I had to be specific in my title, today's Thor's Day Hero isn't just any ole Bilbo Baggins. No, today's inductee is the one you see above, the Rankin Bass 1977 Bilbo. Sure, I saw Star Wars in '77 but it wasn't until a few years later I was into it thanks to the toys. My first geek introduction though, pretty much ever in my life, goes to my Lord of the Rings storybook record sets. Yes, records, played on my Fisher-Price turntable. Of those Bilbo and the tale of the Hobbit took center stage, we even named a litter of puppies at the time after Hobbit characters. Good, moving memories. Welcome aboard Bilbo!
I had memorized the entire books and tape version of Return of the King.
ReplyDeleteWord for word, song for song, and sound effect for sound effect I started retelling the story to my little brother at bedtime. It was such an awesome bonding moment for us. I must have been maybe 8 or 9 at the time which would have made him 2 or 3.
That's so awesome! You just can't beat "Where there's a whip, there's a way"! I'm jealous of your sibling tales, that's something you can just never lose.
DeleteSo many of us were indelibly imprinted by this movie (or related media apparently.)
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me... I'm still disappointed the goblins didn't sing in the new Hobbit movie. That song mocking the dwarves in the burning trees was great.
It's funny how many of us, in our current adult geek forms, are made from the same mold. It wasn't until the scene you mentioned where it hit me in the theater, "They need to be singing the whole time!"
DeleteDamned right!
ReplyDeleteWhere was "15 Birds"?
Though I really did love the movie version of the "Misty Mountain" song.
-Eli
Agh! That would've been PERFECT. I'm really torn between getting the movie now, or waiting for the extended version around the holidays. I'm thinking I need to update all my VHS copies with disc versions now.
Delete"OH what do we do...with the funny little things......" Ah that song takes me back.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can always hear that little chime when it is time to turn the page any time I see the Rankin Bass Hobbit anywhere.
That's really funny, that chime as so cool, it meant more great story and art was on the way. I'm really glad that so many of us can collectively share these memories, looks like Bilbo was a good addition!
DeleteHe's definitely an old school hero!
ReplyDeleteWell you know, every adventuring party needs a thief!
DeleteSo much this. The Rankin-Bass hobbit pretty much launched me into geekery as a child. And I frankly still prefer it as an adaptation over the most recent motion picture.
ReplyDeleteI learned the whole "misty mountains" song/poem long ago, and I still break into sometimes when I'm playing with my daughter. I can't wait to read it with her.
As far as adaptation go, I tend to agree with you. Definitely kickstarted my geek life too.
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