Watch Christmas in Tattertown

Christmas in Tattertown is an animated television special that aired on Nickelodeon in 1988. The show was created by Ralph Bakshi, known for his work on adult-themed animated films like Fritz the Cat and Cool World. The show tells the story of a young girl named Debbie, who stumbles upon Tattertown, a surreal and magical place populated by forgotten and discarded objects.

Debbie is initially hesitant to explore Tattertown but is eventually won over by its peculiar and charming inhabitants. She meets a variety of interesting characters, including a ventriloquist dummy, a broken lamp, and a sentient shirt. The group encourages Debbie to help them fight off the greedy and manipulative Frump, a businessman with plans to convert Tattertown into a shopping center.

The show is infused with Bakshi's trademark offbeat humor and social commentary, and the animation style is reminiscent of his earlier works. The characters are drawn in a scratchy, rough style, which gives them a unique and gritty look. The animation is fluid and dynamic, with a lot of movement and action.

One of the major themes of the show is the idea of discarded objects having their own lives and stories. The objects in Tattertown are personified and given personalities, and the show explores what it would be like if these objects could talk and interact with each other. This concept is used to comment on ideas about waste, consumerism, and the disposable culture of modern society.

The voice acting in Christmas in Tattertown is top-notch, with veteran voice actors Charlie Adler and Jennifer Darling providing the voices for many of the characters. The music is also noteworthy, with composer Michael Tavera providing an eclectic and energetic score that perfectly matches the show's frenetic energy.

Another interesting aspect of the show is the way it handles the holiday theme. While there are some traditional Christmas elements present, such as a visit from Santa Claus, the show is more concerned with exploring the idea of community and togetherness. The characters in Tattertown may be lonely and forgotten, but they find solace and joy in each other's company.

Overall, Christmas in Tattertown is a charming and thought-provoking animated special that is well worth checking out. It is a quirky and unique take on the holiday genre that manages to be both entertaining and meaningful. With its engaging characters, inventive animation, and social commentary, the show stands out as a hidden gem of 80s animation.