The special centers around themelancholic but relatable Charlie Brownas he searches for the meaning of Christmas. He and his otherPeanuts friends explore mature themes, all intercut with scenes of holiday activity and even the occasional Bible verse. Though the special has become an American classic and set a television precedent, there are manylittle-known facts aboutA Charlie Brown Christmas, including its rocky development before its release.
Hardly Anyone Thought A Charlie Brown Christmas Would Do Well (Including Its Director)
The Production Was Rushed On A Low Budget
After the work was completed but before its official premiere, Melendez still thought the special was a failure.
After the work was completed but before its official premiere, Melendez still thought the special was a failure. This fear was amplified by the film’s unusual tone and music, as well as the untrained child actors voicing the characters, whichproducers and the network thought the video seemed unprofessional. The special was originally only going to air once to fulfill the contractual obligation with Coca-Cola. However, the special aired on CBS to an estimated 15.5 million homes, many of whom found comfort in the comic strip brought to life.
Why A Charlie Brown Christmas Is Still Popular Decades Later
Its Enduring Themes Paved The Way For The Peanuts Franchise
A Charlie Brown Christmasset a precedent for half-hour animated holiday specials. This includedHow The Grinch Stole Christmas!the following year andFrosty the Snowman. Previous to this, Christmas specials were typically an hour long. The short and palatable special has become a staple on many audience’s holiday watch lists due to its enduring themes and lovable characters.The special also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program in 1966and a Peabody Award.
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Not only didA Charlie Brown Christmashelp the holiday genre, butthe specialpaved the way for many other Peanuts television films. In their first official non-commercial animated appearance,A Charlie Brown Christmasestablished the franchise’s style and themes, as well as its iconic vocals and musical score. With over 40 other television films, the Peanuts world was developed, becoming more widely known and beloved among audiences. Almost six decades sinceA Charlie Brown Christmas' premiere, it is still considered a holiday classic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Cast
Released in 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas is an animated holiday television movie directed by Bill Melendez. The Peanuts gang are brought together during the Christmas season when Charlie Brown is chosen to direct a holiday Christmas play for his neighborhood. Despite his depression during the season, the group comes together to create a memorable Christmas event.
