One of the beloved Christmas specials produced by Rankin and Bass is Frosty the Snowman, the tale of a snowman coming to life with the aid of a magic hat. Frosty had adventures, makes friends and eludes a villain in some harrowing adventures, but everything works out for the happy ending. First shown on television in 1969, Frosty the Snowman’s story was built on a popular holiday song of the same title; Jackie Vernon provided Frosty’s jolly voice and Jimmy Durante narrated.

The whole thing kicks off when bumbling magician Professor Hinkle tosses away his seemingly worthless top hat. There’s still magic in the hat though and when a young girl, Karen, decorates her snowman with it, her creation comes to life. Karen names her new friend Frosty and together they must solve two problems: Professor Hinkle’s insistence that they return the magic hat to him and Frosty’s serious need for a cold climate. Karen and Frosty take the show on the road, so to speak, hopping on a refrigerated train car on their way to the North Pole. Hocus Pocus, the magician’s rabbit, goes along for the ride and helps the two friends, who are being followed by Hinkle.

Karen, Frosty and Hocus Pocus jump off the train to escape Hinkle’s machinations but are at a loss on what to do next. Hocus Pocus suggests that they ask Santa Claus for help, an idea heartily supported by everyone. While in the wilderness, many forest animals come out to build a fire for the shivering Karen but Professor Hinkle catches up with the group and extinguishes the fire. Karen and Frosty run away and take shelter in a greenhouse for Karen’s comfort, though the little girl is worried that her snowy friend won’t fare as well. Indeed, mean Professor Hinkle locks them inside the greenhouse, which results in Frosty’s melty demise.

Karen is understandably devastated but just then, Hocus Pocus arrives with Santa Claus who explains that Frosty is made of magic Christmas snow and therefore unmeltable. When a cold breeze blows into the greenhouse, Frosty rises from his puddle, as jolly as ever. Hinkle is not to be deterred and makes a stink again about his magic hat but quiets down when Santa threatens him with permanent removal from his Christmas list. Hinkle eventually repents, gets a new top hat and joins everyone in singing Frosty’s song.

The half hour special is a Christmas staple, just like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other Rankin/Bass creations.