Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Movie Details:
| Based on | “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks |
| Country | United States, Canada, Japan, England |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Christmas, Family, Comedy |
| Release date | December 6, 1964 |
| Running time | 52min |
| Age rating | TV-G |
| Starring | Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Larry D. Mann |
| Directed by | Larry Roemer |
| Written by | Romeo Muller |
| Narrated by | Burl Ives |
| Composer by | Johnny Marks |
| Produced by | Arthur Rankin Jr. |
| Cinematography by | Tadahito Mochinaga |
| Music by | Johnny Marks |
| Production Design by | Videocraft International |
| Production Company | Videocraft International |
| Distributor | National Broadcasting Company (NBC) |
| Budget | $500,000 |
Cast & Characters:
- Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman
- Larry Mann as Yukon Cornelius
- Billie Mae Richards as Rudolph
- Paul Soles as Hermey
- Stan Francis as Santa Claus and King Moonracer
- Alfie Scopp as Fireball, Charlie-in-the-Box, and various male elves
- Janis Orenstein as Clarice
- Paul Kligman as Donner and Coach Comet
- Carl Banas as Head Elf and various Misfit Toys
- Corinne Conley as Mrs. Donner and Dolly for Sue
- Peg Dixon as Mrs. Claus and various female elves
- Bernard Cowan as Bumble the Abominable snow monster of the North, the Spotted Elephant, and Clarice’s father
Storyline:
A young reindeer Rudolph lives at the North Pole. His father is one of Santa’s reindeer and it is expected that Rudolph will eventually be one too. However, he has a feature which is a setback and causes him to be ostracized: his red nose.
About Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Movie:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a beloved 1964 stop-motion animated Christmas television special produced by Videocraft International, Ltd. It first aired on December 6, 1964, on NBC and was sponsored by General Electric as part of The General Electric Fantasy Hour. The special is based on the 1949 song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which was inspired by a poem written in 1939 by Robert L. May, brother-in-law of the song’s composer, Johnny Marks.
Production and Animation
The production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer took about 18 months to complete. The concept was developed in New York City, while the animation was done in Japan. The music was recorded in England, and many of the voice actors were from Canada. Notably, Burl Ives provided the narration and performed several songs, including the iconic title song.
Story Overview
The story follows Rudolph, a young reindeer born with a glowing red nose that makes him an outcast among his peers. After leaving home due to bullying, he encounters a cast of characters including Hermey the Elf, who dreams of becoming a dentist; Yukon Cornelius, a prospector; and various misfit toys. Together, they face challenges and ultimately help Rudolph realize that his unique nose can guide Santa’s sleigh through foggy weather on Christmas Eve.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Initially met with positive reviews for its voice acting, animation style, and music, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has become a cherished Christmas classic. It is recognized as the longest-running Christmas TV special in history, having aired annually since its debut. The special has been broadcast on CBS for decades before returning to NBC in 2024 for its 60th anniversary.
The film’s enduring popularity has led to numerous merchandise opportunities and adaptations over the years. It was also selected for preservation by the U.S. Library of Congress due to its cultural significance.
Legacy
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, celebrated for its themes of acceptance and individuality. Its catchy songs and memorable characters have made it a staple of holiday traditions across generations. The special’s legacy is further solidified by its annual broadcasts and its role in establishing holiday television specials as a cherished part of Christmas celebrations.