Curse Us and Crush Us, My Precious

I picked up this album at a sale over the past summer (maybe it was last summer) for a $1 along with a handful of other records.  I remember watching this special when it originally aired in 1977.  From Rankin-Bass, the makers of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, I give you The Hobbit:

Although looked down upon by purists, this was my first exposure to Bilbo Baggins and his world.  Plus it's a virtual who's who of famous voice actors of the '60's and '70's.  From Don "Dr. Quest" Messick to Hans "Captain Hook" Conreid, Paul "Burgermeister Meisterburger" Frees, Thurl "Tony the Tiger" Ravenscroft and good lord, Brother Theodore as Gollum!  Long-time fans of David Letterman will remember Brother Theodore for his off-the-wall interviews on the show or perhaps his role as Reuben Klopek in the Tom Hanks comedy, The Burbs.

The album is a 3-record set and has the complete soundtrack from the animated special plus a booklet featuring scenes from the show.  You can listen to the introduction from my record here.  You can also watch the entire special in sections on youtube starting with part 1 here.

Peter Jackson is currently filming his version of The Hobbit, to be released in 2 parts.  The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will debut Dec. 12, 2012; "The Hobbit: There and Back Again" coms out Dec. 13, 2013.