Cricket On the Hearth

Just received this DVD as a gift, today and it was my first viewing ever of this 1967 TV special. It's a decent effort from Rankin & Bass, best known for, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but not quite up to the standards, we've come to expect. Based on a Charles Dickens story, it is not that interesting or strong of a story and the animation isn't quite what I'd hoped for. Danny Thomas, Marlo Thomas, Ed Ames, Roddy McDowall and Hans Conried lend their voices to this story and probably the best part for me is Danny Thomas introduces and closes the special in a VERY 60s looking room.....I liked that part! I did notice in the credits that Danny Thomas and Aaron Spelling were producers for this special, so perhaps that explains a little as to why this doesn't have the usual look and feel of a Rankin & Bass holiday special? Still, recommended for fans of Rankin & Bass.

6/10