How the Toys Saved Christmas (La freccia azzurra) (1996)

How the Toys Saved Christmas is drawn in the simple but attractive style of the characters Pepper Ann or Madeleine. The title of this Italian production (La freccia azzurra or The Blue Arrow) refers to a train that is one of the toys in the ensemble that ventures out of La Befana toy store to deliver themselves to their intended children after Granny Rose (Mary Tyler Moore) has been discomfited by the dastardly Mr. Grimm (Tony Randall). Granny Rose is explained as one of many local helpers of Santa Claus -- delivery subcontractors, as it were. She rides a magic broom. All this is drawn from the Italian (and other nations') Christmas folklore about La Befana, a good witch who delivers presents to children on January 6 (the 12th day of Christmas and traditionally the feast of the Christ Child). The story is attractively drawn and told, with creative touches such as panning and zooming, not to mention a scene where colored pencils draw and animate their artwork interactively. The story involves a number of minor characters in a small town, though some toys and characters speak and act cartoonishly or stereotypically. The show is mildly and pleasantly entertaining with a few original musical numbers about how the magic of Christmas is giving. I acquired a videocassette of this show through interlibrary loan since neither Netflix or Blockbuster list it. 3.5 stars.