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Most people probably never considered which of the specials is best, but were not most people.
18.The Cricket on the Hearth(1967)
Ugh.
Its so creepy that even Rudolph and Frosty would hate it.
Its about a leprechaun named Blarney Kilakilarney who guards a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
Art Carneys presence is always welcome, but this one has some pretty weak music and half-hearted holiday connections.
Imagine if it wasnt and kids were digging up properties all over the place for a Christmas special!
Some of the worst songs in the Rankin/Bass catalogue dont help.
(It pulls double duty as both a Christmasanda New Years special.)
It also just looks more dated than most of the Rankin/Bass specials.
This is the Rankin/Bass version of that.
At one hour and 37 minutes, its also as long as a full movie!
It even played in theaters for a few weeks in 1979 before premiering on ABC later that year.
(TheRichard Williamsdirected version, which debuted seven years earlier, is much better regarded.)
Weve seen this story told so many times and in so many ways that this straightforward adaptation feels forgettable.
Theres some interesting trivia behind it, though.
Why not Groundhog Day?
Its weird and inconsistent, but it does have Buddy Hackett playing a groundhog, and thats something.
Jimmy Durante was replaced by Andy Griffith as the narrator this time, bringing Jack Frost into Frostys world.
With that, Crystal (Shelley Winters), a.k.a.
Mrs. Frosty, entered the Rankin/Bass character catalogue.
This is a little slight but still sweet enough to rewatch during the holiday season.
One wishes they had worked in this serious register more often (minus the racism).
A bright red nose becomes long ears, driving a sleigh becomes guiding Joseph and Mary.
All the pieces fit.
Add some country twang via Gene Autrys song and Roger Millers narration, and you have a hit.
4.Santa Claus Is Comin to Town(1970)
A Santa Claus origin story?
Theres also a scarf-wearing penguin named Topper whos just one of the most lovable Rankin/Bass creations.
It leads to one of the best songs in Rankin/Bass history (Im Mr. White Christmas, Im Mr.
Snow …) and then thats almost topped by the clever creation that is the Heat Miser.
1.Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer(1964)
Rudolph has to be out in front, right?
Its where he belongs.
The team at Rankin/Bass set the foundation for all future Christmas specials with their first special.
And its held up stunningly well.
Correction: A previous version of this story misattributed King Moonraisers quote to Hermey the Elf.
