Prancer poster
Puzzle #21 Answer

Prancer (1989)

Prancer was the link movie connecting Flatliners and Rosemary's Baby.

Linked through John Duda and Rutanya Alda.

FamilyDramaFantasy 1989
The Connection
Flatliners poster
Flatliners (1990)
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Rosemary's Baby poster

Both John Duda and Rutanya Alda appeared in Prancer.

About Prancer

★ 6.0/10 ⏱ 1h 39m 📅 Nov 17, 1989

"Something magical is about to happen."

Jessica, the daughter of an impoverished apple farmer, still believes in Santa Claus. So when she comes across a reindeer with an injured leg, it makes perfect sense to her to assume that it is Prancer, who had fallen from a Christmas display in town. She hides the reindeer in her barn and feeds it cookies, until she can return it to Santa. Her father finds the reindeer and decides to sell it to the butcher, not for venison chops, but as an advertising display.

Directed by John D. Hancock
Written by Greg Taylor

Where to watch

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Top cast

Rebecca Harrell Tickell
Rebecca Harrell Tickellas Jessica Riggs
Sam Elliott
Sam Elliottas John Riggs
John Dudaas Steve Riggs
Rutanya Alda
Rutanya Aldaas Aunt Sarah
Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachmanas Mrs. McFarland
Ariana Richards
Ariana Richardsas Carol Wetherby
Abe Vigoda
Abe Vigodaas Orel Benton
Michael Constantine
Michael Constantineas Mr. Stewart / Santa
Mark Rolston
Mark Rolstonas Herb Drier
Johnny Galecki
Johnny Galeckias Billy Quinn

Behind the camera

Producers
Raffaella De Laurentiis
Cinematography
Mikhail Suslov
Editing
John Rosenberg
Composer
Maurice Jarre
Production Design
Chester Kaczenski

Awards

Rebecca Harrell received a nomination for a Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Starring in a Motion Picture for her role in Prancer, though she did not win.

Soundtrack

Score by Maurice Jarre

The film features traditional Christmas songs including 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', 'Silent Night', and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', which contribute to its festive atmosphere.

Movie trivia

  • 1

    The film was shot in various locations, including Three Oaks, Michigan, and Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, capturing the essence of a small-town Christmas.

  • 2

    The reindeer featured in the film was a pregnant reindeer named Boo, chosen for her ability to keep her antlers longer and her good rapport with the young actress Rebecca Harrell.

  • 3

    Rebecca Harrell's performance as Jessica earned her a nomination for a Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Starring in a Motion Picture.

  • 4

    Critic Roger Ebert praised the film, highlighting its engaging direction and the strong performances, particularly from Harrell, who he described as a plucky schemer.

  • 5

    The film's critical reception was mixed to positive, holding a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 28 reviews.

  • 6

    A direct-to-video sequel titled Prancer Returns was released in 2001, followed by a remake called Prancer: A Christmas Tale in 2022.

Themes

farmsmall townholidayveterinariansanta clausbarnreindeerwidowersingle fatherchristmasnon-believersapple orchardbelieve in santasick animal

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