Arthur Rankin Jr. (1924-2014), Creative Force Behind “Animagic” Stop-Motion Television Animation

Arthur Rankin (1924-2014)

Arthur Rankin Jr., an illustrious director, producer and writer of stop motion films, died at age 89 on January 30, 2014 at his Bermuda Home. In 1960 Mr. Rankin and his partner Jules Bass formed Rankin/Bass Productions which became the creative force behind such legendary “Animagic”(single-frame stop motion) television specials and films as “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer“, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town“, “Mad Monster Party” and”The Hobbit.

Mr. Rankin explains the Animagic process in a 2010 interview with the Archive of American Television.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Rankin.


Archive of American Television – 2010

https://youtu.be/EAsSK2q9cso

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – 1964


Mad Monster Party – 1967


Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – 1970


The Hobbit – 1977

photo via The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass

via The New York Times

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

Recent Posts