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The Christmas Toy

  • TV Movie
  • 1986
  • TV-G
  • 50m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
1.6K
YOUR RATING
Dave Goelz and Kathryn Mullen in The Christmas Toy (1986)
FamilyFantasyMusical

The toys in the playroom of the Jones household magically come to life when their owners aren't looking. On Christmas Eve, as the toys eagerly await the arrival of a new toy, Rugby the tiger... Read allThe toys in the playroom of the Jones household magically come to life when their owners aren't looking. On Christmas Eve, as the toys eagerly await the arrival of a new toy, Rugby the tiger plots to make sure he remains the favorite toy.The toys in the playroom of the Jones household magically come to life when their owners aren't looking. On Christmas Eve, as the toys eagerly await the arrival of a new toy, Rugby the tiger plots to make sure he remains the favorite toy.

  • Director
    • Eric Till
  • Writer
    • Laura Phillips
  • Stars
    • Dave Goelz
    • Steve Whitmire
    • Kathryn Mullen
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    1.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Eric Till
    • Writer
      • Laura Phillips
    • Stars
      • Dave Goelz
      • Steve Whitmire
      • Kathryn Mullen
    • 11User reviews
    • 4Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 1 nomination total

    Photos15

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    Top cast14

    Edit
    Dave Goelz
    Dave Goelz
    • Rugby
    • (voice)
    • …
    Steve Whitmire
    Steve Whitmire
    • Mew
    • (voice)
    Kathryn Mullen
    Kathryn Mullen
    • Apple
    • (voice)
    Jerry Nelson
    Jerry Nelson
    • Balthazar
    • (voice)
    • …
    Richard Hunt
    Richard Hunt
    • Belmont
    • (voice)
    • …
    Camille Bonora
    • Meteora
    • (voice)
    • …
    Brian Henson
    Brian Henson
    • Cruiser
    • (voice)
    Rob Mills
    • Bleep
    • (voice)
    Nikki Tilroe
    • Ding-a-Ling
    • (voice)
    Marsha Moreau
    • Jamie Jones
    Zachary Bennett
    Zachary Bennett
    • Jesse Jones
    Diana Birkenfield
    • Mom
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    Jim Henson
    Jim Henson
    • Kermit the Frog
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    • …
    Jack Riley
    Jack Riley
    • Dad
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Eric Till
    • Writer
      • Laura Phillips
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    7.71.5K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    10dawson167

    Wonderful children's film

    A film I saw when I was a very young child maybe 8 or 9 in the 80's on Christmas day in England.

    I was so enamored, I forgot about my presents and watched this alone without a word. (very early in the morning) A truly wonderful creation by the Muppets that clearly went on to inspire Toy Story.

    My little girl will definitely watch this and hopefully be moved in the same way I was by this delightful film.

    Every part of the film is captivating for a child and allows a child to enter a wonderful mysterious world with true life meanings that will stay with them for life.

    I would recommend any parent to show their children this delight.
    10Cylex

    Christmas Favourite

    I watch this Henson film every Christmas & it never fails to move me. It has that essential combination of tears, laughter, story, great characters & song.

    Rugby, a conceited, cuddly tiger & Mew, a sweet, loyal cat toy lead an irresistable cast. Their friends include a doll, a ride-on horse, an old teddy, a robot & every kind of toy you can imagine. Will capture the hearts of adults & children alike. 10/10
    10borrowt

    The Christmas Toy

    As the mother of two females, I would recommend this movie, even to the young of heart. We first saw this movie when my youngest, must have been around 2 1/2. Her older sister, who is now an elementary educator was around 9 1/2. We loved this movie. I had taped this to a VHS tape that no longer works. I have been looking for it for quite some time and watching for it on TV. I was afraid I had the title incorrect. As we are about to become grandparents, for the first time, I would love to obtain a DVD for our future generations to enjoy. I would love to have my (soon to be) grandchildren see this "classic" when they are visiting their grandparents. What a wonderful tradition we can start. It's a wonderful movie and I am so glad I finally found it. Thank you Jim Henson!
    10TheLittleSongbird

    A timeless Christmas jewel for all ages to enjoy

    Fans of Jim Henson, like me, will simply love The Christmas Toy. I love Christmas, toys and Jim Henson's work so The Christmas Toy was a perfect treat.

    The visuals are splendid, right from the camera work, the toys themselves, the set design and the colours. The music delights too, with hummable melodies and lyrics that really sparkle with wit, freshness and poignancy.

    Story-wise, The Christmas Toy has lots of charm and heart, and succeeds in appealing to children and adults. The writing has a perfect balance of humour and sentiment without overdoing either.

    Might I also mention how adorable the characters are and how consistently good the voice work is from everybody? Overall, a jewel that anybody would love, albeit sadly underrated. 10/10 Bethany Cox
    8rbooth100

    Toy Story inspiration

    Two reviewers have already mentioned 'Toy Story'. I can't help but wonder if John Lassetter had seen this special before he made that movie. This isn't in any way to take away from the genius of either Henson or Lassetter, both of whom have been named as latter day Disneys, a sentiment I agree with.

    There are some intriguing similarities:

    1 - The overall idea of toys coming alive.

    2 - The theme of a toy being replaced in a child's affections and how the toy might feel.

    3 - Toys to the rescue!

    4 - A science-fictional toy believing they are real. Can't you just see Meteora and Buzz Lightyear hooking up?!

    Best Emmys Moments

    Best Emmys Moments
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    Related interests

    Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    Family
    Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
    Fantasy
    Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)
    Musical

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The horse's name, Belmont, refers to the famous racetrack.
    • Quotes

      Mew: It's catnip! Just catnip!

    • Alternate versions
      Originally introduced by Kermit The Frog when it aired on television. It was released unedited on VHS in 1993. However, the 2008 DVD release from HIT Entertainment (distributed by Lionsgate) edited out Kermit's appearance due to legal reasons. The unedited special was available on the Peacock streaming service in 2024.
    • Connections
      Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Underrated Christmas Specials (2018)
    • Soundtracks
      Toys Love to Play
      Written by Jeff Moss

      Performed by Dave Goelz, Kathryn Mullen, Steve Whitmire, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Brian Henson, Rob Mills, and Nikki Tilroe

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 6, 1986 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Canada
    • Official site
      • The Jim Henson Company
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Leksakernas julafton
    • Filming locations
      • Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Production companies
      • Henson Associates (HA)
      • The Jim Henson Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 50m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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