A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the program made its debut on CBS on December 9, 1965. The special has become a holiday classic and is notable for its jazz soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi.
Plot[edit | edit source]
The story begins with Charlie Brown feeling depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season. He confides in Linus van Pelt, who suggests that Charlie Brown direct the school Christmas play. Charlie Brown accepts, but his efforts are met with apathy and ridicule from his peers.
In an attempt to restore the true spirit of Christmas, Charlie Brown sets out to find a proper Christmas tree. He chooses a small, real tree, which is met with laughter and scorn from the other children. Disheartened, Charlie Brown questions the true meaning of Christmas. Linus then recites the Annunciation to the shepherds from the Gospel of Luke, which restores Charlie Brown's faith.
The children, feeling remorseful, decorate the little tree, transforming it into a beautiful centerpiece. They all join together to sing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", celebrating the true spirit of Christmas.
Production[edit | edit source]
The special was commissioned and sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. Despite initial skepticism from the network, the special was completed on a tight budget and schedule. The animation was done by Bill Melendez Productions, and the soundtrack, composed by Vince Guaraldi, has become iconic.
Music[edit | edit source]
The soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of the most beloved aspects of the special. Composed by Vince Guaraldi, it features a mix of traditional Christmas music and original compositions. The album includes tracks such as "Christmas Time Is Here" and "Linus and Lucy".
Reception[edit | edit source]
Upon its initial broadcast, A Charlie Brown Christmas received critical acclaim and high ratings. It has since won several awards, including an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award. The special has been rebroadcast annually in the United States and has been released on various home media formats.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
A Charlie Brown Christmas has had a lasting impact on popular culture and is considered a quintessential holiday special. It has inspired numerous adaptations, including stage productions and a live-action/animated hybrid film. The special's themes of commercialism versus the true meaning of Christmas continue to resonate with audiences.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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- 1965 television specials
- American Christmas television specials
- Peanuts television specials
- CBS television specials
- Emmy Award-winning programs
- Peabody Award-winning television programs
- Television shows directed by Bill Melendez
- Television shows written by Charles M. Schulz
- Television specials by Lee Mendelson
- Television stubs
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
