"A Charlie Brown Christmas" may have introduced the lovable comics cartoon characters of "Peanuts" to television, but "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" follow-up special that is still regarded as the breakaway visual achievement of the show. That particular show debuted 50 years ago this month.
The Show Will Be Aired Again
The premiere of the original "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" show was aired on Oct. 27, 1966. ABC will again air it at 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT Wednesday night. Lee Mendelson, executive producer of the show told TV Insider that "Mr. Schulz liked it just as much," as "A Charlie Brown Christmas" special.
Mendelson also said that "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was produced because of the desire of CBS to repeat the success of the "A Charlie Brown Christmas" special. "It was that simple," he explained. Most of the child actors from the previous special reprised their roles in "Pumpkin."
Why "Pumpkin" Is Greater Visually Than "Charlie Brown Christmas"
"It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was actually produced quickly because the TV network was encouraged by the success of the previous Christmas special. Schulz and Mendelson quickly wrote the story and even spent late nights to complete the fall special.
The TV special "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was more visually attractive because of the animator, Bill Littlejohn created spectacular watercolor skies and luxurious autumn hues that gave all the scenes their respective moods, aside from the interesting cartoon characters. In that way, Melendez was able to paint not only motion but emotion as well.
Mendelson also commends Vince Guaraldi who composed the songs. He felt that Guaraldi was also essential to bringing the story to life. "His music really helped create the atmosphere," he said. Don't forget to watch the original "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" to see what the fuzz is all about.
