I would love to know who the voice actors were for this short subject - some of them sound very familiar, but unfortunately there are no credits. The story revolves around a group of four animals - represented by terrifying looking puppets, often seen in disturbing close-up - who wonder why Santa Claus only visits humans. Kitty Cat tries to make things right by dressing up as Old Saint Nick, but her subterfuge is soon revealed. Don't worry though: there's a happy ending.
7 Reviews
Find myself wondering if this is VERY early Fred Rogers
janetkessin24 December 2023
I immediately felt as if I was watching an early --possibly amateur or student-- version of the puppets in Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. The puppet design, vocalizations, and messaging seemed to be a student edition of what became his somewhat more sophisticated (but not that much more) PBS set pieces. Rogers' 'land of make believe' segments also were a touch creepy, but equally gentle and child like. Way, way similar puppetry if you consider these 1948 critters may be handmade, but foundational. In the 'land of make believe', Daniel Tiger's look, and even voice, were definitely a direct descendant of Animal Land's cat. And King Friday inherited its cheeks.
I would Love to know where Jeff Joseph/Sabu Cat found this original film, and how.
I would Love to know where Jeff Joseph/Sabu Cat found this original film, and how.
"Beautiful Christmas Treeeeeeeeee!"
boblipton24 December 2021
A bunch of puppet animals who live in a house wonder why Santa Claus doesn't bring them any presents, so a cat and what I imagine is a duck with a mohawk go to ask him.
The puppets are bizarre looking, the sets are ugly, Santa has big, staring eyes, and whoever did the voices speak in creaky tones like they think their audience of children are morons. Feh!
The puppets are bizarre looking, the sets are ugly, Santa has big, staring eyes, and whoever did the voices speak in creaky tones like they think their audience of children are morons. Feh!
Creepy!
tickettostars12 December 2022
I first discovered this weird little "gem" in 2021, which is when the restoration was made. It aired repeatedly on TCM, and is doing so again this year. Trust me, however, when I state that this is NOT worthy of the word "classic".
Even by the standards of the Forties, this is inferior-grade. I'm not familiar with the production company and the associated staff, but this must have been a decidedly low-budget effort.
The puppets are seriously creepy, and the acting is dreadful. I don't know why anyone would think that it was a good idea to make this, or why anyone decided that it was worthy of a restoration. They were sadly mistaken!
Even by the standards of the Forties, this is inferior-grade. I'm not familiar with the production company and the associated staff, but this must have been a decidedly low-budget effort.
The puppets are seriously creepy, and the acting is dreadful. I don't know why anyone would think that it was a good idea to make this, or why anyone decided that it was worthy of a restoration. They were sadly mistaken!
A little creepy but very sweet with a message of kindness!!
bobbo99920 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, how cynical and snarky we've all become to trash this simple and a little creepy (I say that with a chuckle too) xmas short from only a few years after the world fought a war that killed 50 million+ people...a short film that has a wonderful message for the season...that everyone matters and kindness for everyone is always best!! It's Christmas and the animals are excited to hang their stockings for Santa Claus to come and film with gifts for them, but then they realize that Santa doesn't bring gifts for them, only children. So two set out to find out why Santa has turned his back on them only to find st nick ready to make one of them, kitty kat, the official Santa for animals, much to the delight of their friends back home. And, when kitty kat receives a gift, a live mouse to chase around, instead of that and surprising the frightened mouse, he gives the mouse a gift of cheese instead!! Call me stupid or whatever, but in 2022 and with everything going on, I think messages of inclusion and kindness resonate even more now than ever...and children (and adults too!!) everywhere should watch this and learn that valuable lesson!!
Still macabre after all these years
socalvillaguy20 December 2023
I had completely forgotten about this horrid gem from I first saw it as a child in the early 1960s. Much to my (displeased) surprised, I saw again on TCM. The puppet faces, especially that of Santa, reminded me how much this little piece scared the bejesus out of me when I was very young.
The premise is simple: Santa Claus doesn't give animals Christmas presents and two of the ugly creatures go to the North Pole to find out why.
I'm sure there are children today, despite all the other scary stuff they're exposed to, who would be creeped out by this short from hell.
I can only recommend this for those who like their Christmases dark.
The premise is simple: Santa Claus doesn't give animals Christmas presents and two of the ugly creatures go to the North Pole to find out why.
I'm sure there are children today, despite all the other scary stuff they're exposed to, who would be creeped out by this short from hell.
I can only recommend this for those who like their Christmases dark.
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