Rating:
Genre:
Folk
Release Date: 04/01/1995
The
Rankin/Bass animagic film
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared on December 6, 1964. Since then, it has become the longest-running of all holiday TV specials (with, we hope, no end in sight). It's fitting that the grandfather of all Christmas specials features
Burl Ives, still remembered warmly by millions as the voice behind the film's narrator,
Sam the Snowman. Although this soundtrack bears his name,
Ives appears only on a handful of songs:
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Holly Jolly Christmas," and
"Silver and Gold." The remaining vocals are handled by various cast members:
"Jingle Jingle Jingle" features
Stan Francis as
Santa,
"We're a Couple of Misfits" is sung by
Billie Mae Richards (the voice of
Rudolph) and
Paul Soles (the voice of
Hermie),
"There's Always Tomorrow" is immortalized by
Janet Orenstein (as
Clarice), and a chorus shares
"The Most Wonderful Day of the Year." The real musical genius behind the movie is
Johnny Marks, a songwriter who had earlier written the song
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as well as
holiday favorites like
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (which is featured in a medley here). His songs, in the hands of musical director
Maury Laws, simply sparkle with Christmas magic. The second half of the soundtrack features instrumental versions of the songs, featuring
the Decca Concert Orchestra conducted by
Herbert Rehbein. The instrumentals keep the holiday spirit flowing, but it's the equivalent of a long musical intermission (in other words, you'll probably find yourself straightening out candy canes on the tree before long). Few soundtracks hold as many happy memories or contain as much Christmas spirit as
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Hardcore fans (who number more than a few) can also purchase the film in DVD format or check out a book from
Rick Goldschmit that chronicles the making of the film (with lots of fascinating facts about the film's history).
~Dave Connolly, All Music Guide
;)
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