“Christmas Classics” continues.
On December 8, 1974, CBS introduced “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” another instant-classic holiday special from producers Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass.
In the half-hour animated special – which was loosely based on Clement Clark Moore’s 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” – a family of mice, a gentle clockmaker and a sensitive Santa Claus come together to revive the Christmas spirit in fictional Junctionville, New York.
The cast included Joel Grey as the clockmaker, George Gobel as Father Mouse and Tammy Grimes as Albert, his son.
“’Twas the Night Before Christmas” was among the 10 most-watched shows the week it aired. The top 10, in order, were: NBC’s “Chico and the Man” and “Sanford and Son;” CBS’s “All in the Family,” “Rhoda,” “Maude” and “’Twas the Night Before Christmas;” NBC’s “McMillan & Wife” and “Police Story,” CBS’s “M*A*S*H” and NBC’s “Rockford Files.”
CBS aired “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” each year through 1994; since 1995, the special has been shown annually on the ABC Family Channel.
See for yourself: “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” is included as a bonus feature on the “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” DVD set. “Christmas Classics” continues tomorrow.
On TV
Here’s the prime-time lineup for Sunday, December 8, 1974:
7:30: “Frosty the Snowman”* (CBS), “The Wonderful World of Disney: Stub, Best Cow Dog in the West” (NBC)
8: “Sonny Comedy Revue” (ABC), “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (CBS)
8:30: “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story”* (CBS), “McMillan & Wife” (NBC)
9: “Funny Girl” (ABC)
The Record
For the week of December 8, 1974:
Top novel: “Centennial” by James Michener
Top song: “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas
Top TV show: “Chico and the Man” (NBC)
New at the movies: “Murder on the Orient Express”
In the news: The jobless rate hit 6.5 percent
Captions: A scene from “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” courtesy IGN.com.
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