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Difference between revisions of "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"

Wikisimpsons - The Simpsons Wiki
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This episode was released on VHS by [[FOX|FOX Home Video]] in 1991. The VHS release was titled "The Simpsons Christmas Special." It was later released on VHS and DVD in Christmas with the Simpsons in 2001, and then eventually released in 2001 in the Season One boxset.
 
This episode was released on VHS by [[FOX|FOX Home Video]] in 1991. The VHS release was titled "The Simpsons Christmas Special." It was later released on VHS and DVD in Christmas with the Simpsons in 2001, and then eventually released in 2001 in the Season One boxset.
 +
 +
[[File:She's_The_Fastest.jpg|thumb|Santa's Little Helper after losing the race.]]
  
 
== Synopsis ==
 
== Synopsis ==
 
[[File:Santa school.jpg|thumb|left|Homer attending [[Santa School]].]]
 
[[File:Santa school.jpg|thumb|left|Homer attending [[Santa School]].]]
  
−
The title, The Simpsons Christmas Special, appears on screen against a black snowy background and the camera pans down to start act one. No blackboard joke or couch gag.
+
[[Marge]], [[Homer]], and [[Maggie]] attend [[Bart]] and [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa's]] Christmas pageant at [[Springfield Elementary School]]. At home, Marge asks the children what they want for Christmas and Bart asks for a tattoo. When Marge, Bart, and Lisa go Christmas shopping the next day, Bart sneaks away and starts getting a tattoo reading "Mother". Discovering this, Marge interrupts the process at "Moth" and immediately takes him to a laser removal clinic and spends the family's Christmas money getting Bart's tattoo removed. Meanwhile, at the [[Springfield Nuclear Power Plant]], Homer learns that he will not be getting a Christmas bonus.
−
'''Act One:''' The episode begins as Homer hastily drives Marge and Maggie, in the family car, through snow covered streets. They are late for Bart and Lisa’s Christmas pageant at the school. Once at the school, Homer and Marge stumble through a full audience to find their seats; everyone looks on stage at the pageant that has already begun. Homer and Marge sit down just in time to see Principal Skinner introduce the second grade The does a presentation of different Santa Clauses from around the world, and Lisa steals the show as Tawanga, the Santa Claus of the South Seas. Cut to Skinner introducing the fourth grade singing a medley of Christmas carols. As they all sing Jingle Bells, Bart can be heard singing much different words to the song, he is quickly yanked from the performance. The pageant continues on, as a bored Homer wonders aloud how long the pageant will last. Afterwards, at the Simpson home, Marge writes a letter for the Simpson family Christmas cards, as Homer gets out Christmas decorations, and Bart and Lisa write their Christmas wish lists. In the letter Marge describes how everyone is doing and as she reads the letter in her head the camera pans around to the different family members as she mentions their names. Bart and Lisa show Marge their wish lists; Marge is upset when Lisa once again asks for a pony for Christmas and Bart asks for a tattoo. Just then Marge’s sister Patty calls; a grumbling Homer hands the phone over to Marge and the two sisters discuss their plans for getting together on Christmas Eve. Cut to Homer, who is outside putting the finishing touches on the Christmas lights on the roof, as the kids watch from the sidewalk. After Homer falls from the roof, he calls out to Marge plug the lights in. Only a few of the lights actually light up, and Homer admires his handy work, while the kids are less than impressed. Ned Flanders is also outside, and ready to plug in his lights for the first time, he calls out to Homer and tells him to check it out. As he plugs the lights in his entire house lights up, including a talking Santa Claus on the roof. The lights illuminate everyone’s face and much to Homer’s dismay; his kids are very impressed at Ned’s display of lights.
+
 
−
At breakfast the next morning, Marge tells the kids to grab their money so they can go Christmas shopping at the mall. As the excited kids run off to get their money, Homer asks Marge where she has been keeping the Christmas savings. She makes him turn around and she pulls a big jar of money out of her hair. Homer is impressed at the amount of money they have for Christmas this year. Later at the mall, as Marge, Lisa and Maggie look at gifts together; Bart is off by himself, and comes across a tattoo parlor. In the window, he sees a tattoo of a heart with the word “mother” written across it. He daydreams that Marge will have a positive reaction to him getting a tattoo, so he runs inside the parlor, lies to the tattoo artist about his age, and hops into the chair. Meanwhile, at the nuclear power plant, Mr. Burns announces over the loud speaker that there will not be any Christmas bonuses this year for unskilled workers; this includes Homer. Homer sighs as he remembers they still have the big jar full of money for Christmas presents. Back at the mall, Marge hears Bart’s yells of pain coming from inside the tattoo parlor and she quickly runs inside to see Bart with the heart tattoo halfway finished on his arm. She quickly pulls him out of the chair and takes him to a tattoo removal clinic. The tattoo removal is expensive and requires a full cash payment up front. Marge has to use all the Christmas money for Bart’s tattoo removal, but she sighs when she remembers they still can use Homer’s Christmas bonus. Back at home Marge tells Homer what has happened and Homer freaks out. She tells him to calm down, and that they will just have to stretch his Christmas bonus a little further this year. Homer fakes relief when Marge mentions his bonus, he tells everyone that this will be the best Christmas ever and steps outside for a walk. Once outside he looks up at his poorly decorated house and then at Flanders’ masterpiece. A depressed Homer hangs his head in despair.
+
 
−
'''Act Two:''' That night in bed, Marge senses something is amiss with Homer and she asks what is wrong. Homer almost tells her the truth about his Christmas bonus, but quickly backpedals and instead offers to do the Christmas shopping, so she doesn’t have to. Marge agrees and seems satisfied that there is nothing wrong and they both go to bed. The next day Homer does some Christmas shopping alone at a cheap thrift store. He purchases pantyhose for Marge, pads of paper for Bart and a squeaky chew toy for Maggie. On his way out the door with his bag of presents Homer accidentally crashes into Ned who has an armful of fancily wrapped packages. All the presents are spilled onto the ground, and as Homer picks the few he purchased and sees how many Ned bought, he becomes sad and depressed and heads over to Moe’s. At Moe’s, Homer drinks a beer alone, when a cheerful Barney walks in wearing a Santa Claus suit. Barney explains that he is in a good mood because he has extra money from working a part time job acting as Santa Claus at the mall. Homer suddenly has an idea. Cut to the personnel office in the mall, as Homer fills out an application and is interviewed to be a mall Santa. After reviewing Homer’s application, and interviewing him, the personnel director welcomes Homer aboard and sends him to mall Santa training s. A montage of Homer enduring Santa training ensues.
+
 
−
Homer finally makes it home late at night and a worried Marge wants to know where he has been. Homer ignores her and heads upstairs, but Marge tells him that her sisters are here and that he needs to visit with them. As Homer talks with Patty and Selma, they comment on the fact that the Simpsons don’t have a Christmas tree up yet. Homer tells them he was just on his way out to get one, and he angrily hurries out the door. In the car, Homer drives past several expensive Christmas tree lots and finally stops at a private tree farm and uses a chain saw to steal a nice Christmas tree for the family. Back at home, Homer stands up the tree, and everyone is impressed except for Patty and Selma. On Christmas Eve at the mall, Homer works as Santa Claus, while children wait in line to sit on his lap. From a distance, Bart and Milhouse watch the kids line up to sit on Santa’s lap, they comment on how they can’t believe that these kids are falling for the fake Santa bit. Milhouse dares Bart to yank off Santa’s beard and Bart agrees. Bart jumps in line and finally gets his turn on Santa’s lap. Not knowing that Santa is really Homer, Bart yanks off his beard. Bart is shocked at what he has uncovered, and an angry Homer escorts Bart inside Santa’s workshop to speak with him in private. Homer explains the situation to Bart, who understands and feels bad for yanking off Homer’s beard. At the end of the Homer’s shift, Bart goes with Homer as he picks up his check. Homer is surprised to learn that he has only made 13 dollars. When he questions the cashier, she explains the majority of his check went to pay for the Santa suit, social security, and etc. While a depressed Homer sits down to figure out what to do with the 13 dollars, an excited Barney tells Homer that he is going to the dog track to place a bet with his 13 dollars. He invites Homer to come along with him, Homer is reluctant but Bart convinces him to go, citing that this might be their only chance to save the Simpson family Christmas.
+
 
−
'''Act Three:''' Back at the Simpson home everyone including Patty, Selma and Grandpa Simpson, wait for Homer and Bart to come home. Cut to the dog track, where Barney gives Homer a tip on a dog named Whirlwind. After seeing what Whirlwind looks like, Homer is reluctant to bet on him. Just then an announcement plays over the P.A. system, announcing that a dog named Santa’s Little Helper will be replacing another dog in the fourth race. Homer senses that the announcement is an omen, and decides to bet on him even though Bart recommends not to, and despite the fact that the odds are 99 to 1. Homer puts down all 13 dollars on Santa’s Little Helper. Meanwhile at home, Patty and Selma talk bad about Homer, while everyone still waits for him and Bart. Back at the track Homer and Bart anxiously await the running of the fourth race. As the race begins Homer and Bart cheer on Santa’s Little Helper, but Whirlwind, Barney’s pick, is out to an early lead with Santa’s Little Helper bringing up the rear. Homer and Bart quickly realize their chances at winning any money are dashed, as Santa’s Little Helper doesn’t even finish the race. Cut to Homer and Bart, out in the parking lot of the dog track, looking for discarded betting slips hoping to find that someone has thrown away a winner. Barney drives by in a convertible with a woman in the passenger seat, and gloats to Bart and Homer about his pick for the race: Whirlwind. A dejected Bart and Homer head back to their car, when off in the distance they see a racing dog owner yelling and chasing off Santa’s Little Helper for losing once again. Santa’s Little Helper jumps up into Homer’s arms. Bart asks to keep Homer if they can keep the dog. Homer, reluctant at first, quickly warms up to the dog and decides to take him home. Cut back to the Simpson home, where everyone still awaits Bart and Homer’s return. Suddenly, a sad looking Homer enters in and starts to confess to everyone about the fact that he didn't receive his Christmas bonus, and apologizes for the lack of presents; when Bart bursts in, along with a barking Santa’s Little Helper. Everyone falls in love with the dog, and Homer realizes that in the end he has done a good job providing gifts at Christmas.  
+
When Homer returns home and hears about the loss of the Christmas money, he decides not to tell Marge his own bad news. Instead, he does the shopping himself, buying cheap presents from a variety store which sells nothing over $5. At [[Moe's Tavern]], Homer meets [[Barney]] dressed in a Santa Claus outfit. On Barney's advice, he secretly takes a job as a mall Santa. Bart discovers this secret after he rips off Homer's fake beard on a dare by his friend [[Milhouse Van Houten|Milhouse]], but agrees not to tell the rest of the family.
−
'''End Credits:''' The credits roll as the entire Simpson family including Patty, Selma, and Grandpa Simpson, sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Near the end of the song Homer chokes Bart for adding “unofficial” words to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
+
 
 +
Homer receives his paycheck and is dismayed to see that it is only for $13. Barney, who has received a check for the same amount, suggests betting it at the dog track. With encouragement from Bart, Homer agrees to gamble the paycheck and takes Bart with him to the track. Although Barney recommended they bet on a dog named Whirlwind, Homer decides to bet on a last-second entrant named [[Santa's Little Helper]], believing it to be a sign. Santa's Little Helper, however, comes in dead last and his owner abandons him. The dog follows Homer and Bart, who eventually decide to keep him. When they return home, Homer plans to tell the family about his misfortune, but they think he brought the dog as a gift and everyone has a merry Christmas.
 +
 
 +
During the ending credits, the family sings "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", but Bart adds rude lyrics, so Homer strangles him.
  
 
== Production ==
 
== Production ==
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== Reception ==
 
== Reception ==
 
The episode was nominated for two [[Emmy Award]]s in 1990, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming less than One Hour)|Outstanding Animated Program and "Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or Special."  Because "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" is considered to be a separate special, ''The Simpsons'' was nominated twice in the Animated Program category; the episode would lose to fellow ''The Simpsons'' episode "[[Life on the Fast Lane]]".<ref>">[http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php Emmy Awards official site] Retrieved on March 9th, 2008.</ref>
 
The episode was nominated for two [[Emmy Award]]s in 1990, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming less than One Hour)|Outstanding Animated Program and "Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or Special."  Because "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" is considered to be a separate special, ''The Simpsons'' was nominated twice in the Animated Program category; the episode would lose to fellow ''The Simpsons'' episode "[[Life on the Fast Lane]]".<ref>">[http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php Emmy Awards official site] Retrieved on March 9th, 2008.</ref>
 +
 +
== Trivia ==
 +
=== Signs and Other Things To Read ===
 +
*The [[Springfield Elementary School]] Christmas show receives 3 1/2 stars in a recent review advertised in front of the building.
 +
*Lisa requests a pony six times on her Christmas wish list.
 +
*Next door to the tattoo parlor is Dr. Zitsofsky Dermatology Clinic. A sign in the window reads, "Tattoos removed by laser."
 +
*Homer receives a 13 dollar check: He grossed $120 less social security, less unemployment insurance, less santa training, less costume purchase, less beard rental, less Christmas club.
 +
 +
=== Difficult To See Stuff ===
 +
*One tattoo in the Happy Sailor Tattoo Parlor features a knife piercing a heart.
 +
*Marge pulls her car into parking area "ZZ" at the [[Springfield Mall]].
 +
*The "slightly irregular" Christmas trees cost $45.
 +
*Santa's Little Helper was number 8.
 +
 +
=== Counting Scenes ===
 +
*There are 28 children in Bart's 4th Grade class on stage during the Christmas concert.
 +
*Maggie fell 5 times:
 +
**While Bart and Lisa were writing their letters to Santa(twice)
 +
**Again off-screen shortly
 +
**Homer asks for the extension cord
 +
**Outside admiring Ned's Christmas lights
 +
 +
=== Characters ===
 +
*The mechanical rabbit's name is Shirley
 +
*Dogs in the race against Santa's Little Helper:
 +
**Quadruped
 +
**Whirlwind
 +
**Fido
 +
**Dog O' War
 +
**Chew My Shoe
 +
 +
== Errors ==
 +
*Lewis changes from black to yellow when Milhouse dares Bart to pull Santa's beard off.
 +
*After Homer brings Santa's Little Helper home, Homer and Marge hug, and if you look behind them, the background is upside down. There is a picture hanging upside down, and there is a lamp which seems to be hanging from the ceiling. Then in the next shot, the background is normal.
 +
*When Homer walks out Circus of Values with his purchases, he bumps into Flanders, and all the presents scatter everywhere. Watch out for a red present with a green bow that goes flying near the left hand side of the screen. As soon as it hits the ground it turns into a pink box with a white bow wrapped around it, with no shot changes. Other presents move around and change colours too.
 +
*While having breakfast, all of the Simpsons' glasses of orange juice keep disappearing and reappearing throughout the scene.
 +
*Bart yanks Homer's beard off in the mall, Homer then takes Bart into Santa's workshop. When they are inside Santa's workshop, Homer's beard is back on, despite the fact that he didn't put it back on, he let it fall to the ground when Bart pulled it off.
 +
*When Marge is speaking on the phone to her sisters, her sisters say something that sounds like they said that Homer is ugly. Marge then puts down the phone wire that she was curling round her finger. It is easier to see this when you are using DVD, because then you can go into slow-motion, but you can temporarily see that the phone wire disappears when Marge puts it down. It is at the very end of an early scene, because as soon as this happens it changes to another scene.
 +
*When Homer finds out that he has no Christmas bonus the background behind Marge is the kitchen, but then it cuts to Homer and the background behind him is the kitchen too.
 +
*When Homer has been informed about the Christmas money being spent on Bart getting his tattoo surgically removed, he leaves the house. When he opens and closes the door to leave, the wreath on the door is white with a red bow. When Homer then turns to look his Christmas decorations, the wreath is now green.
 +
*Just before the kitchen mistake, Marge comes through the door and you see that she has come from a room with a piano in it. It has a musical book on it. But when the shot changes so we see Marge turn the jar upside down, the book of musical notes has disappeared.
 +
*When Mr. Burns comes on the P.A. system Homer started eating a donut, he takes a bite and after that the donut stays the same size even though he takes 2 more bites.
 +
*When Homer is putting Christmas lights around the outside of the house, he falls from the roof. You can then hear Lisa and Bart sarcastically clap. But you can see they both have their hands by their side, and no-one is clapping.
 +
*When Milhouse, Bart and Lewis are talking about the fake Santa, Milhouse's eyebrows go from blue to black to blue again.
 +
*When Homer walks up the front drive you can see the road and there are no markings on it. But when he turns to look at his house, there are orange lines running down the road.
 +
*When Marge reveals the Christmas money from her hair, her necklace changes from red to white.
 +
*When Homer says that he isn't getting a bonus from the power plant he is facing the kitchen but in the next shot Marge is behind Homer who is behind the kitchen.
 +
*The little boy in the play at the beginning appears to be [[Ralph Wiggum]], but his voice is completely different.
 +
 +
 +
== Cultural references ==
 +
* ''All in the Family'': In a similar storyline, Archie Bunker does not get his Christmas bonus and puts off telling his family the news, was used in the classic sitcom's 1971 Christmas episode, "Christmas Day at the Bunkers."
 +
*"The Christmas Song": The episode title is taken from the lyrics of this classic Christmas song, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells.
 +
* Christmas specials/movies - Bart references various yuletide specials - ''A Charlie Brown Christmas'', ''The Smurfs Christmas Special'', and ''A Christmas Carol'' - when he insists that a Christmas miracle will happen, despite the family's heretofore misfortune.
 +
* Discount stores - The Circus of Values store where the Simpsons shop is Springfield's deep-discount store, a la Dollar General and Family Dollar, which were becoming popular during the mid- to late-1980s.
 +
* Donna Dixon and Richard Nixon: Homer mentions the names of the actress and the former U.S. President when trying to name the reindeer.
 +
*"Jingle Bells": Bart adds alternative lyrics to the melody of "Jingle Bells." While singing the song Bart mentions Batman and Robin.
 +
* ''Miracle on 34th Street'': The Christmas movie is homaged in the scene where Bart visits with "Santa" (Homer) and - just like the boy who is rude to Santa in the movie - makes the disrespectful remark, "I'm Bart Simpson; who the hell are you?" (because he suspects Homer is not the real Santa).
 +
* "Dog-o-War" is a pun on the name of champion race horse "Man O' War."
 +
* ''A Christmas Carol'', is mentioned as having a scene portrayed at the Christmas Pageant. Tiny Tim is mentioned as well
 +
* "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer": The song is given new lyrics by both Bart and Lisa. Bart refers to strip poker and Attila the Hun, while Lisa mentions pergolas.
 +
* The James Bond series: Bond is strapped down to a metal desk and has a high powered laser going towards him, like what happens to Bart.
 +
 +
== Episode quotes ==
 +
:'''Homer: '''How many grades does this school have?
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:''[Bart is singing in the school choir, so Marge cannot hear him individually]''
 +
:'''[[Marge]]''': Isn't Bart sweet, Homer? He sings like an angel.
 +
:'''[[Bart]]''': ''[close up, singing]'' Oh, Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg. The Batmobile broke its wheel, and the Joker got awa- (he is cut off.)
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Bart''': Aw, come on Dad, this could be the miracle that saves the Simpsons' Christmas. If TV has taught me anything, it's that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. [[w:A Christmas Carol|It happened to Tiny Tim]], [[w:A Charlie Brown Christmas|it happened to Charlie Brown]], [[w:The Smurfs Christmas Special|it happened to The Smurfs]], and it's going to happen to us.
 +
:'''Homer''': Oh, all right. Who's Tiny Tim?
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:''[Marge shows Homer that the Christmas money jar is empty because of Bart]''
 +
:'''Homer''': ''[gasps and screams]'' Oh! It's true! The jar is empty! Oh my God! We're ruined. Christmas is cancelled. No presents for anyone!
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Marge''': You will not be getting a tattoo for Christmas.
 +
:'''[[w:Homer Simpson|Homer]]''': Yeah, if you want one you'll have to pay for it out of your own allowance.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Marge''': Alright, children. Let me have those letters and I'll send them to Santa's workshop in the North Pole.
 +
:'''Bart''': Oh please, there's only one fat guy that brings us presents and his name ain't Santa.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Marge''': ''[writing]'' Dear Friends of the Simpson Family, We had some sadness and some gladness this year. First the sadness: our little cat Snowball was unexpectedly run over and went to Kitty Heaven. But we bought a new little cat, Snowball II, so I guess life goes on. Speaking of life going on, Grampa is still with us, feisty as ever. Maggie is walking by herself, Lisa got straight A's and Bart... well, we love Bart. The magic of the season has touched us all. Homer sends his love. Happy Holidays, The Simpsons.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Tattoo Removal Technician''': ''[turning on laser]'' Now whatever you do boy, don't squirm. You don't want to get this sucker near your eye or groin.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Bart''': Hey Santa, what's shakin' man?
 +
:'''Homer (as Santa)''': What's your name, Bart-ner... er... little partner?
 +
:'''Bart''': I'm Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?
 +
:'''Homer''': ''[annoyed]'' I'm Jolly ol' Saint Nick.
 +
:'''Bart''': Oh yeah? We'll see about that! ''[Pulls off his fake beard, just as their photo is taken]''
 +
:'''Homer''': D'oh!
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Bart''': Dad, you must really love us to sink so low.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Homer''': Thirteen bucks? Hey, wait a minute!
 +
:'''Clerk''': That's right. One hundred and twenty dollars gross, less social security, less unemployment insurance, less Santa training, less costume purchase, less beard rental, less Christmas club. See you next year.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Homer''': ''[buying a chewtoy for Maggie]'' It says it's for dogs, but she can't read.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Homer''': Dasher, Dancer... Prancer... Nixon, Comet, Cupid... Donna Dixon?
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Marge''': This is the best gift of all, Homer.
 +
:'''Homer''': It is?
 +
:'''Marge''': Yes, something to share our love - and frighten prowlers.
 +
:'''Bart''': And if he runs away, he'll be easy to catch.
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:'''Homer (as Santa)''': ''[as he is walking out of his 'workshop']'' Hey little kids! Santa's back! Ho! Ho! ''[hits his head on the doorway]'' D'oh! Dammit to---
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
 +
:''[Homer falls off the roof whilst trying to hang Christmas lights]''
 +
:'''Homer''': Alright kids, prepare to be dazzled. Marge! Turn on the juice!
 +
:''[Marge turns on the Christmas lights, and the results are less than spectacular. One bulb even blows out]''
 +
:'''Homer''': Well, what do you think kids? Beauty, isn't it?
 +
:'''[[Lisa]]''': Nice try, Dad.
 +
:'''Bart''': Ugh...
 +
 +
<hr width=50%/>
 +
:''[The whole family sings at the end, with Grampa playing the music by piano]''
 +
:'''Family''': ''Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer''
 +
:''Had a very shiny nose,''
 +
:''And if you ever saw it,''
 +
:''You would even say it glows.''
 +
:'''Bart''': Like a lightbulb!
 +
:'''Homer''': Bart!!!
 +
:'''Family''': ''All of the other reindeer''
 +
:''Used to laugh and call him names.''
 +
:'''Lisa''': Like Schnozzola!
 +
:'''Homer''': Lisa!!!
 +
:'''Family''': ''They never let poor Rudolph''
 +
:''Join in any reindeer games.''
 +
:'''Bart''': Like strip poker!
 +
:'''Homer''': I'm warning you two...!!
 +
:'''Family''': ''Then, one foggy Christmas Eve,''
 +
:''Santa came to say...''
 +
:'''Marge''': Take it, Homer!
 +
:'''Homer''': Err... ''"Rudolph, get your nose over here,''
 +
:''So you can guide my sleigh... today."''
 +
:'''Abe''': Oh, Homer...
 +
:'''Family:''' ''Then all the reindeer loved him,''
 +
:''And they shouted out with glee:''
 +
:''"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,''
 +
:''You'll go down in history!"''
 +
:'''Bart:''' Like [[w:Attila the Hun|Attila the Hu]]- ''[gets strangled by Homer]''
 +
:'''Homer:''' Why, you little--!!!
 +
 +
==Appearances ==
 +
=== Characters ===
 +
====[[Simpson family]]====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Homer_Simpson.png|[[Homer Simpson|Homer Jay Simpson]]
 +
File:Marge.png|[[Marge Simpson|Marjorie Bouvier Simpson]]
 +
File:Maggie_Simpson.png|[[Maggie Simpson|Margaret Simpson]]
 +
File:Lisa_Simpson.png|[[Lisa Simpson]]
 +
File:Bart_Simpson.png|[[Bart Simpson|Bartholemew Jojo Simpson]]
 +
File:Snowball_II.jpg|[[Snowball II]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Patty_Bouvier1.png|[[Patty Bouvier|Patricia Bouvier]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Selma_Bouvier.png|[[Selma Bouvier]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Abe.jpg|[[Abraham Simpson|Abraham J. Simpson]]
 +
File:200px-SantasLittleHelper.png|[[Santa's Little Helper]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====[[Springfield Elementary School]] parents====
 +
* [[Norman]] (only appearance)
 +
* [[Fred]] (only appearance)
 +
 +
====Teachers====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Seymour_Skinner.png|[[Seymour Skinner|Armin Tanzarian]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Dewey_Largo.jpg|[[Dewey Largo]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====[[Springfield Elementary School]] students====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ralph_Wiggum.jpg|[[Ralph Wiggum]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Milhouse_Van_Houten.png|[[Milhouse Van Houten]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Sherri_and_Terri.jpg|[[Sherri and Terri]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Wendell_Borton.gif|[[Wendell Borton]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Lewis.jpg|[[Lewis]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====[[Flanders family]]====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Ned_Flanders.png|[[Ned Flanders|Nedward Flanders, Jr]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Todd_Flanders.gif|[[Todd Flanders]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====[[Springfield Nuclear Power Plant]] workers====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Waylon_Smithers.gif|[[Waylon Smithers|Waylon Smithers, Jr]] (voice only)
 +
File:Montgomery_Burns.png|[[Charles Montgomery Burns]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Tattoo Parlor workers====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Tatto_Parlor_Guy.jpg|[[Tattoo Parlor Guy]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Laser removalists====
 +
* [[Dr. Zitsofsky]] (only appearance)
 +
 +
====[[Moe's Tavern]] patrons and staff====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Moe_Szyslak.png|[[Moe Szyslak]] (first appearance)
 +
File:222px-Barney_Gumble.PNG|[[Barney Gumble|Bernard Gumble]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Hypnotists====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:The_Hypnotist2.jpg|[[The Hypnotist]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====[[Springfield Downs]] staff and animals====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Dograce.jpg|[[Shirley]], [[Quadruped]], [[Fido]], [[Dog O' War]] & [[Chew My Shoe]] (only appearances)
 +
File:Whirlwind.jpg|[[Whirlwind]] (only appearance)
 +
File:SLH's_Owner.jpg|[[Santa’s Little Helper’s original owner]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Fictional characters====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Happy_Little_Elves.jpg|[[The Happy Little Elves]]
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====[[Barney]]'s girlfriends====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Daria.jpg|[[Daria]] (only appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
=== Vehicles ===
 +
====[[Simpson family]] owned====
 +
* [[Orange Station Wagon]] (first appearance)
 +
* [[Pink Sedan]] (first appearance)
 +
 +
=== Locations ===
 +
====Schools====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:SpringfieldElementary3.jpg|[[Springfield Elementary School]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Santa_school.jpg|[[Santa School]] (only appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Residential====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:742simphouse.jpg|[[742 Evergreen Terrace]]
 +
File:Flandersjunksale.jpg|[[Flanders House|744 Evergreen Terrace]] (first apperance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Retail====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Mall.jpg|[[Springfield Mall]] (first appearance)
 +
File:Happysailor.JPG|[[The Happy Sailor Tattoo Parlor]] (first apperance)
 +
File:Popcornshack.jpg|[[Popcorn Shack]] (only appearance)
 +
File:Circusofvalues.jpg|[[Circus of Values]] (only appearance)
 +
File:Moe4.jpg|[[Moe's Tavern]] (first apperance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Industrial====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Springfield_Nuclear_Power_Plant.gif|[[100 Industrial Way]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
====Sports attractions====
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Downs2.jpg|[[Springfield Downs]] (first appearance)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
== Credits ==
 +
[[Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire/Credits|Credits]]
 +
 +
== See also ==
 +
 +
*[[Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire: Full Synopis]]
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Revision as of 16:04, July 2, 2009

"Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"
250px
Episode Information
Showrunner: [[{{{showrunner}}}]]



"Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire", also known as "The Simpsons Christmas Special" was the first episode of the half-hour length Simpsons series to air, though it was the eighth episode produced in season one. The series was originally planned to premire in the fall of 1989, but due to major problems with the animation of Some Enchanted Evening, it instead began mid-season 1990 with this episode.

The title refers to the line Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire from "The Christmas Song", written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, and originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1945.

The episode deals with the Simpson family's efforts to celebrate Christmas on a constricted budget.

This episode was released on VHS by FOX Home Video in 1991. The VHS release was titled "The Simpsons Christmas Special." It was later released on VHS and DVD in Christmas with the Simpsons in 2001, and then eventually released in 2001 in the Season One boxset.

File:She's The Fastest.jpg
Santa's Little Helper after losing the race.

Synopsis

File:Santa school.jpg
Homer attending Santa School.

Marge, Homer, and Maggie attend Bart and Lisa's Christmas pageant at Springfield Elementary School. At home, Marge asks the children what they want for Christmas and Bart asks for a tattoo. When Marge, Bart, and Lisa go Christmas shopping the next day, Bart sneaks away and starts getting a tattoo reading "Mother". Discovering this, Marge interrupts the process at "Moth" and immediately takes him to a laser removal clinic and spends the family's Christmas money getting Bart's tattoo removed. Meanwhile, at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, Homer learns that he will not be getting a Christmas bonus.



When Homer returns home and hears about the loss of the Christmas money, he decides not to tell Marge his own bad news. Instead, he does the shopping himself, buying cheap presents from a variety store which sells nothing over $5. At Moe's Tavern, Homer meets Barney dressed in a Santa Claus outfit. On Barney's advice, he secretly takes a job as a mall Santa. Bart discovers this secret after he rips off Homer's fake beard on a dare by his friend Milhouse, but agrees not to tell the rest of the family.

Homer receives his paycheck and is dismayed to see that it is only for $13. Barney, who has received a check for the same amount, suggests betting it at the dog track. With encouragement from Bart, Homer agrees to gamble the paycheck and takes Bart with him to the track. Although Barney recommended they bet on a dog named Whirlwind, Homer decides to bet on a last-second entrant named Santa's Little Helper, believing it to be a sign. Santa's Little Helper, however, comes in dead last and his owner abandons him. The dog follows Homer and Bart, who eventually decide to keep him. When they return home, Homer plans to tell the family about his misfortune, but they think he brought the dog as a gift and everyone has a merry Christmas.

During the ending credits, the family sings "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", but Bart adds rude lyrics, so Homer strangles him.

Production

File:BarneyGumble-Blond.jpg
Barney as a blond

Fox was very nervous about the show because they were unsure that they could sustain the audience's attention for the duration of the episode.[1] They proposed that they should do three 7 minute shorts per episode and four specials until the audience adjusted.[2] In the end, they gambled by asking FOX for 13 full-length episodes.[3] The series was originally planned to premiere in the fall of 1989, but due to major problems with the animation of "Some Enchanted Evening", the series instead began on December 17, 1989 with this episode. "Some Enchanted Evening" instead aired as the season finale.

The episode, being the first to air, lacked the now famous opening sequence which was later added in the second episode when Groening thought of the idea of a longer opening sequence resulting in less animation.[4]

The "santas of many lands" portion of the Christmas pageant is based on Matt Groening's experience in the second grade when he did a report on Christmas in Russia. Groening also used that reference in his strip "Life in Hell" when he spoofed himself as a young man, being told that it is too bad his grandmother is from Russia, because Christmas is against the law there. Also, Matt Groening claims that this episode has been incorrectly credited with creating the "alternate version" of Jingle Bells.[5]

David Silverman directed this episode, although Rich Moore storyboarded it and designed Flanders. Several of the scenes were laid out by Eric Stefani, brother of Gwen Stefani. In this episode, Barney had yellow hair which was the same color as his skin, but that was later dropped because of the belief that only the Simpson family should have such hair.[6]

Matt Groening was going to do a 30 minute special based on the Tracey Ullman shorts- that probaly evovled in this episode. This was revealed in the book 'Planet Simpson'.

Reception

The episode was nominated for two Emmy Awards in 1990, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming less than One Hour)|Outstanding Animated Program and "Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or Special." Because "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" is considered to be a separate special, The Simpsons was nominated twice in the Animated Program category; the episode would lose to fellow The Simpsons episode "Life on the Fast Lane".[7]

Trivia

Signs and Other Things To Read

  • The Springfield Elementary School Christmas show receives 3 1/2 stars in a recent review advertised in front of the building.
  • Lisa requests a pony six times on her Christmas wish list.
  • Next door to the tattoo parlor is Dr. Zitsofsky Dermatology Clinic. A sign in the window reads, "Tattoos removed by laser."
  • Homer receives a 13 dollar check: He grossed $120 less social security, less unemployment insurance, less santa training, less costume purchase, less beard rental, less Christmas club.

Difficult To See Stuff

  • One tattoo in the Happy Sailor Tattoo Parlor features a knife piercing a heart.
  • Marge pulls her car into parking area "ZZ" at the Springfield Mall.
  • The "slightly irregular" Christmas trees cost $45.
  • Santa's Little Helper was number 8.

Counting Scenes

  • There are 28 children in Bart's 4th Grade class on stage during the Christmas concert.
  • Maggie fell 5 times:
    • While Bart and Lisa were writing their letters to Santa(twice)
    • Again off-screen shortly
    • Homer asks for the extension cord
    • Outside admiring Ned's Christmas lights

Characters

  • The mechanical rabbit's name is Shirley
  • Dogs in the race against Santa's Little Helper:
    • Quadruped
    • Whirlwind
    • Fido
    • Dog O' War
    • Chew My Shoe

Errors

  • Lewis changes from black to yellow when Milhouse dares Bart to pull Santa's beard off.
  • After Homer brings Santa's Little Helper home, Homer and Marge hug, and if you look behind them, the background is upside down. There is a picture hanging upside down, and there is a lamp which seems to be hanging from the ceiling. Then in the next shot, the background is normal.
  • When Homer walks out Circus of Values with his purchases, he bumps into Flanders, and all the presents scatter everywhere. Watch out for a red present with a green bow that goes flying near the left hand side of the screen. As soon as it hits the ground it turns into a pink box with a white bow wrapped around it, with no shot changes. Other presents move around and change colours too.
  • While having breakfast, all of the Simpsons' glasses of orange juice keep disappearing and reappearing throughout the scene.
  • Bart yanks Homer's beard off in the mall, Homer then takes Bart into Santa's workshop. When they are inside Santa's workshop, Homer's beard is back on, despite the fact that he didn't put it back on, he let it fall to the ground when Bart pulled it off.
  • When Marge is speaking on the phone to her sisters, her sisters say something that sounds like they said that Homer is ugly. Marge then puts down the phone wire that she was curling round her finger. It is easier to see this when you are using DVD, because then you can go into slow-motion, but you can temporarily see that the phone wire disappears when Marge puts it down. It is at the very end of an early scene, because as soon as this happens it changes to another scene.
  • When Homer finds out that he has no Christmas bonus the background behind Marge is the kitchen, but then it cuts to Homer and the background behind him is the kitchen too.
  • When Homer has been informed about the Christmas money being spent on Bart getting his tattoo surgically removed, he leaves the house. When he opens and closes the door to leave, the wreath on the door is white with a red bow. When Homer then turns to look his Christmas decorations, the wreath is now green.
  • Just before the kitchen mistake, Marge comes through the door and you see that she has come from a room with a piano in it. It has a musical book on it. But when the shot changes so we see Marge turn the jar upside down, the book of musical notes has disappeared.
  • When Mr. Burns comes on the P.A. system Homer started eating a donut, he takes a bite and after that the donut stays the same size even though he takes 2 more bites.
  • When Homer is putting Christmas lights around the outside of the house, he falls from the roof. You can then hear Lisa and Bart sarcastically clap. But you can see they both have their hands by their side, and no-one is clapping.
  • When Milhouse, Bart and Lewis are talking about the fake Santa, Milhouse's eyebrows go from blue to black to blue again.
  • When Homer walks up the front drive you can see the road and there are no markings on it. But when he turns to look at his house, there are orange lines running down the road.
  • When Marge reveals the Christmas money from her hair, her necklace changes from red to white.
  • When Homer says that he isn't getting a bonus from the power plant he is facing the kitchen but in the next shot Marge is behind Homer who is behind the kitchen.
  • The little boy in the play at the beginning appears to be Ralph Wiggum, but his voice is completely different.


Cultural references

  • All in the Family: In a similar storyline, Archie Bunker does not get his Christmas bonus and puts off telling his family the news, was used in the classic sitcom's 1971 Christmas episode, "Christmas Day at the Bunkers."
  • "The Christmas Song": The episode title is taken from the lyrics of this classic Christmas song, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells.
  • Christmas specials/movies - Bart references various yuletide specials - A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Smurfs Christmas Special, and A Christmas Carol - when he insists that a Christmas miracle will happen, despite the family's heretofore misfortune.
  • Discount stores - The Circus of Values store where the Simpsons shop is Springfield's deep-discount store, a la Dollar General and Family Dollar, which were becoming popular during the mid- to late-1980s.
  • Donna Dixon and Richard Nixon: Homer mentions the names of the actress and the former U.S. President when trying to name the reindeer.
  • "Jingle Bells": Bart adds alternative lyrics to the melody of "Jingle Bells." While singing the song Bart mentions Batman and Robin.
  • Miracle on 34th Street: The Christmas movie is homaged in the scene where Bart visits with "Santa" (Homer) and - just like the boy who is rude to Santa in the movie - makes the disrespectful remark, "I'm Bart Simpson; who the hell are you?" (because he suspects Homer is not the real Santa).
  • "Dog-o-War" is a pun on the name of champion race horse "Man O' War."
  • A Christmas Carol, is mentioned as having a scene portrayed at the Christmas Pageant. Tiny Tim is mentioned as well
  • "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer": The song is given new lyrics by both Bart and Lisa. Bart refers to strip poker and Attila the Hun, while Lisa mentions pergolas.
  • The James Bond series: Bond is strapped down to a metal desk and has a high powered laser going towards him, like what happens to Bart.

Episode quotes

Homer: How many grades does this school have?
[Bart is singing in the school choir, so Marge cannot hear him individually]
Marge: Isn't Bart sweet, Homer? He sings like an angel.
Bart: [close up, singing] Oh, Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg. The Batmobile broke its wheel, and the Joker got awa- (he is cut off.)
Bart: Aw, come on Dad, this could be the miracle that saves the Simpsons' Christmas. If TV has taught me anything, it's that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it happened to Charlie Brown, it happened to The Smurfs, and it's going to happen to us.
Homer: Oh, all right. Who's Tiny Tim?
[Marge shows Homer that the Christmas money jar is empty because of Bart]
Homer: [gasps and screams] Oh! It's true! The jar is empty! Oh my God! We're ruined. Christmas is cancelled. No presents for anyone!
Marge: You will not be getting a tattoo for Christmas.
Homer: Yeah, if you want one you'll have to pay for it out of your own allowance.
Marge: Alright, children. Let me have those letters and I'll send them to Santa's workshop in the North Pole.
Bart: Oh please, there's only one fat guy that brings us presents and his name ain't Santa.
Marge: [writing] Dear Friends of the Simpson Family, We had some sadness and some gladness this year. First the sadness: our little cat Snowball was unexpectedly run over and went to Kitty Heaven. But we bought a new little cat, Snowball II, so I guess life goes on. Speaking of life going on, Grampa is still with us, feisty as ever. Maggie is walking by herself, Lisa got straight A's and Bart... well, we love Bart. The magic of the season has touched us all. Homer sends his love. Happy Holidays, The Simpsons.
Tattoo Removal Technician: [turning on laser] Now whatever you do boy, don't squirm. You don't want to get this sucker near your eye or groin.
Bart: Hey Santa, what's shakin' man?
Homer (as Santa): What's your name, Bart-ner... er... little partner?
Bart: I'm Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?
Homer: [annoyed] I'm Jolly ol' Saint Nick.
Bart: Oh yeah? We'll see about that! [Pulls off his fake beard, just as their photo is taken]
Homer: D'oh!
Bart: Dad, you must really love us to sink so low.
Homer: Thirteen bucks? Hey, wait a minute!
Clerk: That's right. One hundred and twenty dollars gross, less social security, less unemployment insurance, less Santa training, less costume purchase, less beard rental, less Christmas club. See you next year.
Homer: [buying a chewtoy for Maggie] It says it's for dogs, but she can't read.
Homer: Dasher, Dancer... Prancer... Nixon, Comet, Cupid... Donna Dixon?
Marge: This is the best gift of all, Homer.
Homer: It is?
Marge: Yes, something to share our love - and frighten prowlers.
Bart: And if he runs away, he'll be easy to catch.
Homer (as Santa): [as he is walking out of his 'workshop'] Hey little kids! Santa's back! Ho! Ho! [hits his head on the doorway] D'oh! Dammit to---
[Homer falls off the roof whilst trying to hang Christmas lights]
Homer: Alright kids, prepare to be dazzled. Marge! Turn on the juice!
[Marge turns on the Christmas lights, and the results are less than spectacular. One bulb even blows out]
Homer: Well, what do you think kids? Beauty, isn't it?
Lisa: Nice try, Dad.
Bart: Ugh...
[The whole family sings at the end, with Grampa playing the music by piano]
Family: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose,
And if you ever saw it,
You would even say it glows.
Bart: Like a lightbulb!
Homer: Bart!!!
Family: All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names.
Lisa: Like Schnozzola!
Homer: Lisa!!!
Family: They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games.
Bart: Like strip poker!
Homer: I'm warning you two...!!
Family: Then, one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say...
Marge: Take it, Homer!
Homer: Err... "Rudolph, get your nose over here,
So you can guide my sleigh... today."
Abe: Oh, Homer...
Family: Then all the reindeer loved him,
And they shouted out with glee:
"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,
You'll go down in history!"
Bart: Like Attila the Hu- [gets strangled by Homer]
Homer: Why, you little--!!!

Appearances

Characters

Simpson family

Springfield Elementary School parents

Teachers

Springfield Elementary School students

Flanders family

Springfield Nuclear Power Plant workers

Tattoo Parlor workers

Laser removalists

Moe's Tavern patrons and staff

Hypnotists

Springfield Downs staff and animals

Fictional characters

Barney's girlfriends

  • Daria.jpg

    Daria (only appearance)

Vehicles

Simpson family owned

Locations

Schools

Residential

Retail

Industrial

Sports attractions

Credits

Credits

See also

References

  1. ↑ Groening, Matt. (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  2. ↑ Groening, Matt. (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Snow" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  3. ↑ Brooks, James L.. (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  4. ↑ Groening, Matt. (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  5. ↑ Groening, Matt. (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  6. ↑ Groening, Matt. (2001). The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  7. ↑ ">Emmy Awards official site Retrieved on March 9th, 2008.

External Links


Season 1 Episodes
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire • Bart the Genius • Homer's Odyssey • There's No Disgrace Like Home • Bart the General • Moaning Lisa • The Call of the Simpsons • The Telltale Head • Life on the Fast Lane • Homer's Night Out • The Crepes of Wrath • Krusty Gets Busted • Some Enchanted Evening
es:Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire: The Simpson's Christmas Special

it:Un Natale da cani pt:O prêmio de Natal

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