A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Original CBS airdate: November 20, 1973.
Available from Amazon as a single DVD, or part of the Peanuts 1970s Collection, Volume 1.
We open our first review in quite some time with one of the three best known Peanuts holiday specials, which opens with the time honored tradition of Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown, a tactic that you just never see in any football game these days, professional, collegiate, high school, or just playing for fun in the backyard.
Charlie Brown and his sister Sally have plans to go to their grandmother's place for Thanksgiving. Then, Peppermint Patty calls the Brown residence, inviting herself over to the Browns' for dinner, followed up by two successive calls where she tells Charlie Brown that her two neighborhood friends Marcie and Franklin are also coming by. As usual, Charlie Brown can't bring himself to say no, and agonizes over what to do...until Linus simply suggests that they hold an earlier dinner at home before it's time to visit Grandma. Unfortunately, all Charlie Brown knows how to make is cold cereal and "maybe toast". Recruiting Snoopy and Woodstock, the boys do the best they can.
The feast at the Brown residence consists of cereal, toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans. This does infuriate Peppermint Patty, who is oblivious to the fact that she invited herself over until Marcie reminds her. Apologies are given out, and Charlie Brown realizes that they're running behind, and they're supposed to be at Grandma's house very, very soon. Fortunately, after calling her to explain what happened, Charlie Brown's grandmother cheerfully suggests that everyone can tag along and come over for a real Thanksgiving feast. After everyone leaves, Snoopy and Woodstock have their own dinner, complete with all of the staples that were missing from Charlie Brown's first attempt at hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
The Warner Bros. reissue of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving also includes "The Mayflower Voyagers", the first episode from the 1988-89 miniseries This is America, Charlie Brown as an extra. Recommended disc, although the entire This is America, Charlie Brown series is available separately on a two DVD set.
Showing posts with label peanuts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peanuts. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: April 9, 1974.
It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: March 16, 1976
Available from Amazon as a single DVD, or as part of the Peanuts Deluxe Collection, a Barnes & Noble exclusive.
While most of the gang is getting ready for Easter, Linus is convinced that it's all a waste of time, and he vainly tries to convince everyone that this "Easter Beagle" will handle everything. Only Sally believes him, and even she isn't totally convinced. Elsewhere, Peppermint Patty and Marcie attempt to color eggs, but Marcie doesn't seem to grasp the concept of hard boiled eggs, as she instead fries them, puts some on a waffle iron, and even cooking them inside the oven, all to Patty's chagrin.
Snoopy gives Woodstock a wooden birdhouse, which he hates at first, but he soon renovates it into a '70s bachelor pad. While trying to get a closer look, or perhaps because of a fit of jealousy, Snoopy gets his nose stuck inside, wrecking it. Meanwhile, Lucy, convinced that Easter is the "gift-getting season" (to Schroeder's annoyance), decides to have her own Easter egg hunt, but Snoopy takes all of the hidden eggs and distributes them to the rest of the gang on Easter Sunday. Well, everyone except Charlie Brown!
Two years later, the gang celebrates Arbor Day, and they all work together to plant a garden...in Charlie Brown's baseball field. The scheduled game between his team and Peppermint Patty's squad still must go on, despite the large amount of gloves placed in the trees. Schroeder promises to give Lucy a kiss if she hits a home run, never thinking she would, and she does, scoring the only run of the game. Rain cuts short the contest, and Charlie Brown accepts it later as a de facto victory.
This was also Vince Guaraldi's last Peanuts special; he died shortly after completing the music for the show. Some fans consider It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown the last episode of the "golden age" for the Peanuts TV specials. Others have criticized the show for resorting to a relatively obscure national holiday for a storyline idea.
Original airdate: April 9, 1974.
It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: March 16, 1976
Available from Amazon as a single DVD, or as part of the Peanuts Deluxe Collection, a Barnes & Noble exclusive.
While most of the gang is getting ready for Easter, Linus is convinced that it's all a waste of time, and he vainly tries to convince everyone that this "Easter Beagle" will handle everything. Only Sally believes him, and even she isn't totally convinced. Elsewhere, Peppermint Patty and Marcie attempt to color eggs, but Marcie doesn't seem to grasp the concept of hard boiled eggs, as she instead fries them, puts some on a waffle iron, and even cooking them inside the oven, all to Patty's chagrin.
Snoopy gives Woodstock a wooden birdhouse, which he hates at first, but he soon renovates it into a '70s bachelor pad. While trying to get a closer look, or perhaps because of a fit of jealousy, Snoopy gets his nose stuck inside, wrecking it. Meanwhile, Lucy, convinced that Easter is the "gift-getting season" (to Schroeder's annoyance), decides to have her own Easter egg hunt, but Snoopy takes all of the hidden eggs and distributes them to the rest of the gang on Easter Sunday. Well, everyone except Charlie Brown!
Two years later, the gang celebrates Arbor Day, and they all work together to plant a garden...in Charlie Brown's baseball field. The scheduled game between his team and Peppermint Patty's squad still must go on, despite the large amount of gloves placed in the trees. Schroeder promises to give Lucy a kiss if she hits a home run, never thinking she would, and she does, scoring the only run of the game. Rain cuts short the contest, and Charlie Brown accepts it later as a de facto victory.
This was also Vince Guaraldi's last Peanuts special; he died shortly after completing the music for the show. Some fans consider It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown the last episode of the "golden age" for the Peanuts TV specials. Others have criticized the show for resorting to a relatively obscure national holiday for a storyline idea.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown
Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: August 29, 2003.
Charlie Brown's All-Stars.
Original airdate: June 8, 1966.
It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: Sometime in 1992.
Amazon.com listing (discontinued)
Check PeanutsDVD.com for a possible re-release in the future.
Charlie Brown's primary problem as a baseball manager (aside from his own incompetence) is Lucy Van Pelt, his right fielder who seems to be the worst of the worst. After a trade involving Snoopy falls through, Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty agree on trading right fielders: Lucy for Marcie. Neither player seems to benefit their new team, well, much at all, so Lucy and Marcie are traded back to their original squads.
Going back to 1966, Charlie Brown is surprised to learn that a Mr. Hennessey is willing to sponsor his team, place them in a league, and even provide them new uniforms. But things go awry after the league does not permit girls or dogs to play the game. Unwilling to get rid of his friends, Charlie Brown declines Mr. Hennessey's offer. This initially angers his players, but after Linus tells them that Charlie Brown wasn't about to sacrifice any of his friends for uniforms, they reconsider their feelings and give him a specially made uniform...made from Linus' blanket.
The theme of team uniforms continues in the 1992 special, after the world's smallest kid, Leland, joins Charlie Brown's team. Lucy points out that they are the only team without uniforms, and they are promised uniforms if they win a game. Thanks to Leland being too short to be properly pitched to, Charlie Brown and his team win 27-26. They get their uniforms, but Leland quits the team before the next game because his uniform is too big. Charlie Brown simply admits that it isn't how you look, it's how you play the game.
Original airdate: August 29, 2003.
Charlie Brown's All-Stars.
Original airdate: June 8, 1966.
It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: Sometime in 1992.
Amazon.com listing (discontinued)
Check PeanutsDVD.com for a possible re-release in the future.
Charlie Brown's primary problem as a baseball manager (aside from his own incompetence) is Lucy Van Pelt, his right fielder who seems to be the worst of the worst. After a trade involving Snoopy falls through, Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty agree on trading right fielders: Lucy for Marcie. Neither player seems to benefit their new team, well, much at all, so Lucy and Marcie are traded back to their original squads.
Going back to 1966, Charlie Brown is surprised to learn that a Mr. Hennessey is willing to sponsor his team, place them in a league, and even provide them new uniforms. But things go awry after the league does not permit girls or dogs to play the game. Unwilling to get rid of his friends, Charlie Brown declines Mr. Hennessey's offer. This initially angers his players, but after Linus tells them that Charlie Brown wasn't about to sacrifice any of his friends for uniforms, they reconsider their feelings and give him a specially made uniform...made from Linus' blanket.
The theme of team uniforms continues in the 1992 special, after the world's smallest kid, Leland, joins Charlie Brown's team. Lucy points out that they are the only team without uniforms, and they are promised uniforms if they win a game. Thanks to Leland being too short to be properly pitched to, Charlie Brown and his team win 27-26. They get their uniforms, but Leland quits the team before the next game because his uniform is too big. Charlie Brown simply admits that it isn't how you look, it's how you play the game.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Charlie Brown Valentine
A Charlie Brown Valentine.
Original airdate: February 14, 2002.
There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: March 11, 1973.
Someday You'll Find Her, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: October 30, 1981.
Amazon.com listing (discontinued).
A Charlie Brown Valentine was the first Peanuts animated special produced after the death of Charles Schulz, and the first one produced for ABC, after that network obtained the rights to air the "big three" holiday specials and any subsequent new specials. In it, Charlie Brown finds himself again wishing he could gather the courage to ask the Little Red-Haired Girl (who makes a very brief appearance) to a Valentine's Day dance, oblivious to Peppermint Patty's not-so-subtle hints and advances. Another subplot sees Sally Brown trying to gain the attention of Linus, but not doing so hot.
There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown sees the gang under pressure from too many tests and homework assignments. The next major assignment is a report about the upcoming field trip to an art museum. Charlie Brown's grades have fallen from As to Cs, and he needs a decent grade to save the entire term. He also needs to fight off the distraction of Peppermint Patty, and the newcomer Marcie, who both have feelings for him. They, Charlie Brown, his sister Sally, and Snoopy end up going to the adjacent supermarket, mistaking it for the museum. After Linus van Pelt shows the Browns the slides of pictures he took at the museum, Charlie Brown feels sunk once he realizes what he has done. Fortunately, he receives a stellar grade on his assignment, which describes the visit through the description of a grocery store.
Someday You'll Find Her, Charlie Brown sees everyone's favorite blockhead so taken by a girl sitting in the stands at a televised football game that he enlists Linus to help find her. Unbeknowst to both of them, Snoopy and Woodstock are tagging along. After stops at the stadium, the box office, an office downtown, and several random stops at houses, they find the object of Charlie Brown's affections (Mary Jo). Surprisingly, she and Linus hit it off so well, that he ends up with the girl at the end, to Charlie Brown's chagrin. It also doesn't hurt that Mary Jo carries around a security blanket, just like Linus.
Recommended DVD.
Original airdate: February 14, 2002.
There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: March 11, 1973.
Someday You'll Find Her, Charlie Brown.
Original airdate: October 30, 1981.
Amazon.com listing (discontinued).
A Charlie Brown Valentine was the first Peanuts animated special produced after the death of Charles Schulz, and the first one produced for ABC, after that network obtained the rights to air the "big three" holiday specials and any subsequent new specials. In it, Charlie Brown finds himself again wishing he could gather the courage to ask the Little Red-Haired Girl (who makes a very brief appearance) to a Valentine's Day dance, oblivious to Peppermint Patty's not-so-subtle hints and advances. Another subplot sees Sally Brown trying to gain the attention of Linus, but not doing so hot.
There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown sees the gang under pressure from too many tests and homework assignments. The next major assignment is a report about the upcoming field trip to an art museum. Charlie Brown's grades have fallen from As to Cs, and he needs a decent grade to save the entire term. He also needs to fight off the distraction of Peppermint Patty, and the newcomer Marcie, who both have feelings for him. They, Charlie Brown, his sister Sally, and Snoopy end up going to the adjacent supermarket, mistaking it for the museum. After Linus van Pelt shows the Browns the slides of pictures he took at the museum, Charlie Brown feels sunk once he realizes what he has done. Fortunately, he receives a stellar grade on his assignment, which describes the visit through the description of a grocery store.
Someday You'll Find Her, Charlie Brown sees everyone's favorite blockhead so taken by a girl sitting in the stands at a televised football game that he enlists Linus to help find her. Unbeknowst to both of them, Snoopy and Woodstock are tagging along. After stops at the stadium, the box office, an office downtown, and several random stops at houses, they find the object of Charlie Brown's affections (Mary Jo). Surprisingly, she and Linus hit it off so well, that he ends up with the girl at the end, to Charlie Brown's chagrin. It also doesn't hurt that Mary Jo carries around a security blanket, just like Linus.
Recommended DVD.
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.
Originally aired: January 1975.
It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown.
Originally aired: October 24, 1977.
You're in Love, Charlie Brown.
Originally aired: June 12, 1967.
Available at Amazon.
In the featured DVD episode, Singles Awareness Day is fast approaching, and the whole gang has high hopes. Charlie Brown is optimistic that he'll receive just one Valentine. Linus van Pelt wants to find something for his favorite teacher, Miss Othmar, and Sally Brown wants Linus to give her something, and not their teacher. Lucy van Pelt just wants Schroeder to stop playing piano long enough to notice her. In true Peanuts fashion, none of these plans work out. The day after, Violet gives Charlie Brown a belated valentine, which infuriates Schroeder to no end.
During It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown, it's homecoming week. Charlie Brown and Linus are among the escorts for the Homecoming Queen and her court. Linus informs Charlie Brown that the queen will be none other than the Little Red-Haired Girl (named Heather in this episode), who he has to give a kiss on the cheek to, which causes him to hyperventilate and fall off the float they're riding on. After suffering a humiliating homecoming football game where Lucy tricks him by pulling the football away twice, Charlie Brown does honor his obligation, and comes to the dance. Working up all of his courage, Charlie Brown gives Heather that peck on the cheek, then comes out of his shell for one night, turning into the life of the party, according to Linus the next morning. The trouble is, Charlie Brown remembers nothing between the kiss and waking up in his bed the next day.
You're in Love, Charlie Brown sees the end of another school year, and Charlie Brown is stressing out about everything. Linus hears him out, then as Charlie Brown is distracted by the passing Little Red-Haired Girl, he instantly knows the problem: he's in love. On the penultimate day of school, he does everything he can think of to get her attention, only to find himself in embarrassing situations (getting a love note mixed up with a oral presentation, sharpening his ball point pen). After school, after getting embarrassed by Lucy and Violet, Peppermint Patty tries to help ol' Chuck out, mistakenly assuming that his crush is on Lucy, and not the Little Red-Haired Girl. On the final day, Charlie Brown gets up too early to meet his love at the bus stop, but falls asleep and misses the bus. Trying not to repeat the same mistake at noon, he beats everyone to the bus, but gets caught in the middle of a big crowd. Disappointed at the idea that he failed yet again, Charlie Brown notices a handwritten note in his hand, written and put there by...
...well, that would be telling, right?
Recommended DVD. Yes, she really signed that note "the little red-haired girl".
Originally aired: January 1975.
It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown.
Originally aired: October 24, 1977.
You're in Love, Charlie Brown.
Originally aired: June 12, 1967.
Available at Amazon.
In the featured DVD episode, Singles Awareness Day is fast approaching, and the whole gang has high hopes. Charlie Brown is optimistic that he'll receive just one Valentine. Linus van Pelt wants to find something for his favorite teacher, Miss Othmar, and Sally Brown wants Linus to give her something, and not their teacher. Lucy van Pelt just wants Schroeder to stop playing piano long enough to notice her. In true Peanuts fashion, none of these plans work out. The day after, Violet gives Charlie Brown a belated valentine, which infuriates Schroeder to no end.
During It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown, it's homecoming week. Charlie Brown and Linus are among the escorts for the Homecoming Queen and her court. Linus informs Charlie Brown that the queen will be none other than the Little Red-Haired Girl (named Heather in this episode), who he has to give a kiss on the cheek to, which causes him to hyperventilate and fall off the float they're riding on. After suffering a humiliating homecoming football game where Lucy tricks him by pulling the football away twice, Charlie Brown does honor his obligation, and comes to the dance. Working up all of his courage, Charlie Brown gives Heather that peck on the cheek, then comes out of his shell for one night, turning into the life of the party, according to Linus the next morning. The trouble is, Charlie Brown remembers nothing between the kiss and waking up in his bed the next day.
You're in Love, Charlie Brown sees the end of another school year, and Charlie Brown is stressing out about everything. Linus hears him out, then as Charlie Brown is distracted by the passing Little Red-Haired Girl, he instantly knows the problem: he's in love. On the penultimate day of school, he does everything he can think of to get her attention, only to find himself in embarrassing situations (getting a love note mixed up with a oral presentation, sharpening his ball point pen). After school, after getting embarrassed by Lucy and Violet, Peppermint Patty tries to help ol' Chuck out, mistakenly assuming that his crush is on Lucy, and not the Little Red-Haired Girl. On the final day, Charlie Brown gets up too early to meet his love at the bus stop, but falls asleep and misses the bus. Trying not to repeat the same mistake at noon, he beats everyone to the bus, but gets caught in the middle of a big crowd. Disappointed at the idea that he failed yet again, Charlie Brown notices a handwritten note in his hand, written and put there by...
...well, that would be telling, right?
Recommended DVD. Yes, she really signed that note "the little red-haired girl".
Monday, February 2, 2009
You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown
You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown
Original airdate: October 28, 1975.
You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown
Original airdate: March 19, 1979.
Available at Amazon.
Warner Bros.' latest Peanuts release on DVD highlights two athletic-themed episodes...
The first episode opens with three short vignettes about tennis, where Snoopy is humiliated by both an automated ball server, and by Woodstock in a one-on-one game. Linus and Sally want to play tennis at the local court, but the big kids have commandeered the courts, and aren't likely to move any time soon. Sally yells at the kids to get off, or Linus is going to get medievel on them, prompting him to run away.
Peppermint Patty comes around, informing everyone about an upcoming motocross race, suggesting Snoopy should enter (he does as "The Masked Marvel"), and convincing Charlie Brown to enter. He and Linus pool their money to buy a fairly poor quality bike, which will have the kids "money ahead" even if the bike "walks". The grand prize for the race? Two tickets to the Pro Bowl.
The race begins, with Snoopy and Charlie Brown having a crash on the first turn, and Charlie Brown loses his helmet. There's a mix-up enroute to the hospital, and Snoopy is admitted into the hospital while his owner ends up in a kennel. Charlie Brown escapes, gets Snoopy out of the hospital, and they return to the race. Linus outfits Charlie Brown with a pumpkin as a helmet, since the rules dictate you need one to compete. Snoopy's showing off causes his bike to breakdown, and he reenters the race on the ball server from earlier in the episode. When he comes back, Snoopy builds up a large lead, and he stops to have a picnic. Charlie Brown takes advantage, and overtakes Snoopy after he gets stuck in a mud pit. Despite winning, Charlie Brown is disappointed to learn that he won't be going to the Pro Bowl after all, since the race organizers couldn't secure tickets. In its place, he gets a gift certificate for five free haircuts.
The next episode sees Charlie Brown enter the Junior Olympics at school when his family's vacation plans fall through. The decathlon is the only event open, which he accepts the challenge. Peppermint Patty, in charge of the event, helps oversee Charlie Brown's training, along with Marcie and Snoopy. Worried about whether or not Charlie Brown could win, Peppermint Patty enters Marcie in the event as a backup.
The first day, after meeting the competition (Marcie, Snoopy as the Masked Marvel again, and the obnoxious defending champion Freddie Fabulous from Fremont), Charlie Brown does well enough in the first five events to place third overall. Snoopy somehow ends up in last place. On day two, a nervous Charlie Brown performs badly in the 110m high hurdles, but gets a tough pep talk from Peppermint Patty. He does well in the pole vault, as well as the discus and javelin throws, which puts him in first place. The final event is the 1500m run, and after Charlie Brown takes the lead, he closes his eyes and dreams of his victory, ultimately running off the track, off school grounds, and out of contention. Marcie wins the race, and the entire decathlon. Freddie and Snoopy were disqualified for fighting during the race.
Recommended DVD, although these two episodes aren't classics.
Original airdate: October 28, 1975.
You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown
Original airdate: March 19, 1979.
Available at Amazon.
Warner Bros.' latest Peanuts release on DVD highlights two athletic-themed episodes...
The first episode opens with three short vignettes about tennis, where Snoopy is humiliated by both an automated ball server, and by Woodstock in a one-on-one game. Linus and Sally want to play tennis at the local court, but the big kids have commandeered the courts, and aren't likely to move any time soon. Sally yells at the kids to get off, or Linus is going to get medievel on them, prompting him to run away.
Peppermint Patty comes around, informing everyone about an upcoming motocross race, suggesting Snoopy should enter (he does as "The Masked Marvel"), and convincing Charlie Brown to enter. He and Linus pool their money to buy a fairly poor quality bike, which will have the kids "money ahead" even if the bike "walks". The grand prize for the race? Two tickets to the Pro Bowl.
The race begins, with Snoopy and Charlie Brown having a crash on the first turn, and Charlie Brown loses his helmet. There's a mix-up enroute to the hospital, and Snoopy is admitted into the hospital while his owner ends up in a kennel. Charlie Brown escapes, gets Snoopy out of the hospital, and they return to the race. Linus outfits Charlie Brown with a pumpkin as a helmet, since the rules dictate you need one to compete. Snoopy's showing off causes his bike to breakdown, and he reenters the race on the ball server from earlier in the episode. When he comes back, Snoopy builds up a large lead, and he stops to have a picnic. Charlie Brown takes advantage, and overtakes Snoopy after he gets stuck in a mud pit. Despite winning, Charlie Brown is disappointed to learn that he won't be going to the Pro Bowl after all, since the race organizers couldn't secure tickets. In its place, he gets a gift certificate for five free haircuts.
The next episode sees Charlie Brown enter the Junior Olympics at school when his family's vacation plans fall through. The decathlon is the only event open, which he accepts the challenge. Peppermint Patty, in charge of the event, helps oversee Charlie Brown's training, along with Marcie and Snoopy. Worried about whether or not Charlie Brown could win, Peppermint Patty enters Marcie in the event as a backup.
The first day, after meeting the competition (Marcie, Snoopy as the Masked Marvel again, and the obnoxious defending champion Freddie Fabulous from Fremont), Charlie Brown does well enough in the first five events to place third overall. Snoopy somehow ends up in last place. On day two, a nervous Charlie Brown performs badly in the 110m high hurdles, but gets a tough pep talk from Peppermint Patty. He does well in the pole vault, as well as the discus and javelin throws, which puts him in first place. The final event is the 1500m run, and after Charlie Brown takes the lead, he closes his eyes and dreams of his victory, ultimately running off the track, off school grounds, and out of contention. Marcie wins the race, and the entire decathlon. Freddie and Snoopy were disqualified for fighting during the race.
Recommended DVD, although these two episodes aren't classics.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Boy Named Charlie Brown
A Boy Named Charlie Brown. 1969 Cinema Center Films & National General Pictures (released to home video by CBS DVD).
Vocal Talent: Peter Robbins, Pamelyn Ferdin, Glenn Gilger, Sally Dryer, Ann Altieri, Lynda Mendelson
Music: Vince Guaraldi, Rod McKuen, John Stafford Smith
Written by: Charles Schulz
Director: Bill Melendez
Buy A Boy Named Charlie Brown at Amazon.
The first Peanuts animated film, and still the best one they ever made.
This movie was loosely based on a 1966 series of comic strips where Charlie Brown enters a class spelling bee, only to be eliminated on the first turn after confusing the word "maze" with his favorite ballplayer, the great outfielder Willie Mays. Crushed, Charlie Brown lies his head down on his desk, and when asked why he's doing that, he yells at the teacher, earning him a trip to the principal's office. In the cinemas, however, it's a different story.
Charlie Brown, as usual, can't seem to do much of anything right on the ball field, or while trying to fly a kite. Linus Van Pelt tries to cheer him up the next day, saying that people learn more by losing than winning. Later on, Charlie Brown stops by Lucy's psychiatry booth, where she says she can point out his faults better than anyone else, via slide projector and a screen in the Van Pelt house.
Before school, Lucy teases Charlie Brown by suggesting he enter the spelling bee, which Linus seriously thinks would be a good idea. To the surprise of everyone, Charlie Brown finishes first in his class, and is told that he'll be competing against other kids in school. He, Linus, and Snoopy go home, hit the books, and make up a song called "I Before E, Except After C". Charlie Brown almost loses, but thanks to Snoopy's timely intervention outside, he wins the spelling bee. The gang cheerfully follows him home, singing a song called "Champion Charlie Brown". Later on, he is told that Lucy signed him up to take part in a national spelling bee to be held in New York. He hits the books again, and starts worrying about his bad luck.
Charlie Brown departs for New York, but only after Linus gives him his security blanket for good luck, This proves to be a bad move for Linus, and after suffering from withdrawal, he talks Snoopy into going to New York to find Charlie Brown and get his blanket back. After a lengthy search throughout town, they find it. Next, it's the spelling bee at Radio City Music Hall, where Charlie Brown somehow snatches defeat from the jaws of victory at the worst possible moment. But remarkably, the world didn't end.
Highly, highly recommended.
Vocal Talent: Peter Robbins, Pamelyn Ferdin, Glenn Gilger, Sally Dryer, Ann Altieri, Lynda Mendelson
Music: Vince Guaraldi, Rod McKuen, John Stafford Smith
Written by: Charles Schulz
Director: Bill Melendez
Buy A Boy Named Charlie Brown at Amazon.
The first Peanuts animated film, and still the best one they ever made.
This movie was loosely based on a 1966 series of comic strips where Charlie Brown enters a class spelling bee, only to be eliminated on the first turn after confusing the word "maze" with his favorite ballplayer, the great outfielder Willie Mays. Crushed, Charlie Brown lies his head down on his desk, and when asked why he's doing that, he yells at the teacher, earning him a trip to the principal's office. In the cinemas, however, it's a different story.
Charlie Brown, as usual, can't seem to do much of anything right on the ball field, or while trying to fly a kite. Linus Van Pelt tries to cheer him up the next day, saying that people learn more by losing than winning. Later on, Charlie Brown stops by Lucy's psychiatry booth, where she says she can point out his faults better than anyone else, via slide projector and a screen in the Van Pelt house.
Before school, Lucy teases Charlie Brown by suggesting he enter the spelling bee, which Linus seriously thinks would be a good idea. To the surprise of everyone, Charlie Brown finishes first in his class, and is told that he'll be competing against other kids in school. He, Linus, and Snoopy go home, hit the books, and make up a song called "I Before E, Except After C". Charlie Brown almost loses, but thanks to Snoopy's timely intervention outside, he wins the spelling bee. The gang cheerfully follows him home, singing a song called "Champion Charlie Brown". Later on, he is told that Lucy signed him up to take part in a national spelling bee to be held in New York. He hits the books again, and starts worrying about his bad luck.
Charlie Brown departs for New York, but only after Linus gives him his security blanket for good luck, This proves to be a bad move for Linus, and after suffering from withdrawal, he talks Snoopy into going to New York to find Charlie Brown and get his blanket back. After a lengthy search throughout town, they find it. Next, it's the spelling bee at Radio City Music Hall, where Charlie Brown somehow snatches defeat from the jaws of victory at the worst possible moment. But remarkably, the world didn't end.
Highly, highly recommended.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
Original airdate: December 9, 2003.
Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales
Original airdate: December 8, 2002
Buy at Amazon (discontinued).
Rerun Van Pelt, envious of Charlie Brown owning Snoopy, wants a dog for Christmas, but his family thinks he'll shoot his eye out. Actually, no, they just think Rerun isn't capable of the responsibilities of caring for a dog. He usually asks Charlie Brown if he can play with Snoopy, even offering to buy him for sixteen cents. Snoopy quickly tires of Rerun's idea of fun and games, and begins to snub the youngest Van Pelt. Instead, Snoopy asks his brother Spike to come in from Needles, California. Horrified at his lack of weight thanks to living in a desert, the family takes him in. Spike gains some weight, but opts to return to California after a while.
Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales is another series of vignettes:
Snoopy tries to get Lucy to join him in the skating show, but obviously, she's only interested in Schroeder. Snoopy dresses like Santa Claus to work as a bell ringer to raise money, choosing to play "Oh! Susanna" on accordion, which isn't very Christmasy.
Linus Van Pelt can't decide what kind of letter he should to send to Santa, and also tries to win the heart of a strange girl in his class who changes her name every day.
Sally Brown decides to give everyone paper airplanes for Christmas, and discovers that "Samantha Claus" is actually Santa Claus, causing her great embarrassment at school. She also decides to go "fall down" a tree for Christmas, since she doesn't know how to chop one down.
Meanwhile, Lucy struggles with "being nice", hoping to get Schroeder and Linus to give her presents. Also, Charlie Brown and Sally prepare for Christmas together.
Recommended.
Original airdate: December 9, 2003.
Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales
Original airdate: December 8, 2002
Buy at Amazon (discontinued).
Rerun Van Pelt, envious of Charlie Brown owning Snoopy, wants a dog for Christmas, but his family thinks he'll shoot his eye out. Actually, no, they just think Rerun isn't capable of the responsibilities of caring for a dog. He usually asks Charlie Brown if he can play with Snoopy, even offering to buy him for sixteen cents. Snoopy quickly tires of Rerun's idea of fun and games, and begins to snub the youngest Van Pelt. Instead, Snoopy asks his brother Spike to come in from Needles, California. Horrified at his lack of weight thanks to living in a desert, the family takes him in. Spike gains some weight, but opts to return to California after a while.
Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales is another series of vignettes:
Snoopy tries to get Lucy to join him in the skating show, but obviously, she's only interested in Schroeder. Snoopy dresses like Santa Claus to work as a bell ringer to raise money, choosing to play "Oh! Susanna" on accordion, which isn't very Christmasy.
Linus Van Pelt can't decide what kind of letter he should to send to Santa, and also tries to win the heart of a strange girl in his class who changes her name every day.
Sally Brown decides to give everyone paper airplanes for Christmas, and discovers that "Samantha Claus" is actually Santa Claus, causing her great embarrassment at school. She also decides to go "fall down" a tree for Christmas, since she doesn't know how to chop one down.
Meanwhile, Lucy struggles with "being nice", hoping to get Schroeder and Linus to give her presents. Also, Charlie Brown and Sally prepare for Christmas together.
Recommended.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Original airdate: December 9, 1965.
It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown
Original airdate: November 27, 1992.
Available at Amazon.
The old holiday classic. Charlie Brown feels depressed despite the upcoming holiday season. Taking Lucy's advice at the neighborhood psychiatric booth, he takes charge of the local Christmas play, or at least he tries to, as the gang seems more interested in dancing onstage than rehearsing. Charlie Brown decides that a tree would help things better, but instead of a glorious looking Christmas tree, he picks out a baby tree, much to the chagrin of the gang. Linus eases the tension by quoting the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke (verses 8 through 14, for the record). Inspired again, Charlie Brown goes out to decorate his little tree, but one ornament is a little too heavy for the branches. After leaving, the rest of the gang, led by Linus and wanting to make things up to Charlie Brown, show up and decorate the tree, turning it into a beautiful Christmas tree. Cue "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", and the show's over.
It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown debuted on CBS in late 1992, focusing on Charlie Brown trying to sell wreaths door to door, and later, selling his comic book collection to buy a pair of gloves for a girl named Peggy Jean. Peppermint Patty frets over her Christmas book report, and the whole gang takes part in another Christmas play, where Sally ruins the whole thing by messing up her one line.
Recommended.
Original airdate: December 9, 1965.
It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown
Original airdate: November 27, 1992.
Available at Amazon.
The old holiday classic. Charlie Brown feels depressed despite the upcoming holiday season. Taking Lucy's advice at the neighborhood psychiatric booth, he takes charge of the local Christmas play, or at least he tries to, as the gang seems more interested in dancing onstage than rehearsing. Charlie Brown decides that a tree would help things better, but instead of a glorious looking Christmas tree, he picks out a baby tree, much to the chagrin of the gang. Linus eases the tension by quoting the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke (verses 8 through 14, for the record). Inspired again, Charlie Brown goes out to decorate his little tree, but one ornament is a little too heavy for the branches. After leaving, the rest of the gang, led by Linus and wanting to make things up to Charlie Brown, show up and decorate the tree, turning it into a beautiful Christmas tree. Cue "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", and the show's over.
It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown debuted on CBS in late 1992, focusing on Charlie Brown trying to sell wreaths door to door, and later, selling his comic book collection to buy a pair of gloves for a girl named Peggy Jean. Peppermint Patty frets over her Christmas book report, and the whole gang takes part in another Christmas play, where Sally ruins the whole thing by messing up her one line.
Recommended.
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