Countdown to Christmas: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

 This was what put Arthur Rankin, Jr. & Jules Bass on the map nearly 60 years ago, after their first series for syndication had flopped a few years earlier.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, based on the Johnny Marks song, made famous by Gene Autry, tells the story, in greater detail, of why Rudolph (Billie Richards) was ostracized by his fellow reindeer, until recruited by Santa one fateful Christmas Eve.

Burl Ives narrates.

Edit, 11/11/24: The video's been privatized by NBC-Universal. In its place is a screencap.

Rating: A.