Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Rankin/Bass)



Rudolph the Red–Nosed Reindeer is a long-running Christmas television special produced in stop motion animation by Rankin-Bass. It first aired on December 6, 1964 on NBC and is now the world's longest-running and highest rated television special of all time. It is based on the song by Johnny Marks, which in turn was based on the 1939 poem of the same title written by Marks' brother-in-law, Robert L. May.

Synopsis
The special, narrated by Sam the Snowman, tells the tale of a shy, young reindeer named Rudolph whose spirit is dampened because his glowing red nose has made him the laughing stock of the Christmastown reindeer farm. And then there is Hermey, an Elf who is a social outcast becuase he would rather be a dentis than a toy maker.

Frustrated by their inability to fit in, Rudolph and his newfound friend Hermey leave Christmastown to set out to make it on their own. The two outcasts meet Yukon Cornelius, an excentric artic prospector who joins them on their journey.

The travlers find themselves pursued by the Abominable Snowmonster and then stranded on the Island of Misfit Toys, deep in the Arctic wilderness. The Island is a sanctuary for defective and unwanted toys ruled by King Moonracer, a winged lion. Rudoph vows to help these disregarded toys and decides to return to Christmastown to ask Santa for help.

Returning to Christmastown, they learn that bad weather may cause Christmas to be canceled. But Rudolph, with his "nose so bright" is able to save Christmas by serving as a guiding headlight on Santa's sleigh.

Songs

 * "Jingle, Jingle, Jingle"
 * "We Are Santa's Elves"
 * "There's Always Tomorrow"
 * "We're A Couple Of Misfits""
 * "Fame and Fortune"
 * "Silver And Gold"
 * "The Most Wonderful Day Of The Year"
 * "A Holly Jolly Christmas"
 * "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Cast

 * Burl Ives: Sam the Snowman
 * Billie Mae Richards: Rudolph
 * Paul Soles: Hermey
 * Larry Mann: Yukon Cornelius
 * Stan Francis: Santa Claus, King Moonracer
 * Paul Kligman: Donner, Comet the Coach
 * Janet Orenstein: Clarice
 * Alfie Scopp: Charlie-in-the-Box, other elves
 * Carl Banas: Elf Foreman, Spotted Elephant, other toys
 * Corinne Conley: Dolly for Sue, others
 * Peg Dixon: Mrs. Claus, others
 * Bernard Cowan: Clarice's father