Santa and the Three Bears is a 1970 animated feature film, which aired in syndication on television regularly during the holiday season.
Background
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. run for around four minutes in total. They 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.
Plot: In this animated movie, two bear cubs that are being raised by their mother discover the story of Santa Claus when they hear it from a park ranger. The curious little bears become determined to meet Santa, a goal that doesn't fit in very well with their mom's winter hibernation plans. As the three bears try to settle down for their cold-weather slumber, the restlessness of the cubs makes sleep impossible, and they remain determined to see jolly old Saint Nicholas.
Voice cast
Hal Smith as Grandfather, Santa and Mr. Ranger[4]
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
