Santa and the Three Bears

Every Christmas for I don't know how long, the local TV station in our area would run this cartoon, and it became a family favorite amongst my counsins and I. I don't know maybe I still love it, because it reminds me of better times, or maybe because it makes me remember what Christmas meant to me when I was a kid. Whatever it might be, it still makes me feel nostalgic when I watch it on video and I hope one day to share it with my children.

Sure, its syrupy in the extreme, but this holiday cartoon tale about two bear cubs awaiting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is rather charming in its naiveté. Following a live-action prologue (which features two kids, a grandpa, and a really sleepy cat), this becomes a semi-musical animated treat with Jean Vander Pyl (Wilma Flintstone herself!) voicing Nana, the mother bear. She tries to get her cubs to hibernate, but they're too excited about seeing Saint Nick. This matinée item is geared strictly towards the under-10 crowd, though I found it simple and reassuring, if treacly. Tony Benedict co-directed from his own script (and also co-produced). Although it resembles a Hanna-Barbera offering, the movie is actually the product of Ellman Film Enterprises and Key Industries Ltd.

Not one of my favourite Christmas specials, but while it is easy to see why it may not work for some it is also just as easy to see why others will love it.

'Santa and the Three Bears' did feel a bit padded and over-stretched. Less of the "bears-questioning" scenes, which did get a little repetitive (if admittedly sweet) and a shorter length (do agree that half an hour or a little less would have been more suitable) would have helped.

However, the animation is colourful and beautifully drawn and the bookending beginning and ending juxtaposing very nicely. The music is pleasant and tuneful, if perhaps not exceptional.

The treacle and syrup in the writing is very high, but it also has a lot of charm and heart and made it easy to relate to the characters. The story is simple, but very sweet and touching, it was difficult to not be moved by it.

The bears are incredibly cute, and on the right side of it hopefully, while the voice acting from talented and prolific actors is very good.

Overall, not one of the best Christmas specials but not close to being one of the worst. One of the imperfect but underrated ones more like. 8/10 Bethany Cox

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST.

I grew up in Oxnard Ca. Every year KTLA Channel 5 would air this cartoon before the live television event "The Hollywood Christmas Parade".

In this animated movie, two bear cubs that are being raised by their mother discover the story of Santa Claus when they hear it from a park ranger. The curious little bears become determined to meet Santa, a goal that doesn't fit in very well with their mom's winter hibernation plans. As the three bears try to settle down for their cold-weather slumber, the restlessness of the cubs makes sleep impossible, and they remain determined to see jolly old Saint Nicholas.

The cartoon is sweet and fun. We see Christmas through the eyes of innocence. It is well made and has a huge heart. You should watch this.

This cartoon however is now available everywhere because it has fallen into public domain. This is good news however because there is no copyright holder anymore there is no incentive for anyone to "Restore It". I have not seen a decent transfer of this cartoon anywhere. That's too bad that nobody can pull it out of public domain and then restore the film. It should be protected

Why would I add this to my Christmas list? Curiosity, for the most part, as it was produced and directed by Barry Mahon. Yes, the same Barry Mahon that gave us Blood of the Zombie, The Diary of Knockers McCalla, Nudes on Tiger Reef, and over 50 more films that make this one an unusual choice. I really wanted Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny, but have not found it yet.

No zombies, no knockers, and the ax is just for cutting down a Christmas tree, not chopping off heads. Two cute bears cubs refuse to hibernate after the Ranger tells them about Christmas. They want to wait for Santa.

Hal Smith, who played Santa in Billy Wilder's The Apartment, and voiced Santa in many productions over the years, is the voice of the ranger and Santa here.

This is a really well done cartoon with great music and a story that kids of all ages will appreciate.