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The history of Rankin/Bass Productions spans more than thirty years and includes dozens of fondly remembered animated television specials, feature films, and television series. While generations of television viewers and theatergoers have enjoyed their animated films, little has been written about the prolific team of Arthur Rankin, Jr., and Jules Bass. With the Assistance of Arthur Rankin, Jr., author Rick Goldschmidt has assembled this complete visual history of the animated projects of Rankin/Bass.
Benefiting from generous access to the studio's archives, the author has assembled an array of production stills, concept artwork, storyboards, advertising materials and behind-the-scenes photographs that document every single production that issued from Rankin/Bass over the years, including projects that were never released. Dozens of interviews with animators, composers, voice-actors, and artists augment the extensive commentary contributed by Arthur Rankin, Jr. Extensive indexes aid the reader in locating specific characters and shows, and even the vast assortment of illustrations contained in the book.
All in all, The Enchanted World Of Rankin/Bass is a treat for fans of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Year Without A Santa Claus, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, The Hobbit, Mad Monster Party, and the dozens of other Rankin/Bass shows that have entertained several generations of viewers over the past thirty years.
"When I lent my voice to Sam the snowman back in 1964, 1 had no idea that the special would air on network television every year since then. When I tour across the country, I am recognized as Sam by everyone from the airline stewardesses down to the smallest of children. The popularity of that special overshadows my Oscar performance in The Big Country and my performance as ‘Big Daddy’ in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" put together." "I loved that special, so much that we have had wood figures of the Rudolph characters made and we decorate our front lawn with them every Christmas. The role of Sam came natural to me because I like singing to children because they like good songs and they are interested in some of the same things I am, like frogs, flies and bees. I worked on several projects with Rankin/Bass over the years including, The Daydreamer, The First Easter Rabbit, and even the live action film The Bermuda Depths and enjoyed making them all, but Rudolph is still the most popular. ‘Silver and Gold’ and ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ are two of my favorite and most requested songs. I am grateful to have been a part of that special. So on behalf of my friend Rick, I ask you to pull up an iceberg and to have to the story of Rankin/Bass."