In celebration of Christmas, I offer one of my most favorite television specials—and one that has been unjustly underrated or misinterpreted—‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974) from Rankin/Bass, the animators responsible for many a happy time in my childhood. I don’t know why this version of Clement Clarke Moore’s celebrated poem never seemed as popular as its kin (longtime readers may remember that I wrote about ‘Twas the Night last year). It’s got everything you could want: a dramatic problem (Santa Claus has put all of Junctionville on his naughty list), a parallel mouse town, smartypants, great songs (including one of my favorite Christmas songs ever, “Christmas Chimes Are Calling”), sentimental tears, changes of heart, a satisfyingly happy ending, plus Joel Grey! Tammy Grimes! George Gobel!
Enjoy, folks!
