Of all the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials, I think the 1974 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is one of their most underrated specials. While everyone likes Rudolph and Frosty and Ginger Santa and the Miser Brothers.
The 25-minute special loosely inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from St. Nicholas is mostly centered around Junctionville, USA. Santa Claus has been offended and returned all the kids letters back to them. It turns out that a young mouse, Albert (voiced by Tammy Grimes), has written an anonymous letter in the local newspaper saying that all townspeople don’t believe in him anymore (even though a newspaper would never publish an anonymous letter.)
To prove that they do care, the local clockmaker Joshua Trundle (voiced by Joel Grey) convinces the mayor (voiced by John McGiver) to allow him to build a huge clock that will tell Santa they care a lot. So Albert’s Father Mouse (voiced by George Gobel) who is Joshua’s assistant tries to show Albert how wrong he was and how much people do care.
However, Albert, who is book smart, becomes intrigued by the clock but messing with it causing it to malfunction during a test presentation. Joshua is shunned by the town. This leads to Albert realizing the true love of Christmas and working to fix it on Christmas Eve in time. And the special ends as Grey recites the poem in voice-over as Joshua and his family watches happily.
While the cherry happy faces of all the human characters is made awkward by freaky noses, it remains one of the best specials directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass because it’s the most simplest. Also, Grey was coming off his Oscar-winning role in Cabaret so there’s some good talent with the cast.
And while the song “Give Your Heart a Try,” is somewhat forgettable even after repeated viewings, the song “Even a Miracle Needs a Hand” is a wonderful timeless tune. Also, Rankin/Bass must’ve gotten a lot of flak for only giving Santa four reindeer in Frosty the Snowman that he has all eight back again.
What do you think? Please comment.
Zane Says 