The Christmas Toy

Nominated for an Emmy Award, this festive 1986 family TV movie from the Jim Henson Company focuses on the lively toys in the family playroom of live-action youngsters Jamie and Jesse (trivia: the latter is played by Canadian actor Zachary Bennett of Avonlea). The stuffed animals, soldiers, and dolls come to life after the humans leave the room, but must return to their original positions before they're seen, or risk being petrified. On Christmas Eve, the toys are excited, especially Rugby the tiger, who can't wait to see Jamie's face when she opens the box with him in it…just like last year. Of course, as battered old bear Balthazar points out, Rugby is missing a crucial point: new toys are on their way to the playroom. But Rugby—with the help of cat toy buddy Mew—sneaks downstairs anyway, forcing his panicked companions to launch a rescue mission. For some reason, this DVD version axed Henson's original narration as Kermit; however, the warm-hearted story and wacky toys still entertain two decades later. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)