The Little Drummer Boy, Book II (1976)
Does this one ring a bell to anyone?
Brief Backstory
The Little Drummer Boy, written in 1958, became a solid Christmas cartoon in 1968 by Rankin/Bass. During the 70s, R/B continued their tradition of adapting cartoons out of the holidays; continuing with the Year without a Santa Claus in 1974 and Rudolph’s Shiny New Year in 1976. The very same year, the Little Drummer Boy, Book II, was aired, and was nominated for an Emmy. 45+ years later however, it isn’t as well beloved by the viewers.
Story
Aaron goes with one of the three kings (Melchior) to Simeon to bring his silver bells for ringing of the birth of the new king. Unfortunately, the bells are stolen by Brutus and the tax collectors, and the trio has to retrieve them before the tax collectors can turn them into silver stones.
Narrated by Greer Garson (1904-1996).
Random Facts
This was emmy nominated.
Much like in the original, Aaron plays with a matched grip. I didn’t mention this on the other page.
The Aaron doll doesn’t look the same as he did in the original. Same thing happened with Rudolph in Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, but that doll was still existent. I’m implying that the Aaron doll had to be replaced due to age like the Rudolph one.
Random Opinions
Compared to the first one, this isn’t as dark or moody.
Aaron’s eyes look like they’ve gone through some work. The pupils are a little big.
Pros
- Like the first Little Drummer Boy, Greer Garson does a great narration job.
- Great voice acting by Zero Mostel
- The money song by Brutus is a highlight.
- Like all R/B animagic cartoons, great stop-motion animation.
Cons
- This ends abruptly.
- I’m aware that Aaron probably had to be redesigned (it was an 8 year gap between the two cartoons) but here he looks sort of weird and it’s mainly due to the pupils.
Rating: 6/10 – Decent
It’s fine; but it doesn’t compare to the first. The cartoon doesn’t exactly go anywhere with the soldiers after the bells are retrieved and overall the cartoon just ends.