An outcast donkey in Roman era Judea with overlong ears finds his destiny on the way to Bethlehem.
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Title: Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (TV Movie 1977)
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Roger Miller | ... | Speiltoe / Narrator (voice) | |
| Brenda Vaccaro | ... | Tilly (voice) | |
| Paul Frees | ... | Santa Claus / Olaf / Donkey dealer (voice) | |
| Don Messick | ... | (voice) | |
 |
Linda Gary | ... | (voice) |
|
|
Iris Rainer | ... | (voice) |
|
|
Shelly Hines | ... | (voice) |
|
|
Eric Stern | ... | Nestor (voice) |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Back in the days of the Roman Empire, a small donkey is born with VERY long ears, that keep getting him into trouble. When his owner throws him out of the stable in disgust, his mother sacrifices her life to save him from a blizzard. And, guided only by his guardian cherub (Tilly), he has to find his rightful place and destiny, somewhere on the road to Bethlehem. Written by Kathy Li
Taglines:
How a Brave Little Donkey Helped Make the First Christmas Happen! Floppy-eared Nestor doesn't look much like a hero...but he proves he's got more than enough courage and love as he takes Joseph and Mary on the wondrous journey to Bethlehem.Certificate:
TV-GParents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
3 December 1977 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1
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Music by Maury Laws
Lyrics by Jules Bass
Performed by Roger Miller
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Features multiple non-speaking cameos from characters from other Rankin-Bass specials, including Jingle, Jangle, and Mrs. Claus from 'The Year Without a Santa Claus', the Three Wise Men from The Little Drummer Boy, and the one and only Rudolph. See more »Goofs
In one shot, the guard picks up Nestor by the tail. In the next, he's holding Nestor by the ears. See more »Soundtracks
Don't Laugh and Make Somebody CryMusic by Maury Laws
Lyrics by Jules Bass
Performed by Roger Miller
See more »
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I had never even heard of Nestor The Long Eared Donkey until today. I was just about to change the channel when my wife came in and said we might as well watch it. She had never seen it either. It was a cute little story about a donkey who finds his entire existence hopeless until he is chosen by Mary and Joseph to carry Mary into Bethlehem. This is one of the few mainstream Christmas specials that actually acknowledges the birth of Christ, the true meaning of Christmas. That could very well be the reason it has gotten so little airplay over the years, networks fear it might be too religious. As a born again Christian, I was delighted to see it. The writing is not great, and the story of Nestor mirrors that of Rudolph a great deal. I agree with the previous reviewer that it might be much better if it were longer. It is a nice little Christmas story with good animation and can be enjoyed by the family during the holiday season.
John 3:16 ><>