Classic Television Showbiz: 12/13/09

Charlie Brown, The Grinch and the Rankin-Bass productions gratefully remain in heavy rotation this time of year on network television. Whether we make a point to sit down and watch them on commercial TV or not is irrelevant - we're glad they're still there. However, up til perhaps ten years ago, there were several more specials that reran regularly - but haven't seen the light of day recently. You can go over here and watch a bunch of these charming specials that feature the always wonderful and familiar voices of Paul Frees, Hal Smith, June Foray and many others. Many notable animators also are responsible for much of the work - including Chuck Jones and Bill Melendez. Check out Santa & The Three Bears (1970), The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas (1972), A Very Merry Cricket (1973), The City That Almost Forgot About Christmas (1974), Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus (1974), The Tiny Tree (1975), Raggedy Ann & The Great Santa Claus Caper (1978) and a couple others over here.