Happy Birthday! Pretty standard children’s classic, and a holiday staple. Frosty’s animated by a magical hat, goes on some joyrides, then is promptly executed by dawn’s light. But he’ll be back next Christmas day! This idea could easily be turned into a horror movie. Watch it for the memories, to relive some of that lost childhood, or share it with your kids if you got ‘em. Spawned a sequel some 20 years later entitled Frosty Returns (starring John Goodman) which was mostly awful.
A classic poem is given new life in this wonderful Rankin/Bass animated special that puts a refreshing spin on the oft-told children's poem. Concerning a clockmaker and the family of mice who lives in his house, we learn that Old Saint Nick has boycotted their quiet little town due to an anonymous letter questioning his very existence. It's up to the scientific mind of a boy rat to find a way to restore Christmas cheer to all. It sounds sappy, but it manages to lure you in with catchy, original songs that are impossible to get out of your head. I'm serious.