Olive, the Other Reindeer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Olive, the Other Reindeer
DVD cover
Based on	Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
Written by	Steve Young Book J. Otto Seibold Vivian Walsh
Directed by	Steve Moore
Starring	Drew Barrymore Edward Asner Dan Castellaneta Joe Pantoliano Peter MacNicol Michael Stipe
Composer(s)	Christopher Tyng
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
Production
Producer(s)	Keith Alcorn Matt Groening Drew Barrymore Cladia De La Roca Alex Johns Nancy Juvonen Michael Stipe
Editor(s)	Paul D. Calder
Running time	TV Airings & DVD: 45 minutes VHS Extended Edition: 46 minutes
Production company(s)	DNA Productions Flower Films The Curiosity Company Fox Television Studios 20th Century Fox Animation
Distributor	20th Television
Release
Original network	Fox
Original release	December 17, 1999 (1999-12-17)

Olive, the Other Reindeer is a fun computer-animated Christmas musical film from 1999. It's based on a children's book by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold. The movie was written by Steve Young and directed by Steve Moore.

This special was produced by Matt Groening's The Curiosity Company and animated by DNA Productions. It first aired on December 17, 1999, on Fox. It became a popular holiday show, airing on channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network for many years.

The story's title comes from a clever misunderstanding. In the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", the line "All of the other reindeer" can sound like "Olive, the other reindeer" to some listeners. This idea sparked the whole adventure! Drew Barrymore voices the main character, Olive, and also helped produce the film.

The Story of Olive

Olive's Big Christmas Mission

The movie tells the story of Olive, a friendly Jack Russell Terrier dog. One day, she hears her owner, Tim, feeling sad about Christmas. He says there "won't be any Christmas" because one of Santa's reindeer, Blitzen, is hurt.

Santa Claus himself says on the radio that Christmas can still happen if "all of the other reindeer" can pull his sleigh. But Olive's tiny pet flea, Fido, mishears this. He thinks Santa said "Olive, the other reindeer"!

Olive believes it's her job to save Christmas. She decides to travel all the way to the North Pole to help Santa.

Obstacles on the Journey

On her way to the bus station, Olive meets a grumpy Postman. He doesn't like Christmas and wants it to be cancelled. When he learns Olive is trying to help Santa, he tries to stop her.

At the bus station, Olive meets Martini, a clever penguin who is a bit of a trickster. Olive buys him a bus ticket. But before they can leave, the Postman captures Olive! He claims she's wanted for a crime. Martini helps Olive escape, and they both jump onto the bus.

On the bus, Olive and Martini talk to other passengers. They explain Olive's mission. The Postman tries to stop the bus with his mail truck. But Martini throws a paper airplane at him, knocking him off the road.

Reaching the North Pole

When they arrive at Arctic Junction, they have to wait for another bus. They go to a restaurant, where the Postman, disguised as a waitress, tricks Olive. He tells her Santa is waiting and throws her into his truck.

Luckily, Olive finds a package addressed to her. Inside is a metal file that she uses to escape the truck. She returns to Martini and Richard, the bus driver, who are worried about her.

Since they missed their bus, Olive and Martini go into a nearby bar. The people there are not very friendly at first. But Olive gives a heartfelt speech about the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone apologizes, and the bar owner, Round John Virgin, offers them a ride to the North Pole.

Saving Christmas Day

At the North Pole, Olive is almost turned away. But Martini distracts the guard, and Olive sneaks inside to find Santa. Santa is feeling down because he received mean letters from children. Olive realizes the letters are from the Postman! She convinces Santa not to give up. Santa thanks Olive, and she joins the other reindeer to pull the sleigh.

Just before they leave, the Postman switches the bag of toys with a bag of junk mail. He also kidnaps Martini! Santa discovers the trick, and Olive uses her sense of smell to track the Postman.

Olive fights the Postman, and Martini scares him with a jack-in-the-box. The Postman hits his head and is knocked out. They get the presents back, rescue Martini, and deliver gifts all over the world.

Santa gets lost in the fog, but Olive guides the sleigh back to the North Pole. She follows the delicious smell of cookies baked by Mrs. Claus! Comet, one of Santa's reindeer, gives Olive a ride home. She makes up with Tim, who is very happy to see her.

In the end, the Postman is tied up and put in the penguin exhibit at the zoo, taking Martini's place. Martini, who helped save Christmas, now gets to be in charge of the mail!

Meet the Voice Cast

Many talented actors lent their voices to the characters in Olive, the Other Reindeer.

• Drew Barrymore as Olive, the brave dog
• Dan Castellaneta as the Postman, who tries to stop Christmas
• Joe Pantoliano as Martini, the tricky but helpful penguin
• Edward Asner as Santa Claus
• Peter MacNicol as Fido, Olive's tiny flea friend
• Tim Meadows as Richard Stans, the bus driver
• Jay Mohr as Tim, Olive's owner
• Michael Stipe as Schnitzel, Blitzen's cousin
• Tress MacNeille as Mrs. Claus, a news reporter, and an Inuit woman
• Matt Groening as Arturo, an elf (uncredited)
• Billy West as an Inuit person
• Diedrich Bader as a Zookeeper
• David Herman, Mitch Rouse and Kath Soucie as various characters

Music from the Film

The music for Olive, the Other Reindeer was composed by Christopher Tyng, with lyrics by Steve Young. The film features several memorable songs:

• "The Days Still Remaining 'Til Christmas" performed by Drew Barrymore
• "Christmas (Bah, Bug and Hum!)" performed by Dan Castellaneta
• "We're Not So Bad" performed by Michael Stipe of R.E.M.
• "Merry Christmas After All" performed by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with Drew Barrymore
• "The Days Still Remaining 'Til Christmas (reprise)" performed by Drew Barrymore