Play It Again, Charlie Brown
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by Charles M. Schulz
| Play It Again, Charlie Brown | |
|---|---|
 Title card | |
| Genre | Animated television special |
| Based on | Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz |
| Written by | Charles M. Schulz |
| Directed by | Bill Melendez |
| Voices of |
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| Music by | Vince Guaraldi |
| Opening theme | "Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Opus 2, No. 3; I: Allegro Con Brio" |
| Ending theme | "Play It Again, Charlie Brown" |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producers |
|
| Editors | Bob Gillis Chuck McCann Rudy Zamora, Jr. |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | March 28, 1971 |
| Related | |
Play It Again, Charlie Brown is the seventh prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It originally aired on CBS on March 28, 1971.[1]
This was the first Peanuts TV special of the 1970s, airing nearly a year and a half after It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown. (The feature film A Boy Named Charlie Brown had been released in between the two specials.) It was also the first special to focus on a character other than Charlie Brown or Snoopy.
It also marked the first time someone other than Peter Robbins voiced Charlie Brown, which in this case was Chris Inglis as the character, since Robbins' voice deepened after the previous special. Also, all the other remaining original actors from the first special, except for Bill Melendez, were replaced by someone else. This left Bill Melendez as the only original actor remaining, until his death on September 2, 2008. However, recordings of his voice were used in later Peanuts animated media.
Lucy repeatedly attempts to capture Schroeder's attention as he practices diligently on his toy piano. True to character, Schroeder remains entirely focused on his music, particularly the works of Ludwig von Beethoven, and shows no interest in Lucy's persistent romantic overtures. Frustrated by his indifference, Lucy devises a plan that she believes will both elevate Schroeder's musical talents and bring him closer to her.
She arranges for Schroeder to perform at the school's upcoming PTA meeting, hoping that a public performance will garner admiration for him and, by extension, for her efforts. Upon learning of the invitation, Schroeder is initially apprehensive but ultimately agrees, under the impression that he will be allowed to present selections from the classical repertoire he so reveres.
However, on the day of the performance, Schroeder is taken aback to discover that the PTA organizers expect him to play popular or contemporary music instead of classical pieces. They regard Beethoven and other classical composers as outdated and unsuitable for the event's tone. Schroeder, deeply offended and unwilling to compromise his artistic principles, refuses to alter his program. Lucy attempts to persuade him to conform to the PTA's expectations, but Schroeder remains resolute in his decision. The disagreement culminates in the cancellation of the recital. Lucy is left disappointed, her well-intentioned plan having failed to achieve either artistic success or emotional connection.
Lucy makes one last appeal to Schroeder, who, undeterred by the day's events, resumes playing his piano in solitude.
Voice cast
- Danny Hjelm as Schroeder
- Pamelyn Ferdin as Lucy van Pelt
- Stephen Shea as Linus van Pelt
- Lynda Mendelson as Frieda
- Hilary Momberger as Sally Brown
- Chris Inglis as Charlie Brown and Pig-Pen
- Kip DeFaria as Peppermint Patty
