It’s the Christmas season again, and it’s time to watch our favorite season specials. There are endless holiday classics, but one set of films gets the spotlight: Rankin Bass Christmas Specials is a well-known set of films that have been part of many people’s childhoods. Whether you have watched or heard about these films, before we turn on the TV, let’s look into the history of Rankin Bass films.

The History

It all started with Arthur Rankin, Jr, a graphic designer who worked on ABC’s television programming in 1948. Between 1955 and 1960, he and Jules Bass founded the animation studio Videocraft International, later changed to Rankin/Bass Productions. The studio’s first production was The New Adventures of Pinocchio stop-motion animated TV series. In 1964, the NBC holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was a success, based on a song by Johnny Marks. After the success of stop motion films, Rankin/Bass Productions became one of the top independent television and film producers at the time.

The last film the studio produced was an animated adaptation of Santa Baby! Based on the song by Eartha Kitt. Unfortunately, the film didn’t make up for the production costs, and in 2001, Rankin/Bass Productions closed its doors. Arthur Rankin Jr and his wife enjoyed their retirements until their passing in 2014. Meanwhile, Jules Bass wrote a few books about his time with the production company until his passing in 2022. 

The Legacy

Rankin/Bass Productions has produced many holiday specials for several years, particularly based on Christmas stories. Such films include The Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. In addition to these specials, the studio produced several animated adaptations that became cult classics. Films such as (1977) The Hobbit, The Last Unicorn, and The Wind in the Willows. In 1980, they started producing/co-producing several cartoons, including the 1985-89 Thundercat’s animated series.

Conclusion

It’s fun to look back and see all the work Rankin/Bass Productions has done throughout their 40 years of being open, not only with the handful of cult classic animated features but also their abundance of holiday specials. Pisces of animation hold nostalgic value for many people who grew up with them or watched them later. So, do you have a favorite Rankin/Bass Production? If so, finally turn on your TV and tune into your favorite special.

Read More From The Able Show Contributors.

https://theableshow.com/rankin-bassing-through-the-snow

sources:

https://ejunkieblog.com/2021/11/27/the-history-of-rankin-bass/

https://blogs.westlakelibrary.org/2023/11/nostalgic-showcase-presents-rankin-bass-animation/