Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

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

Director:

Larry Roemer

Writers:

Romeo Muller, Robert May (story)

Stars:

Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Paul Soles

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Burl Ives	...	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)
Janis Orenstein	...	Clarice (voice)
Alfie Scopp	...	Charlie-In-The-Box / Fireball / Other Reindeer (voice)
Carl Banas	...	Head Elf / Spotted Elephant / Other Toys (voice)
Corinne Conley	...	Doll / Others (voice)
Peg Dixon	...	Mrs. Donner / Mrs. Claus / Others (voice)

Storyline

Sam the snowman tells us the story of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being ousted from the reindeer games because of his beaming honker, teams up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, the prospector. They run into the Abominable Snowman and find a whole island of misfit toys. Rudoph vows to see if he can get Santa to help the toys, and he goes back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. But Santa's sleigh is fogged in. But when Santa looks over Rudolph, he gets a very bright idea...

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Plot Keywords:

reindeer | misfit | toy | snowman | sleigh | 

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Taglines:

The Most Famous Reindeer of All Time!

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Family | Fantasy | Musical

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Official Sites:

CBS [United States] Classic Media

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 December 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Rena do Nariz Vermelho

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rankin/Bass Productions, Videocraft International, National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

47 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Santa puppet is 8" tall. Young Rudolph is only 4" tall. Rudolph's nose really lights. The puppets are made from wood, wire, and fabric, and are quite fragile. The Japanese company that handled animation made several copies of each puppet, since they didn't last long under the constant handling of stop-motion posing. None of these copies are known to exist.

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Goofs

During the scene leading up to Santa's plea to Rudolph to guide the sleigh, Rudolph's nose keeps changing its size and shape.

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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?

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Crazy Credits

During the closing credits, we see the elves drop off the Misfit toys at their new homes by giving each one an umbrella, and after the credits are over, Santa Claus says "Merry Christmas" and flies away.

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Connections

Referenced in American Horror Story: Unholy Night (2012)

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Soundtracks

Jingle Jingle Jingle
Written by Johnny Marks
Performed by Stan Francis

User Reviews

The old classic....NBC studios NYC museum still has an exhibit

The figurines are still displayed...the old snowman (voice by Burl Ives), Rudolph, Clarice,the assorted elves, the Abonimable snowman...

What a great show for children!. This, like "Davey and Goliath" captures the child's imagination, and has no blood or gore (except maybe when Rudolph gets in trouble!). Not to worry though, it all works out.

It is a great story and the figures are so life-like; children under age nine especially will love this. It is very telling that over thirty years later I can remember this tale, and want my children to watch this. There is really nothing else as well done for the season. A must see for all young viewers, and adults who need a dose of Christmas!. 10/10.