The following video was presented in honor of Maury Laws at the annual Animation Guild memorial of those in the animation industry who left us the previous year. But like that feature, it offers an solid musical score by Laws and co-producer/director Jules Bass that includes the memorable “Put One Foot in Front of the Other,” a song that some do not realize originated with this film. It was lavish and spectacular without but it wasn’t too ambitious for its means like the lovely but unsuccessful 1996 feature, The Daydreamer. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town benefits from everything learned in the years following the success of Rudolph. The company was at a creative peak, with Saturday morning shows in competition with Hanna-Barbera, Filmation and DePatie-Freleng, and several theatrical features already on their resume. While not sustaining a continuous network run like Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, it nevertheless enjoys ongoing broadcasts in syndication, cable and various video releases, often on multiple platforms within the same season.īy 1970, Rankin/Bass was beginning to establish its identity as the foremost producer of holiday specials. His estimation surely matches those of countless viewers who have continued to keep this special one of the longest-running in history. “ had the right quality for what we needed. “I think, with that special, we hit everything right,” he told me. Fred Coots “The First Toymaker to the King,” “Be Prepared to Pay,” “Put One Foot in Front of the Other,” “What Better Way to Tell You” by Maury Laws, Jules Bass.ĭuring a rare interview in a 2002 collection of animation essays called The Cartoon Music Book, legendary Rankin/Bass composer/arranger Maury Laws told your author that among the Rankin/Bass specials, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town was his personal favorite. Songs: “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Haven Gillespie, J. Voices: Fred Astaire (Special Delivery “S.D.” Klueger) Mickey Rooney (Kris Kringle) Keenan Wynn (Winter Warlock) Robie Lester (Miss Jessica) Paul Frees (Burgermeister Meisterburger, Grindsley, Baby Claus, Assorted Kringles, Guard, Father, Opening Announcer, Scrooge, Businessman) Joan Gardner (Tanta Kringle, Lady in Store) Dina Lynn, Andrea Sacino, Gary Thomas, Jeff Thomas (Children) The Westminster Children’s Choir, The Mike Sammes Singers. Cover Design: Norbert Jobst, Maurer Productions West. Sound Engineers: John Boyd, Jim Harris, Phil Kaye, Bob Elder.
Original Story and Teleplay: Romeo Muller.
Film Producer/Directors: Arthur Rankin, Jr., Jules Bass. MGM Records SE-4732 (12” 33 1/3 RPM Mono–Enhanced for Stereo / 1970)ĬD Reissue: Rhino Records R2-76102 (1989 / Paired with Frosty the Snowman) One of the finest holiday specials ever created hits the half-century mark this year, so here’s a fresh look at the flawless soundtrack that played such a major part in its success.Īrthur Rankin, Jr.
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