Prancer (1989)
-
69% of critics liked it
(16 reviews) -
53% of users liked it
(8,197 ratings)
If you know the Clement Clark Moore poem, you'll know that Prancer is one of Santa Claus' "eight tiny reindeer." When 9-year-old Rebecca Harrell, who still believes in Santa despite the remonstrations of her parents and the taunts of her peers, stumbles across the selfsame Prancer… More If you know the Clement Clark Moore poem, you'll know that Prancer is one of Santa Claus' "eight tiny reindeer." When 9-year-old Rebecca Harrell, who still believes in Santa despite the remonstrations of her parents and the taunts of her peers, stumbles across the selfsame Prancer in a remote part of the forest, no one will believe the girl. Later on, Harrell's no-nonsense father Sam Elliot comes across a wounded reindeer, he feels it his duty to put the suffering animal out of his misery. The deer, of course, is Prancer, and it magically vanishes before Elliot's startled eyes. Harrell nurses the deer back to health in secret, with the help of kindly doctor Abe Vigoda and her troublesome older brother John Joseph Duda. Harrell is determined to contact Santa and let him know where Prancer is, but her efforts only result in public humiliation for her father. But this is a Christmas film, and the spirit of goodwill is contagious by fadeout time, even transforming town-recluse Cloris Leachman into a warm-hearted social animal. Filmed in Indiana, Prancer isn't quite a classic, but it's perfect midwinter videocassette entertainment. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- John D. Hancock
- Written By
- Greg Taylor
- Genres
- Drama, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
G,
- In Theaters
- Nov 17, 1989 Wide
- On DVD
- Oct 2, 2001
- Studio
- Nelson Entertainment
Critic Reviews
-
Caryn James, New York Times
Its plodding competence can't provide that effortless magical touch that Christmas classics are made of.
-
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
Harrell's brash debut, the use of animism and the story's sincerity add interest.
-
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Smaller kids will identify with Jessica's fierce resolve to get Prancer back into action, and older viewers will appreciate the fact that the movie takes place in an approximation of the real world.
-
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Forgettable Christmas movie featuring Sam Elliott.
-
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Prancer deserves to join the select ranks of those Christmas movies we return to again and again.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Sam Elliott
as John Riggs
-
Rebecca Harrell
as Jessica Riggs
-
Cloris Leachman
as Mrs. McFarland
-
Rutanya Alda
as Aunt Sarah
-
Abe Vigoda
as Dr. Orel Benton Veterinarian
-
Michael Constantine
as Mr. Stewart/Santa
-
Ariana Richards
as Carol Wetherby
-
Frank Welker
as Prancer
-
Boo the Reindeer
as Prancer
-
Jesse Bradford
as Boy
-
Walter Charles
as Minister
-
John Duda
as Steve Riggs
-
Johnny Galecki
as Billy Quinn
-
Mark Rolston
as Herb Drier
-
Victor Truro
as Mr. Young
-
Loren Janes
as Mr. Soot
-
Dan Atherton
as Town Man
-
Dale Balsbaugh
as Mr. Wood
-
Belinda Bremner
as Miss Bedelia
-
Terry Jayjack
as Mrs. Wetherby
-
Joseph Morano
as Boy with Santa
-
Sandra Olson
as Town Woman
-
Marcia Porter
as Mrs. Fairburn
-
Steven Pressler
as Hank
-
Eric Sardeson
as Boy
-
Shirley Starnes
as Mrs. Hofsetter
-
Michael Luciano
as Bert
-
Bethany Richards
as (uncredited)
