories. I was on a cub scout trip to gather greens for wreaths and the biggest worry of many of the cubs was if we were going to get home in time to see the premier showing of Rudolph. I was 8 years old and my Mom had bought me a new boy scout hatchet for that outing... Of course she worried I'd cut my fingers and Dad reassured her that I'd be careful with the hatchet. In later years, I suspect there were a few other teens who secretly watched Rudolph (without their peer's knowledge) and in even later years it was great to have some young ones around to lend an excuse to watch the Christmas special. Rudolph has changed over the years. Originally, the commercial breaks during Rudolph's airing included some of Santa's elves from the show. As I recall, they were sledding snowy hills on an electric razor and when it stops short, the tall elf with glasses was thrown and disappeared into a snow drift. The commercials were almost an extension of the show and enjoyable to watch. There was also the change of songs and attitude in the scene where Hermie and Rudolph first meet. In the original I believe they sung the misfit song, which seemed to be an acceptance of their status and they depart in search of independence and a place they can fit in. In early subsequent versions, the fame and fortune song replaced the misfit song which seemed to create a more defiant attitude towards their lot in life. Perhaps that defiance fit into the 1960's best. In any event, the misfit song was back on the most recent showing and Hermie and Rudolph lamented their status once again. I'm not complaining about the changes… I've done a little changing myself in the last 40 years. So I split some kindling (believe it or not) with that same old boy scout hatchet Mom bought me so many years ago and I smiled at her ancient worries... all ten digits remain happily in place. The fireplace was casting a nice glow and my granddaughter and I watched Rudolph. My granddaughter is not quite two and she toddled to the television screen and touched the image of thin Santa who won't eat for Mrs. Klaus and then she turned to me and smiled. One more memory for life… like I said, this film has transcended what it was meant to be.

Christmas would not be the same without this wonderful story, 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'. This film, narrated by talking snowman voiced by Burl Ives, is a claymation which tells Rudolph's story. It's a children's film, but it is one that adults can enjoy too because it is a cute film, and it offers nastalgic value. It also has a few classic Christmas songs; combine that with a good story and the warmth and happy ending, and you have the perfect Christmas family film. This film was one of my favourites as a child, and I still love it today. Excellent; I wish they made them more like this. I cannot fault this film in any way.

Videocraft International Limited; The General Electric Fantasy Hour; all those remarkable numbers; Romeo Muller's script; the legendary Hermey, the elf who wanted the world of dentistry rather than the magic of the North Pole; Burl Ives as the irreplacable Sam the Snowman, who tells our tale; the beautiful vocal of tones of ol' neon-nose himself, as uttered by Billie Mae Richards --- and that ultimate stop-motion animation paradise, the Island of Misfit Toys.

Any proper exploration of the Enchanted World of Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass must begin here.... with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer --- television's longest continuously aired animated Christmas special. It was the cornerstone of everything R/B would eventually accomplish over the next 4 decades; it did instill some negative feelings in me --- for a time. But until I read Rick Goldschmidt's recently published in-depth chronicle of this 1964 television landmark, featuring Muller's complete screenplay, I realized that there was much about the film I didn't know. How fortunate we are that Rick was able to open our eyes and set the record straight.

To the dum-dums of the Television Academy: I've bugged you about this for several years; now, more than ever, Arthur and Jules need to be there --- there being the Television Academy Hall of Fame. I hope those who still watch and enjoy Rankin/Bass' Rudolph will agree with me and bug the TV Academy into putting the boys there. 'Nuff said.

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. :)

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.