I probably watched this half hour show the first time it was on television. It was 1965 and I was two years old. I can't believe I just told you my age. I have watched this half hour special at least thirty times. I think that says much about the film.

As a child this show was a Christmas special every year that my family wouldn't miss. I am sure that it is still being shown during the Christmas holiday season.

Why has this wonderful special endured for all these many years? I think the theme of the movie is one that we as Americans are still struggling with today. How do we not lose the true meaning of Christmas in the commercialization our society pulls us into?

This animated special by Charles Schultz begins with our main character Charlie Brown depressed and lonely during the Christmas season. Lucy giving him advice suggests that Charlie Brown take over the direction of the school play. The Peanut gang is sure with Charlie Brown at the helm the play will be a disaster.

Charlie Brown decides to take a break from the play and chose a tree for the set. He picks out the thinnest and most scraggly tree he can find. Charlie Brown takes lots of ribbing from the gang saying that he can't get anything right including choosing a Christmas tree. He loves and nourishes the tree and amazingly the tree flourishes under his loving touch.

This family special is amazing. It brings us back to the real meaning of the Christmas season with the telling of the Christmas story through the students play. I love the way it is told from the point of view of a child.

In the end the whole gang sees the point that Charlie Brown is trying to make. They take down Snoopy's gaudy Christmas lights that he has decorating his dog house and uses them on Charlie Brown's tree.

Most people who know Charles Schultz work will not be disappointed with this special. All of the familiar characters are found in this thirty minute show such as; Charlie Brown, Lucy Van Pelt, Snoopy, Violet, Frieda, Linus Van Pelt, Schroeder, Pig Pen, Sally Brown, and Peppermint Patty.

Vince Guarardi is the composer of the timeless music that is an important part of the story. It is directed by Bill Melendez.

You can buy this movie online at most of the sites that sell movie relatively inexpensively. Look for it in your movie store or at your library in the holiday section.

I got my copy of this movie from a Shell station when I had 700 dollars worth of work done on my car. I was glad to add it to my collection of Charles Schultz specials. I also own "It's the Easter Beagle" and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown".

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS