A Charlie Brown Christmas
Movie Details:
| Based on | Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz |
| Country | United State |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Christmas, Family, Comedy |
| Release date | December 9, 1965 |
| Running time | 25min |
| Age rating | TV-G |
| Starring | Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford, Sally Dryer |
| Directed by | Bill Melendez |
| Written by | Charles M. Schulz |
| Produced by | Bill Melendez |
| Edited by | Robert T. Gillis, Running time |
| Music by | Vince Guaraldi |
| Production Company | Lee Mendelson Film Productions Bill Melendez Productions |
| Distributor | CBS |
| Network | CBS |
| Budget | $76,000-96,000 |
Cast & Characters:
- Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown
- Christopher Shea as Linus van Pelt
- Tracy Stratford as Lucy van Pelt
- Kathy Steinberg as Sally Brown
- Chris Doran as Schroeder and Shermy
- Geoffrey Orstein as Pig-Pen
- Sally Dryer as Violet
- Ann Altieri as Frieda
- Bill Melendez as Snoopy
- Karen Mendelson as Patty
Storyline:
Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer. And for Peanuts fans everywhere, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic holiday delight. Christmas lights may be twinkling red and green, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. To get in the holiday spirit, he takes Lucy’s advice and directs the Christmas play. And what’s a Christmas play without a Christmas tree? But everyone makes fun of the short, spindly nevergreen Charlie Brown brings back – until the real meaning of Christmas works its magic once again
About A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie:
A Charlie Brown Christmas is an animated television special that marks the first TV adaptation of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts comic strip. Directed by Bill Melendez and produced by Lee Mendelson, the special features the voices of Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown, along with Tracy Stratford, Christopher Shea, and Bill Melendez himself.
Plot Summary
The story follows Charlie Brown, who feels depressed despite the holiday season’s cheerfulness. Seeking a deeper meaning to Christmas, he becomes the director of a neighborhood Christmas play. However, his efforts are met with indifference and mockery from his friends, especially when he chooses a small, scraggly tree as the centerpiece for the production.
As Charlie struggles with feelings of inadequacy and frustration, he ultimately discovers that Christmas is about more than commercialism and decorations. In a pivotal moment, Linus Van Pelt recites a passage from the Gospel of Luke, sharing the true meaning of Christmas with Charlie and their friends.
Production Details
The special was produced on a modest budget and took six months to complete. Notably, it was one of the first animated specials to use real children’s voices instead of adult actors, lending an authentic charm to the characters. The soundtrack features a memorable jazz score by Vince Guaraldi, which has become iconic in its own right.
Despite initial skepticism from CBS executives regarding its slow pacing and serious tone—especially for a children’s program—the special aired successfully on December 9, 1965. It received high ratings and critical acclaim, winning both an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award.
Reception and Legacy
A Charlie Brown Christmas has become a perennial holiday classic, cherished by audiences for its heartfelt message and sincerity. It has been broadcast annually for decades, becoming an integral part of Christmas traditions in many households. The special’s themes of friendship, love, and the true spirit of Christmas resonate with viewers of all ages.
In recent years, it has transitioned to streaming on Apple TV+, but its legacy continues as one of the most beloved Christmas specials in television history. The combination of its simple animation style, poignant storytelling, and memorable music has solidified its place as a timeless classic that captures the essence of the holiday season.