The Night the Animals Talked

1970 American TV series or program The Night the Animals TalkedWritten byJan HartmanSam RosenStory byPeter FernandezDirected byShamus CulhaneStarringJoe Silver--OxPat Bright--CowBob Kaliban--GoatFrank Porella--DonkeyRuth Franklin--Various AnimalsArdyth Kayser--Various AnimalsLen Maxwell--Various AnimalsMusic byJack CortnerCountries of originUnited StatesItalyOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducersDavid Gerber Sheldon RissPablo ZavalaRoberto Gavioli Gino GavioliRunning time25 minutesOriginal releaseNetworkABCReleaseDecember 9, 1970 (1970-12-09) The Night the Animals Talked is an animated children's Christmas television special, first shown on ABC television on December 9, 1970. It was repeated four times on ABC, in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1977. The American/Italian co-production was based on a legend that all of the animals could talk at midnight, on the night that Jesus was born.

[edit] The special focuses on an old Norwegian holiday legend regarding the Nativity of Jesus. The plot focuses on a simple stable, which suddenly is showered with light from the Star of Bethlehem. The animals stir in their sleep. When they awaken, they realize that they can communicate with each other. At first, the animals use the ability to disparage each other and to establish superiority over each other, especially over the two hogs who are not allowed into the stable. An ox, the apparent leader of the animals, is angered by such behavior, as it reveals that they are acting like humans. The animals realize the error of their ways, and attempt to make amends when word reaches them (through the donkey carrying Mary) that an expectant couple desperately needs shelter. At first, the animals refuse to allow the humans into the manger, as they look down on them and their behavior. But, the animals relent, and Mary and Joseph are allowed into the stable for the night. That night, as Jesus is born, the animals are overwhelmed with love for each other—even the hogs are allowed into the stable for the first time to see the baby. Then, the animals come to the realization that they have been given the gift of speech to tell the world of the "miracle"—the birth of Christ. However, as they run through Bethlehem, each animal loses his gift. They return to the stable in silence—but with newfound respect and love for each other. The ox, the last one to lose his speech, is left to wonder if humanity will ever understand the miracle it has been given.

[edit] The Night the Animals Talked was produced by Gino Gavioli and Roberto Gavioli's Gamma Film of Milan, Italy, and was directed by animation veteran Shamus Culhane. The story evolved from an MGM Records children's recording written by writer and voiceover artist Peter Fernandez. Although the copyright status of this film is uncertain, bootleg copies are common.

[edit] The special is known for approaching a variety of themes, such as segregation, racism, and vanity. The interactions of the animals spells out the problems of mankind, but they are seen through the vantage points of animals, in a manner similar to George Orwell's Animal Farm.

[edit] The program featured songs from the well-known duo of lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne; their contributions to the special, "A Parable", "It's Great to Communicate", "The Greatest Miracle of All", "Let's Not Behave Like People" and "A Place Like This", remain mostly unknown to their fans.

[edit] The cartoon has seen a revival mostly through the manufacture and circulation of bootleg copies of the program. The Night the Animals Talked was never officially released in any form on VHS or DVD. McGraw-Hill released a 16mm film print for educational use in schools in 1975.

Even after more than fifty years, the premise of animals gathering to share a secret at midnight clicks with children’s love of wildlife and mystery. The short 25‑minute runtime respects modern attention spans, while the simple animation style lets the imagination fill in the gaps. Parents appreciate that the story centres on a universal theme – the wonder of a silent night – without heavy religious exposition, making it a safe entry point for mixed‑faith families. Its recurring airings in the 1970s cemented it as a nostalgic staple, so a fresh viewing feels like opening a time‑capsule that still sparks curiosity about nature and the Christmas story.

If you’re hunting a physical copy, aim for releases that include the original 1970 broadcast version rather than later edited cuts. Check the disc’s region code – UK viewers need Region 2 – and confirm that the audio tracks are in the original English mix; some reissues add dubbed versions that alter the charm. Look for bonus material such as behind‑the‑scenes sketches or commentary from animation historians; these often add context and raise the price but provide real value for enthusiasts. Finally, verify the condition of the cover art – the classic illustration of farm animals gathered under a starry sky is part of the nostalgic appeal.

Treat the special as a mini‑event rather than background filler. Dim the lights, pop a modest bowl of popcorn, and pause at the animal introductions to let kids guess which creature will speak next – a simple guessing game that keeps them engaged. After the programme, encourage a short discussion: ask children what they think the animals might have said about the world today. You can even extend the fun by drawing their favourite animal or writing a short “what‑if” story about a modern midnight gathering. This interactive approach turns a brief cartoon into a memorable family tradition.