Rankin-Bass’s ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’ first premiered on CBS on December 14, 1970. Audiences met SD Kluger, played by Fred Astaire. The animated figure would hop out of his van and read out letters. These letters were written by children to Santa Claus, which went on to become a Christmas special.
Rick Goldschmidt wrote a book on ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’ and said that Bass followed this with their previous hits. He says that the film is held dear by so many people and it is because it resonates with them and gives Santa Clause tangibility.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town: A Nostalgic Ride
The film speaks of an orphan who grows up to find his calling in sharing gifts with children. The audience is met with a twist on the classic characters of Santa’s elves among others.
The characters were given a lovely dimension by an ensemble cast. According to Rick, Bass had a knack for talent and thought that giving voice to characters would be a turning point for animated films. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town has been a huge success Maury Laws, the music director. Laws used one of his original compositions in the film. It was paired with other massive hits “Put One Foot in Front of the Other,” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”.
The film’s stop motion was done in Japan. Several studios were hired to create one special, and many of them received the public acknowledgment. Till today the film is not available online, which in turn holds true nostalgic essence.
There is a need for warm and magical stories to be woven on screen. People crave such warmth during the holidays and are rightly served with it through such Christmas specials. There will always be such joy and magic to turn to every time the world seems a little gloomy.
