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

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 | Snowman | Misfit | Toy | Abominable Snowman

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:

Although the Rudolph puppet - which still exists - appears to be about three feet tall when viewed on screen, it's only an illusion: in reality, "Rudolph" is palm-sized - approximately the same size as a very small kitten.

Goofs:

Continuity: The head elf's voice is clearly a different actor when he's conducting the choir.

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 "Kim Possible: A Very Possible Christmas (#2.15)" (2003)

Soundtrack:

Jingle Jingle Jingle

The Ultimate TV Christmas Classic, and God Bless Burl!

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.