Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1948 film) difficult to get through. Nevertheless, he and his reindeer brave out the storm and go anyway. While on the way, an airplane throws them off course; they land at Rudolph's house, where Santa greets him. Telling Rudolph, "I need you tonight to guide my deer on the rest of our flight", Rudolph helps them. Due to his bravery and his glowing nose, he is accepted and respected by his fellow reindeer and made their commander-in-chief by Santa; the reindeer enjoy a merry Christmas together. This 8 minute animated interpretation of the Christmas poem preceded Gene Autry's 1949 song "Rudolph, the
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1948 film) Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the animated 1964 version. It was based on Robert L. May's 1939 story, rather than the song. The 1964 film more closely resembles the song rather than the original story. This short film was created to advertise Montgomery Ward department stores, the publisher of the original story. The original release included a credit for the company, and it lacked the "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" song, with the opening credits instead playing over an instrumental version of Silent Night, Holy Night. The 1951 re-release of the film added a choral version of the song to the credits