First broadcast on December 7, 1969, on CBS, Frosty the Snowman quickly became a holiday classic – and remains the longest-running annual TV special to air on the same network. Produced by Rankin-Bass and narrated by legendary entertainer Jimmy Durante, the animated special was inspired by the popular Christmas song of the same name.
The story begins with the season’s first snowfall, prompting young Karen (originally voiced by June Foray) and her friends to build a snowman, adorned with a red button nose, a corncob pipe, and eyes made of coal. They name him Frosty.
But everything changes when a wayward gust of wind blows the magical top hat of bungling magician Professor Hinkle (voiced by Billy De Wolfe) onto Frosty’s head.
The snowman instantly comes to life, charming the children with his cheerful personality.
Frosty (voiced by comedian Jackie Vernon) soon learns that he must find a colder home if he wants to survive the warmer months ahead.
With the help of Karen and Hinkle’s former pet rabbit, Hocus Pocus – who communicates through pantomime and sign language – they hop aboard a freight train bound for the North Pole.
Unbeknownst to them, the villainous Professor Hinkle is in hot pursuit, determined to reclaim his magical hat.
Just as things take a turn for the worse, Santa Claus (voiced by Paul Frees) arrives to save the day, ensuring Frosty’s future and teaching Hinkle a valuable lesson about kindness.
The animation was provided by Mushi Productions in Japan, the same studio behind the groundbreaking Astro Boyseries (1963–1966).
Though June Foray (best known for voicing Rocky the Flying Squirrel in Rocky and His Friends/The Bullwinkle Show) initially voiced Karen, her performance was later replaced with that of a real child actor to better match the character’s age.
Due to its enduring popularity, Rankin-Bass followed up with a sequel in 1976, Frosty’s Winter Wonderland, hosted by Andy Griffith. A later production, Frosty Returns, aired in 1992, though it was not created by Rankin-Bass and featured an entirely different creative team.
Narrator
Jimmy Durante Frosty
Jackie Vernon Karen/Children/Teacher
June Foray Professor Hinkle
Billy De Wolfe Santa Claus/Traffic Cop/Ticketmaster
Paul Frees
Video
You May Also Like
Nightmare Classics 1 9 8 9 (USA) 4 x 90 minute episodes This anthology series, created and produced by…
Care Bears 1 9 8 5 - 1 9 8 8 (USA) Open your heart to find Care-A-Lot A…
Hippodrome 1 9 6 6 (UK) 11 x 60 minute episodes Broadcast monthly on ITV, this lavish variety…
But everything changes when a wayward gust of wind blows the magical top hat of bungling magician Professor Hinkle (voiced by Billy De Wolfe) onto Frosty’s head.
The animation was provided by Mushi Productions in Japan, the same studio behind the groundbreaking Astro Boy series (1963–1966).
