Unfortunately, there’s been a second death in the film industry to report this weekend. Producer, writer, and director Arthur Rankin, Jr. (1924 – 2014), partner to Jules Bass, has passed away.
Rankin’s
output at Rankin-Bass remains incredibly impressive, and many generations of
kids grew up with the company’s TV Christmas specials. The most famous of these is Rudolph
The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), but the company also created such
classics as Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town (1974), and Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
(1976).
Impressively,
these specials still air on network television, in some cases even fifty years
after their broadcast premieres.
In
the genre, Rankin-Bass was also a creative force to be reckoned with in the
late 1960s and early 1970s. King
Kong Escapes (1968) was a co-production with Toho, and Rankin-Bass also
produced live-action TV-movies The Last Dinosaur (1977) and The
Bermuda Depths (1977). Both
films are touchstones for Generation X, or the Star Wars Generation.
Rankin’s
animated efforts included animated TV versions of The Hobbit (1977). The
Return of the King (1980) and the theatrical release The
Last Unicorn (1982).
It’s
so difficult losing a talent like Rankin because he spent his professional life
making great entertainment for children.
I watched Rankin-Bass productions as a little boy, and I have introduced
many of them to my son. Productions such
as Rudolph and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town translate from decade to decade,
generation to generation, parent to child.
I
don’t believe a producer, writer or director could ask for a greater, or more
meaningful legacy than that.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Rankin.
Well said. Sad to hear this. Big fan of the man's work. hope to cover King Kong Escapes and The Bermuda Depths some time soon myself.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute here at Reflections!
May he rest in peace. So many memories.
ReplyDeleteJohn very thoughtful tribute. He created so many wonderful memories from our childhoods. As a boy in the '70s, his productions were always important and still are.
ReplyDeleteSGB
Love Love Love King King Escapes and The Hobbit is still the definitive adaptation for me. Also love Flight Of Dragons and The Last Unicorn and of course the Christmas staples.
ReplyDeleteSuch great work from this artist. And I'm in agreement with emerdelac that his The Hobbit was the definitive adaptation. Fine tribute, John.
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