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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

"Now give me that hat or else."
"Or else what?"
"Oh, well, don't bother me with details, give me that hat!"

The first snow of the season falls on Christmas Eve. Karen (Foray) and her friends build a snowman that they name Frosty. When magician Professor Hinkle's (De Wolfe) hat lands on his head, Frosty (Vernon) comes to life.

The kids and Frosty have fun until the temperatures start to rise. Karen decides to take him to the North Pole, the only place where he won't melt. Professor Hinkle wants his hat back and chases after them. Can they find a way to keep Karen warm and Frosty warm, while avoiding Professor Hinkle?


Based on the 1950s song "Frosty the Snowman ", written by Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson.

The Good:
The writer, Romeo Muller, adapted and expanded the song to fit into a TV special. Unlike previous Rankin-Bass specials, this embraces traditional 2D animation. They wanted it to look like a Christmas card, which works and brings heart to the story.
The characters are voiced by comedians. Jimmy Durante is a great choice as the Narrator. Jackie Vernon is warm and child-like as Frosty. Billy De Wolfe is ridiculous and pure mustache-twirling villain as Professor Hinkle.

The Bad:
It's a little short, which works for a TV special, but it could be longer. The kids that are not Karen are not necessary. They are cute, but don't have names are any memorable personalities. 

Other Comments:
-This was Durante's final film. It is also an iconic role that introduced his voice to a whole new audience. 
-Frosty was so popular that Rankin-Bass made two subsequent films with Frosty. Frosty's Winter Wonderland, the 1976 sequel brought back Vernon in the title role and Muller as the writer. Vernon again voiced the character in Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July in 1979.

Frosty the Snowman (1969) 25 minutes
Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr and Jules Bass 
Starring: Jimmy Durante as Narrator
Jackie Vernon as Frosty
Billy De Wolfe as Professor Hinkle
June Foray as Karen
Paul Frees as The Traffic Cop, The Ticket Taker, Hocus Pocus, and Santa Claus

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