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{{short description|1973 television special}}
{{Infobox Film |
{{Infobox television
name =''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'' |
image = CharlieBrownThanksgiving.jpg |
| image = CBThanksgiving.jpg
| image_alt =
caption = DVD Cover (Paramount release)
| caption =
producer =[[Bill Meléndez|Bill Melendez]]<BR>[[Lee Mendelson]] |
| genre = Animated television special
writer = [[Charles M. Schulz]]<br> |
| creator = [[Charles M. Schulz]]
starring = Bill Melendez (Snoopy & Woodstock)<br>[[Todd Barbee]] (Charlie Brown)<br>[[Stephen Shea]] (Linus)<br>[[Hilary Momberger]] (Sally)<br>[[Robin Kohn]] (Lucy)<br>[[Christopher DeFaria]] (Peppermint Patty)<br> James Ahrens (Marcie)<br>Robin Reed (Franklin)<br> ''("Little Birdie" sung by [[Vince Guaraldi]])''|
| based_on = ''[[Peanuts]]''
director = Bill Melendez<br>[[Phil Roman]] |
| developer =
distributor = '''Television'''<br>[[CBS]]<br>'''Home Video'''<br>[[Paramount Pictures|Paramount Home Entertainment]] (VHS/DVD) (1973-2006) <br> [[Warner Home Video]] (DVD) (2007-) |
| writer = Charles M. Schulz
released = [[November 20]], [[1973]] |
| director = [[Bill Melendez]]<br />[[Phil Roman]]
runtime = 30 min. |
| creative_director =
language =English |
| presenter =
music = Vince Guaraldi |
| starring =
awards = 1973 [[Emmy Award]] winner |
| judges =
| voices = Bill Melendez<br />Todd Barbee<br />[[Stephen Shea]]<br />[[Hilary Momberger]]<br />[[Robin Kohn]]<br />[[Christopher DeFaria]]<br />Jimmy Ahrens<br />Robin Reed
| narrated =
| theme_music_composer = [[Vince Guaraldi]]
| opentheme = "Thanksgiving Theme"
| endtheme = "Thanksgiving Theme" (3rd reprise)
| composer = Vince Guaraldi<br>[[John Scott Trotter]]
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons =
| num_episodes =
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| producer = [[Lee Mendelson]]<br />Bill Melendez
| editor = Bob Gillis<br />Chuck McCann<br />Rudy Zamora, Jr.
| cinematography =
| camera =
| runtime = 25 minutes
| company = [[Lee Mendelson Film Productions]]<br>[[Bill Melendez Productions]]
| network = [[CBS]]
| released = {{Start date|1973|11|20}}
| related = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown]]'' (1973)
* ''[[It's a Mystery, Charlie Brown]]'' (1974)
}}
}}
}}
'''''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''''' is one of many [[prime-time]] [[animation|animated]] [[TV special]]s based upon the popular [[comic strip]] ''[[Peanuts]],'' by Charles M. Schulz. It was originally aired on the CBS network in 1973, and won an Emmy Award the following year. As of 2007, the special is aired every November in [[prime time]] on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network. The special was originally scheduled for a limited theatrical release by [[Kidtoon Films]] on [[November 1]], [[2008]], but was canceled being replaced by ''[[Barbie in a Christmas Carol]]''.


'''''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''''' is the tenth [[prime-time]] [[animation|animated]] [[television special]] based upon the [[comic strip]] ''[[Peanuts]],'' by [[Charles M. Schulz]]. It originally aired on the [[CBS]] network on November 20, 1973, and won an Emmy Award the following year.<ref name=Woolery>{{cite book |last1=Woolery |first1=George W. |title=Animated TV Specials: The Complete Directory to the First Twenty-Five Years, 1962-1987 |date=1989 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=0-8108-2198-2 |access-date=27 March 2020 |url=https://archive.org/details/animatedtvspecia0000wool/page/70/mode/2up |pages=70–71}}</ref> It was the third holiday special after ''[[A Charlie Brown Christmas]]'' in 1965 and ''[[It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown]]'' in 1966.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Solomon |first1=Charles |title=The Art and Making of Peanuts Animation: Celebrating Fifty Years of Television Specials |date=2012 |publisher=Chronicle Books |isbn=978-1452110912 |pages=112–115}}</ref> Except for the opening football gag, it is the first ''Peanuts'' TV special to have a completely original script without relying on the strip.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Popcorn & Jellybeans: Making A Thanksgiving Classic |type=Documentary film |publisher=[[Warner Home Video]] |year=2008 |edition=''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'' Remastered Deluxe DVD}}</ref>
This special has previously been released on DVD by Paramount. It was released on DVD by [[Warner Home Video]] in [[Remaster|remastered]] form on [[October 7]], [[2008]].<ref>[http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/a-charlie-brown-thanksgiving.html A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (US - DVD R1) in News > Releases at DVDActive]</ref> A [[Blu-Ray Disc]] version of the special will be released on [[October 6]], [[2008]] along with [[A Charlie Brown Christmas]], [[It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown]], and [[I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown]].


==Plot==
''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'' was sponsored by the fast-food restaurant [[McDonald's]].
In the [[cold open]], [[Lucy van Pelt|Lucy]] encourages [[Charlie Brown]] to try and kick her football to honor the tradition of [[American football on Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving football]], then as usual pulls the ball away just before Charlie Brown reaches it and tells him that some traditions fade away.


As the Brown siblings prepare to go to their grandmother's for [[Thanksgiving dinner]], Charlie Brown gets a phone call from [[Peppermint Patty]], whose father is out of town so she invites herself — and soon after, [[Marcie (Peanuts)|Marcie]] and [[Franklin (Peanuts)|Franklin]] — to the Browns' house for [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]], even though Charlie Brown is not having dinner there nor can he cook anything beyond "maybe [[toast (food)|toast]]." [[Linus van Pelt|Linus]] suggests that they prepare a [[Friendsgiving|Thanksgiving dinner for their friends]] before the Browns go to their own family meal and recruits [[Snoopy]] and [[Woodstock (Peanuts)|Woodstock]] to help; Snoopy sets up a [[ping pong]] table and chairs outside. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and Linus then prepare a feast of toast, pan-fried [[popcorn]], [[pretzel]] sticks, [[jelly bean]]s and [[sundae]]s.
==Summary==
The special opens with [[Lucy van Pelt|Lucy]] taunting [[Charlie Brown]], holding a [[Football_(ball)#American_and_Canadian_football|football]] for him to kick off the fall [[American football|football]] season. Wishy-washy Charlie Brown is talked into it, and once again Lucy pulls the ball away, sending Charlie Brown sprawling and landing flat on his back. ("Isn't it peculiar that all dreams fade away?")


After Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Franklin arrive, Linus leads the group in a prayer that details [[the First Thanksgiving]] before Snoopy serves the meal. Peppermint Patty, who expected [[Thanksgiving_dinner#Main_dishes|turkey]] and other [[Thanksgiving_dinner#Side_dishes|traditional Thanksgiving food]], angrily yells at Charlie Brown, who leaves the table dejected. Marcie suggests Peppermint Patty was too hard on Charlie Brown and asks whether he invited her or she just invited herself. Peppermint Patty, realizing she was in the wrong, asks Marcie to apologize to Charlie Brown on her behalf (unintentionally paralleling ''[[The Courtship of Miles Standish]]''). Marcie reluctantly agrees, but Peppermint Patty soon follows and apologizes directly. Realizing that he and [[Sally Brown|Sally]] are late for the Brown family dinner, Charlie Brown explains the situation over the phone to his grandmother, who invites all his friends to come along for dinner. On the drive over, they sing "[[Over the River and Through the Wood]]", but as they finish the song, Charlie Brown says there's one problem with that song: His grandmother lives in a [[condominium]], not a house.
Charlie Brown and [[Sally Brown|Sally]] are preparing to go to their grandmother's place for [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] dinner when Charlie Brown gets a phone call from [[Peppermint Patty]] who invites herself over to Charlie Brown's house for the holiday dinner. Two quick subsequent phone calls add [[Marcie (Peanuts)|Marcie]] and [[Franklin (Peanuts)|Franklin]] to the guest list, and since Charlie Brown can't get a word in edgewise with Patty, he quickly finds himself in a quandary with no easy solution -- at least not until [[Linus van Pelt|Linus]] shows up.


Snoopy and Woodstock go to Snoopy's doghouse and cook their own traditional Thanksgiving meal. They [[Furcula#In_folklore|break the wishbone]], with Woodstock receiving the larger piece. Over the end credits, the two eat [[pumpkin pie]].
Linus suggests to Charlie Brown that he could have '''two''' dinners: the first one for Patty and her friends, and then the second one at his grandmother's home, forcing Charlie Brown to admit that all he knows how to make is "cold cereal and maybe toast." Regardless, Linus recruits [[Snoopy]] and [[Woodstock (Peanuts)|Woodstock]] to set up a [[ping-pong]] table and chairs in the backyard (setting the table has its own problems as Snoopy goes toe-to-toe with an uncooperative, folding [[deckchair]]). Snoopy and Woodstock set the table, then help Charlie Brown and Linus with the food. When the food is readied, Snoopy and a defiant Woodstock go to Snoopy's doghouse and dress in [[pilgrim]] clothing and Snoopy holds a [[gun]], which catches Charlie Brown somewhat off-guard.


==Broadcast history==
The guests arrive, and they all make their way to the backyard for the "feast". Linus leads the group in prayer, and Snoopy serves up the food:
The special first aired on [[CBS]] on Tuesday, November 20, 1973, two days before Thanksgiving. It placed third in the Nielsen ratings for the week, behind ''All in the Family'' and ''Sanford & Son''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/24062188/?terms=%22charlie%20brown%20thanksgiving%22&match=1 | title=The van Nuys News 06 Dec 1973, page Page 131 }}</ref>


The special continued to air every year on CBS (skipping 1982, 1983, and 1988) through Nov. 23, 1989.
Each person gets:
:*Two slices of buttered [[toast]]
:*Some [[pretzel]] [[sticks]],
:*A handful of [[popcorn]], and
:*A few [[jelly beans]].


[[The Disney Channel]] and [[Nickelodeon]] returned the special for re-airing in the 1990s (in the latter channel's case, under the "You're on Nickelodeon, Charlie Brown" umbrella of productions) and then, in 2001, it moved, along with the rest of the ''Peanuts'' specials, to [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. In contrast to CBS, ABC aired the special every year through 2019, on several days in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and it regularly won its time slot.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20191202222111/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tv-ratings-wednesday-november-27-2019/ TV Ratings Wednesday: 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' wins the night, 'Survivor' dips]. ''TV by the Numbers'' (November 28, 2019). Retrieved November 30, 2019.</ref> As the special runs slightly over a half-hour with commercials, ABC typically filled the remaining portion of the full hour with other ''Peanuts'' programming. From 2008 to 2019, the remaining time was filled by a slightly abridged edit of "The Mayflower Voyagers," the premiere episode of the 1988 miniseries ''[[This Is America, Charlie Brown]]''.
At first Patty is shocked, but her shock quickly turns to outrage, and she angrily berates Charlie Brown for the "meal". Embarrassed and dejected, Charlie Brown timidly leaves the table and goes back into the house. Patty's tirade continues until Marcie gently reminds her that Charlie Brown didn't invite '''her''' to dinner; she invited '''herself''' -- along with Marcie and Franklin. Realizing Marcie is right, Patty comes to her senses and begs Marcie to go and apologize to Charlie Brown on her behalf. Marcie reluctantly does so, but Patty soon follows her and apologizes to Charlie Brown herself.


Starting in 2020, the special (along with the rest of the ''Peanuts'' library) has exclusively aired on [[Apple TV+]]; under the terms of the agreement, Apple TV+ must provide a three-day window in November in which the special is available for free. On November 18, 2020 Apple announced they had reached an agreement to air the special on Sunday, November 22, 2020, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, commercial free on [[PBS]] and [[PBS Kids]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/charlie-brown-pbs-apple-peanuts-tv-streaming-1234834757/|title = You're on PBS, Charlie Brown: Apple Will Share 'Peanuts' Holiday Specials with Public TV|date = 18 November 2020}}</ref> In accordance with most PBS affiliates' [[non-commercial educational]] licenses, the special was presented on PBS unedited without commercial interruption, with only a brief [[underwriting spot]] before and after the special: "This special broadcast of ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'' was made possible by [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]." Apple renewed the agreement with PBS in 2021<ref name="PBS2021">{{Cite web|url=https://www.whio.com/news/trending/its-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-returning-tv-this-year/WNH3MPQZYNH2HH4OQ4HXRPVEFQ|title='It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' returning to TV this year|first=Theresa|last=Seiger|date=October 25, 2021|accessdate=October 5, 2021|publisher=Cox Media Group}}</ref> but did not renew it for 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cavanaugh |first=Patrick |date=October 11, 2022 |title=It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Will Not Air on Broadcast TV This Year |url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/charlie-brown-great-pumpkin-halloween-streaming-apple-tv-plus/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Comicbook.com |language=en}}</ref>
In the midst of the quasi-feast, Charlie Brown loses track of the time -- he and Sally are supposed to be at their grandmother's home for dinner in half an hour. So he calls his grandmother to tell her that they're going to be a little late and to explain the situation -- that he has friends over and none of them have eaten yet. But his grandmother (voiced only by "tromboning", the specials' trademark muted trombone) suggests that he bring all his friends with him for Thanksgiving dinner; the idea is welcomed with cheers from everyone, including Snoopy himself.


The special is also broadcast in Canada, usually in early October in line with the [[Thanksgiving (Canada)|Canadian observance of Thanksgiving]]. The special is aired on [[Family Channel (Canadian TV network)|Family Channel]] as of 2018, with the special aired on the day before Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving Day, which takes place on the second Monday of October in Canada.
After Charlie Brown and the gang leave, Snoopy and Woodstock go to the doghouse and cook up their own traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with all the trimmings (they pull apart the wishbone, with Woodstock getting the bigger piece). Over the end credits the two friends each devour dessert -- a large piece of pumpkin pie, and then sit back with content smiles as Woodstock pats his full stomach.


==Voice actors==
* Todd Barbee as Charlie Brown
** [[Peter Robbins (actor)|Peter Robbins]] as Charlie Brown's screaming voice (archived)
* [[Robin Kohn]] as Lucy van Pelt
* [[Stephen Shea]] as Linus van Pelt
* [[Hilary Momberger]] as Sally Brown
* [[Christopher DeFaria]] as Peppermint Patty
* Jimmy Ahrens as Marcie
* Robin Reed as Franklin
* [[Bill Melendez]] as Snoopy and Woodstock


This is the last TV special that uses the same cast from ''[[Snoopy Come Home]]'', ''[[You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown]]'', and ''[[There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown]]''. In the next television special, Kohn, DeFaria, and Momberger would be succeeded in their respective roles by [[Melanie Kohn]] (Robin's younger sister), Donna Forman, and Lynn Mortensen, respectively.


===Quotes===
==Soundtrack==
{{Main|A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (soundtrack)}}
''[on route to Grandma's, the gang sing "[[Over the River and through the Woods]]". At the end of the song Charlie Brown comments:]''<br>
:'''Charlie Brown:''' Well, there's only one thing wrong with that.
:'''Linus:''' What's that, Charlie Brown?
:'''Charlie Brown:''' My grandmother lives in a [[condominium]].


The soundtrack for ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'' was composed by [[Vince Guaraldi]] (except where noted) and conducted and arranged by [[John Scott Trotter]].<ref name=Bangsonglist>{{Cite web | url= http://www.fivecentsplease.org/dpb/cuesheet.html | title = Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts Song Library: ''{{PAGENAME}}'' | last = Bang | first = Derrick |website= fivecentsplease.org | publisher= Derrick Bang, Scott McGuire | access-date = 25 June 2020 }}</ref> The score was performed by the Vince Guaraldi Quintet on August 20, 22 and September 4, 1973, at [[Wally Heider Studios]], featuring [[Tom Harrell]] (trumpet), Chuck Bennett (trombone), Seward McCain (electric bass) and [[Mike Clark (jazz musician)|Mike Clark]] (drums).<ref name="linerCBThanks">Mendelson, Sean; Liner notes from CD version of ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: Original Soundtrack Recording'' (2023)</ref><ref name=Bangtimeline>{{Cite web | url= http://www.fivecentsplease.org/dpb/VinceGuaralditimeline.html#1973 | title = Vince Guaraldi Timeline | last = Bang | first = Derrick |website= fivecentsplease.org | publisher= Derrick Bang, Scott McGuire |access-date= 25 June 2020 }}</ref>
==Broadcast history==


{{div col}}
The show aired on [[CBS]] before moving, along with the rest of the Peanuts specials, to [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in 2000. Traditionally, ABC aired the special on Thanksgiving night until 2005.
# "Charlie Brown Blues" (aka "Play It Again, Charlie Brown"/"Charlie's Blues") (version 1)
# "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 1, opening credits)
# "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 2)
# "[[Peppermint Patty#Theme song|Peppermint Patty]]"
# "Little Birdie" (Vocal: Vince Guaraldi)<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/little-birdie-the-best-thanksgiving-tune/Content?oid=1577166 | title='Little Birdie,' the best Thanksgiving tune| date=2 April 2018}}</ref>
# "Thanksgiving Interlude" (version 1)
# "Is It James or Charlie?" (version 1)
# "[[Linus and Lucy]] (with the band)"
# "Fife and Drums Theme"
# "Is It James or Charlie?" (version 2)
# "Charlie Brown Blues" (aka "Play It Again, Charlie Brown" and "Charlie's Blues") (version 2)
# "Thanksgiving Interlude" (version 2)
# "[[Over the River and Through the Wood]]" (a cappella, [[Lydia Maria Child]])
# "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 3, with brass)
# "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 4, end credits)
{{div col end}}


Beginning in 1998, separate music cues have been released, scattered across several compilation albums:<ref name=Bangsonglist/><ref name=Bang>{{cite web |url= http://fivecentsplease.org/dpb/ |title= Vince Guaraldi on LP and CD|last= Bang |first=Derrick |website= fivecentsplease.org |publisher= Derrick Bang, Scott McGuire |access-date= February 25, 2020 }}</ref>
In 2006, ABC decided to move the special to the Monday before Thanksgiving; this was in response to the success of regular Thursday programs ''[[Ugly Betty]]'' and ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', coupled with CBS's decision to air regular programming on Thanksgiving night, with ''[[Survivor (U.S. TV series)|Survivor]]'' and ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]]''. ABC decided to directly engage in a ratings war with CBS (Thanksgiving lies in the middle of [[Nielsen Ratings|sweeps]]), displacing the Charlie Brown special to Monday and airing regular programming on Thanksgiving night instead. ABC repeated this in 2007 on Tuesday before Thanksgiving, but as of 2008, the ratings for ''Ugly Betty'' have faded somewhat dramatically, and ABC has decided to air the special in extended form and move the special back to Thanksgiving night, and also on Tuesday (immediately before the ''[[Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 7)|Dancing with the Stars]]'' finale, filling the void created by the cancellation of ''[[Opportunity Knocks (TV series)|Opportunity Knocks]]'').
* "Charlie Brown Blues" (version 1) and a composite edit of "Thanksgiving Theme" (consisting of versions 2 and 3) appeared on ''[[Charlie Brown's Holiday Hits]]'' (1998).<ref>{{AllMusic | class= album | id= mw0000044277| title= ''Charlie Brown’s Holiday Hits'' | first= Cub | last= Koda | access-date= 10 March 2020}}</ref>
* "Linus and Lucy" (with the band) was released on ''[[The Charlie Brown Suite & Other Favorites]]'' (2003).<ref>{{AllMusic | class= album | id= mw0000041900| title= ''The Charlie Brown Suite & Other Favorites'' | first= Thom | last= Jurek | access-date= 10 March 2020}}</ref>
* "Little Birdie" and "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 3, with brass) appeared on ''[[Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown Television Specials]]'' (2007)<ref>{{AllMusic | class= album | id= mw0001230366| title= ''Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown TV Specials'' | access-date= February 25, 2020}}</ref> while "Is It James or Charlie?" (version 1) appeared on ''[[Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown Television Specials, Volume 2]]'' (2008).<ref>{{AllMusic | class= album | id= mw0001332872| title= ''Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown TV Specials, Volume 2'' | access-date= February 26, 2020}}</ref>
* "Peppermint Patty" (edited version) and "Is It James or Charlie?" (version 2) appeared on ''[[Peanuts Portraits]]'' (2010).<ref name=Bangsonglist/><ref>{{AllMusic | class= album | id= mw0001965794| title= ''Peanuts Portraits: The Classic Character Themes'' | first= Ken | last= Dryden | access-date= 10 March 2020}}</ref>


On October 20, 2023, a [[A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: Original Soundtrack Recording|full album containing the remastered original recordings]] for the special and several bonus tracks was released for the first time in honor of the special’s 50th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Vince-Guaraldis-A-Charlie-Brown-Thanksgiving-Soundtrack-to-Be-Re-Released-on-CD-Vinyl-For-the-First-Time-in-50-Years-20230828 |title= Vince Guaraldi's 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' Soundtrack to Be Released on CD & Vinyl For the First Time |last= Major |first= Michael |website= broadwayworld |publisher= Michael Major |access-date= August 28, 2023}}</ref>
In 2006 and 2007, ABC paired the special with ''[[He's a Bully, Charlie Brown]]'', the last original Peanuts special to date. In 2008, it was paired with "The Mayflower Voyagers" episode from the ''[[This is America, Charlie Brown]]'' miniseries.


==Home media==
To make room for their long commercial breaks during modern airings, ABC made cuts to two scenes (in 2005, it was extended for the network television premiere of [[Finding Nemo]]; but now, it was edited again in order to make room for [[He's a Bully, Charlie Brown]] and the [[Dancing with the Stars (U.S. TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]] results show):
The special was released on [[RCA]]'s [[SelectaVision]] [[Capacitance Electronic Disc|CED]] format in 1982 as part of the ''A Charlie Brown Festival Vol. III'' compilation. It was released on VHS by Kartes Video Communications (later KVC Home Video) in 1987. It was released by [[Paramount Home Entertainment|Paramount Home Video]] on VHS on September 28, 1994 and was re-released in clamshell packaging on October 1, 1996.
*Snoopy and Woodstock go into Snoopy's doghouse to dress up as pilgrims, and when Woodstock walks away, Snoopy stretches out his arm cartoon style, and scolds Woodstock. Then, both go to the door and Snoopy knocks on it with his foot ("hand").
''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'' was released on DVD by [[Paramount Home Entertainment]] on September 12, 2000. It was re-released by [[Warner Bros. Home Entertainment|Warner Home Video]] in [[remastered]] form on October 7, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bestsevenreviews.com/dvd-releases-2019/|title=TOP 10 Best New DVD Releases of 2019 - Latest Info|date=March 8, 2019|website=Best 7 Reviews}}</ref> It was released on a [[Blu-ray]]/[[DVD]] Combo Pack by Warner Home Video on October 5, 2010. The special was released in a 40th anniversary deluxe edition DVD by Warner Home Video with the same features from previous editions on October 1, 2013. The deluxe edition DVD also features [[This Is America, Charlie Brown#Episodes|"The ''Mayflower'' Voyagers"]]. The special was released on Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 24, 2017.<ref name="blu-ray">{{cite web|title=A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 4K Blu-ray|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/A-Charlie-Brown-Thanksgiving-4K-Blu-ray/183523/|website=blu-ray.com|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref>
*In the scene where Marcie apologizes to Charlie Brown on Patty's behalf, the pendulum on the grandfather clock in the background is permanently stuck to the right, and moments later stuck to the left.
*When they are seated at the ping pong table, Franklin is seated on one side alone. There is a chair that appears and disappears beside Franklin when the scene cuts back and forth.
* The scene in the end credits where Snoopy and Woodstock are eating turkey is cut in later airings, going straight to them eating pumpkin pie during the end credits. On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008, the "turkey eating" portion was shown in its entirety.
* In [[2008]], when this was re-extended, the credits are slightly sped up in order to make room for [[This is America, Charlie Brown|"The Mayflower Voyagers"]].

==Film Credits==
*Written and Created by Charles M. Schulz
*Directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman
*Produced by Lee Mendleson and Bill Melendez
*Original Score Composed and Performed by Vince Guaraldi
*Arranged and Conducted by John Scott Trotter
*Animators: Bob Carlson, Sam Jaimes, Bror Lansing, Bill Littlejohn, Don Lusk, Al Pabian, Frank Smith, Bob Matz, Rod Scribner, Patricia Joy
*Layout: Evert Brown, Bernard Gruver, Ed Levitt
*Backgrounds: Dean Spille
*Animation Checking: Carole Barnes, Eleanor Warren
*Ink and Paint Supervisor: Beverly Robbins
*Ink and Paint: Joanne Lansing, Manon Washburn, Faith Kovaleski, Adele Lenart, Carla Washburn, Chandra Poweris, Joice Lee Marshall
*Film Editors: Bob Gillis, Chuck McCann
*Assistant Editor: Rudy Zamora, Jr.
*Camera: Dickson/Vasu
*Voices - Coast Recorders, Radio Recorders
*Music - Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, USA
*Mix - Producers' Sound Service, Don Minkler
*A LEE MENDLESON/BILL MELENDEZ Production In Association With UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC. and CHARLES M. SCHULZ CREATIVE ASSOCIATES, INC.
*©1973 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
*All Rights Reserved


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==Links==
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068359/] entry on imdb.com
* {{IMDb title|0068359}}
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42u0TiZZPCY A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving -- almost full episode on YouTube, with audio out of sync]
* [http://www.x-entertainment.com/articles/0845/ Recreating the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Dinner] article on [[X-Entertainment]]
* [https://archive.today/20130209185529/http://www.x-entertainment.com/articles/0845/ Recreating the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Dinner] article on X-Entertainment
* [http://www.abc.go.com/specials/cbrownthanksgiving ABC Feature Page for ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'']

== External links ==
* {{imdb title|0068359|''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''}}

{{Episode navigation|parent=Peanuts television specials|Peanuts television'' special|prev=[[There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown]]|next=[[It's a Mystery, Charlie Brown]]}}


{{Peanuts television specials}}
{{Peanuts television specials}}
{{Vince Guaraldi}}
{{Thanksgiving}}
{{Thanksgiving}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A}}
[[Category:Peanuts television specials]]
[[Category:Peanuts television specials]]
[[Category:Thanksgiving television specials]]
[[Category:Television shows directed by Bill Melendez]]
[[Category:Television shows directed by Phil Roman]]
[[Category:1970s American television specials]]
[[Category:1973 in American television]]
[[Category:1973 television specials]]
[[Category:CBS television specials]]
[[Category:Television shows written by Charles M. Schulz]]
[[Category:1970s animated television specials]]

Latest revision as of 01:10, 20 December 2024

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
GenreAnimated television special
Created byCharles M. Schulz
Based onPeanuts
Written byCharles M. Schulz
Directed byBill Melendez
Phil Roman
Voices ofBill Melendez
Todd Barbee
Stephen Shea
Hilary Momberger
Robin Kohn
Christopher DeFaria
Jimmy Ahrens
Robin Reed
Theme music composerVince Guaraldi
Opening theme"Thanksgiving Theme"
Ending theme"Thanksgiving Theme" (3rd reprise)
ComposersVince Guaraldi
John Scott Trotter
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersLee Mendelson
Bill Melendez
EditorsBob Gillis
Chuck McCann
Rudy Zamora, Jr.
Running time25 minutes
Production companiesLee Mendelson Film Productions
Bill Melendez Productions
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseNovember 20, 1973 (1973-11-20)
Related

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is the tenth prime-time animated television special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It originally aired on the CBS network on November 20, 1973, and won an Emmy Award the following year.[1] It was the third holiday special after A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965 and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown in 1966.[2] Except for the opening football gag, it is the first Peanuts TV special to have a completely original script without relying on the strip.[3]

Plot

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In the cold open, Lucy encourages Charlie Brown to try and kick her football to honor the tradition of Thanksgiving football, then as usual pulls the ball away just before Charlie Brown reaches it and tells him that some traditions fade away.

As the Brown siblings prepare to go to their grandmother's for Thanksgiving dinner, Charlie Brown gets a phone call from Peppermint Patty, whose father is out of town so she invites herself — and soon after, Marcie and Franklin — to the Browns' house for Thanksgiving, even though Charlie Brown is not having dinner there nor can he cook anything beyond "maybe toast." Linus suggests that they prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for their friends before the Browns go to their own family meal and recruits Snoopy and Woodstock to help; Snoopy sets up a ping pong table and chairs outside. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and Linus then prepare a feast of toast, pan-fried popcorn, pretzel sticks, jelly beans and sundaes.

After Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Franklin arrive, Linus leads the group in a prayer that details the First Thanksgiving before Snoopy serves the meal. Peppermint Patty, who expected turkey and other traditional Thanksgiving food, angrily yells at Charlie Brown, who leaves the table dejected. Marcie suggests Peppermint Patty was too hard on Charlie Brown and asks whether he invited her or she just invited herself. Peppermint Patty, realizing she was in the wrong, asks Marcie to apologize to Charlie Brown on her behalf (unintentionally paralleling The Courtship of Miles Standish). Marcie reluctantly agrees, but Peppermint Patty soon follows and apologizes directly. Realizing that he and Sally are late for the Brown family dinner, Charlie Brown explains the situation over the phone to his grandmother, who invites all his friends to come along for dinner. On the drive over, they sing "Over the River and Through the Wood", but as they finish the song, Charlie Brown says there's one problem with that song: His grandmother lives in a condominium, not a house.

Snoopy and Woodstock go to Snoopy's doghouse and cook their own traditional Thanksgiving meal. They break the wishbone, with Woodstock receiving the larger piece. Over the end credits, the two eat pumpkin pie.

Broadcast history

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The special first aired on CBS on Tuesday, November 20, 1973, two days before Thanksgiving. It placed third in the Nielsen ratings for the week, behind All in the Family and Sanford & Son.[4]

The special continued to air every year on CBS (skipping 1982, 1983, and 1988) through Nov. 23, 1989.

The Disney Channel and Nickelodeon returned the special for re-airing in the 1990s (in the latter channel's case, under the "You're on Nickelodeon, Charlie Brown" umbrella of productions) and then, in 2001, it moved, along with the rest of the Peanuts specials, to ABC. In contrast to CBS, ABC aired the special every year through 2019, on several days in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and it regularly won its time slot.[5] As the special runs slightly over a half-hour with commercials, ABC typically filled the remaining portion of the full hour with other Peanuts programming. From 2008 to 2019, the remaining time was filled by a slightly abridged edit of "The Mayflower Voyagers," the premiere episode of the 1988 miniseries This Is America, Charlie Brown.

Starting in 2020, the special (along with the rest of the Peanuts library) has exclusively aired on Apple TV+; under the terms of the agreement, Apple TV+ must provide a three-day window in November in which the special is available for free. On November 18, 2020 Apple announced they had reached an agreement to air the special on Sunday, November 22, 2020, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, commercial free on PBS and PBS Kids.[6] In accordance with most PBS affiliates' non-commercial educational licenses, the special was presented on PBS unedited without commercial interruption, with only a brief underwriting spot before and after the special: "This special broadcast of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was made possible by Apple." Apple renewed the agreement with PBS in 2021[7] but did not renew it for 2022.[8]

The special is also broadcast in Canada, usually in early October in line with the Canadian observance of Thanksgiving. The special is aired on Family Channel as of 2018, with the special aired on the day before Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving Day, which takes place on the second Monday of October in Canada.

Voice actors

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This is the last TV special that uses the same cast from Snoopy Come Home, You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, and There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown. In the next television special, Kohn, DeFaria, and Momberger would be succeeded in their respective roles by Melanie Kohn (Robin's younger sister), Donna Forman, and Lynn Mortensen, respectively.

Soundtrack

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Main article: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (soundtrack)

The soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was composed by Vince Guaraldi (except where noted) and conducted and arranged by John Scott Trotter.[9] The score was performed by the Vince Guaraldi Quintet on August 20, 22 and September 4, 1973, at Wally Heider Studios, featuring Tom Harrell (trumpet), Chuck Bennett (trombone), Seward McCain (electric bass) and Mike Clark (drums).[10][11]

  1. "Charlie Brown Blues" (aka "Play It Again, Charlie Brown"/"Charlie's Blues") (version 1)
  2. "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 1, opening credits)
  3. "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 2)
  4. "Peppermint Patty"
  5. "Little Birdie" (Vocal: Vince Guaraldi)[12]
  6. "Thanksgiving Interlude" (version 1)
  7. "Is It James or Charlie?" (version 1)
  8. "Linus and Lucy (with the band)"
  9. "Fife and Drums Theme"
  10. "Is It James or Charlie?" (version 2)
  11. "Charlie Brown Blues" (aka "Play It Again, Charlie Brown" and "Charlie's Blues") (version 2)
  12. "Thanksgiving Interlude" (version 2)
  13. "Over the River and Through the Wood" (a cappella, Lydia Maria Child)
  14. "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 3, with brass)
  15. "Thanksgiving Theme" (version 4, end credits)

Beginning in 1998, separate music cues have been released, scattered across several compilation albums:[9][13]

On October 20, 2023, a full album containing the remastered original recordings for the special and several bonus tracks was released for the first time in honor of the special’s 50th anniversary.[19]

Home media

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The special was released on RCA's SelectaVision CED format in 1982 as part of the A Charlie Brown Festival Vol. III compilation. It was released on VHS by Kartes Video Communications (later KVC Home Video) in 1987. It was released by Paramount Home Video on VHS on September 28, 1994 and was re-released in clamshell packaging on October 1, 1996. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was released on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment on September 12, 2000. It was re-released by Warner Home Video in remastered form on October 7, 2008.[20] It was released on a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by Warner Home Video on October 5, 2010. The special was released in a 40th anniversary deluxe edition DVD by Warner Home Video with the same features from previous editions on October 1, 2013. The deluxe edition DVD also features "The Mayflower Voyagers". The special was released on Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 24, 2017.[21]

References

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  1. ^ Woolery, George W. (1989). Animated TV Specials: The Complete Directory to the First Twenty-Five Years, 1962-1987. Scarecrow Press. pp. 70–71. ISBN 0-8108-2198-2. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  2. ^ Solomon, Charles (2012). The Art and Making of Peanuts Animation: Celebrating Fifty Years of Television Specials. Chronicle Books. pp. 112–115. ISBN 978-1452110912.
  3. ^ Popcorn & Jellybeans: Making A Thanksgiving Classic (Documentary film) (A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Remastered Deluxe DVD ed.). Warner Home Video. 2008.
  4. ^ "The van Nuys News 06 Dec 1973, page Page 131".
  5. ^ TV Ratings Wednesday: 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' wins the night, 'Survivor' dips. TV by the Numbers (November 28, 2019). Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  6. ^ "You're on PBS, Charlie Brown: Apple Will Share 'Peanuts' Holiday Specials with Public TV". 18 November 2020.
  7. ^ Seiger, Theresa (October 25, 2021). "'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' returning to TV this year". Cox Media Group. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  8. ^ Cavanaugh, Patrick (October 11, 2022). "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Will Not Air on Broadcast TV This Year". Comicbook.com. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  9. ^ a b c Bang, Derrick. "Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts Song Library: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving". fivecentsplease.org. Derrick Bang, Scott McGuire. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  10. ^ Mendelson, Sean; Liner notes from CD version of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: Original Soundtrack Recording (2023)
  11. ^ Bang, Derrick. "Vince Guaraldi Timeline". fivecentsplease.org. Derrick Bang, Scott McGuire. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  12. ^ "'Little Birdie,' the best Thanksgiving tune". 2 April 2018.
  13. ^ Bang, Derrick. "Vince Guaraldi on LP and CD". fivecentsplease.org. Derrick Bang, Scott McGuire. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  14. ^ Koda, Cub. Charlie Brown’s Holiday Hits at AllMusic. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  15. ^ Jurek, Thom. The Charlie Brown Suite & Other Favorites at AllMusic. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  16. ^ Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown TV Specials at AllMusic. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  17. ^ Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown TV Specials, Volume 2 at AllMusic. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  18. ^ Dryden, Ken. Peanuts Portraits: The Classic Character Themes at AllMusic. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  19. ^ Major, Michael. "Vince Guaraldi's 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' Soundtrack to Be Released on CD & Vinyl For the First Time". broadwayworld. Michael Major. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  20. ^ "TOP 10 Best New DVD Releases of 2019 - Latest Info". Best 7 Reviews. March 8, 2019.
  21. ^ "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 4K Blu-ray". blu-ray.com. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
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