Celebrate 50 Years of Rankin/Bass’ ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ With New Book
The following is an excerpt from Rankin/Bass historian Rick Goldschmidt‘s latest book,
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas aired on CBS Dec. 8, 1974. It aired back-to-back with Frosty the Snowman for many years and sometimes with Bugs Bunny’s Looney Christmas Tales. One of the great mysteries in the enchanted world of Rankin/Bass is: Why was it removed from network television and replaced by the unwatchable Frosty Returns? I would have to say that the two most beautiful cell-animated specials Rankin/Bass productions produced are this special and Frosty. They go together like peanut butter and jelly.
© 2024 Miser Bros Press/Rick Goldschmidt Archives
Often, Rankin/Bass would get multiple stars for a production, as was the case with this special. Joel Grey is the voice of Joshua Trundle, the clockmaker, and narrates the telling of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the end of the special. Joel is best known for his portrayal of the Master of Ceremonies in the musical Cabaret and is the winner of an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Tony Award and, in 2023, a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award. His performance of the Laws/Bass song “Even a Miracle Needs a Hand” is one of the highlights in the enchanted world of Rankin/Bass. It is hard to put into words how this one song, and, for that matter, the rest of the soundtrack, warm up the Christmas season. For this special, the soundtrack is the essence of it.
Everett Collection
Father Mouse is portrayed by comedian/musician George Gobel. Both Joel and George were new to animation, but Arthur and Jules knew their voices were right for the characters. George sings “Give Your Heart a Try,” another stellar Maury Laws and Jules Bass song! He also tells much of the story, since it concerns his son Albert, voiced by Tammy Grimes. Tammy had her own series in 1966 and was the original choice for Samantha Stevens on Bewitched, but she turned it down. She was a wonderful character actress that I remember best from the TV series Route 66. She won a Tony Award for her performance in a play called The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Albert Mouse also sings a verse from “Even a Miracle Needs a Hand.”
© 2024 Miser Bros Press/Rick Goldschmidt Archives
As I mentioned before, the soundtrack really gives this special its warmth and heart. This was one of the few specials that actually issued a commercial LP through Disneyland Records. Side A and B contain the entire special. Disneyland Records later released Frosty’s Winter Wonderland the exact same way. Rankin/Bass’ The Hobbit and The Return of the King were issued on the Buena Vista Disney label as well.
© 2024 Miser Bros Press/Rick Goldschmidt Archives
To date, there hasn’t been any other merchandise issued from the special. I have been working as a consultant with a few action figure companies and have strongly suggested it. I bring it up all the time, because I think there would be a strong market for it. Rankin/Bass fans have been Rudolph and Frosty-ed to death. The market for Rudolph and Frosty is way oversaturated, and the quality of products has really been going downhill.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will be airing at the following times in 2024:
Friday, Dec. 13, 6:15pm – AMC
Saturday, Dec. 21, 8:15am – AMC; 4:45pm BBC America
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2:15am – BBC America
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 5:15am – AMC
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 8:15am – AMC
Thursday, Dec. 26, 9:30am – AMC
This was an excerpt from Rankin/Bass historian Rick Goldschmidt‘s latest book
Remind 
Cowboy Christmas
November/December 2024
Saddle up for some Holiday Cowboy fun with movies, music and your fav Christmas episodes of classic Westerns.
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