It's poignant to see what television-and animation-once could be as far back as 1966. Simple touches like this made viewing the warm old tube an important part of the holiday season for kids--in a good way for a change. Today this spot with its understated good cheer looks positively revolutionary to me.
Thanks for sharing that, first I've ever seen it and really enjoyed it. It actually gives me more of a Christmas spirit feeling than the Rankin-Bass specials.
ReplyDeletewell said.
ReplyDeleteMan, that old school style of animation makes me ache, almost. Great clip.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this before, but you're absolutely right: of all the nice qualities it contains, the most compelling is.... restraint!
ReplyDeleteamazing
ReplyDeleteA minute of air time not sold to advertisers... fat chance of that happening today.
ReplyDeleteThat was charming! Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeletethis well remembered minute brings back fond memories of mumps and stocking stuffers. it is indeed revolutionary by today's standards. anything that isn't in the name of hustling a buck seems to be, as Robert above points out.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing and happy holidays Jenny!
Willis Pyle's animation is very warm and emotional. This is like many of Bob's other animated spots and pieces. He has another couple spots like this.
ReplyDeleteFor those really interested you might check out his Christmas Special done for PBS: Simple Gifts. (Unfortunately, I think it might be hard to locate.)
This piece does seem very modern. I love the twist ending. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet.^__^ (Thanks for the book recommendation! See you after the break!)
ReplyDeleteMEEEERRYY CHRISTMAS!!!!
ReplyDeleteeddie 12/24/08
Just stopping by - as I am thinking of you today. I hope all is well. I think of you often and miss you dearly. Much love to you...
ReplyDeleteMagikgrrl(Carol)
Michael Sporn wrote:
ReplyDelete"For those really interested you might check out his Christmas Special done for PBS: Simple Gifts. (Unfortunately, I think it might be hard to locate.)"
You're so right , I'm sorry to say : it is hard to locate. Why "Simple Gifts" is not available on DVD , I do not know. (at least we have Blechman's "A Soldier's Tale" on DVD)
I posted a little snippet of "Simple Gifts" here:
Simple Gifts clip
The video quality is not the greatest since this is from an old VHS tape. Transferring it to a YouTube ready mp4 file came out much too dark , but it is what it is.
A beautiful piece. Very lean in terms of actual poses, but deftly executed. I wish there could be more minimalist work like this in feature films as well as on the small screen.
ReplyDeleteI totally remember this. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this nice video.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen this in 45 year's.I remember this around Christmas time when I was a kid of 7.Bring back so many memories.It just hard to believe this Seasons Greetings Promo came on in 1966.It seems like yesterday.I still whistle this music right to this day and I'm 52.
ReplyDelete