Singing cowboy Sandy's elaborate costumes. While other western actors, such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, only dabbled in singing roles, some actors became known mainly for their parts as singing cowboys. The most famous of them was Gene Autry, and the moniker "the singing cowboy" usually refers to him in particular. When Wayne declined further singing cowboy roles, Republic looked for a replacement. Former rodeo rider Autry was chosen because he was the one candidate who could both sing and ride a horse, namely Champion the Wonder Horse. The choice was so successful that, at the time of his death in
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys the Elf (now a D.D.S.) and Rudolph, who is now famous in the Arctic tundra. GoodTimes Entertainment, three years prior, had released "", which was set in a separate continuity with different supporting characters. Several key personnel were retained from that movie: Kathleen Barr, the voice of Rudolph; Michael Aschner, the head writer; and Bill Kowalchuk, the director. Golden Books Family Entertainment was likewise retained as the production company. The voice cast includes Rick Moranis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Richard Dreyfuss. Rudolph, not satisfied with being a "novelty act" performing tricks with his nose, travels with Hermey to the Island