Review of The First Easter Rabbit

Toy Stuffy the Rabbit (nicely voiced by Robert Morse) magically comes to life and journeys to Easter Valley, an enchanted realm where it's always springtime. Stuffy hopes to bring the first-ever basket of Easter goodies to kids. However, evil ice creature Zero tries to stop Stuffy. This wonderfully warm and engaging program benefits greatly from likable characters, a pleasant and good-natured tone, a couple of infectiously catchy'n'merry songs ("There's That Rabbit" in particular is one extremely hummable little ditty), a trio of amusing comic relief bunny con artists, and a wealth of pure heart that's impossible to either resist or dislike (the relationship between Stuffy and his original little girl owner Glinda is genuinely sweet and touching). Burl Ives makes for a marvelously jolly and affable narrator. Moreover, a veteran cast of familiar voice artists tackle their parts with commendable aplomb, with the legendary Paul Frees doing double duty as a helpful Santa Claus and no-count meanie Zero. Kudos are also in order for Maury Laws' supremely bouncy and uplifting score. A total treat.