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Directed by: Arthur Rankin, Jr.
Jules Bass
Written by: Julian P. Gardner
Narrated by: Bing Crosby
Release date: December 13, 1974
Running time: 22 minutes
Original network: Redbox
Peacock
Related specials: The Little Drummer Boy

The Little Drummer Boy, Book II is Rankin/Bass's eleventh Christmas television special, released in 1974. As the title suggests, it is the sequel to the 1968 special The Little Drummer Boy. It is also notably the only Rankin/Bass special to receive an Emmy nomination.

Synopsis[]

The special picks up where The Little Drummer Boy left off-- at the little stable in Bethlehem, shortly after the birth of Jesus. Melchior, one of the three kings from the first movie, invites Aaron to travel with him to see his friend, an elderly bell-maker named Simeon who plans to make a very special set of silver bells to honor the birth of Jesus.

Meanwhile, a group of tax collectors, led by Brutus and his dim-witted lackey Plato, break into Simeon's home. Simeon cannot pay his tax, so to compensate, the tax collectors decide to take the silver bells.

Melchior, along with Aaron and his animals, arrives shortly thereafter, and they all take off to the tax collectors' camp, planning to take back the silver bells. However, this proves to be one of the most challenging tasks Aaron has ever faced. And things are about to get ugly when the tax collectors have their eye on Aaron's beloved drum.

Songs[]

Cast[]

Voice actor Character
Bing Crosby Our Story Teller
Zero Mostel Brutus
June Foray Aaron
Bob McFadden Plato
Ray Owens Melchior
Allen Swift Simeon, Soldiers
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