Like many, my introduction to the magical world of Rankin-Bass Productions was through their cherished Christmas specials. For years, I believed that Christmas was their sole domain of holiday magic. That was until first grade when my class was treated to Here Comes Peter Cottontail just before Easter. It was an instant delight! Little did I know then that this charming special was another gem from the same creators of those beloved Christmas classics (apart from Easter Bunny is Coming to Town, which I’d seen but hadn’t connected to Rankin-Bass at the time). A year later, my grandma gifted me the DVD, which has since become an Easter tradition, watched annually in my home.
Similar to their iconic Christmas specials, Here Comes Peter Cottontail brilliantly adapts a popular song – in this instance, the eponymous “Peter Cottontail” – expanding its narrative and enriching it with fresh, imaginative elements. The special is narrated by the iconic Danny Kaye, adding a layer of celebrity charm, and features Rankin-Bass’s signature lifelike stop motion animation. This technique imbues the characters with a toy-like quality that feels both nostalgic and captivating. Peter Cottontail himself is voiced by Casey Kasem, the legendary voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Hearing Kasem’s familiar voice, albeit slightly deeper, adds a fun, unexpected layer for fans.
But what truly elevates Here Comes Peter Cottontail? The premise itself is wonderfully inventive and resonates with the spirit of Easter, while playfully incorporating elements from various holidays throughout the year. The story kicks off with the villainous Irontail winning the coveted title of Chief Easter Bunny. Peter Cottontail, due to oversleeping, misses the election and must embark on a time-traveling adventure to prove himself worthy and prevent Irontail from ruining Easter. In a comical twist, Peter’s time-travel mishaps land him in various holidays, leading him to paint Easter eggs in themes befitting Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, the Fourth of July, and even New Year’s Day! This original concept is a stroke of genius. While he manages to give some eggs away, many are rejected for their holiday mismatch, and Peter faces the challenge of protecting his eggs from Irontail’s mischievous schemes.
Adding to the Rankin-Bass universe connection, the familiar Santa Claus from their Christmas specials makes a cameo appearance. As established in Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July, all Rankin-Bass Christmas specials exist within the same universe, and Here Comes Peter Cottontail seamlessly integrates into this continuity. Spoiler alert: Peter, of course, triumphs in the end, reclaiming his rightful place as the Easter Bunny and saving Easter. Thank goodness for that! While Irontail is undeniably entertaining in his villainy, he’s clearly not Easter Bunny material. His disastrous reign includes replacing beloved chocolate bunnies and chickens with chocolate octopi and tarantulas (utterly unappealing!) and Easter eggs with Easter galoshes. Furthermore, his petty revenge plot against children after a minor accident solidifies his unsuitability. Peter is, without a doubt, the superior Easter Bunny!
Beyond the plot and characters, the musical numbers in Here Comes Peter Cottontail are incredibly catchy and memorable, boasting infectious beats. Standout songs include “If I Could Only Get Back to Yesterday” and Antoine’s song “When You Can’t Get It Altogether, Improvise.” “If I Could Only Get Back to Yesterday” is particularly impactful, conveying the powerful message of second chances. The lyrics, “If I could only get back to yesterday, today would be a perfect day” and “I’d be a different man if I had a second chance, yes I would,” beautifully articulate the value of redemption and self-improvement. The song is visually enhanced by stunning scenes of a night sky where stars form holiday symbols like Easter bunnies, Christmas trees, and hearts. “When You Can’t Get It Altogether, Improvise,” Antoine’s lively tune, carries a timeless message of resourcefulness and adaptability. It encourages creativity and making the best of unexpected situations, exemplified by the lyric – if unprepared for Halloween, give a Valentine; if you have Easter eggs outside of Easter, give them anyway!
Here Comes Peter Cottontail is a delightful special that appeals to audiences of all ages. Its enduring charm and valuable life lessons about responsibility and perseverance resonate deeply. It easily stands out as the best among Rankin-Bass’s three Easter specials and remains a joy to watch, not just during Easter, but anytime. While perfectly suited for Easter celebrations, its universal themes make it enjoyable throughout the year, reminding us of the importance of second chances and the magic of holidays.
