Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (TV)

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Directors:

Kizo Nagashima
Larry Roemer

Writers:

Robert May (story)
Romeo Muller (writer)

Release Date:

6 December 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Family | Fantasy | Musical

Plot:

A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them.

Plot Keywords:

Reindeer | Misfit | Snowman | Toy | Christmas

Cast

Burl Ives	...	Narrator: Sam the Snowman (voice)
Billie Mae Richards	...	Rudolph (voice) (as Billy Richards)
Paul Soles	...	Hermey (voice)
Larry D. Mann	...	Yukon Cornelius (voice) (as Larry Mann)
Stan Francis	...	Santa Claus / King Moonracer (voice)
Paul Kligman	...	Donner / Clarice's Father / Comet the Coach (voice)
Janet Orenstein	...	Clarice (voice)
Alfie Scopp	...	Head Elf / Other Elves / Jeering Reindeers (voice)
Carl Banas	...	Charlie-In-The-Box / Spotted Elephant / Other Toys (voice)
Corinne Conley	...	Doll / Others (voice)
Peg Dixon	...	Mrs. Donner / Others (voice)

Runtime:

47 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System)

Certification:

Canada:G (Manitoba/Quebec) | UK:U (video rating) | USA:TV-G

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Rankin/Bass Productions

Trivia:

After an outcry of protest insisting on a happy ending for the Misfit Toys, new scenes were animated depicting Santa's sleigh rescuing them and finding homes for them all.

Goofs:

Plot holes: When Santa leaves at the end, with Rudolph at the head of the team, there are only 7 reindeer altogether (including Rudolph himself). There should be 9.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Narrator: Sam the Snowman: If I live to be 100, I'll never forget that big snow storm a couple of years ago. The weather closed in and, well you might not believe it, but the world almost missed Christmas. Oh, excuse me, call me Sam. What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a talking snowman before?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Bride of the Monster (#5.23)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

A Holly Jolly Christmas

The ultimate Christmas special

There are many Christmas specials and movies involving Christmas. Some are good. Some are average. And some are just plain bad. But Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer shall remain the king of all Christmas specials. All the characters are wonderful and memorable, and Burl Ives is just perfect for the snowman, who sings those unforgettable songs. A must see every Christmas.