when was the movie rudolph the red-nosed reindeer made

The original stop-motion television special of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was first released in 1964, and has become a classic Christmas staple ever since. It is based on the popular children's book by Robert L. May, which was published in 1939. The television special tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose who faces ridicule and exclusion from his peers. With the help of Santa Claus and his friend Hermey the Elf, Rudolph ultimately discovers his purpose in life and becomes an essential part of the Christmas delivery team.