Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Unlike Christmas, Easter doesn't really get that many TV specials made in its honor. It really is a shame, since Here Comes Peter Cottontail is every bit as worthy of TV airtime as the beloved Christmas Rankin-Bass specials.

The music is all memorable, my personal favorites being "Be Mine Today," "Hope is There," and most of all, the wistful "If I Could Only Get Back to Yesterday" sung by the multi-talented Danny Kaye, who narrates the story. The characters are fun, save for Bonnie the Bonnet, whose voice is a bit grating. Vincent Price steals the show as the malicious Irontail, out to revenge his maimed tail by ruining Easter for the kids. Casey Kasem is appealing and tons of fun as Peter.

The special is great for kids, but its charm and messages about responsibility and hope will appeal to older folks as well. It's good viewing, whether it's Easter or not!