Christmas Comes But Once a Year (1936)

Immerse yourself in the heartwarming charm of "Christmas Comes but Once a Year" (1936), an animated treasure from the renowned Fleischer Studios, creators of esteemed characters such as Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, and Popeye the Sailor. This eight-minute feature unfolds within the austere walls of an orphanage on the joyous morning of Christmas. The orphans, brimming with anticipation, eagerly unwrap their gifts, only to be met with the bitter disappointment of broken toys, casting a dark shadow over their festive spirits and sending them back to their beds in tears. However, the melancholy is short-lived as Professor Grampy, a beloved character from the Betty Boop series, stumbles upon the scene. Hearing the sorrowful cries of the children, he is moved by their plight. A beacon of hope in the face of despair, Grampy harnesses his inventive genius to rescue the magic of the day. Donning his thinking cap, Grampy embarks on a mission of yuletide transformation, repurposing ordinary household items with a remarkable flair. From kitchen utensils to furniture, nothing escapes his creative eye as he crafts a collection of extraordinary toys, far surpassing any the children could have ever imagined. In a delightful twist, Grampy adopts the role of Santa, distributing his innovative creations among the awe-struck orphans. Their gloomy orphanage is ignited with yuletide joy as they celebrate, their laughter echoing with the heartening chorus of "Christmas Comes but Once a Year." This memorable film serves as a testament to the power of creativity and kindness, reminding us that the spirit of Christmas lies not in material possessions, but in acts of love and generosity.

Christmas Comes But Once a Year is an animation movie featuring Jack Mercer.

Christmas Comes But Once a Year is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on IndieFlix.