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An animated version of one of Jean De Brunhoff’s beloved “Babar” books for children finally makes it to American television today courtesy of Home Box Office, which has imported “Babar and Father Christmas” from Canada where it was made by Atkinson Film Arts last year.
The half-hour program airs at 4:30 p.m. today and again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. De Brunhoff’s drawing style and gentle tone have been transferred nicely to the film, but the producers have taken the liberty of altering the story in what appears to be an effort to inject more conflict and humor for young viewers used to faster-paced video fare.
Instead of having King Babar striking off alone to ask Father Christmas to include the land of the elephants on his Dec. 24 rounds, they have introduced the character of a buffoonish rhinoceros who wants to get there first. It’s a device unworthy of the author.
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