Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer aired on CBS last night. 44 years on national television in the USA and 44 years airing all over the world. Millions of VHS cassette, record and DVD units sold.

Arthur Rankin JR. of Rankin/Bass has a law suit pending with Warner Bros. over 1.5 million owing to him in regards to a deal dating back to the late 80's. I am sure he will ultimately get his money and quite frankly he should.

I do find it incredible however that the voice actors who worked on this beloved program have not received a penny more than what they were originally paid back in 1964. Since its first airing, this beloved program has generated millions of dollars in broadcast-rights, video sales and toys. Yes, toys. It is one thing that a contract back in 64 only included a buy-out for several television broadcasts with no residuals, but TOYS?

The only reason the toys come with the original voices is because they don't have to pay the actors again. To replace the voices, they would have to pay. It is truly unbelievable that these talented people have not received even a token in all these years despite the fact millions have been made in many formats and media.

So yes, Arthur Rankin deserves every penny owing....the talented voice actors deserve some too!

I can only imagine how the voice actors of SHREK or The Incredibles of today would react to be treated in this fashion.