1968 brought Rankin-Bass' third Christmas special, their second one in "Animagic." This one was inspired by the classic Christmas song of the same name, The Little Drummer Boy. Romeo Mueller returned as writer, as he'd also served as writer for the last two specials. Unlike those, however, this clocks in at a brisker paced 25 minutes.
We are quickly introduced to the titular drummer boy, named Aaron. He plays his drum in the desert with his three dancing animals: Samson the donkey, Baba the lamb, and Joshua the camel. He's caught by Ben Haramed, who runs a caravan of performers.
The special gives us a flashback to Aaron's past. He was given the drum by his father, but when thieves raided their farm, burning it to the ground and killing his parents, Aaron began to hate humanity, keeping to himself in the desert with his remaining three animals.
Back to the present, Ben Haramed takes Aaron and his animals to Jerusalem, where they prove to be the only successful act, but Aaron lashes out at everyone nearby. However, when the three kings, the Magi, come through Jerusalem, Ben Haramed is anxious to make some money from them, trying to get Aaron to perform. However, the Magi are on the move, following the Star of Bethlehem, and when they need another camel, Ben Haramed sells them Joshua.
Angered, Aaron leaves the caravan with Samson and Baba and follows them to Bethlehem, where he sees shepherds also following the star. Unfortunately, a chariot hits Baba, seriously injuring him. Aaron carries his lamb to the Magi, who are unable to help, but they suggest he ask another, the baby they've come to see. Aaron plays his drum for the Baby Jesus and as he plays, he feels sorry for hating people and repents. Baba is miraculously healed and reunited with Aaron.
Romeo Mueller said that this was his favorite work for Rankin-Bass and I guess I can see why. Honestly, I can't find much to criticize with this one. It may be a bit too Christian to a secular liking, but it keeps the story short and sweet, a good move away from how the previous specials filled extra time with unnecessary songs and extra B plots.
The only criticism I will bring up is that sometimes the animation seems to freeze and the cuts to commercials are placed oddly.
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