Olive, The Other Reindeer

Olive, The Other Reindeer

Year: 1999

Runtime: 45 mins

Language: English

Director: Steve Moore

FamilyAnimationComedyTV MovieHoliday joy and heartwarming Christmas

When Olive, a curious dog, misinterprets a news bulletin announcing that Santa has called off his Christmas journey because a reindeer is injured, she sets off for the North Pole to volunteer as a replacement. Along the way she clashes with a bitter postman swamped by holiday mail, and hopes that Martini, a resourceful penguin, will help her achieve her festive dream.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Olive, The Other Reindeer yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Christmas Eve

Set on a single Christmas Eve, the tale follows Olive's race to save Christmas. The journey winds from urban streets and a bus ride to the North Pole, with a layover and chase spanning winter landscapes. The season's urgency and warmth shape every decision along the way.

Location

Olive's town, Arctic Junction, North Pole

The story moves through Olive's hometown on Christmas Eve, a busy city zoo, a layover in Arctic Junction, and a final stretch to Santa's North Pole complex. Key locations include the zoo where Martini is fired, a cozy bar in Arctic Junction, and the North Pole facility where Christmas decisions are made. These places frame Olive's journey from a beloved pet to a holiday heroine.

🏙️ City ❄️ Arctic 🎄 Christmas 🧭 Adventure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:52

Main Characters – Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999)

Meet the key characters of Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Olive (Drew Barrymore)

An optimistic anthropomorphic Jack Russell Terrier who treats Christmas as a mission. She is quick-witted and resourceful, capable of risking danger to save the holiday; her actions are driven by love for Tim and a desire to prove herself. A misheard radio report and a crafty flea lead to a journey from her hometown to the North Pole.

💪 Brave 🐶 Loyal 🧭 Resourceful

Martini (Joe Pantoliano)

A former city zoo penguin and con artist who becomes Olive's ally. He uses charm and tricks to help Olive reach the North Pole, while maintaining a wry, opportunistic outlook. His relationship with Olive evolves from mutual convenience to genuine support.

🎭 Schemer 🧭 Clever 🐧 Penguin-ally

The Postman (Dan Castellaneta)

A disgruntled postal worker bent on ruining Christmas because the holiday strains the mail system. He frames Olive for mail trouble, chases her across towns, and reveals a malicious, obsessive side as the story unfolds. His backstory hints at a downward spiral triggered by an early Naughty List encounter.

💢 Obsessive 🗯️ Grudge

Santa Claus (Ed Asner)

The kindly head of Christmas who must decide whether to cancel or save the holiday. He relies on Olive's scent-tracking and the reindeer’s help to deliver gifts and maintain belief in Christmas.

🎅 Kind 🎁 Generous

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:52

Major Themes – Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999)

Explore the central themes of Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Bravery

Olive demonstrates courage by taking decisive action to reach the North Pole and help Santa deliver gifts. Her bravery drives the plot forward when obstacles loom, from disguises at the gate to makeshift flying aids. The character's bold choices show that even a small dog can become a holiday hero. The theme highlights how personal resolve can inspire others during difficult times.

🤝 Friendship

Olive and Martini form an unlikely alliance, blending Olive's determination with Martini's street-smarts. Their teamwork turns a potential chase into collaborative problem solving. The bond between them demonstrates how trust and cooperation can overcome misunderstandings and danger. Friendship also helps repair strained relationships, including Olive's with Tim.

🎁 Redemption

The Postman's arc exposes how envy and a desire to disrupt happiness can corrupt judgment. His pursuit of Christmas sabotage invites consequences, yet the story hints at the possibility of change. Olive's intervention and Santa's forgiveness offer a path to redemption. The theme underlines that even flawed individuals can find renewal through compassion and second chances.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:52

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Olive, The Other Reindeer

Don't stop at just watching — explore Olive, The Other Reindeer in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Olive, The Other Reindeer is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Olive, The Other Reindeer Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Olive, The Other Reindeer, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Olive, The Other Reindeer Summary

Olive, The Other Reindeer Timeline

Track the full timeline of Olive, The Other Reindeer with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Olive, The Other Reindeer Timeline

Olive, The Other Reindeer Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Olive, The Other Reindeer that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Olive, The Other Reindeer Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Olive, The Other Reindeer

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Olive, The Other Reindeer: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Olive, The Other Reindeer