Tribute: Arthur Rankin Jr. (1924 - 2014)

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.