Peanuts- You Don't Look 40 Charlie Brown [VHS]

40?That was 1989 try nearing 60!!!!!!!
Charles Schultz,at least to me is an American pop culture icon.I doubt I will get any arguement on this-his Peanuts comic strips and classic TV specials have delighted and entertained millions of literally every age and walk of life for generations.Why?Because the themes are universal-each character has a little bit of the human race in every one-Lucy's snottiness,Peppermint Pattie's over assertiveness,Marcie's awkwardness,Linus's insecurity,Sally's immaturity and Snoopy's lovable liveliness and of course Charlie Brown-basically an animated version of Schultz himself-a little wishy washy but with alot of courage and a willingness to keep trying despite knowing he'll probably lose.Well in 'Sparky's case he won out big time,namely by imparting to young people they should never fear being a failiar by using Charlie Brown as the ever present example.And yeah-as this special shows through musical tributes,discussions and even some rare clips from the Peanuts inspired off Broadway production no:Charlie Brown will probably always have his kite eaten and will doubtful ever win a baseball game.But will keep flying his kite,he will keep trying to steal home and the little red haired girl DID kiss him-once.And that is the most important lesson and as I've discoverd not always as easy in application as it could be-don't always expect to succeed at everything but NEVER stop trying.And this tribute does honor to Schultz and my personal favorite Peanuts character-round headed Charlie Brown.

10 Years Before Charlie Brown's Retirement
I remember when this special 1st aired on TV. Since I got to witness the debut of most of the Charlie Brown specials made in the 1970's, I had to see this one. It features clips from the original specials and movies (mentioning the success of the long-running Broadway Play "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown") and pulls a plug for the jazz CD Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown, featuring David Benoit, Dave Brubeck, Kenny G, and BB King (BB King is featured in this special doing a reading of the "Joe Cool" theme). It also features interviews with the late, great Mr. Schulz and even Cathy Guisewite, creator of the "Cathy" series. The sappy song at the end is a little sappy for me (making it seem a little dated). But this documentary brings back memories of 10 years ago when Charles Schulz wasn't even thinking of retiring!