Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979)

The appeal of Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July is pure nostalgia for Rankin-Bass stopmotion Christmas specials more than the script and the soundtrack, which are passable though not as catchy or memorable as previous shows. What's amazing is the length and breadth of the script and production: 97 minutes of characters, exposition, and musical interludes including a circus and two parades. For main characters, you get Rudolph (voiced by Billie Mae Richards) and Frosty (Jackie Vernon) with his wife Crystal (Shelley Winters) and two children plus Santa (Mickey Rooney) and Mrs. Claus (Darlene Conley) -- with sentimental songs and narrative going back to their weddings -- not to mention the evil wizard Winterbolt (delightfully voiced by the versatile Paul Frees -- think Boris Badenov meets Saruman). You also have Lilly Loraine (Ethel Merman), the six-gun-shootin' owner of the Circus by the Sea, with her beautiful acrobatic daughter Laine (Shelby Flint) and her love interest Milton (Red Buttons) the ice cream man. To wind up the plot, let's not forget Scratcher the jealous reindeer (Alan Sues), Big Ben the whale (Hal Peary), and Jack Frost (Paul Frees). The story goes on and on -- though in a good way unless you happen to be feeling grinchy or just grownup. As a result, tykes should love the circus and its animals best after Rudolph and Frosty and Santa, however, the middle of the show may be too dark and sinister for them. (Winterbolt's arsenal includes an ice scepter that shoots beams, an icy-faced talking wall, an all-seeing ice globe, snowdust that puts bad ideas in good characters' heads at a great distance, dark fog and cyclones, and a snake-drawn sleigh -- all in service of his nefarious scheme to overcome Rudolph, Frosty and family, Santa and ultimately all the children of the world.) On the other hand, we get to see the origin of Rudolph's glowing nose as a salvific gift from the celestial Mother Borealis and the courage she inspires in him. Speaking just for its length and inventiveness, Rudolph and Frosty is a Christmas classic though a lesser light in the firmament. See it at least once but make sure you have enough milk and cookies to last 97 minutes. 4 stars. (12-11-08)