Cricket on the Hearth

TV-G

1967

50 min.

Kids & Family

Holiday

Animation

Musical

List

Reviews

28%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

An animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1845 novella.

Read More

Read Less

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

Full Review

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

Leah B

Its not fun to watch its fun to have had watched. The plots bad and will set most a sleep within the first few minutes BUT it gets really odd at the end. Spoilers but the cricket gets swallowed by a wail in an attempt to escape a boat, toys start talking and a provocative cat sings a song about fish in chips for no reason. Oh and its a christmas movie that comes off a little preachy, at least to me.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Cooper C

Such a really great movie. I like it very much. Rating this movie - 5 out of 5 Positives: 1) Story 2) Screenplay 3) Performances 4) Direction Thank you so much for the entire team!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/22

Full Review

Audience Member

This classic is alright

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/12/19

Full Review

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

01/21/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Jules Bass

Director

Arthur Rankin Jr.

Director

Roddy McDowall

Voice

Danny Thomas

Voice

Marlo Thomas

Voice

Ed Ames

Voice

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

An animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1845 novella.

Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Screenwriter: Romeo Muller, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Rating: TV-G
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Animation, Musical