Posted on 12/25/2022 12:19:33 PM PST by Retain Mike
On Dec. 9, 1965, a young boy threw up his hands in despair and shouted, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
“Sure, Charlie Brown,” the boy’s friend, Linus, answered. “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
Dragging his trademark security blanket, Linus walked to the center of the school auditorium stage, where friends were rehearsing a Christmas play.
“Lights, please,” Linus said.
A spotlight clicked on. Then Linus delivered one of the most memorable monologues in television history: an account of Christ’s birth, recited word for word from the Gospel of Luke. It lasted a solid minute.
CBS beamed A Charlie Brown Christmas into roughly half the viewing homes in America. Every year since, families across the nation and around the world have adopted the beloved television special into their own Christmas traditions.
(Excerpt) Read more at wng.org ...
With a name of Van Pelt, more likely Dutch reformed.
Wonder if they were related to former Giants great Brad Van Pelt?
As much as I'd like to claim the endearing character of Linus for Catholics, in the show he quotes from the Protestant King James Bible. In the time period of the show (circa 1965), Catholics more likely would be quoting from either the venerable Douay-Rheims version or from the short-lived Confraternity version.
Awww, I had forgotten that scene. Then Linus wraps the red blanket around the base of the little tree...
lump in my throat
If you liked that, Linus dropping his blanket during his soliloquy was a metaphor for releasing his fear to Christ.
Yes.
Of course, you are right.
Forgot about this.
The error extends to the translation of the final few words of the passage from Luke, intoned by Linus as “And on earth, peace, good will toward men.”
Whereas the proper translation of the full verse of scripture so noted is as follows:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth to men of good will.”. Luke 2:14 (Douay Rheims)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace to men of good will.”. Luke 2:14 (Douay Rheims)
That is correct.
It was their mother, Nancy Shea (RIP), who promoted her children in the film business. Christopher Shea (RIP) was the voice of Linus. We got to know Nancy as she was our neighbor and we got the chance to meet Christopher and his beautiful family a few times. Whenever I hear the Charlie Brown jazz being played on the radio I think of the Sheas and the tremendous gift they gave humanity.
Thanks for sharing that.
CBS also passed on Star Trek in favor of Lost in Space. That should also tell you about their judgement at the time.
“They also hated that real kid’s voice actors were used, that there was no laugh-track, and of course the quoting of Scripture by Linus. All of these things Charles Schultz (a former Sunday school teacher) insisted on. Since the whole thing was made in about three months and the network had already committed advertising to it in TV Guide and other places, it went on as planned. They just knew it would bomb, but it turned out otherwise.”
It's frightening how fast things have gone downhill in our country since the wonderful Charlie Brown's Christmas first aired on TV. Prayers up indeed... this country needs saving, and fast.
Very interesting... thanks for sharing.
💖bookmark
Joining you in prayers for our nation to be saved.
The world now is so ugly and destructive toward children. Many dark forces are constantly trying to steal their innocence away. Charlie Brown Christmas is needed today more than ever.
I was 11 or 12 at the time, but I remember having the impression that each of the three major TV networks had their own distinct personality. A lot of CBS shows seemed like they were aimed at older folks, kind of staid and safe with an occasional fun show. ABC seemed a lot more hip and fun and aimed at younger people. NBC seemed kind of middle of the road: largely staid, but with a fun show now and then.
I know these were generalizations, but I was only 11 or 12. I watched a ton of TV in those days, as I think a lot of kids did. It was a lot better then.
That was sort of my impression. CBS stuck with the rural shows that appealed to an older audience through the Sixties. They thought they had the best news department, so they were pretty stuck up, and were called the Tiffany network, even though they gave us “Gilligan’s Island.” Even more recently, I would sometimes watch things on other channels, but not on CBS. Too boring, too conventional.
ABC though, seemed more desperate back then. They were the little brother trying hard to keep up with the big boys.
Yes, well said.
I’ve never heard that, but it’s a fascinating tidbit. Was it something going around in religious circles?
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