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Cricket on the Hearth

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Cricket on the Hearth

TV-G

1967

50m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Animation

Musical

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3 Reviews

30%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

An animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1845 novella.

Emily St. James

Vox

There's blindness caused by grief, melodramatic plot twists by the bushel, and a cricket narrator. But it's all a little bland, with songs that last way too long.

Dec 4, 2018

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Matthew Jackson

Syfy Wire

The animation is a bit choppy, but the title character is still very charming. It's a shame this one doesn't get more regular broadcasting, because even if it's often not a conventional Christmas special, it's still a joy to watch.

Dec 4, 2018

Full Review

Ryan Voyles

Paste Magazine

Swapped out the now-iconic Animagic for unappealing traditional animation. It also removed any really engaging songs or fun characters.

Dec 4, 2018

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Russell H

I had never heard of this one. Has some of the Rankin Bass Christmas charm but no nostalgia like the rest. Some strangeness

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/01/23

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Jack's A

The animation definitely isn't for everyone, but other than that, this special has appealing songs, likable characters, and a constantly interesting storyline

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This classic is alright

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/12/19

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Johnathon W

Overly long Christmas special that is in no way near a classic. While adapting from a Charles Dicken's tale, the musical numbers are overblown though the story does have some heart felt moments. While not worth viewing in its own right, as part of a larger Blu Ray set, not a bad time filler.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

Full Review

Audience Member

I wondered how I could have never heard of this Rankin/Bass musical production that is based on a Charles Dickens story. I now understand why. It was dreadful. Poor animation and lousy music. What on hearth was this? (First and only viewing - 1/13/2018)

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

This Christmas special was ok!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

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Jules Bass

Director

Arthur Rankin Jr.

Director

Roddy McDowall

Voice

Danny Thomas

Voice

Marlo Thomas

Voice

Ed Ames

Voice

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Synopsis

An animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1845 novella.

Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Producer: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Screenwriter: Romeo Muller, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Rating: TV-G
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Animation, Musical
Release Date (TV): Dec 18, 1967
Runtime: 50m