Behind the Evergreen Christmas Special Rudolph, You’ll Go Down in History
You know Dasher and Dancer, and you definitely know Rudolph. Everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer was first born as a 1939 short story, but he truly shot to fame when his tale was adapted
Those who are familiar with the film know that it ends with Rudolph enlisting Santa to save the Misfit Toys from earlier in the movie — but it didn’t originally. The version that aired in 1964 concludes with Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh but forgetting all about his homeless friends. The backlash was swift, and viewers wrote in to express displeasure at the heartless resolution. GE decided the special had to be corrected and played again with the proper ending in 1965. And so, a tradition of annual airings was born. Today, “Rudolph” is the longest-running Christmas special in history, and our favorite misfit deer shows no signs of slowing down after 57 years. The movie has transformed into a marketing bonanza, with new Christmas decorations, figurines, and toys being produced each year. Though it’s somewhat shocking to our modern sensibilities to see Santa bullying his reindeer employees and their children, fond childhood memories mean that parents continue to pass the special down to their kids. Even as we recognize its flaws, the dazzling animation and famous songs continue to bring joy and Christmas spirit to households around the country.
into a song by Gene Autry in 1949. Rivaling even the song’s fame is the Rankin/Bass stop-motion special that airs like clockwork every year around Christmas. Generations have now grown up with Rudolph, so it may be surprising to learn that his journey to the small screen started as a General Electric promotion. The company had a running television special on NBC called the “GE Fantasy Hour,” which they used to market their products directly to viewers. The better the story they told, the more viewers they got — and the more toasters they could sell. The script introduced new characters like Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius the prospector, and Bumble the abominable snowman. GE hired Japanese animators to create the film using stop-motion techniques that were highly advanced for the time. GE invested the modern equivalent of $4.5 million into the production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”; the special first aired in 1964.
TIPS TO STAY SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix
Drunk driving is a big problem in the U.S. In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities from drunk drivers, or 29 deaths per day. Moreover, surveys estimate 111 million alcohol-impaired driving incidents per year, but statistics show only about 1 million alcohol-related traffic stops. During the holiday season, a lot of people like to let loose and toss back a few drinks. Unfortunately, far too many of them get behind the wheel afterward. New Year’s Day is considered the most dangerous day of the year when it comes to drunk driving, and since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fall on a Friday and Saturday this year, experts expect holiday rates of impaired driving to be more prevalent than usual. A lot of people who drive under the influence don’t set out to do so. They drive to an event with the intention of having one or two drinks, but they start having a good time and think they can handle a few more. Before they know it, they’re too intoxicated to drive but feel like there’s no other way to get home.
When you’re under the influence, you’re not thinking your best. That’s why it’s important to have a plan to get home in advance. Yes, it will be annoying to leave your car at the bar overnight and pick it up the next day, but that inconvenience is nothing compared to the death or injury that can result from drunk driving. If you know you’ll be drinking, it’s best to not drive at all; take a bus or ride-share to and from your destination. Once you’re intoxicated, nothing will make you sober except time. A designated driver is a great option, but you should be careful to never get into a car with another person who’s been drinking. Finally, if you think you might be too impaired to drive, you are — don’t risk it. If you’ve been injured by an impaired driver’s negligence, we’re here to help. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. At Finney Injury Law, we genuinely care about our clients and will provide you with compassionate representation. Contact our team today.
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