4 posts tagged “charlie brown”
I have been a Peanuts fan for as long as I can remember. Hell, to this day, my dream is to be just like Snoopy fighting the Red Baron in his WWI plane. It was a sad day for me when Sparky died, but I was able to revel in the display that St. Paul put on to support him and the Peanuts characters. It was a terrific memoriam and the statues were amazing.
Well, today we lost another one. Animator Bill Melendez was THE animator for The Charlie Brown Gang. Sure, he worked on Pinocchio and Fantasia, but I will always remember him from The Peanuts. I make it a point every holiday to watch the correlated Peanuts special. I don't know what it is, but there is something about that strip, those characters. There was a certain boldness and social commentary that you wouldn't find in comperable strips at the time. A Charlie Brown Christmas was controversial back then, and I don't think that any of our pinhead media moguls would greenlight such a project in today's climate of "OMG! We can't offend ANYONE!" I am grateful that it was made.
I am sad that the voice of Snoopy has died.
Linus van Pelt: In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice."
Peppermint Patty: Amen.
Is there anything better than the A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack expertly performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio? Depending on the context or the situation, I dare say not! Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, you can't deny the hushed ambience of 'My Little Drum' (based on the Little Drummer Boy), or the jazzy freakout of 'Linus and Lucy.' Sure the slightly piercing sound of children's voices singing 'Christmas Time Is Here' might not be everyone's cup of tea (I love it, since I am a HUGE!!! Peanuts fan), but that's what the sublime instrumental version is for. My personal favorite on this 11-song soundtrack is 'Skating,' which is just brushed drums, a walking bass, and some nimble piano work. Not your typical cartoon fare, this soundtrack was a revolution in cool back in the 60's when the cartoon first debuted (no I wasn't born then, thanks), and the timeless playing holds up today.
I have been having a rather uneventful weekend this weekend. I was however, able to watch a classic TV show that I love to death. Does anyone here not like "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"? I am a big Peanuts fan, and have been ever since I can remember. Hell, I grew up wanting to be Snoopy as he fought the Red Baron!!! It probably doesn't hurt that I live just an hour away from where Mr. Charles Schultz used to live.
I miss cartoons that had something to them. I mean some sort of meaning...heart...not a marketing plan. I am surprised that kids even watch cartoons any more truthfully. I don't know...I guess just seeing it again has me waxing nostalgic.
I hope that everyone has a great and Happy Halloween!
Cheers
Jerry
