what network did this air on

I know I could have just said ABC; but I can't be the only one who likes useless trivia.

I know The Hobbit was on NBC. And even though same people were involved in this (with some different actors) this aired on ABC.
The movie between these two had a theatrical release. It was done by completely different people. It was originally being done as a Part 1 and was even going to have Part 1 in the title. But they were afraid if it did it would keep some people from seeing the movie (back then it was unheard of, ironically enough). They were suppose to do the sequel/ending (on a personal note I saw this in the theater. I was very young and I can remember being upset that Meriadoc and Peregrin were last seen with the tree) after this. Bakshi (director) wanted to finish his work as he had promised his audience (he was the driving force to get Pt 1 taken out of title) that he would. Even though it only cost around 4 million to make and made around 30 million, United Artist pulled the plug on the sequel/ending.
That's when Rankin/Bass decided to finish the work. I think their work is far superior.
I just got through watching all 3 movies for free on the internet.

Anyway, I know you made this thread a long time ago but I thought I'd give you some needless trivia along with it.