Santa and the Three Bears

1970 American TV series or program Santa and the Three BearsOriginal theatrical release posterWritten byTony BenedictDirected byTony BenedictBarry Mahon (live-action portions)StarringHal SmithJean Vander PylChristina Ferra-GilmoreBobby RihaBeth GoldfarbBrian HobbsMusic byJoe LeahyCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducersTony BenedictJames KernodleBarry MahonEditorMilton KrearRunning time46 minutes (50 minutes complete with live-action footage)Production companiesTony Benedict ProductionsKey Industries, Ltd.Original releaseReleaseNovember 7, 1970 (1970-11-07) Santa and the Three Bears is a 1970 animated feature film, which aired in syndication on television regularly during the holiday season.

[edit] The film was originally pitched to TV networks, which rejected it as it lacked a villain, but was then shown in theaters instead. This special has been rerun on TBN, USA Network, FOX Family (now Freeform), and on KTLA channel 5 in Los Angeles. It also received a "blue ribbon" award for Best Family Film at the San Francisco International Film Festival. The live-action sequences, directed by Barry Mahon, at the beginning and end of the film are often edited out in television reruns. The edited version was later released on VHS in 1992 by Kids Klassics, and distributed by GoodTimes Home Video.

[edit] Two young bears, Nikomi and Chinook, know nothing of Christmas until the local park ranger tells them about the legend, and they become curious to meet Santa Claus. Their mother, Nana, is preparing for Winter hibernation and cynically tells her children there is no Santa, but they are determined to believe. Mother finds it impossible to begin their sleep, since the young cubs wish to stay awake until Santa arrives.

[edit] Hal Smith as Grandfather, Santa and Mr. Ranger Jean Vander Pyl (credited as Jean van der Pyl) as Nana Christina Ferra-Gilmore (credited as Annette Ferra) as Nikomi Bobby Riha as Chinook Joyce Taylor Ken Engels Beth Goldfarb as Beth Brian Hobbs as Brian Lenard Keith Kathy Lemmon Roxanne Poole Michael Rodriguez

[edit] The theatrical release of the film contains live-action sequences directed by director Barry Mahon, running for around four minutes in total. These sequences feature actor Hal Smith and two young children (Brian Hobbs and Beth Goldfarb) sitting in a cabin and conversing by the fireplace and Christmas tree, and a short montage of mechanical toys, Christmas decorations, and a pet kitten, during the opening and closing credits. The film has been also released by Modern Sound Pictures Inc. with the live-action sequences cut.

[edit] Bill Hutten and Tony Love, the film's animators, created another Christmas television special in 1983 named The Christmas Tree Train, also starring a bear cub alongside a fox cub and a park ranger, which led to a TV series called Buttons & Rusty. The film is currently in the public domain and has seen numerous releases on DVD (mostly the theatrical cut from Super8 film masters) by Genius Entertainment/Classic Media, Mill Creek Entertainment and many other public domain companies. Mary Jo Pehl and Bridget Nelson of the cult series Mystery Science Theater 3000 spoofed the film on RiffTrax December 22, 2023.

Even though "Santa and the Three Bears" was a modest 1970 TV special, its annual return to the festive schedule stems from a perfect blend of nostalgia and simplicity. The short runtime—just under an hour—fits neatly into a family’s pre‑Christmas evening, offering a complete story without demanding a full movie commitment. Its blend of live‑action and animation feels home‑grown, reminding viewers of a time when broadcasters filled the holiday slot with low‑budget charm rather than blockbuster spectacles. For many households, the special has become a quiet ritual, a backdrop to the clatter of wrapping paper and the scent of mince pies, reinforcing the idea that Christmas joy can be found in the unassuming as well as the spectacular.

Original prints of the 1970 programme are rare, but a respectable DVD release appeared in the early 2000s, often bundled with other vintage holiday shorts. When shopping, check the disc’s region code—most UK releases are Region 2, but many online sellers list Region 0 (all‑region) versions that will work on any player. Look for releases that include the original musical score by Joe Leahy; some compilations replace it with generic stock music, losing a key part of the charm. If you prefer streaming, reputable platforms that specialise in classic TV often secure the rights for seasonal reruns, ensuring you get the full 46‑minute version rather than a clipped edit.

Most viewers focus on the cartoon bears and Santa, overlooking the brief live‑action segments that bookend the animation. These moments, directed by Barry Mahon, showcase a 1970s approach to holiday storytelling where real actors interacted with the animated world, a technique that predates the modern mixed‑media trend. The live‑action bits serve not just as filler but as a narrative bridge, grounding the fantastical tale in a recognisable domestic setting—a cosy living room where families gather to watch Santa’s arrival. Understanding this context enriches the viewing experience, highlighting how the special tried to stitch together the familiar and the magical, a method that resonates with today’s audiences seeking a blend of realism and whimsy.