After Rudolph and Hermey returned to Christmastown, everybody realized that they treated them badly. Even Santa and the head elf. Later Santa announced that Christmas was cancelled due to the storm. During his announcement, Rudolph’s nose nearly blinded Santa. It was then that Santa asked Rudolph to guide his sleigh. AFTER he and everyone else expressed regret for their behaviour.
So, no, everyone is not nice to Rudolph only because he is useful.
Not sure of what you're referring to specifically, but I do seem to recall reading someone's "review" pointing out that Rudy's antagonists only became nice to him after it was clear he would "save" Christmas.
Good point.
EDIT: I watched again the other night with my granddaughter (who loved it) and I noticed that when Rudolph came back to Christmastown after rescuing his parents and Clarice, they all realized that they were dicks to Rudolph, including Santa who apologized to him. So although the song was different, everyone else "loved" Rudolph *before* he saved Santa's ass from the storm.
But we also can't forget that the movie's plot is based on the song. In the song, it wasn't until Santa asked Rudolph for help that the others "loved him", so nothing revealing here.
That is exactly what I am referring to 🙂
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