B.C.: A Special Christmas

B.C.: A Special Christmas, released in 1981, is a captivating animated holiday special that reflects the classic humor of renowned comedy duo, Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding, also known as Bob & Ray. Barbara Hamilton also lends her voice talent to this charming feature that seamlessly combines comic timing and festive spirit.

The characters are based on the beloved comic strip “B.C.” by Johnny Hart, who also serves as one of the writers of the script. The comic strip delves into the fictitious prehistoric world of cavemen and anthropomorphic animals, exuding the joy of simplicity and humorous appeal, aspects that are wonderfully extended into this animated Christmas special movie.

The story follows the lead character, B.C., voiced by Marty Ingels. Despite being a caveman, B.C. is nothing less than a modern man trapped in prehistoric times. He is quite the thinker and often contemplates the peculiarities and paradoxes of life, which results in increasingly funny and thought-provoking dialogues.

Other characters that populate this delightful special are Thor (voiced by Bob Elliott), Peter (voiced by Ray Goulding), and Wiley (voiced by Henry Corden). They all belong to the same small circle as B.C. and share their everyday realities in a humorous light. Barbara Hamilton takes up multiple roles, lending her voice to a number of animals as well as the lonely character, Clumsy Carp.

The plotline of A Special Christmas is succinct yet engaging. The story starts in the middle of winter, and the tribe is preparing for their yearly holiday celebration. However, this year things take a unique turn when the tribe members come across a mysterious baby boy in the forest.

Meanwhile, everyone gets engrossed in their special holiday tasks. This includes the Anteater’s holiday antics, Peter’s pursuit of a holiday bird, and Clumsy Carp's hesitant hope for a miracle. The movie adeptly weaves the caveman's comical endeavors with genuine Christmas themes, culminating in an impressively memorable and festive narrative.

Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding bring their renowned comedy skills to the forefront in B.C.: A Special Christmas, blending it seamlessly with the festive flavor of the season. Their distinctive and dynamic voice performances breathe life into Thor and Peter. The duo's trademark banter and wit, and their knack for observational comedy add vibrancy to the film and keep the spirits high throughout.

Barbara Hamilton, an accomplished actress and a stalwart in the world of animation, also lends her talents to this holiday special. Her voice work as the animals and as Clumsy Carp is equally delightful and engaging, contributing to the overall charm and warmth of the film.

Despite being set in the prehistoric era, B.C.: A Special Christmas does not shy away from numerous anachronistic jokes, providing a modern feel to the characters and their stories. The central setting may be filled with caves, club-wielding men, dinosaurs, and non-human creatures, but their interactions and dialogues deliver humor that is timeless and relatable.

Its unique combination of Christmas magic, clever humor, and the warmth of a tight-knit community makes B.C.: A Special Christmas a timeless tale that can be enjoyed by all age groups. It sows the seeds of festive joy, while also pushing viewers to introspect and appreciate the simple things in life, just like the cavemen in the movie do.

Thus, B.C.: A Special Christmas is a joyful watch, filled with laughter, bromance, and holiday cheer. Its delightful characters, witty script, and charming plot make it an entertaining flick that has endured the test of time.