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While many Christmas films capture the imagination for years, “Prancer” stands out as a somewhat overlooked treasure. Hailing from the 1980s, this film features Sam Elliott as John Riggs, a single father grappling with the challenges of raising his daughter Jessica, played by Rebecca Harrell, in the absence of her mother during the festive season. Adding to the cast, Johnny Galecki makes an appearance in a minor role as Billy Quinn.
Orion Pictures
John’s apple farm faces financial hardship, prompting his sister-in-law, played by Rutanya Alda, to suggest that Jessica live with her for a more stable environment. However, both John and Jessica resist the idea of separation. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Jessica discovers a reindeer she believes belongs to Santa Claus. Secretly caring for the creature, Jessica awaits the magical return of St. Nick, despite skepticism from those around her.
As the story unfolds, Prancer becomes instrumental in rekindling the holiday spirit, saving the farm, and mending the bond between father and daughter, delivering heartfelt moments that resonate deeply. While not the most commercially successful film in Sam Elliott’s repertoire, it remains one of his most poignant performances.
Although Johnny Galecki and Sam Elliott have enjoyed significant careers, the path of Rebecca Harrell, who played Jessica, might not be as widely known unless you’re passionate about environmental documentaries. Now known as Rebecca Harrell Tickell, she has carved out a respected niche in the environmental documentary scene alongside her husband, Josh Tickell. Their notable works include “Fuel,” which explores green energy solutions and won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and “The Big Fix,” which investigates the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Harrell Tickell continues to act occasionally, with her latest role in the 2023 film “On Sacred Ground,” which addresses the Standing Rock Indian Reservation’s protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Beyond her acting, she co-founded the I’ll Be the One Organization, a charity promoting environmental activism. Her contributions have certainly earned her a spot on Santa’s good list. For those looking to add “Prancer” to their holiday movie lineup, it is available to stream for free on Tubi and Pluto TV.
Rebecca Harrell has gone on to do great things
Valerie Macon/Getty Images
While Johnny Galecki and Sam Elliott’s acting careers are well-known, you probably don’t know what happened to the child actress who plays Jessica in the film unless you’re a big fan of films about the environment. Rebecca Harrell, now known by her married name, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, is a well-known and respected environmental documentary filmmaker who works alongside her husband, Josh Tickell. Among their works are “Fuel” — which is about green energy production that uses algae and won a 2008 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for best documentary — and “The Big Fix,” about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Harrell Tickell still acts occasionally: her last role was in 2023’s “On Sacred Ground,” about the Standing Rock Indian Reservation’s fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Even with that, it looks like Harrell has grown up to be quite the righteous individual. She also co-founded a charity, the I’ll Be the One Organization, which encourages environmental activism. She’s definitely on Santa’s good list. And if you want to put “Prancer” on your holiday viewing list, you can watch it for free on Tubi and Pluto TV.
