The Little Drummer Boy (TV special) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Little Drummer Boy |
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Official release promotional poster
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| Genre | Christmas |
| Written by | Romeo Muller |
| Directed by | |
| Starring |
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| Narrated by | Greer Garson |
| Theme music composer | Maury Laws |
| Country of origin |
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| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | |
| Cinematography | Takeo Nakamura (uncredited) |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Rankin/Bass Productions |
| Distributor | NBCUniversal Television Distribution |
| Release | |
| Original network | CTV Television Network NBC |
| Original release | December 15, 1968 |
| Chronology | |
| Followed by | The Little Drummer Boy, Book II |
The Little Drummer Boy is a special stop-motion television show. It was made by Rankin/Bass Productions. The story is based on the famous song of the same name.
The show first aired in Canada on December 15, 1968, on the CTV Television Network. Four days later, it was shown across America on NBC. A second part, or sequel, was broadcast in 1976.
Contents
The Story of the Drummer Boy
Aaron's Early Life
The story is about a young boy named Aaron. He lives a happy life with his parents on a farm. They have three special farm animals: Samson the Donkey, Baba the Lamb, and Joshua the Camel. For his birthday, Aaron gets a drum. When he plays it, his animals love to dance!
One sad night, some bad people from the desert cause trouble. They take the animals and destroy Aaron's home. Because of this, Aaron becomes very sad and doesn't trust people anymore.
Joining the Caravan
Aaron's drumming makes his three animals dance. Because of this special talent, Aaron is taken by a man named Ben Haramed. Ben forces Aaron to join his group of performers. They are not very good at performing.
When they perform in Jerusalem, Aaron gets angry. He sees the townspeople enjoying themselves. He shouts at them, calling them bad names.
A Special Gift
Later, Aaron's group meets the Magi. These wise men are following a bright star in the sky. Ben Haramed tries to perform for the Magi, hoping to get gold. But the Magi are busy. They are in a hurry to reach where the star is leading them.
One of the Magi's camels gets too tired to travel. Ben sees a chance to get more gold. He offers Joshua, Aaron's camel, to the Magi. Aaron refuses to take any money from Ben. He leaves with Samson and Baba.
Aaron and his two animal friends, Samson and Baba, escape. They climb a tall hill and join the Magi. They all follow the star towards Bethlehem.
In Bethlehem, Baba the lamb gets hurt by a Roman chariot. Aaron takes his injured lamb to the Magi. He hopes they can help Baba. But the Magi suggest that maybe the baby can help.
Aaron has no gift to give to the baby. So, he decides his gift will be playing his drum for the baby and His parents. As Aaron plays, Baba is healed! The lamb rushes into Aaron's arms. This fills Aaron's heart with joy at last.
Who Lent Their Voices
Many talented people gave their voices to the characters:
- Greer Garson as the narrator
- Teddy Eccles as Aaron
- Jose Ferrer as Ben Haramad
- Paul Frees as Ali, Aaron's father, and the Three Kings
- June Foray as Aaron's mother
- The Vienna Boys' Choir sang the main song.
The Second Story
In 1976, Rankin/Bass made a second part to the story. It was called The Little Drummer Boy, Book II. This sequel also aired on NBC.
In this second story, Aaron and his animal friends team up with Melchior. Melchior is one of the Magi. They work together to protect special silver bells. These bells were made to ring for Christ's arrival. They must protect them from a group of greedy Roman soldiers.
Voices in the Second Story
- Greer Garson as Our Storyteller
- Zero Mostel as Brutus
- David Jay as Aaron
- Bob McFadden as Plato
- Ray Owens as Melchior
- Allen Swift as Simeon and The Soldiers
See also
In Spanish: The Little Drummer Boy (película de 1968) para niños
- List of Rankin/Bass Productions films
