| The Elf Foreman? | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Unknown |
|
First Appearance |
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (December 6, 1964) |
|
Original Publisher |
Rankin/Bass |
|
Created by |
Romeo Muller & Robert L. May |
Origin[]
The Elf Foreman is a character from the Rankin/Bass television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He is the foreman of Santa Claus' team of elves who wears a goatee styled to resemble popular songleader Mitch Miller. He is outraged at Hermey's persistent disruption of the assembly line with his dentistry studies. He also conducts the elves in their song for Santa, a tune which Santa finds annoying. Towards the end of the special, he finally grants Hermey's wish and allows him to open a dentist's office, which proves fortunate as he complains of a toothache and needs the aid of Hermey to treat it.
Notes[]
- Although he is not a major character (never named onscreen) in the special, he was prominently featured alongside the Tall Elf and another elf in the television commercials and subsequent print ads produced for General Electric for the special's original broadcast.
- The character of Rudolph is not in the public domain and, thus, cannot be used without permission. He was created in 1939 by Robert L.May and his first appearance was renewed. However, he has been popularly referred to as "Santa's 9th Reindeer."
- The copyright year in Roman numerals for the special was mis-marked as MCLXIV (1164) instead of the correct MCMLXIV (1964). This invalidates the copyright under U.S. law at the time, which required a valid date of copyright be affixed to the production meaning that still images from the special and all of the characters unique to it are, as a result, in the public domain.
- The name given in this article is a conjecture based on the character's appearance.