This is fascinating. I know they removed a song in a later re-release ( Fame and Fortune) because they added new scenes with the Misfit toys. But I didn't know about the original end credits.
I located these clips which had been stashed away for over 30 years. The lettering that is featured on the packages in the original end credits was done by TONY PETERS and ARTHUR RANKIN, JR.! It is interesting to note that the names are also spelled correctly, including BILLIE MAE RICHARDS. Notice the elves throwing “packages” off the sleigh, not toys. This was changed in 1965 as the result of a write-in campaign. Children wanted to see Santa return to the ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS. Also, Willard Saloff, chairman of the board at GENERAL ELECTRIC, had much to do with the updates.
This is fascinating. I know they removed a song in a later re-release ( Fame and Fortune) because they added new scenes with the Misfit toys. But I didn't know about the original end credits.
I located these clips which had been stashed away for over 30 years. The lettering that is featured on the packages in the original end credits was done by TONY PETERS and ARTHUR RANKIN, JR.! It is interesting to note that the names are also spelled correctly, including BILLIE MAE RICHARDS. Notice the elves throwing “packages” off the sleigh, not toys. This was changed in 1965 as the result of a write-in campaign. Children wanted to see Santa return to the ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS. Also, Willard Saloff, chairman of the board at GENERAL ELECTRIC, had much to do with the updates.
Also the ending was much different, because it showed Yukon Cornelius dropping his axe in the snow, and he found out that he discovered a peppermint mine! I have a D.V.D.-R. of the original broadcast.
Also the ending was much different, because it showed Yukon Cornelius dropping his axe in the snow, and he found out that he discovered a peppermint mine! I have a D.V.D.-R. of the original broadcast.
That scene was reinstated on the Blu Ray release. I had no recollection of it before I watched the BR. I'm confused about the "fame and fortune" song though. I don't know if there is a version that had both "Fame and Fortune" and "We're a Couple of Misfits in the same program. The blu Ray is missing the "Fame and Fortune" song, but is otherwise complete to my knowledge. Sadly there are no extras on it.
Man, I hate that. There is no excuse for anything to be missing on a BluRay edition. What happened to the idea that Blu-Rays were supposed to be the new savior of home video?
Is there any edition out there that has the whole show intact?
There are many DVD versions. At least one has the "Fame and Fortune" song. But I don't own it. So I do not know if its part of the film or added on as an bonus feature/extra.
Did anyone catch NBC's atrocious telecast of MISTER MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL??? Cut to shreds.
All those holiday specials are cut to hell in order to facilitate three times as many commercials as they were designed for.
They should put them in a longer time slot. They persistently schedule football for a 3 hour slot, knowing it will run 4 hours and letting it, but non-sports programming is locked up in a straitjacket.
They should put them in a longer time slot. They persistently schedule football for a 3 hour slot, knowing it will run 4 hours and letting it, but non-sports programming is locked up in a straitjacket.
My thoughts as well. Give it a 1-hour slot, stick in the necessary commercials, and fill up the remaining time at the end with a 5-or-10 minute short. Like maybe a few old "Schoolhouse Rocks" or some such.
Have any of the labels looked into the availability of this score? Do the masters exist? Lost for all time? Considering the age of the program they probably don't sound to good. But I would love a complete release. I'll settle for a re-recording!
Edit: Opps, I thought this was on the other side of the board. Probably won't get any responses from those in the industry.
