These two men made a great impact on not only with their animation productions but also with Christmas season. Many of their specials included famous music such as, "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Silver And Gold," "We're A Couple Of Misfits," ect. Airing for the first time with these specials.
Stop motion wasn't the only thing that Rankin and Bass specialized in, they also took a part in cel animation with their most popular "Frosty the Snowman," and don't get me wrong they have created many other productions that were not Christmas specials (but since it is tis' season I hope you'll understand why I am just highlighting their accomplishments with the Christmas specials).
Below are only a few clips from a few of the famous Christmas specials we all love!
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
One of Rankin and Bass's most memorable holiday specials. Made in 1964 and including voices from Burl Ives and Music from Johnny Marks. Today the special is so popular that it is not only aired once but multiple times during the holiday season.
Original promotional advertisement for the movie on NBC Dec 6 1964
Santa Claus Is Comin To Town
One of my personal favorites, where all the traditions of Christmas are explained one how they became traditions. Aired in 1970 and featured voices from actors like Fred Astaire, Mickey Ronnie (as Kris Kringle), Keenan Wynne, and Paul Frees.
A Year Without A Santa Claus
This lovable holiday special was based off the novel by Phyllis McGinley and was originally aired in 1974, featuring voices such as Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, and George S. Irving. This wonderful movie also includes the very catchy heat mister and snow mister songs in which I continue to sing until Easter.
Frosty The Snowman
Filmed in 1969, this is one of the famous Christmas specials from Rankin/Bass that is not made by stop motion animation. Instead this cel animation was created to make it appear as a Christmas card as requested by Rankin and Bass. It was aired December 6 1969 on CBS (ain which it continues to air on CBS) and includes the famous Jimmy Durante and music from Steve Nelson, and Jack Rollins.
The Little Drummer Boy, Twas The Night Before Christmas, Nestor The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey Rudolph and Frosty's Chrsitmas in July, and Jack Frost.
There are many and many other movies that the Rankin and Bass Productions contributed too, including the four below. You can find all these wonderful Christmas classics today and every holiday season!
Unfortunately since 1987 the Rankin and Bass Productions have been shut down, so we will no longer see a new special (holiday or non-holiday) coming from them again. Although they can still live on, as they do every year around this time! Merry Christmas everyone!!!
