The tale of Charlie Brown’s quest to rekindle his Christmas spirit has been a seasonal television favorite since it premiered December 9, 1965, on CBS. With its lively jazz soundtrack by Grammy-winning pianist and jazz musician Vince Guaraldi, impeccable child cast and charming animation style, it’s no wonder the special has stood the test of time. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” producer Lee Mendelson once explained why:
“Charlie Brown’s message, decrying the commercialization of Christmas, is even more relevant today than it was in 1965.”
In the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie tells his best friend Linus that he’s depressed, lamenting the over-commercialization of Christmas. When he seeks advice from Lucy, she suggests that he direct the local Christmas play to bolster his holiday spirit and he agrees. What follows is a heartwarming tale in which Charlie struggles to control his boisterous cast before seeking out a tree to set the mood for the pageant. In true Charlie Brown fashion, his peers ridicule his choice and Charlie implores someone to tell him what Christmas is all about. Linus then reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas by reciting a passage from the Gospel of Luke, recounting how angels joyfully announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds.
Charlie Brown creator Charles M. Schulz was the one who insisted that Linus read the passage from the Bible, even though Mendelson and director Bill Melendez reportedly wanted to shy away from such a display, believing that religion was too controversial a subject for a TV Christmas special. In fact, network executives were convinced that the program would be a disaster because of its simple animation, lack of laugh track and cast of child actors. Schulz insisted on his vision, however, and the program struck a chord with viewers and critics. Network execs quickly changed their tune after the program’s premiere, which attracted almost half of TV viewers that night.
Before we can enjoy the digitally remastered version of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” this holiday season, Bell steps up to host a retrospective special honoring the Christmas classic. In “It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown,” she welcomes celebrities andmusical guests who share their most cherished “A Charlie Brown Christmas” moments. The one-hour spectacular also features live performances of some classic Guaraldi scores and some new tunes, such as Kristen Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies” ) singing a rendition of “Happiness” from the “Peanuts” Broadway hit and Matthew Morrison (“Glee” ) performing an original song entitled “Just Like Me.” Some of the other artists scheduled to lend their vocal talents to the special include Sarah McLachlan, Pentatonix, Boyz II Men, The All-American Boys Chorus and David Benoit.
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone,” Schulz once famously said. The legendary cartoonist’s “little something” has inspired countless people, young and old, to hold the true meaning of the season in their hearts for 50 years now. “It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” herald this Yuletide season in a very special way. Don’t miss the star-studded tribute and the iconic special when they first air Monday, Nov. 30. The two specials will both be rebroadcast on Christmas Eve.
