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!

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Timeline – Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999)

Trace every key event in Olive, The Other Reindeer (1999) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Olive meets Martini and buys a counterfeit Rolex

On Christmas Eve in town, Olive, an anthropomorphic Jack Russell Terrier, meets Martini, a con artist penguin. She buys a counterfeit Rolex from him, believing it to be a real treasure. Tim, Olive's owner, is sad that there won't be a proper Christmas and worries Olive won't act like a normal dog.

Christmas Eve, evening Town
2

Radio news about Blitzen and a mistaken prophesy

Back home, Olive tunes the radio and hears that Santa's reindeer Blitzen cannot fly this year. The flea convinces Olive that the report says Olive is the other reindeer, feeding her insecurity about Tim's love. The miscommunication deepens Olive's fear that she has ruined Christmas.

Christmas Eve, night Olive's home
3

Olive runs away to save Christmas

Upset by the misread news and Tim's supposed disdain, Olive runs away to try to save Christmas. She hopes to regain Tim's favor by making Christmas possible again. She and Martini embark on a journey toward the North Pole, setting the rescue plan in motion.

Christmas Eve, night Town to bus route
4

The Postman vows to foil Olive's plan

On the way to the bus station, a disgruntled Postman learns of Olive's departure to spoil Christmas. He vows to frame Olive for mail fraud and ruin the holiday, adding a dangerous chase to Olive's mission. He pursues them as they head toward the North Pole.

Christmas Eve, night Town, near bus station
5

Olive and Martini evade capture and board a bus

Martini helps Olive narrowly avoid being framed and captured by the Postman. Together they catch a bus toward the North Pole, with the Postman in hot pursuit increasing the stakes of the journey. The trip blends danger with the season's odd cheer.

Night Bus to the North Pole
6

Arctic Junction layover and the kidnapping

During a layover at Arctic Junction, Olive and Martini stop in a restaurant. The Postman, disguised as a waitress, kidnaps Olive, but she escapes by discovering a metal file in a package addressed to her from a mysterious Deus Ex Machina. She misses her connecting bus and must improvise to stay on track.

Layover time Arctic Junction restaurant
7

Olive soothes locals and finds help at the Arctic Junction bar

Following her escape, Olive finds a nearby bar where initially hostile patrons slowly rediscover Christmas spirit. She helps rekindle their cheer, and Round John Virgin, the bar owner, agrees to help her and Martini reach the North Pole. The bar becomes a temporary rallying point before they continue their journey.

Soon after layover Arctic Junction bar
8

Gate trouble and Martini's plan to bypass security

At the North Pole gate, the security guard refuses to admit Olive and Martini. Martini devises a scheme to turn off the security system, allowing them entry while the Postman trails behind with counterfeit letters to Santa. The tension rises as they push toward Santa's workshop.

Arrival at North Pole North Pole gate
9

Letters exposed and Olive takes Blitzen's place

The Postman delivers counterfeit, unpostmarked letters that nearly justify cancelling Christmas. Olive points out the missing postmarks, exposing the deception to Santa. She then takes Blitzen's place but struggles to keep up with the flight, testing her resolve and courage.

Early flight prep North Pole flight area
10

Scent tracking leads to the Postman's truck and a rescue

Santa realizes the bag was swapped with junk mail, and Olive uses her scent to trace the real bag. She leads the sleigh to the Postman's mail truck, where Martini has been captured. Together they retrieve the presents and rescue Martini, fashioning makeshift wings from cardboard mailers to fly.

During the rescue sequence On the way to delivering presents
11

Weight constraints and delivery continues

With the lighter load, Olive helps deliver presents to the world while Martini drives the truck home. The improvised flight keeps Christmas on track and proves Olive's planning and bravery can overcome mechanical limits. They persevere through obstacles to ensure every child gets a gift.

During flight In transit around the world
12

Fog, scent, and a heroic return to the North Pole

As they near Olive's home, thick fog surrounds the sleigh; Santa relies on Olive's scent to guide the way back to the North Pole. Rudolph is treated as urban legend in this tale. Olive's nose proves crucial to ending the crisis and bringing everyone home.

Final leg back Over the world on the way to North Pole
13

Gratitude, honorary antlers, and a ride home

Santa and the reindeer thank Olive for saving Christmas, gifting her honorary antler ears. Comet gives her a ride home, signaling a triumphant return for the brave terrier. The holiday is saved, and Olive feels seen and appreciated.

End of journey North Pole
14

Tim's reconciliation and new roles

Olive returns home and makes amends with Tim, who is proud of her bravery. Martini is now a postman, while the former Postman has been outfitted with packing tape and cardboard wings to become the zoo's new penguin. The city ends the adventure with new, unlikely careers for Olive's friends.

End of Christmas Eve Olive's home; City zoo

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:53

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