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Keller @ Large: Why Rudolph Still Reigns Supreme

BOSTON (CBS) - Why does "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" - a 51-year-old movie that had its annual airing Tuesday night on WBZ - still draw huge ratings?

It certainly isn't the animation technology, which is primitive by today's standards. And the "action" is pretty much limited to a snow monster getting his teeth pulled off camera.

But "Rudolph" still reigns supreme because it speaks to some very contemporary issues that most children - of all ages - face.

The basic themes of this movie are still fascinating to kids, starting with the conflict even the very young feel between wanting to please their parents and be themselves.

They can relate to Rudolph's surprise at friends who turn into frenemies on a dime.

And the peer bullying scenes - between Hermey, the elf who'd rather be a dentist than make toys, and the other elves, and those involving Rudolph and the other reindeer - seem torn from today's headlines.

There's some tough moments in "Rudolph." But in the end, there's self-discovery ("growing up made Rudolph realize you can't run away from your troubles"), redemption ("they start to realize maybe they were a little hard on the misfits. Maybe misfits have a place too"), and triumph, just in time to save Christmas.

Not bad for a virtual antique that runs less than 50 minutes. If you've never seen it, gather some of the kids in your life and do so, you won't regret it.

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