Syndicated Review: Variety, 1977

A Cosmic Christmas Syndicated Review

Syndicated Review

A COSMIC CHRISTMAS

Supplier: Nelvana Prods., Viacom
Exec Producer: Jeffrey Kirsch

Producer: Michael Hirsh, Patrick Loubert

Director: Clive Smith

Writers: Ida Nelson Fruet, Martin Lavut, Laura Paull, Ken Sobol

30 Mins., Wed. (7), 7:30 p.m.

WNBC-TV N.Y.

It’s that old finding-the-spirit-of-Christmas time again, and the Viacom entry into the heartfelt sweepstake this year is the Canadian-made “A Cosmic Christmas.” The prize, of course, is an annual pick-up of the show in syndication.

The key to that success, one would guess, is the attractiveness of small-boy hero Peter and his pet goose Lucy (as in loose goosie). The kid, of course, is sweet-natured and loving to all – even to those who would do him harm. The story is about a space ship which lands in Peter’s neighbourhood and the three travelers who emerge from it. They bear an uncanny resemblance to the Magi – or at least their artistic representation through the years – and they are trying to find “the meaning of Christmas” so they may report back to their native planet.

Well, naturally, at first there seems to be little evidence of the spirit around. One local kid even tries to kill Lucy (because he’s hungry, it turns out), the townspeople are a bitter and vengeful lot and even Peter’s parents looked askance at their son when he brought home the strangers. 

But after a bit of jeopardy when Peter almost drowned trying to save the kid who was after Lucy, everyone gets together and the old spirit is found in all hearts.

The animation was lively and the voice-overs well meshed into the thoroughly professional production. As to how it grabbed the kids (it seemed aimed at the very youngest tv watching set), only kids could say. But it seemed to an adult that it could do them no harm, although it seemed a bit short on laughter.

– Fob.