I remember first seeing this on PBS way back when, even before my kids were born. It’s stuck with me, just as The Velveteen Rabbit, narrated by Meryl Streep, has. The music in this never fails to stir my heart and soul.
The Snowman is an animated television film based on Raymond Briggs’ 1978 picture book The Snowman. It was directed by Dianne Jackson for the British public service Channel 4. It was first shown on December 26, 1982 and was an immediate success. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film and won a BAFTA TV Award.
As Trent points out in the comments, there is a precious, priceless introduction to the story by David Bowie. Don’t you think the boy looks like he could have been David Bowie as a child?
The story is told through pictures, action and music, scored by Howard Blake, and is wordless, with the exception of Bowie’s introduction and central song “Walking in the Air”. The orchestral score was performed in the film by the Sinfonia of London. The song was performed by Aled Jones, a Scottish youngster.
Please note, some sources say:
“Although it is often reported that Jones sang the version used in the 1982 film, that was actually performed by Peter Auty, a St Paul’s Cathedral choirboy.” This is from The Express, a British newspaper and dated 12/26/2007. Jones recorded it three years later for a Toys R Us commercial and it was released as a single. Auty, the singer in the film, is now an operatic tenor in the UK. Jones still sings and appeared on the TV show “The Masked Singer” in 2022.
I have no idea what the truth is. I’ll let each of you make your own decision about it.
The special ranks #71 on the 100 Greatest British Television Programs, a list drawn up by the British Film Institute in 2000, based on a vote by industry professionals. It was voted #4 in UKTV Gold’s Greatest TV Christmas Moments. It came third in Channel 4’s poll of 100 Greatest Christmas Moments in 2004. Its broadcast, usually on Christmas Eve, has become an annual festive event.
Walking in the air, floating the sky
Floating in the air
We’re walking in the air
We’re floating in the moonlit sky
The people far below are sleeping as we fly
We’re holding very tight
I’m riding in the midnight blue
I’m finding I can fly so high above with you
Far across the world
The villages go by like trees
The rivers and the hills
The forest and the streams
Children gaze open mouth
Taken by surprise
Nobody down below believes their eyes
We’re surfing in the air
We’re swimming in the frozen sky
We’re drifting over icy
Mountains floating by
Suddenly swooping low on an ocean deep
Arousing of a mighty monster from its sleep
We’re walking in the air
We’re dancing in the midnight sky
And everyone who sees us greets us as we fly
Songwriters: Howard David Blake
Tao Talk 
I wish I had time to watch this 26 minute video.
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I wish you did also. It’s worth every minute.
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we loved the film, and went to the play when is was dramatised in London several years ago. Magical.
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Even live action can’t beat that video, but I bet it would be fun to see it dramatised.
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It’s been so long since I saw that. I love the animation of it also. I miss that style of animation.
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It’s a first class video.
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Love that snowman. Wasn’t familiar with the music at all.
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I certainly remember seeing this years ago, as it made an indelible impression on me. Beautiful story and execution.
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Thank you. The music puts the tinsel on the tree.
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So good, Lisa. I watched it before and just watched most of it again!
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You know that feeling when your heart feels like it will burst with joy? I get that every time I watch it. It is so pure and innocent and the music so perfectly composed and arranged to fit the story.
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I am going to revisit this, thanks for the introduction Lisa.
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You’re welcome, Randy. Happy you will revisit it.
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I think it was Aled Jones who had a hit with ‘Walking in The Air’? He went on to have a very successful singing career.
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Glyn, *Thank*You* for identifying the youngster who makes me cry every year. Here is the video:
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Glyn, I’ve amended the post with the correct singer, Aled Jones. Thank you again <3
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You were right the first time. “Although it is often reported that Jones sang the version used in the 1982 film, that was actually performed by Peter Auty, a St Paul’s Cathedral choirboy.” This is from The Express, a British newspaper and dated 12/26/2007. Jones recorded it three years later for a Toys R Us commercial and it was released as a single. Auty, the singer in the film, is now an operatic tenor in the UK. Jones still sings and appeared on the TV show “The Masked Singer” in 2022.
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Ah, ok. Do you mind if I put this info into the post?
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Not at all.
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OK thanks!
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Yes! This is one of the all time best films ever.
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Agreed, D! Glyn has identified the young man singing in “Walking in the Air” (see his comment) Happy Holidays to You and Yours.
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Thanks for posting the complete version. I just watched it…shhhh don’t tell work! Hey being a Director has it’s privileges lol.
The ending is sad but I like it because he had the scarf…it shows it wasn’t a dream. It’s been a long time since I saw it.
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Yes on the scarf. Way back when this came out you could buy scarfs like it or get them as a gift with a pledge to the local PBS station. Glad you watched it. Glyn IDs the youngster singing in “Walking in the Air.” He’s a Scottish lad.
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I just read Glyns quote…good for him…I’m glad he went on to have a successful career.
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I know the book and remembered the film as soon as I heard the first notes of the opening theme. Wonderful! Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day” is another favorite about the first snow.
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Glad you recognized it, Steve. I think we used to have that book, “The Snowy Day.” A little boy in a red outfit?
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That’s the one. He tries to save a snowball in his pocket for later.
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Wonderful, I may add this to my Christmas movie list to watch, Lisa.
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Mirian, I hope you do. I watch it every year and it holds its magic.
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It’s good to know, Lisa.
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I just saw my typo of your name. Sorry, Miriam!
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No worries, Lisa! It happens. 😊
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<3
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I remember your previous post. It’s a lovely cartoon! :-)
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Glad you remember and like it, Christian.
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Wordless, but an intro by David Bowie…
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Oh right! I love the intro <3 and "Walking in the Air" has words also.
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Bowie had a magic touch, even if it was just a small part here.
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Absolutely, Trent. Do you remember when Bowie and Bing sang The Little Drummer Boy together? Another magic TV moment with Bowie.
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Yes, it was a great moment. I listen to it every year and watched it today on YouTube.
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<3
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I have not watched this for a very long time, thanks for the link!
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My pleasure, Randy. It’s a good’n.
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Isn’t it odd that the movie credits didn’t include the name of the singer?
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Yes, it is! I tried to find more info and here is something from composer Howard Blake’s website:
“Recorded 5th July 1982 at CTS Studios with The Sinfonia of London, leader Jack Rothstein, conducted by Howard Blake, sound engineer John Richards,. Final version of ‘Walking in the Air’ as used in the film tracked on to the completed orchestral track at De Lane Lea Dean Street London by Peter Auty, St. Paul’s Cathedral chorister, directed by the composer.
First Shown on Channel 4 TV Christmas Eve 1982 ”
https://www.howardblake.com/music/Film-TV-Scores/975/THE-SNOWMAN-ANIMATED-CHILDREN-S-FILM.htm
Is it possible that both youngsters sang it, with the Scottish youngster in the original recording and then the second youngster “tracked on” to the original?? The plot thickens!!!!!
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I’ve always loved this, thank you!
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Anytime, Dana!
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I watched this last year when you posted it…I love it!
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Simply beautiful and has a heart. Doesn’t get any better than that.
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I watched it again today!
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I still well remember this lovely cartoon from when you previously published this post! :-)
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:) I’m glad
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