The Keeper of Memories

If you grew up in the late 60's through early to mid 70's you may have fond memories of the Rankin/Bass T.V. specials. "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Mad Monster Party", were just a couple of holiday main stays for children. I have to admit, even though these came before my time there are a few that I still watch every year. That's why I was excited when I recently had the pleasure of briefly meeting the keeper of those memories, Rick Goldschmidt, at Wizard World Chicago. Rick is the official historian/biographer for the body of work produced by Rankin/Bass productions. He's written books on the making of these holiday classics as well as the production company and it's founders Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. He has dedicated much of his career to everything that is Rankin/Bass. Aside from being a published author, Rick's also an illustrator and musician. He has even recorded with members of Gin Blossoms, One of my followers. He's also an avid collector of T.V. and movie memorabilia. Rick happily makes personal appearances to share his knowledge and sell Rankin/Bass merchandise to anyone wanting to keep their childhood memories of The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass alive, at least in their personal collections.

For those of you in the West Hollywood, CA area on October 14th, Rick will be at his long-time friend and famous artist Shag's store to celebrate Mad Monster Party starring Boris Karloff and Phyllis Diller! The festivities will begin at 7:00 pm. Rick has also informed me that he will have two screen used Animagic figures from Rankin/Bass with him: Smokey the Bear, from their 1966 T.V. special starring James Cagney and Octavia (voiced by Hilary Momberger, who Rick says may also be in attendance) from Rankin/Bass' The First Christmas from 1975. These will be appearing courtesy of Screen-Novelties in Hollywood. Screen-Novelties has animated A Spongebob Christmas, Elf T.V. special as well as a new Nickelodeon Halloween special that will premier this season. Rick says he will also be appearing at The Shag Store in Palm Springs, CA on October 22nd at 12:00 pm for a Mad Monster Party Brunch. Be sure to attend in costume! They have lots of surprises in store and Rick will be signing books and selling various Halloween themed Rankin/Bass merchandise. From there he will be heading to his second appearance at Chiller Theatre in New Jersey the weekend of the 23rd. He will be appearing alongside Michael Nesmisth of The Monkees, Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers from Leave It To Beaver to name only a few. At this appearance he will be featuring the Animagic figures of Rankin/Bass' Father Time (Red Skelton) from Rudolph's Shiny New Year and Sister Theresa (Angela Lansbury) from The First Christmas courtesy of Deep Archives. There will also be Photo Ops with the puppets available!

If you can't meet Rick personally you can always follow his blog at www.enchantedworldofrankinbass.blogspot.com or check out Rankin/Bass items not available any where else, at www.miserbros.com