On Dec. 6, 1964, a classic was born when a novelty song, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," had all of TV-land shouting out with glee, according to Mashable.
"It's a feel-good story of redemption, with a distinctive, magical look to it," said Rick Goldschmidt, author of "The Enchanted World of Rankin-Bass," according to Mashable. "Obviously, it's a part of the holiday tradition for many families."
"I don't think there are many kids who, while growing up, didn't at some point feel like an outsider or like they didn't measure up," said Paul Soles, the voice of Hermey the Elf, according to Mashable. "So it's not difficult to relate to -- and love -- these characters."
Johnny Marks' song was turned into a movie by producers Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass. It first aired on a Sunday afternoon, drawing a 50 share of the audience. Rudolph turns 50 this year and reigns supreme as television's longest-running special, according to Mashable. Next year, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" will turn 50, running to keep up with the red-nosed special.
Here are eight facts (one for each of Santa's other normal-nosed reindeer) you might not know about the wonderful world of "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer."
8. Like many big-shot celebrities, Rudolph had a little work done.
Perhaps it was the magnetic flock sprayed on the puppets to reduce glare, but when the original puppets were rediscovered in someone's attic in 2005, it was clear they had seen better days. Santa was missing his eyebrows and mustache and Rudolph was missing his signature nose! The puppets were appraised on "Antiques Roadshow" at $8,000 to $10,000. A fan purchased them and $4,000 was spent bringing them back to their original luster, according to Mashable and Mercury News.
