Customer Rating: 
Summary: Nostalgic Entertainment
Comment: I video taped this off of television for my children when they were all little. I taped it because I thought there might come a day when they would not be playing it on TV anymore, turns out I was right about that, however I never saw this on VHS for sale in any store or I would probably have a better quality tape, my video taping skills leave something to be desired. Now I see the used VHS tapes are quite expensive, perhaps even rare. Which is why this show needs to be restored and sold on DVD so that families can watch this again. Besides, my poor tape is old and will not last forever so I'd like to see this one up for sale, soon. Returning it to television would be nice too. My children are all grown now and every year I play this during the Holiday season, often more than once. I just watched it today with my grandson who is 6 months old, granted he was not as interested as I for obvious reasons. The movie is an animated children's historical view of The Mayflower Story. It addresses all things important pertaining to that story, including religious freedom, the hardships the pilgrims suffered, meeting and learning new things from the Indians. I think this story shows children brotherly love, the importance of prayer and people communicating and working together. Most of all it shows "thankfulness" which is what this holiday represents in the first place. This is a great family holiday film and there are very few films about Thanksgiving available today anyway.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Delightful Lesson In Our Nation's Early History
Comment: "Set sail with the tiniest Pilgrim for a music-filled voyage to the land of the free!
The Mouse on the Mayflower is the classic American tale that provides a DELIGHTFUL LESSON IN OUR NATION'S EARLY HISTORY.
Along with our furry hero, kids will join the colonists as they cross the Atlantic, survive the harsh New England winter, befriend the Indians, and finally sit down to this country's very first Thanksgiving dinner.
The Mouse on the Mayflower is a holiday treat the entire family will treasure!
Approximate Running Time: 50 minutes
Told and Sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford
Eddie Albert as Captain Standish
John Gary as John Alden
Joanie Sommer as Priscilla Mullins
Written by Romeo Muller
Music by Maury Laws
Lyrics by Jules Bass
Produced and Directed by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass
Musical Director Maury Laws.
NTSC format 1VHS.
But, playable with multisystem VHS Player and Television in the world too..."
[from the back cover of the VHS case and experience]
Customer Rating:
Summary: A THANKSGIVING TRADITION
Comment: It's been a number of years since I've seen Mouse on the Mayflower but it was always a favorite when I was a kid. This was made by Rankin & Bass in 1968,who were at the height of their creative genius in the 60's, most known for Classic Christmas tales like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. This story tells the story of the voyage of the Pilgrims to America, but told from the perspective of mice who also make the perilous journey. It's narrated by Tennessee Ernie Ford as we learn of the harsh journey over the Atlantic before the Pilgrims make it safely to the new world and are greeted by Indians and start their new lives. Besides Ford the voice cast also includes Eddie Albert of Green Acres fame as Captain Standish.
Like Frosty, this is done in regular animation and in that regard it has a look very similar to other Rankin & Bass specials like `Twas the Night before Christmas and others of the same period. I always thought Rankin & Bass were vastly underrated as an animation studio. This was a Thanksgiving tradition for a number of years but I have not seen it pop up on TV for quite a long time. Unfortunately it's not on DVD yet so tracking a copy down may be hard. Hopefully this will arrive on DVD soon.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Customer Rating:
Summary: A must see for all ages
Comment: The Mouse on the Mayflower is a must see for all ages in my opinion. While I don't remember ever seeing this wonderful movie on TV when I was a child, I learned of it as an adult when my children were small. Since there are so few movies about Thanksgiving I purchased this on VHS and my children loved it. Since then I have worn out two tapes and my third is getting "grainy". I teach second grade and every year recommend to parents that they rent this from one of our local Video Rental stores. The content tells a fairly accurate story of the pilgrims in a way children will enjoy and remember. Having talking mice tell a story of historic value is just one way to teach children of their nation's heritage.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent Entertainment
Comment: There are few Thanksgiving videos, but this one is top-notch. It portrays the real meaning of Thanksgiving and shows friendship overcoming ignorance.
It is not without flaws. There are two "musical numbers" that put kids to sleep. If you look closely, you'll see the indians give the pilgrims a pineapple on the first Thanksgiving.
The voiceovers of Eddie Albert and Tennessee Ernie Ford are exceptional. The animation is vintgae 1960s, but therein likes its charm.
To anyone who doesn't like this video because it defies their rendition of political correctness, go eat your granola and leave the majority of people alone.
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