Watch Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny

Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny is a 1972 children's film directed by R. Winer. The film stars Jay Ripley as Santa Claus, a figure synonymous with Christmas cheer, and Shay Garner as the Ice Cream Bunny. The movie follows the classic story of Santa Claus and his reindeer team getting stranded in Florida while delivering presents. Despite his best efforts, Santa is unable to free himself and his reindeer from the sandy beach, and he worries his plans to bring Christmas to the children of the world will be ruined.

As time is running out, Santa comes up with an ingenious plan to save the day. He enlists the help of local children to come to his rescue. He takes them on a wild and wacky journey through the magical storybook land, full of delightful characters and bizarre creatures. Along the way, they encounter the Ice Cream Bunny, a life-sized animatronic bunny who has an unusual method of transportation for Santa and his helpers.

The plot of the movie is simple and straightforward, typical of children's movies from the 1970s. It's a heartwarming story of Santa and his friends working together to spread holiday cheer, even in the face of adversity. As the story progresses, children are exposed to various nursery rhymes and fairy tales, leading them on an exciting adventure that is sure to keep them entertained. The music in the film is catchy and fun, with a whimsical quality that is reminiscent of classic children's music.

The cast of Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny is made up of a mix of professional actors and ordinary children, who seem to be having a blast on-screen. Jay Ripley's portrayal of Santa Claus is filled with warmth and kindness, as he gently guides the children through their journey. Shay Garner's performance as the Ice Cream Bunny is suitably whimsical, with a quirky charm that will delight kids.

Another standout performance comes from Pat Morrell, who plays a hapless knight trying to rescue a damsel in distress. His comic timing and physical humor provide some of the film's most amusing moments. The child actors in the movie are all great, with a natural energy and enthusiasm that shines through in every scene.

The visuals in the film are undoubtedly its most memorable aspect. The elaborate costumes and sets create a fantastical world that children will find fascinating. Production values are low, but the colorful and imaginative imagery makes up for it. Some of the most eye-catching scenes involve the Ice Cream Bunny driving a fire truck, a giant mouse leading the way through a maze, and Santa's reindeer team getting a well-deserved rest in a treehouse. These scenes are sure to excite children and spark their imaginations.

Overall, Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny is a charming and quirky family-friendly film that is perfect for young children. It may not have the slick production values of modern children's movies, but it more than makes up for it with its whimsical charm and heartwarming story. As a product of its time, it may not appeal to every viewer, but those who are willing to embrace its quirky spirit will undoubtedly find it a delightful addition to their holiday movie collection.

Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny is a 1972 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 1.3.