Roddy McDowall is the _Cricket on the Hearth_ in this poorly made Rankin/Bass holiday special. Inspired by the Charles Dickens story, a toymaker and his daughter fall on hard times after her beloved is lost at sea; which causes her to go blind. Danny Thomas stars with his real-life daughter Marlo, and sings a couple of the songs, while McDowall narrates; creating a rather fun and eccentric character. However, the songs are mediocre at best and aren’t very festive. And the animation is rather bad (well below Rankin/Bass standards). _Cricket of the Hearth_ is one of Rankin/Bass’ worst specials and has no real Christmas spirit.