“It’s Sheer AniMagic!:” The Rankin-Bass Christmas Specials

By Michael Lyons

There’s a word...actually two words...that are as Synonymous with the Christmas season as Gifts, Fruitcake, Carols and Credit Card Debt:

Rankin/Bass.  

The humble animation studio started by two gentlemen by the names of Arthur Rankin, Jr and Jules Bass, with its unique style of animation, has become so associated with Christmas thanks to its specials, such as “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

These specials, and countless others, have not only become TV classics, they have become legendary standards, shown without fail each and every holiday season, some for over fifty years and several generations of children.

Many of the Rankin/Bass specials are so unique, because many were made using their 3-D, stop motion animation style deemed “AniMagic.”  With incredibly detailed worlds, the style is perfect for the Christmas holidays, as each character looks like an ornament and each background looks like a miniature Christmas village that would be at home under a family Christmas Tree.

The majority of the specials were written by Romeo Muller, a TV staff writer who imbued the specials with not only compelling adventure stories, but touches of mythology that still resonate today.

Arthur Rankin was a graphic designer with the ABC Network, who worked his way up through the creative ranks and eventually transitioned to the advertising industry, where he met his eventual business partner, Jules Bass.

Together, they segued into TV animation production.  And, although their many projects include Saturday morning cartoons, feature films and even specials created for other Holidays, it’s with Christmas that the name Rankin/Bass is so connected (even hearing their brief jingle played over the Studio logo at the conclusion of each special conjures up the Christmas season),

For the completist, here is a full list of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials:

“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

“Cricket on the Hearth” (1967)

“The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)

“Frosty the Snowman (1969)

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (1974)

“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)

“The First Christmas” (1974)

“Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” (1976)

“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (1976)

“The Little Dummer Boy Book II” (1976)

“Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)

“The Stingiest Man in Town” (1978)

“Jack Frost” (1979)

“Pinocchio’s Christmas” (1980)

“The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold” (1981)

“The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” (1985)

“Santa Baby!” (2001)

And there was also the feature length film, “Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July” (1979)

For a comprehensive and fascinating look at these and more Rankin/Bass animated work, check out Rick Goldschmidt’s book, “The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass: A Portfolio.”

The book illustrates why the Rankin/Bass specials are more than TV standards.  They’re family memories and traditions passed down, Christmas after Christmas.

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“Maine” Event: The 40th Anniversary of Disney’s Original “Pete’s Dragon”

By Michael Lyons

For the generation who only knows “Pete”s Dragon” as the somber, ET-esque 2016 film...boy are you missing out.

There are multiple generations who have a much different perspective of Elliot the Dragon- one that includes songs, big dance numbers, traditional, 2D animation combined with live-action and for many kids who grew up with the film, a bit of “Brazzle Dazzle” magic!

In an effort to grab some of the “Mary Poppins” gusto of a decade gone by, the original “Pete’s Dragon” was the Disney Studio’s hopes for an event film, at a time when they were struggling to keep their foothold in the movie industry.

Released Forty years ago this month on November 3, 1977, “Pete’s Dragon” tells the story of young, orphaned Pete (Sean Marshall) whose best friend is a dragon named Elliot, Elliot helps Pete escape from his abusive adoptive family of the Gogans and make his way to the town of Passamaquoddy, Maine...and the town will never be the same.

“Pete’s Dragon” stars a “who’s who” of ‘70’S and pre-‘70’s all-stars, including Mickey Rooney as Lampie the lighthouse keeper, Helen Reddy, as his daughter, Shelly Winters as Lena Gogan, Jim Dale as the villainous Doc Terminus and Red Buttons as his sidekick Hoagie.

The star of the show is Elliot, the animated dragon.  Created by the incredibly talented Disney Legend, artist Ken Anderson, Elliot, with his pot belly, lump jaw, tiny wings and pink hair is imbued with tremendous personality.  He was brought to the screen by a then young animator named Don Bluth, who would go on to leave Disney and form his own studio, creating such non-Disney hits as “An American Tail.”

With vocal effects provided by comedian Charlie Callis (another ‘70’s flashback), Elliot was part of some, still impressive, special effects that combined animation and live-action in some very inventive ways (the scene in which Lampie and Hoagie visit Elliot’s cave still feature some impressive moments).

Disney put quite a bit of promotion behind “Pete’s Dragon.”  A full-size float of Elliot was included in The Main Street Electrical Parade in Disney Theme Parks.  This float was also actually rolled down the streets of Manhattan to help premiere the film at Radio City Music Hall (the film’s stars as well as Disney characters also came out for the debut).  The film then went on to play at Radio City with that year’s Christmas stage show.

Additionally, there were books, record albums, lunch boxes and a segment of “Pete’s Dragon” was included on that year’s Wonderful World of Disney “From All of Us to All of You” Christmas Special.

While not the “Mary Poppins” sized hit that the Studio was hoping for, “Pete’s Dragon” is very near and dear to many and the charm of this family film, the likes of which just aren’t made any more, has only grown in the four decades since its release.

This is most likely why the Studio looked to this film as a candidate for a “re-boot” last year.  But if Robert Redford and a CG furry dragon is your idea of “Pete’s Dragon,” take some time to return to an era of traditional animation and on-going musical production numbers and check out the original, as well.

After all, “There’s room for everyone in this world.”

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Squirreled Away: “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t”

By Michael Lyons

If the vast realm of Holiday TV specials was a house, down the stairs, in the corner of the basement, in a dusty box in the back corner, hidden under boxes that hadn’t been open in years, one would find “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t.”

Never heard of it?  You’re not alone.  Even among the secret circle of TV animation geeks, this special, produced by none other than the Hanna-Barbera Studio during its Golden Age as the reigning TV animation studio, resides in the “Yeah...i think...I’ve heard of it” category.

Originally airing in syndication in 1972, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” was less than a footnote for years, until Cartoon Network began airing it in the late ‘90’s (complete with some very tongue-in-cheek promotions), where it was discovered with wide-eyed amazement by many Gen-Xers who had vague recollections of it.

With a dearth of Thanksgiving specials available, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” found itself discussed in a number of circles, thanks to the rise of the internet and ongoing nostalgia.  Today, a cult favorite has emerged.

This November marks the 45th anniversary of “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” (the date on the credits of special itself is 1971, although all TV and movie sites such as IMDb state the first broadcast date as 1972). While a special edition, remastered Blu-Ray for this occasion isn’t likely anywhere on the horizon, the special can still get its due here.

The plot of the special is very simple: opening on a contemporary (albeit ‘70’s) Thanksgiving, we see a family about to begin Thanksgiving dinner and then pan to a nearby tree, where a family of squirrels is about to do the same.

The father squirrel then regales his family with the tale of their relative Jeremy Squirrel.  We are then taken back in time, as we learn that Jeremy once helped two young boys, one a Pilgrim, Johnny and one a Native American, Little Bear, when the two boys find themselves lost in the woods during the very first Thanksgiving.

Do they make it back?  No spoilers here.  But, that is the entire plot, which may be why “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” hasn’t had the staying power of other holiday specials.

However, watching it today, with its trademark Hanna Barbera limited animation and threadbare plot, in the face of so much slick computer generated entertainment, the special has a quaint, comforting charm.

Additionally, while nowhere near fully realized, animation from the Hanna-Barbera studio immediately conjures up warm, childhood memories.  This is especially true here, where familiar background music and voice talent (Don Messick, Janet Waldo and June Foray) found in a number of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, can be heard here.

For any child of the ‘70’s or ‘80’s, as well anyone one just plain ol’ curious, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” (found as a bonus feature on the DVD “Casper’s Halloween Special” and in certain areas of internet-land) is worth seeking out.

It can stand one watching...then, beyond that, it becomes what my good friends Andy and Scott refer to as a “Thanksgiving Screen Saver’ (nice to have playing in the background with certain moments of attention).

If you want to see it, you better be quick though, it’s probably only a matter of time before it’s placed back in the box, at the corner of the basement.

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It’s Neat!: Happy “Felix Unger Day!”

“On November 13th, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence...that request came from his wife.  Deep down, he knew she was right, but he also knew that someday he would return to her.  With nowhere else to go, he appeared at the home of his childhood friend, Oscar Madison.  Sometime earlier, Madison’s wife had thrown him out, requesting that he never return.  Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy.”

And so, with that opening narration, the classic TV series “The Odd Couple” would begin.  With a random date thrown in and a devoted fan base for the show, November 13th (today!). Has become known in many “Odd Circles” as “Felix Unger Day” and a way to celebrate the series.

Debuting on September 7, 1970 and running through March of 1975, “The Odd Couple” was adapted from playwright Neil Simon’s hit Broadway Play and subsequent movie by the brilliant Gary Marshall (who would go on to reign supreme in the realm of ‘70’s sitcoms with shows like “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley”).

The ongoing misadventures of a slob and a neat freak living together was perfect material for the realm of sitcoms and “The Odd Couple” is probably one of the most consistently funny of them all.

With sharp dialogue and strong writing, the shows not only have watchability, but ongoing re-watchability.

Additionally, although there have been many actors who have portrayed Felix and Oscar, Tony Randall and Jack Klugman’s amazing chemistry and comic timing have left their indelible mark on these characters.

It’s hard not to mention the obsessive compulsive Felix without thinking of Randall’s ability to make hypochondria funny and Klugman in a Mets baseball cap, holding a beer can is the true picture of Oscar.

The concept of “The Odd Couple” has been one that has endured (so much so that CBS re-booted the show several years ago).  But, the magic of Randall and Klugman together, against a “true New York” backdrop, makes this series the best of them all.

If you’re already a fan, then, today, “Felix Unger Day” is the perfect day to break out the DVD’s and celebrate.  If you’ve never seen this classic version of “The Odd Couple” before, well, what better day than today for an introduction?

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Holiday Road: The 30th Anniversary of “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”

by Michael Lyons

In 2000, the late, great film critic Roger Ebert revisited the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles and wrote:

“Some movies are obviously great.  Others thrust their greatness upon us.  When Planes, Trains and Automobiles was released in 1987, I enjoyed it immensely, gave it a favorable review and moved on.  But, the movie continued to live in my memory.  Like certain other popular entertainments (It’s a Wonderful Life, ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Casablanca). It not only contained a universal theme, but matched it with the right actors and story, so that it shrugged off the other movies of its kind and stood above them in a kind of perfection.  This is the only movie our family watches as a custom, mostly at Thanksgiving.”

This sentiment perfectly captures why Planes, Trains and Automobiles has endured, holiday season after holiday season.  This month, the movie will celebrate its 30th anniversary (the occasion has been marked with a beautiful Blu-Ray).  For three decades, John Hughes’ “road comedy” has become much more than that.  It has become a Thanksgiving tradition; a reflection of a “time gone by,” with humor that still provides laughs, as well as heartfelt moments and messages that still ring true.

Taking place over the two days prior to and including Thanksgiving, Planes, Trains and Automobiles tells the tale of Marketing “Ad Man,” Neil Page (Steve Martin), who is trying to make his way back home to Chicago from a business trip in New York, to spend the holiday with his family.

A flight delay finds Neil inadvertently paired with Del Griffith (the late John Candy, missed to this day), a talkative, overbearing, but kind hearted Shower Curtain Ring Salesman.  The two strangers soon find themselves stuck with each other, on the long journey home (The poster tag line read: “What he really wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family...what he got was three days with the Turkey”).

The efforts of Neil and Del to get home via the titular forms of transportation are filled with moments so hysterical, they’ve become iconic - the “pillows” scene and Steve Martin’s R-rated rant at a rental car counter are comedy classics.

However, writer/director John Hughes (who spoke to so many ‘teens in the ‘80’s with his non-stop string of hits like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club) brings to this the same heart, emotion and depth of character that was found in so many of these teen films.

As Neil and Del travel together, they get to know more about one another and a touching, yet heartbreaking truth, is revealed, which amidst all of the film’s laughs is the message of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Debuting on November 25, 1987 (Thanksgiving weekend, during which it was beaten at the box-office by Three Men and a Baby) the film also serves as a quaint “time capsule” of the late-80’s - a world that looks so much different than today.  Even though it takes place during the days leading up to Thanksgiving, there is nary a Christmas decoration to be seen in the film.  Try that today, when Christmas lights seem to be strung at midnight on Halloween.

Planes,Trains and Automobiles was also a rarity at the time: a holiday movie (and a Thanksgiving-themed one at that!).  Conversely today, every holiday season brings with it a new holiday-centric film vying for attention and future immortality on Netflix.

Additionally, the characters in the film are truly stranded: having to to actually rely on pay phones and check in at a front desk.  If Planes, Trains and Automobiles were made today, Neil would have booked his hotel and new flight from his smart phone within the first twenty minutes of the movie and the credits would roll. 

Even with what many could consider “dated” aspects, the film still resonates today.  Planes, Trains and Automobiles subtly comments on how in the breakneck pace of the world, we can miss those small moments, like connections with a complete, kind hearted stranger, that can not only teach us more about them, but ourselves, as well.  In our current world these messages ring truer than ever.

There is tremendous heart nestled just under the belly laughs here.  This is why so many, like the custom held by Roger Ebert’s family, will sit together this holiday season, 30 years later, to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles all over again.

Sources: rogerebert.com

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