The First Easter Rabbit

The First Easter Rabbit

Year: 1976

Runtime: 25 mins

Language: English

Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr.

AnimationComedyFamily

The Delightful Tale of How Easter Became Hoppy as Well as Happy! A beloved toy stuffed rabbit is rescued by a fairy to be the first Easter Rabbit.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The First Easter Rabbit (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The First Easter Rabbit (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in a timeless, magical realm where winter landscapes blend with springtime celebrations. It has no fixed year or era, relying on fairy-tale seasons and holiday lore. The mood is nostalgic, combining Christmas-like wonder with Easter renewal.

Location

Easter Valley, North Pole

Easter Valley sits at the edge of the North Pole, a magical springtime enclave where Easter preparations unfold. It is kept in eternal spring by the Golden Easter Lily, allowing a yearly parade of eggs, hats, and gifts. The story also follows Glinda's home and the surrounding landscapes that anchor Stuffy's quest.

❄️ North Pole 🗺️ Fantasy World 🐰 Easter Locale

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:51

Main Characters – The First Easter Rabbit (1976)

Meet the key characters of The First Easter Rabbit (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Stuffy (voiced by Burl Ives)

A stuffed rabbit who comes to life after being saved by Calliope. He embarks on a journey to Easter Valley, discovering courage, friendship, and the importance of selflessness along the way.

🐰 Rabbit 🧸 Toy turned alive 🗺️ Hero's voyage

Young Stuffy

The younger version of Stuffy, voiced by Robert Morse, whose presence frames the early events of the tale. His experiences contrast with the narrator’s hindsight later in the story.

🐰 Young version 🧭 Memory 🗣️ Narrated past

Spats

One of the scheming rabbits who initially mocks Stuffy for not being real. He joins the group mid-journey, hoping to profit from the quest but is swept along by the team’s evolving purpose.

🐰 Mischief 💰 Greed 🐾 Follower

Flops (voiced by Stan Freberg)

A member of the profit-seeking trio who schemes with Spats and Whiskers. He discovers the value of helping others as the story progresses.

🐰 Trickster 🧭 Sidekick 🌀 Transformation

Whiskers / Jonathan

One of the scheming rabbits who initially taunts Stuffy but eventually joins the quest. He is also known as Jonathan, reflecting a name duality in his role.

🐰 Doppelgänger 🐇 Ally in disguise 🗺️ Quest participant

Calliope

A sprite who breathes life into Stuffy and leads him toward Easter Valley. She serves as the catalyst for his journey and the moral compass of the story.

🧚 Sprite ✨ Guide 🗺️ Mentor

Glinda

The little girl who receives Stuffy and later falls ill with scarlet fever. Her recovery and participation in the Easter parade drive the emotional arc of the tale.

👧 Girl 🫶 Recipient 🕊️ Hope

Zero

An ice-being who steals the Golden Easter Lily and freezes Easter Valley. His arc centers on temptation, mischief, and eventual conversion through remorse.

🧊 Villain ❄️ Ice-being 🛑 Antagonist

Santa

The benevolent figure who guides Stuffy to Easter Valley and helps steer the other rabbits toward selfless actions. He plays a crucial role in resolving the crisis.

🎅 Leader 🧭 Guide 🎁 Mentor

Bruce

A sapient snowball who reluctantly assists Zero but ultimately seeks redemption after recognizing his part in the wrongdoing.

❄️ Snowball 🧠 Sapient 🕊️ Regret

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:51

Major Themes – The First Easter Rabbit (1976)

Explore the central themes of The First Easter Rabbit (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Teamwork

Stuffy and his companions learn that cooperative effort yields the best results. Santa's guidance helps unify the group as they abandon selfish motives and work toward a common goal. The Easter valley relies on their collective effort to complete the deliveries. The parade and gifts become a symbol of what can be accomplished together.

🪄 Identity

Stuffy's transition from a stuffed toy to a living being explores questions of what it means to exist. The story reveals that the older Stuffy is narrating the events as G.B., linking past and present identity. This transformation underscores the power of belief and imagination. The characters discover who they are through their actions.

🕊️ Redemption

Bruce experiences remorse for his role in the theft, prompting a confession to Santa. Zero is compelled to return the Golden Easter Lily after the truth is uncovered, easing the valley's crisis. Santa's intervention rescues the day, enabling the rabbits to complete their deliveries. Forgiveness and second chances emerge as central forces.

🎉 Tradition

Easter Parade and the gifting of new outfits anchor the community’s celebration, emphasizing the importance of ritual. Glinda's recovery and participation highlight how tradition supports hope and renewal. The film treats Easter and spring as a shared cultural event that binds the characters together. The final gathering reinforces the value of keeping traditions alive.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:51

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The First Easter Rabbit Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The First Easter Rabbit, 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.

The First Easter Rabbit Summary

The First Easter Rabbit Timeline

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The First Easter Rabbit Timeline

More About The First Easter Rabbit

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