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"The Simpsons" Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire (1989)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
TV Series:
Original Air Date:
17 December 1989
(Season 1, Episode 1)
Tagline:
Twas the Week Before Christmas and Fate Played a Joke. No Tree and No Presents, Homer was Broke!
Plot:
Christmas seems doomed for the Simpson family when Homer receives no Christmas Bonus. Homer becomes a mall Santa Claus, hoping to make money and bring Marge, Bart, Lisa, and baby Maggie, a happy holiday. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Christmas
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Tattoo
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Dog
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Tattoo Parlor
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Christmas Bonus
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Awards:
Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys.
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User Comments:
The One that Started It All
more (15 total)
Cast
(Episode Complete credited cast)| Dan Castellaneta | ... | Homer Simpson / Barney Gumble / Elf Moldy / Grampa Simpson (voice) | |
| Julie Kavner | ... | Marge Simpson / Patty Bouvier / Selma Bouvier (voice) | |
| Nancy Cartwright | ... | Bart Simpson / Ralph Wiggum / SNPP employee / Radio singing voice / Boy / Lewis / Cashier / Elf Bubbles (voice) | |
| Yeardley Smith | ... | Lisa Simpson (voice) | |
| Harry Shearer | ... | Principal Seymour Skinner / Mr. Largo / Ned Flanders / Tattoo Guy / Waylon Smithers / Dr. Zitofsky / Loudspeaker voice in shop / Santa Clause Manager / Santa Class Teacher / Announcer / Clerk (voice) | |
| Hank Azaria | ... | Moe Szyslak (voice) | |
| Jo Ann Harris | ... | Girl (voice) | |
| Pamela Hayden | ... | Santa Clause Girl / Todd Flanders / Santa Clause Woman / Milhouse van Houten / Son (voice) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
30 min
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Fun Stuff
Trivia:
DVD commentary revealed that the creators got letters of praise for heightening the awareness of the abandonment of racing dogs even though they didn't know it was a real problem when they created the episode.
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Goofs:
Miscellaneous: When Bart and Homer return with Santa's Little Helper, a single frame of Maggie sliding off Marge's lap was misplaced.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
References Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
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Soundtrack:
Santa Baby
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FAQ
What money did Marge Simpson use to get the tattoo on Bart Simpson's arm removed via laser?What does Bart Simpson ask Santa Claus for in a letter to him?
What does Bart Simpson write on the chalk board in one of the classrooms of "Springfield Elementary School?"
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I remember hearing about this special back in the third grade, "The Simpsons was the best cartoon, and you just had to see it!" Unfortunately, we didn't get Fox in my little Idaho town. Finally, when we did get Fox, I started my weekly ritual of visiting the Simpsons every Thursday and then on Sundays.
This is a solid Christmas special. It's a more heartfelt episode compared to the episodes produced today. Homer wasn't nearly as much of a buffoon as he is today, and this episode isn't as hysterical as future episodes, but what it may lack in some comedy, it makes up in story and character development. While Bart was quite the troublemaker, he still cared deeply for his father and his family. Plus, the family singing of Rudolph played in the credits was great!
This was our first meeting with the Simpsons, and it would continue to be a great relationship.