In this thread about the Rankin/Bass production of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the debate arose as to the name of the elf who wanted to be a dentist: Herbie or Hermie?
I first noted that I thought it was Herbie, but that the IMDB listed one name on one page and one on another. Much debate ensued, then it seemed to settle on Hermie.
Now to add to the confusion: at the supermarket, I passed a display of Rudolph merchandise (dolls, books, coloring books, etc.) based off of the R/B production. In every one of them, they list the wanna-be-DDS as Herbie.
So, where the @!#?@! did this discrepancy arise? Darn it all, this seems like a job for Unca Cecil!
Whoever named the toys you saw was ignorant. The elf’s name was Hermey. I mentioned in the other thread that we once had a 3 day argument over this at a bar I worked at. The issue wasn’t resolved until someone found it on tape and we listened very carefully. Plus it’s listed as Hermey in the credits.
The reference to Herbie on IMDB was written by someone named Kathy Li. She obviously made a mistake.
I e-mailed her so she can correct it and save future generations from this divisive debate.
The debate may continue, but not in this forum. This being, as you say, a debate, and it being on a less-than-earthshaking topic, it qualifies for IMHO.
Less-than-Earth-shaking?! We’re taliing about the difference between being named after a Love Bug, and being named after the Greek Messenger of the Gods here!
http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/904.shtml shows the toy as Hermey (note: not “Hermes”, tracer!) and the ones I’ve seen in stores (okay, the one store I saw the figures in) said “Hermey”.
Rick Goldschmidt, R-B historian (and proprieter of rankinbass.com), has said countless times to let people know it’s Hermey. I’ve even created a phrase I say out loud for humor which I’m ending this message with.
