[1] The American/Italian co-production was based on a legend that all of the animals could talk at midnight, on the night that Jesus was born.
An ox, the apparent leader of the animals, is angered by such behavior, as it reveals that they are acting like humans.
The animals realize the error of their ways, and attempt to make amends when word reaches them (through the donkey carrying Mary) that an expectant couple desperately needs shelter.
That night, as Jesus is born, the animals are overwhelmed with love for each other—even the hogs are allowed into the stable for the first time to see the baby.
The program featured songs from the well-known duo of lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne; their contributions to the special, "A Parable", "It's Great to Communicate", "The Greatest Miracle of All", "Let's Not Behave Like People" and "A Place Like This", remain mostly unknown to their fans.