A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A classic yearly Thanksgiving special. I am reviewing the animated television special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman, it takes place in America.

Starring Todd Barbee, Stephen Shea, and Christopher DeFaria, it was released on November 20, 1973.

As Charlie Brown has another holiday to worry about with Thanksgiving, his friend Peppermint Patty invites herself and two other kids to his house that day. In order to prepare for the occasion, he has his friend Linus and his dog Snoopy help him with the food. Will things go well?

The Peanuts television specials were classics that were great adaptations of the comic strip series. The holiday specials were probably the best, with the Halloween special, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and the Christmas special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, being watched regularly around those holidays. This is one of the classic Thanksgiving specials, considering how few of those there are compared to Halloween and Christmas. Like the other specials in the franchise, this has a simple idea with an entertaining execution. It has a nice story that shows off the likable kids and teaches a message. The special does show that Thanksgiving does not have to be traditional as long as the spirit is still intact.

Mixed in with the sentimental message is enjoyable comedy. One half is the stuff with the kids, the other half is the slapstick Snoopy and his bird friend Woodstock partake in. Seeing Snoopy get into a fight with a chair that comes to life is truly hysterical. These scenes add a layer of silliness that is needed for a cartoon special.

The characters are worth talking about too. Charlie Brown is a kid with a pessimistic look on life, which is hard to blame him for given misfortunes tend to happen to him, but he is still likable enough to root for. As mentioned above, Snoopy and Woodstock provide comic relief. Linus is a kid with an attachment to his blanket who does try to help out. Peppermint Patty is entertaining to watch for her brashness, while still being likable. Her friend Marcie is a good contrast to this, being much calmer and smarter.

Overall, this is a well made Thanksgiving special. I think most people know about and love Peanuts without me talking about this, but the franchise is worth watching. This is not a bad start if you have not watched anything in the franchise yet. It is a good way to celebrate the holiday.

With Thanksgiving, it is important to give back. This includes giving to the local holiday food drives. Go online to find websites related to where you can drop food off in your area with lists of most needed items. Raising awareness for this could not hurt either. Not everyone has access to food so this will really send a good message for Thanksgiving.