The production company known as Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment holds a special place in the history of television. This is primarily attributed to its enchanting and enduring collection of Christmas specials. Founded by Arthur Rankin Jr. (the creative mind) and Jules Bass (the business and music lyricist), the studio crafted a unique brand of holiday programming. This brand has become an annual tradition for families across generations.
🎬 Early Days and the Birth of “Animagic”
The company was founded in 1960 in New York City, initially under the name Videocraft International, Ltd. (it was later renamed Rankin/Bass Productions in the late 1960s). While their creative and directing work was done in the U.S., the actual animation was largely outsourced to Japanese studios, a common practice at the time.
The Stop-Motion Innovation
Rankin/Bass is most famous for its stop-motion animation technique, which they famously dubbed “Animagic.“ This detailed, painstaking process involved moving handcrafted puppets frame-by-frame. This iconic look is instantly recognizable. It features slightly awkward yet endearing character movements. This look is a huge part of the specials’ charm. The “Animagic” productions originated in Tokyo. Studios like MOM Production and later Video Tokyo Production created them. Japanese stop-motion animator Tadahito Mochinaga often supervised these productions. Their first major animated project was the stop-motion series The New Adventures of Pinocchio (1961). However, it was their foray into holiday programming that cemented their legacy.
🌟 The Classic Christmas Specials Era (1964–1974)
The studio’s greatest successes came from adapting well-known Christmas songs and figures into feature-length narratives. They often employed celebrity narrators and voice actors.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The special that launched the dynasty was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Its significance cannot be overstated: it was Rankin/Bass’s first holiday special, premiering on NBC and becoming an instant annual hit, and it is now the longest-running Christmas special in U.S. television history. The special was based on the 1949 song by Johnny Marks, who also composed original music for the show. It was famously narrated by folk singer Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman. The story introduced now-iconic original characters. These include the aspiring dentist elf Hermey and the prospector Yukon Cornelius. It also included the beloved Island of Misfit Toys.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
Based on the traditional song, this special was more overtly religious in tone. It featured the voice of actress Greer Garson as the narrator.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This special, unlike Rudolph, was done in traditional cel-animation (hand-drawn). The special was narrated and featured songs sung by Jimmy Durante, with comedian Jackie Vernon voicing Frosty. The plot follows a magical snowman brought to life by an old silk hat, and his adventures with the little girl, Karen.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
A classic origin story for Santa Claus, this special returned to the “Animagic” style. Legendary dancer and actor Fred Astaire narrated as S.D. (Special Delivery) Kluger, a mailman, while Mickey Rooney voiced the young Kris Kringle. It is noteworthy for introducing the memorable villain Burgermeister Meisterburger.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
This fan-favorite “Animagic” special explored a year when a discouraged Santa (voiced again by Mickey Rooney) decides to skip Christmas. It introduced the wildly popular, fighting siblings, the Miser Brothers—Heat Miser and Snow Miser. Hollywood legend Shirley Booth narrated the special as Mrs. Claus.
后期作品 and Studio Legacy (Post-1974 Specials and Studio Legacy)
The ’60s and early ’70s are considered the studio’s golden age. However, Rankin/Bass continued to produce holiday specials well into the 1980s. They also created animated projects, like the TV series ThunderCats and adaptations of The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn. Later notable holiday productions include Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976), Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977), and Jack Frost (1979). By the late 1980s, the company essentially ceased production. While later efforts were made, the core creative partnership ended, and the official brand dissolved in 2001.
Enduring Appeal
Though the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials are old and have a quirky animation style, they have an emotional depth and whimsical charm. This ensures their continued place in holiday programming. Their combination of memorable songs and a unique visual style contribute to their charm. Additionally, themes of inclusion, friendship, and the spirit of giving have made them synonymous with the holiday season. They are a powerful source of nostalgia.
