Cole Waters Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer is a christmas clasic and this show is one of a kind.

thejcowboy22 1964. I was a ripe seven year old going to private Hebrew School on Long Island. What a year it was with the emergence of the Beatles, Mary Poppins, James Bond's Goldfinger, Liz Taylor marries Richard Burton, Cassius Clay, The New York World's Fair and Shea Stadium rising up in Flushing Meadows park. Ford Motor company introduces it's Mustang, Sidney Portier wins an Oscar as Diana Ross and the Supreme's sing Baby Love. Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass created a TV special on NBC called Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (Sponsored by General Electric). I was, and still fascinated by stop motion animation. Art Clokey's stop motion productions of Gumby and David and Goliath shorts are my favorites. Rudolph was done pretty much the same way with 3" figures. The combination of story, songs and message make this a show to watch over and over again. Burl Ives playing Sam the Snowman as the narrator takes us along to tell and sing the legend of Rudolph with his trials and tribulations being discriminated by his peers, parents and Santa for having a red nose that lights up. We also meet Herbie or Herme I'm not sure which. An Elf who wants to go into the medical profession minus pointed ears. Rudolf and Herbie take off into the great white north for fame and fortune as they meet up with prospector Yukon Cornelius searching for Gold, Silver or whatever commodity pays off the best.The three misfits continue their journey. Off in the distance you can hear the roar of the Abominable Snowman as he finds the defenseless three on the icy banks of Hudson's bay. Quick thinking by Yukon as he takes his pick and chips away and creates a snow ice raft. They float away from the carnivorous beast as he falls into the icy waters. In open waters our trio travels into a deep fog, "thick as pea soup" to the Island of Misfit Toys and their leader King Moonracer who you could describe as a Lion with Wings. They ask for overnight accommodations and in return the three must go back to Christmas Town and tell Santa to retrieve all the misfit toys on his island and find them children who will play with them despite their irregularity. I was surprised by the rejection and response for such a trivial issue as a red nose at that tender age but I was reminded that my gentile community scorned me for being Jewish. Watching, I felt a kindred spirit with our main four legged character Rudolph. All was forgiven and in the end Rudolph's value to everyone in Christmas town was in saving Christmas eve and Santa's trip to deliver. It was Rudolph's shiny nose that guided Santa through rough fog and snow. Where was my shiny nose to fix my problems and get acceptance in a different environment. This review isn't about me but it gave me awareness that not everything can be fixed in a one hour Christmas special. Through the years a couple of questions are answered... The Dolly for Sue who appeared normal among the other misfit toys was neglected and forgotten.The tall nerdy Elf with glasses is named Harry. Loved the animation, songs and story as a great warm up for the holidays. I'm just a Jewish guy who loves s good Christmas special.

Dalbert Pringle And, what would this much-celebrated time of the year be without at least one viewing of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (whose story I'm sure we all know)? In a nutshell - This 1964, stop-motion production certainly had its good points, as well as its not-so-good points.But, if you can forgive this kiddies' film for things like its dated, non-CGI effects and some truly strange aspects of its story-line, then you're sure to be entertained by the overall cuteness that prevails.Containing nine songs (written by Johnny Marks), this 55-minute TV Special is notable for being the longest running Christmas Special in the entire history of television. It also features the recognizable voice-talents of Burl Ives (as Sam, the Snowman).

utgard14 What can I say? It wouldn't be Christmas without this sweet family classic. So many wonderful characters and scenes. Rudolph himself, of course. Hermey the dentist, Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snowman, Fireball, King Moonracer and the Island of Misfit Toys. Not to mention Sam the Snowman, voiced by the great Burl Ives, who gives us several lovely songs as well. All immensely likable, memorable characters. Beautiful stop-motion animation. This is a rich, heartwarming Christmas story with a great message. I love the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. I would have to say Rudolph is their masterpiece. Recommended for everybody.