Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 3 wins & 3 nominations total
- Frieda
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Schroeder
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- …
- Violet
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Snoopy
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Patty
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Pig-Pen
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Charlie Brown
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Linus Van Pelt
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Sally Brown
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Lucy Van Pelt
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Animated Holiday Films for the Family
Animated Holiday Films for the Family
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen viewing the rough cut of the show, both Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson were convinced that they had a flop on their hands. After it premiered, they were happily surprised and shocked at the high ratings and excellent reviews that the show received. Today, the show remains the second longest-running Christmas special on US network television (the 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) premiered one year earlier and is still broadcast every year on US network television).
- GoofsWhen Schroeder and Lucy are discussing what Beethoven contributed, he stops playing the piano, but the piano doesn't stop right away.
- Quotes
Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.
[shouting in desperation]
Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward center stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[the lights dim, and a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:"
[Linus drops his security blanket on purpose]
Linus Van Pelt: "for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Luke 2:8-14 KJV]
Linus Van Pelt: [silent pause as Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
- Alternate versionsOriginal uncut telecast version featured sponsor plugs within the context of the film. During the main title sequence we see Snoopy tossing both Charlie Brown and Linus during the opening "Christmas Time Is Here" song. Charlie crashes into a tree as the main title credits are seen (as we have all been familiar with over the years). However, all current prints do not show us what happens to Linus...in the uncut version, Linus crashes into a Coca-Cola sign (indicating the show's sponsor). Also, after the final credits (while the Peanuts gang sing "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"), there is a subtitle that says "Merry Christmas from your local Coca-Cola bottler". Due to subsequent FCC laws precluding sponsor plugs in the context of children's programs, these two elements have been edited out of all current prints (even in the so-called "uncut" versions shown on CBS, as well as all home video releases from Paramount and Warner Bros.).
- ConnectionsEdited into A Charlie Brown Kwanzaa (2000)
- SoundtracksChristmas Time Is Here
(uncredited)
Music by Vince Guaraldi
Lyrics by Lee Mendelson
Performed by the The Vince Guaraldi Trio and members of the choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, San Rafael, California
This is only one of many `holiday' offerings featuring the Peanuts gang (at least two of which, `It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' and `A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,' are especially endearing), but it's the real jewel in the crown among the many treasures to emerge from the vivid and fertile imagination of Charles Schulz. Without a doubt, `A Charlie Brown Christmas,' which premiered in 1965, has since become a cherished classic in it's own right. In this one, Charlie Brown gets picked by Lucy to direct their Christmas play, but he runs into some trouble picking out a proper Christmas tree. And Snoopy gets caught up in the commercialism of the season by entering the neighborhood decorating contest, adorning his dog house with such an array of lights and trim that it just may have a chance at winning the grand prize. But the most memorable moment of the film belongs to Linus, when he takes the spotlight to explain in his own inimitable way what Christmas really means. it's poignant and heart-felt; a moment that remains touching no matter how many times you see it. It's beautifully expressed, and in it's simplicity speaks volumes about the things that really matter in our lives.
The cast includes the voices of Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown), Christopher Shea (Linus), Tracy Stratford (Lucy), Sally Dryer (Violet), Karen Mendelson (Patty), Kathy Steinberg (Sally), Geoffrey Ornstein (Pig-pen), Chris Doran (Schroeder), Ann Altieri (Freida), Pamelyn Ferdin (also Lucy) and Bill Melendez (Snoopy). A fitting tribute to a man who gave us so much, `A Charlie Brown Christmas' is a story that will find it's way into the hearts of generation after generation, a timeless tale filled with humanity and universal appeal. Warm and entertaining, this is a film that can be seen over and over again without ever losing it's charm or it's magic. Charles M. Schulz may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! I rate this one 10/10.
Holiday Movie Posters We Love
Holiday Movie Posters We Love
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Fröhliche Weihnachten, Charlie Brown
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $150,000 (estimated)