The Happy Elf

2005 American TV series or program The Happy ElfDVD coverWritten byAndrew FishmanScott LandisDirected byJohn RiceStarringRob PaulsenHarry Connick, Jr.Carol KaneMickey RooneyKevin Michael RichardsonMae WhitmanLewis BlackNarrated byHarry Connick, Jr.Theme music composerHarry Connick, Jr.Country of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducersScott D. GreenbergSidney CliftonNatasha AbrahamsKaren BaileyTed RogersWilliam L. AranceHarry Connick Jr.EditorYoel FrohlichRunning time45 minutesProduction companiesHC ProductionsFilm RomanDKP StudiosIDT EntertainmentOriginal releaseNetworkNBCReleaseDecember 2, 2005 (2005-12-02) The Happy Elf is a 2005 animated Christmas television special based on Harry Connick Jr.'s song of the same name. The special is narrated by Connick and stars the voices of Rob Paulsen, Carol Kane, Lewis Black, Kevin Michael Richardson and Mickey Rooney. The animation was provided by Film Roman, an IDT Entertainment company, known for animating The Simpsons. The Happy Elf originally aired on NBC on December 2, 2005.

[edit] Eubie is a cheerful elf who works in Santa's workshop at the North Pole. While reviewing the Naughty and Nice Lists, Eubie discovers that every child in the town of Bluesville is naughty and decides to investigate. Bluesville is a gloomy town surrounded by cliffs, where sunlight is scarce and the people are generally unhappy. The mayor tells Eubie that Bluesville produces non-flammable coal and agrees to erect a Christmas tree in the town square if Eubie can find a new use for it. Eubie meets a girl named Molly, who takes him to a Smile League Of Bluesville (SLOB) meeting. Molly dismisses Eubie's ideas, prompting him to think of a new plan, but he is suddenly taken to the North Pole. As punishment for violating the rules, Santa takes away Eubie's hat, stripping him of his magic. With encouragement from his friend Gilda, Eubie returns to Bluesville while wearing her hat and polishes the cliffs surrounding the town. Unfortunately, their efforts are discovered when their mutual friend, Derek, grows suspicious and informs Norbert, the head elf. After finishing their punishment of cleaning the workshop, Eubie and Gilda receive a sincere apology from Derek. To make amends, Derek assists Eubie in fulfilling his goal of making Bluesville a happier place. When the sun next shines on the town, the polish makes the cliffs sparkle, and joy abounds. Molly presents a shining piece of coal to the mayor, leading to a celebration and the establishment of a tree in the town square. In recognition of their good deeds, Santa chooses Eubie, Gilda, and Derek to be his sleigh crew, and Bluesville is renamed Joyville.

[edit] Rob Paulsen as Eubie Harry Connick Jr. as Lil' Farley Carol Kane as Gilda Mickey Rooney as Santa Claus Kevin Michael Richardson as Derek, Tucker, Mayor, Toady Mae Whitman as Molly Lewis Black as Norbert Candi Milo as Curtis Rory Thost and Liliana Mumy as Brother and Sister

[edit] Some DVDs come with a free soundtrack:

"The Happy Elf" - 03:43 - vocal track, sung by Harry Connick, Jr. "Smile on Christmas Day" - 01:00 - vocal track, sung by Rob Paulsen "Bluesville" - 01:34 - vocal track, sung by Kevin Michael Richardson "Lil' Farley's 'Happy Elf'" - 00:22 "Old Santa Claus" - 02:25 "Eubie and Friends Pole Adventure" - 00:43 "Gingerbread House Test" - 00:46 "Eubie's Toy Car Test" - 00:36 "Coffee Shop Theme" - 00:56 "Department of Naughty and Nice" - 01:18 "Norbert's Orders" - 00:33 "Eubie's Naughty & Nice Tally" - 02:15 "Eubie Lands in Bluesville" - 00:59 "Bluesville Street Theme" - 01:31 "Molly and Friends Coal Toss" - 02:09 "Down Town Theme" - 01:05 "S.L.O.B. Meeting" - 01:27 "'Try'" - 01:33 "Molly and Gang's Christmas Mission" - 02:40 "Santa's Elves Wrap Party" - 00:38 "Santa Getting Ready for Xmas" - 00:26 "Mayor Gives the Town a Tree" - 01:03 "'Bluesville' Reprise" - 01:21 "Lil' Farley's 'Happy Elf' Reprise" - 01:05 "'Happy Elf' Wrap" - 00:19 The official reference recording for the live theatrical show was recorded in Scranton, PA in partnership with the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple in 2013.

[edit] The holiday special has been adapted into a full-length stage musical. Andrew Fishman has reworked the book, with music and lyrics by Connick who has added five new songs for the musical, for example "That Magic Hat". The show premiered at Coterie Theatre at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri on November 13, 2007 to generally positive reviews. It received a fully produced workshop at the Adventure Theatre, at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland, from November 12–28, 2010, with a cast that features Michael Rupert. In 2012 The Happy Elf was reworked by Connick and on December 1 premiered in a version prepared for publication in Bethlehem, PA at the Charles Brown Ice House under the direction of Michael Melcher, Executive Director. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, in Scranton, Pennsylvania produced and premiered the final illustrative staging of the musical on December 19, 2014 for a two-week run prior to its publication.

Even though the happy elf first appeared on a TV screen, the story has become a modern analogue to the classic Christmas tale of the underdog who saves the day. Its cheerful protagonist mirrors the spirit of Santa’s workshop, reminding families that joy can be found in the smallest, most mischievous characters. The animation style, reminiscent of early 2000s Saturday morning cartoons, feels nostalgic for adults while still vibrant enough to capture kids’ attention. By pairing a catchy, original song with a narrative about helping others, the special offers a wholesome, easily digestible slice of festive magic that fits perfectly between the hectic pre‑Christmas shopping rush and the calmer post‑gift‑opening lull.

If you missed the original NBC broadcast, the easiest route is to stream the DVD or digital copy through a reputable retailer. Look for editions that include the original soundtrack, as Harry Conney Jr.’s jazzy theme adds a unique flavour to any holiday playlist. For families with younger viewers, consider pairing the viewing with a simple craft – making paper elf hats – to keep the kids engaged. Make sure your TV or device supports the 4:3 aspect ratio; the animation was formatted for standard definition, so widescreen stretching can blur the crisp lines. Finally, schedule a cosy night in, dim the lights, and let the elf’s upbeat tempo set the tone for a relaxed, festive evening.

Many assume the happy elf is aimed solely at children because of its bright colours and slap‑stick humour, but the writing contains layers of adult‑friendly satire. Lewis Black’s gruff delivery, for instance, offers a tongue‑in‑cheek commentary on corporate holiday pressures that older viewers will appreciate. Even the casting of icons like Mickey Rooney adds a generational bridge, giving parents a nostalgic hook. Recognising these subtleties can turn a casual family viewing into a shared experience where jokes land on multiple levels, making the special a rare holiday piece that genuinely entertains a mixed‑age audience.