Although maybe non-religious, non-Christian viewers might not embrace it, I think this Rankin/Bass stop motion animation special does have a nice little message about how poisonous hate can be and how enlightenment can come from losing it when you have love in its place. Orphan boy, Aaron (Eccles), lost his home and parents to cruel bandits, which has brewed a hatred for all humans. His drum present from his beloved parents and sticks to pound them rhythmically have enabled him to develop a magic relationship with a camel, sheep, and lamb that follow him across the lonely desert of Israel during the Virgin Mary's pregnancy with Christ. The Star of David in the sky, Aaron encounters a no-good, greedy showman, Ben Haramed (Ferrer) and his clumsy, obedient partner as they force them to perform in the hopes of a hefty payday. But Aaron isn't wearing any smile and his attitude regarding mankind doesn't endear him to crowds. Soon they meet kings who are following the Star as it guides them to the birthplace of Christ where Joseph and Mary are, the manger scene in its entirety, and Aaron will see, after his sheep is trampled by the hire of a Roman soldier, under stampeding chariot, that desperate love for his pet can conquer hate. It is Christian in tone and presentation so those not in favor of its story and conclusion at the manger, when the light of baby Jesus offers assistance to the dying sheep, might not take to this one. I thought it had good animation and fun voicework with Haramed quite a villain, snatching Aaron and his pets, expecting them to entertain so he can line his pockets.

Rankin/Bass created this 25-minute animated short-film for the holiday season 45 years ago. It features the voices from two former Academy-Award winners Greer Garson and José Ferrer. Unfortunately, as good as an actress Garson may be, I didn't think her voice is particularly suited for narration, which is even a bigger pity as female narrators were an even rarer than these days. Ferrer, on the other hand did a great job in voicing Ben Haramed, easily the best performance from the film. The main character was voiced by Ted Eccles, which I felt didn't really fit the bell at all. His loud and often over-the-top voice-acting was downright annoying at times. It did not so much show the anger of his character than it hurt the soothing effect of this motion picture coming mainly from the animation style and the music. Also, I personally felt, it didn't work at all with the gentle, even if disappointed, way his animated character looked physically.What i did like a lot, however, was the animation. critics may say there was more defined animation 25 years earlier during the days of World War II already, but I believe it was just different. The style fits the tone of the film very well and I can't deny the way they made the donkey and sheep, I wanted to gently touch their fur from start to finish. I've never been too interested in the story of the little drummer boy and this short film surely did not cause a 180°-turn, but I believe, despite its flaws, it can still make for a decent watch, especially during the holiday season, mainly for Ferrer's excellent work and the music. The Vienna Boys Choir delivers a wonderful performance of the popular drummer boy song.

Hey, Lets say we have a roving band of dangerous nomads roaming the desert, brutally murdering people, stealing all of their possessions and leaving their young son to fend for himself in a cruel world. Perfect recipe for a Christmas Special. This one didn't stay as a network staple very long as it was not the happy nice nice special that Rudolph and Charlie Brown were .To Be honest I have liked this since I was a kid. It wasn't as good as the other Rankin/Bass specials but it was the only one of them that really has anything to do with the Jesus. Lot of emotion at the end. You end up glad that you watched it.

Each year as the Christmas season unfolds I look forward to the showing of The Little Drummer Boy. Aaron, along with his drumming of the movie's title music always brings tears to my eyes, but they are happy tears because of the love and compassion that fills this little child. It is a wonderful story that I believe everyone should do themselves a favor and watch at least once. I find myself humming the title song for days after seeing the film.