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"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"
books & movies
 | synopsis & history |
Of skating and coasting and climbing the willows / And hopscotch and leap frog (with) protective pillows" — opening narration from the 1948 cartoon short
"Twas the day before Christmas and all through the hills / The reindeer were playing enjoying the spills /
Synopsis
Rudolph is a youthful male reindeer who possesses an unusual luminous red nose. He is taunted and harassed mercilessly by the other reindeer youth and excluded from 'reindeer games' because he is different. But one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa Claus despairs of delivering all the toys to the children of the world until he catches sight of Rudolph's nose and asks Rudolph to lead his sleigh for the evening. Rudolph agrees, and is finally treated better by his fellow reindeer due to his heroism.
History of The Books & Song & Movies
The 1964 stop-motion TV special by Rankin-Bass and Warner TV was first aired on the NBC Network, and has become an annual tradition on ABC and CBS; the stop-motion sequel "Rudolph's Shiny New Year" first aired in 1976. The "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" 1998 feature film was not a commercial success; the sequel "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Island of Misfit Toys" became a 2001 video release.
Rudolph began as a story booklet written by Robert L. May and given away by Montgomery Ward stores in 1939. Wartime paper restrictions delayed the next giveaway until 1946. A cartoon short produced by Max Fleischer in 1948 was faithful to May's original story. The song written by May's brother-in-law Johnny Marks was recorded by Gene Autry, reached #1 on the charts in December 1949, and brought widespread fame to the Rudolph character. The Fleischer cartoon was reissued in 1951 with the song added. D.C. Comics published seasonal 'Rudolph' comics from 1950 to 1962, with several later editions thru 1980. The 1958 Golden Books edition was adapted by Barbara Shook Hazen and illustrated by Richard Scarry, following the story of the Fleischer cartoon. Johnny Marks also wrote the blues song "Run, Rudolph, Run" for Chuck Berry, a big hit in 1958.
book entry at Wikipedia
incomplete 'Rudolph' character credits listing at Internet Movie Database
The Book/s
book entry at Wikipedia
search books on keywords 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' {returns 500+ titles} at Amazon
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 | "Rudolph's Second Christmas" [written 1947, publd 1992] by Robert L. May, Illustrated by Michael Emberley Two draft manuscripts were discovered hiding in an attic desk drawer by one of May's daughters in 1991; Rudolph and Santa Claus discover a letter from two children that were forgotten the previous Christmas . . . Applewood Books 10½x8 hardcover [9/92] out of print/100+ used |
 | "Rudolph Shines Again" sequel [ages 3 & up; 1954 & 2003] by Robert L. May, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson Rudolph becomes an adult and his shiny nose begins to fade, causing an identity crisis; but after Rudolph rescues two lost rabbits, his nose starts to shine brightly once more. Kindle Edition from Simon & Schuster Digital Sales [9/2015] for $4.99 Scholastic 11x9 pb [9/2003] out of print/40+ used Grosset & Dunlap 12¼x10¼ hardcover [9/2003] out of print/60+ used Modern Curriculum Press 11¼x8¾ hardcover [10/92] out of print/used |
 | renamed "Rudolph To The Rescue" sequel [2006] by Robert L. May, Illustrated by Lisa Papp same story as "Rudolph's Second Christmas" with new illustrations, intended as companion to "Rudolph Shines Again" (just above) Scholastic 11¼x8¾ pb [9/2006] out of print/50+ used Grosset & Dunlap 11¾x10 pb [9/2006] out of print/used |
The Author/s
Robert L. May [1905-76]
credits [1948-2001] at Internet Movie Database •
entry at Wikipedia
songwriter Johnny Marks [1909-85]
credits [since 1942] at Internet Movie Database •
entry at Wikipedia
Movies & Television
incomplete 'Rudolph' character credits listing at Internet Movie Database
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" animated short film
[Fleischer Studios/Paramount 1948]
   | 8-minute Technicolor™ cartoon produced & directed by Max Fleischer; adapted by Joe Stultz; narrated by Paul Wing • full credits at IMDb watch full cartoon [9:06] on YouTube "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Friends" on VHS |
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" [Rankin/Bass Dec 1964]
 | 47- to 55-minute stop-motion animation TV special; versions vary on DVD, per Amazon reviewers Directed by Larry Roemer; adapted by Romeo Muller; featuring voices of Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, Larry D. Mann, Stan Francis, Paul Kligman, Janis Orenstein, Alfie Scopp, Carl Banas, Corinne Conley & Peg Dixon Anderson/Classic Media 50th Anniversary Blu-ray [11/2014] for $9.96 Anderson/Classic Media 50th Anniversary color DVD [11/2014] for $9.96 Classic Media edited version? color DVD [9/2007] for $9.33 Classic Media edited version? color DVD [7/2012] for $15.33 Front Row Video color VHS [5/2001] out of prodn/used full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia • video clip [1:12] at the CBS-TV website |
 | "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" picture book [ages 3-7; 2008] Adapted by Alan Benjamin (from the Rankin/Bass TV movie), Illustrated by Peter Emslie
Golden Books 10¼x8¼ hardcover [8/2008] for $7.19 "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story - Deluxe 50th-Anniversary Edition" [ages 4-8; 2014] Adapted by Thea Feldman (from the Rankin/Bass TV movie), Illustrated by Erwin Madrid Square Fish Books 10¼x8 hardcover [9/2014] for $11.07 |
 | sequel "Rudolph's Shiny New Year" [Rankin/Bass Dec 1976]
60-minute stop-motion animation TV special, sequel to the 1964 TV special; Santa Claus asks Rudolph to find Happy, the baby New Year, who is missing. Produced & directed by Jules Bass & Arthur Rankin Jr.; written by Romeo Muller; featuring voices of Red Skelton, Frank Gorshin, Morey Amsterdam, Harold Peary, Paul Frees, Billie Mae Richards, Don Messick & Iris Rainer DVD/Blu-ray not available • Warner Home Video color VHS [8/2003] for $10.00 full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia |
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie"
[Legacy Releasing Oct 1998]
 | "The all-new widescreen animated musical!" Music & lyrics by Al Kasha & Michael Lloyd, performed by voice cast plus Clint Black, The Pointer Sisters, Paul McCartney & Wings, Eric Idle, Bill Medley, and Johnny Tillotson. The story is the basic Rudolph origin tale: red nose, reindeer games, stormy Xmas Eve, Santa's 'aha' moment . . . Co-produced & directed by William R. Kowalchuk Jr.; written by Michael Aschner; featuring voices of Kathleen Barr, John Goodman {as Santa Claus}, Whoopi Goldberg, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Newhart, Eric Idle, Richard Simmons, Alec Willows, Lee Tockar, Garry Chalk, Christopher Gray, Vanessa Morley, Myriam Sirois, Elizabeth Carol Savenkoff, Cathy Weseluck, Paul Dobson, Colin Murdock, David Kaye & Terry Klassen
Good Times Video widescreen color DVD [5/2001] for $24.95 Good Times Video color VHS [11/2001] for $6.88 M.P.L. soundtrack CD [undated] 14 tracks - out of prodn/used 11"x17" poster available for $14.99 at AllPosters.com full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia • watch complete movie [1:19:57] at YouTube "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: A Retelling of The New Animated Movie" [1998] by Susan Korman, Illustrated by June Brigman & Roy Richardson Good Times Publng hardcover [10/98] out of print/used |
 | "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" movie tie-in children's book [ages 3-7; 2000] Illustrated by David Wenzel Little Golden Books 8x7 hardcover [8/2000] for $3.12 {sic} |
sequel "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Island of Misfit Toys"
[B.K.N. International video release Oct 2001]
 | Animated musical feature film using (licensed) characters from the Rankin/Bass TV specials of 1964 & 1976, considered the sequel to the 1998 feature film; when the Evil Toy Taker makes away with all of Santa's toys just before Christmas, Rudolph, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, and Bumbles set out to get them back. Co-produced & directed by William R. Kowalchuk Jr.; written by Kevin Hopps, Michael Aschner & Lee Tockar; music & lyrics by Bruce Roberts & Diana B; featuring voices of Richard Dreyfuss, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rick Moranis, Kathleen Barr, Scott McNeil, Garry Chalk, Elizabeth Carol Savenkoff, Colin Murdock, Peter Kelamis, Brent Miller, Lee Tockar, Terry Klassen, Alec Willows & Don Brown
Good Times Video color DVD [10/2001] for $29.90 11"x17" poster available for $14.99 at AllPosters.com full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia |
Recordings, Other Media
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M.C.A. Records MP3 "Rudolph" song by Burl Ives [12/99] for $1.29
Sony Music Ent. MP3 "Rudolph" song by Gene Autry [9/2003] for $1.29
Charly Records MP3 "Rudolph" song by Gene Autry [6/2006] for 99¢
Jukebox Ent. MP3 "Rudolph" song by Bing Crosby [12/2008] for 99¢
Harlem Parlour Music Club's Western swing MP3 "Rudolph" song [11/2010] for 89¢
Amazon Digital Services MP3 "Rudolph" song by Ella Fitzgerald & Bing Crosby [12/2012] for 89¢
12/1959 Supreme Records MP3 "Rudolph" song by Perry Como [7/2013] for 89¢
1959-60 Capitol Records MP3 "Rudolph" song by Dean Martin [10/2013] for $1.29
 | doo-wop version by The Melodeers [1960]
The Melodeers released a doo-wop version of the song that peaked at #72 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart listen to audio recording [12/2011 upload; 2:19] online at YouTube |
Universal Motown Records MP3 "Rudolph" song by The Supremes [7/2014] for $1.29
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 | "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Favorites" vinyl record album
Golden Records vinyl album [circa 1960s] 14 tracks - out of prodn/used includes 13 songs: "Rudolph" (twice) by The Sandpipers & by Jimmy Durante; "Crackerjack Christmas"; "Winter Wonderland"; "Christmas Is Comin'"; "The Night Before Christmas"; "Santa's Other Reindeer" by The Sandpipers & Mitch Miller's Orchestra; "How Lovely Is Christmas" by Bing Crosby; "When Santa Gets Your Letter"; "I Dreamt That I Was Santa Claus"; "Little Boy Who Couldn't Find Christmas" by Roy Rogers; "Reindeer Dance"; "Jingle Bells"; and "The Twelve Days of Christmas" by The Sandpipers |
 | "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" sung by Bing Crosby [1962 video on VEVO] watch VEVO video [1:17] free at Amazon |
 | "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" TV movie soundtrack album [1995]
M.C.A. Records Special Products MP3 download [6/95] 19 tracks for $5.99 M.C.A. Records Special Products soundtrack CD [6/95] 19 tracks for $4.99 Decca vinyl LP [9/2014] for $21.41 performers include Burl Ives and the Decca Concert Orchestra |
 | "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer & Other Christmas Classics" [2003] by Gene Autry Sony music CD [9/2003] 18 tracks for $22.90 includes 4 duplicates also on the Sarabande album (just below): "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Rudolph", "Sleigh Bells", and "Up On The Housetop"; and 13 more songs: "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town", "He's A Chubby Little Fellow", "Santa, Santa, Santa", "If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas Day", "When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter", "Frosty the Snowman", "The Night Before Christmas Song" (2 versions), "Where Did My Snowman Go?", "I Wish My Mom Would Marry Santa Claus", "Round 'Round The Christmas Tree", "Merry Christmas Waltz", "Everyone's A Child At Christmas", and "You Can See Old Santa Claus" |
 | "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" song & albums [2006] by Gene Autry
Varese Sarabande MP3 song [9/2013] for $1.29 Varese Sarabande MP3 music CD [9/2013] 12 tracks for $5.99 Varese Sarabande remastered music CD [9/2006] 12 tracks for $6.99 includes 4 duplicates also on the Sony Music album (just above): "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Rudolph", "Sleigh Bells", and "Up On The Housetop"; and 8 more songs: "Nine Little Reindeer", "Jingle Bells", "O Little Town Of Bethlehem", "Silent Night", "Joy To The World", "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", "Away In The Manger", and "What Child Is This?" |
 | "Monopoly™ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Collector's Edition" board game [ages 8-15; 2012] USAopoly board game in 10"x20" box [12/2012] for $39.99 more branded Monopoly™ games at Spirit of America Bookstore's Monopoly™ Game Page |
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"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical" [2014]
 | First presented during the winter of 2014-2015; 'stage production directed and conceived by' Jeff Frank & First Stage; script adaptation by Robert Penola (based on the 1998 & 2001 movies); arrangements & orchestrations by Timothy Splain; recent productions/venues include Broadway Playhouse in Chicago, Marcus Center For The Performing Arts in Milwaukee, Orlando Repertory Theatre in Florida, and Tobin Center For The Performing Arts in San Antonio. |
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 | "Olive, The Other Reindeer" [ages 3-8; 1997] by Vivian Walsh, Illustrated by J.otto Seibold On first encounter, the description of this book made me laugh for five minutes; it still makes me chortle & snort every time I think about it. A little dog named Olive mis-hears a Christmas song and begins to believe that she is a reindeer. So she travels by bus with a scam-artist penguin to the North Pole . . . Kindle Edition from Amazon Digital Services [2012] for $2.99 Scholastic, Inc. 8½x5¾ pb [1998] out of print/100+ used Chronicle Books 9½x7½ hardcover [10/97] for $9.51 |
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"Olive, The Other Reindeer" animated TV special [D.N.A./Curiosity/Fox TV Dec 1999] Co-produced by Drew Barrymore, Matt Groening & Claudia De La Roca (Curiosity) and Michael Stipe; directed by Steve Moore; adapted by Steve Young; music by Christopher Tyng (4 songs); featuring voices of Drew Barrymore, Dan Castellaneta, Joe Pantoliano, Edward Asner, Peter MacNicol, Tim Meadows, Jay Mohr, Michael Stipe, Diedrich Bader, David Herman, Matt Groening, Mitch Rouse Fox color DVD [10/2011] for $5.00 full credits at IMDb • official movie website watch full movie [8/2014 upload; 45:29] online at YouTube "Making of ..." documentary short [Curiosity 2011] • not lsted at IMDb watch docufilm [8/2016 upload; 26:00] online at YouTube |
L i n k s
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" book entry at Wikipedia
incomplete 'Rudolph' character credits listing at Internet Movie Database
rights to the existing 'Rudolph' films & TV movies are held by DreamWorks Classics.
rights for branding of 'Rudolph' and new productions in all media are held by Character Arts, LLC of Wilton, CT.
Official Rudolph Products Store [est. 2012] based in Wilton, CT
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