A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charles Schulz NYWTS

Charlie Brown Xmas tree

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a landmark American animated television special that has captivated audiences since its debut on December 9, 1965. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the special is the first TV outing for the characters from the Charles M. Schulz comic strip, Peanuts. It tells the story of Charlie Brown's search for the true meaning of Christmas, in the midst of the commercialism he sees around him.

Plot

The special opens with Charlie Brown feeling depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season. Lucy suggests he direct a neighborhood Christmas play to get in the spirit. During rehearsals, Charlie Brown becomes frustrated with the commercial attitude of his friends. In an attempt to set the right tone, he decides to get a Christmas tree for the play. Instead of picking a big aluminum tree, he chooses a small, feeble real tree. His choice is ridiculed by his peers, leading him to question the true meaning of Christmas.

Linus, Charlie Brown's best friend, comes to his aid by reciting the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke, reminding everyone of the holiday's true significance. This heartwarming moment leads to a change of heart among the children, who then come together to decorate Charlie Brown's tree, transforming it into a beautiful symbol of the season.

Production

The production of A Charlie Brown Christmas was a gamble; CBS executives were initially skeptical about several elements, including the use of child voice actors, the absence of a laugh track, and the inclusion of a biblical passage. However, Schulz and his team stood firm on these decisions, which ultimately contributed to the special's unique charm and enduring appeal.

The jazz-infused soundtrack, composed by Vince Guaraldi, became iconic in its own right, further setting the special apart from other holiday programming of the era.

Reception

Upon its release, A Charlie Brown Christmas received critical acclaim and high viewership, quickly becoming a staple of holiday television. It has won numerous awards, including the Emmy and Peabody Awards. Critics and audiences alike praised its heartfelt message, simple yet effective animation, and memorable music.

Legacy

The special's success led to the production of numerous other Peanuts television specials and films. Its message about the true meaning of Christmas and critique of commercialism remain relevant, making A Charlie Brown Christmas a timeless classic that continues to be broadcast annually.