Introduction
1994 British TV special or programme Mole's ChristmasThe VHS coverGenreTV SpecialBased onThe Wind in the Willowsby Kenneth GrahameScreenplay byMarion EdwardsSue RadleyDirected byMartin GatesVoices ofRichard Briers (Rat)Peter Davison (Mole)Ellie Beaven (Young Girl)Imelda Staunton (Mother)Theme music composerTony BrittenCountry of originUnited KingdomOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducerMartin GatesEditorsNeville Donoghue (video)Kevin Brazier (sound)Running time30 minutesOriginal releaseNetworkITVRelease25 December 1994 (1994-12-25) Mole's Christmas (also known as The Wind in the Willows: Mole's Christmas) is a 30-minute animated film released in 1994. The voices involved are Richard Briers (Rat), Peter Davison (Mole) and Ellie Beaven (Young Girl) with Imelda Staunton (Mother). Directed by Martin Gates, it is based on Kenneth Grahame's 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows and is part of a series. The film is light-hearted and aimed at a younger audience.
Plot
[edit] The plot involves a tired Mole and his friend Rat trudging through the snow one Christmas Eve towards Rat's home, all the while unknowingly pursued by two inept and clumsy weasels. Suddenly, Mole smells his home and wishes that he could be there instead. Once at his home, Mole and Rat decorate it for Christmas and prepare a Christmas feast which they share with a group of poor field mice who are carolers.
Why Mole’s Christmas belongs on the family TV schedule
Unlike the big‑budget festive blockbusters, this thirty‑minute gem fits neatly into a busy December evening. Its gentle adaptation of Grahame’s beloved characters makes it an ideal pre‑bedtime treat for kids who already know Mole and Rat from the classic books. The short runtime means you can slot it between the Christmas dinner and the nightly news without missing any of the main programmes. Because it’s a TV special rather than a cinema release, it’s been repeatedly rebroadcast on ITV and is now easily accessible on DVD, making it a reliable fallback when streaming services are overloaded with new releases.
Buying guide: spotting a quality Mole’s Christmas edition
When hunting for a copy, look for the original 1994 ITV release – it carries the distinctive red‑and‑gold VHS cover that features Mole in his winter coat. Re‑issues often include bonus features like behind‑the‑scenes footage or a read‑along storybook; these can be a nice addition but aren’t essential to the film itself. Check the disc for a clear audio track; the voices of Peter Davison and Richard Briers are a highlight, and poor transfer can dull their performance. If you prefer a digital format, verify that the streaming version retains the original 30‑minute runtime and the composer’s score by Tony Britten, which adds to the cosy holiday ambience.
What people get wrong about the "Wind in the Willows" tie‑in
Many assume Mole’s Christmas is a standalone story, but it’s actually part of a larger series that expands the world Grahame created. The special focuses on a single festive episode rather than reworking the novel’s plot, so it doesn’t require any prior knowledge of the books. This means it works as a gentle introduction for new readers and a nostalgic nod for longtime fans. The presence of a young girl’s voice (Ellie Beaven) also broadens its appeal, giving children a relatable perspective alongside the anthropomorphic animals, a detail often overlooked in reviews that only highlight the famous rat‑Mole duo.