🐰 The First Easter Rabbit - 1976 Easter Special

The First Easter Rabbit is a animated Easter television special that premiered April 9, 1976 on NBC and later aired on CBS. Created by Rankin/Bass, it tells the story of the Easter Bunny's origin. The tale is loosely based on the children's book The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. Burl Ives did the narration for this special which also featured the song "Easter Parade". Following 1964's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", this is the second Rankin/Bass special to be narrated by Burl Ives. Based on - The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Written by - Julian P. Gardner Directed by - Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr. Starring Robert Morse, Stan Freberg, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Dina Lyn, Don Messick, Bob McFadden Narrated by - Burl Ives Theme music composer - Maury Laws Country of origin - United States, Japan Producer(s) - Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr. Cinematography - Toru Hara, Tsuguyuki Kubo