Frosty the Snowman started out as a song before becoming popularized by the Rankin/Bass Tv special released in 1969. You may recognize Rankin/Bass for developing other holiday tv specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Clause is Coming to Town. The question that remains is can Frosty still melt the hearts of the modern audience as it did back when it first premiered.
In a small town of an unknown name, the children are excited to see a snowfall outside of the school window. Before they can go out and play, they first get to see a magic show performance by the worst magician in the world, Professor Hinkle. When his magic act goes all wrong he throws his hat away in anger. The bell rings and the kids run outside in excitement to play in the snow. A couple of the kids decide to build a snowman together and they all name him Frosty. When Hinkle’s hat gets thrown on top of Frosty’s head, he magically comes to life. It’s all wonderful and amazing until frosty starts to melt a little from the heat so he along with a little girl named Karen and a bunny named Hocus sneak aboard a train heading to the north pole. Professor Hinkle follows as he tries to get his hat back believing it to make him rich knowing what its powers can do.
So I’m gonna be straight with you, this special is anything but dignified because its incredibly cheezy and a lot of plot elements seem rather absurd at times. Most of the special feel like a Barney the Dinosaur episode in its tone and its characteristics. One thing is for sure though, it’s quite timeless despite it being from the 1960s and that’s due to the story being incredibly simple with easily understandable characters and cheap but also lovely animation. It’s a story that shouldn’t be taken super seriously and if you can look over some of the silliness, you’d be surprised at how simple and mellow the special is even though it may not gonna speak to everyone. Some people might want something more complex and interesting and there are definitely Christmas movies and specials that do just that, but they’re also are places and times for special that evoke a certain feeling even when we know they’re not the greatest things ever.
I’m not gonna lie, even though I know it’s a cheezy special and it’s not especially well done, but I find myself still getting an emotional reaction near the end. There is something about its simple yet timeless feel that is too innocent for me to criticize even with its flaws. It’s a classic despite its upbringings. Kids will definitely love it and adults will appreciate its simplicity as it will be a story that may never leave our brains no matter what the time period.
(Final Grade: B)