Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

There have been many great children's programs on television, some from the same era; "Sesame Street", "The Electric Company", "Romper Room", "Captain Kangaroo" were some that I grew up with. One of the most beloved through the decades was the one hosted by Fred Rogers known as "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood". A new documentary looks at his career as one of the most iconic figures on television. "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" might be nostalgic for some, surprising to others but to everyone who sees it the film it should be one of the greatest joys on film in a long time. Rogers was trained to be a Presbyterian minister and about to become ordained when he announced to his family that he was going to produce children's programs on the local Pittsburg television station because he was displeased with the way television addressed children at the time. He felt that cartoons and other children's shows were too silly and just trying to entertain kids instead of reaching out to them and truly speaking to them. His first show Rogers simply produced and left the hosting duties to Josie Carey although he did puppeteering on the show and provided their voices. These puppets like King Friday XIII, Queen Sara Saturday (named after his wife), X the Owl, Henrietta Pussycat and Daniel Stripèd Tiger would become staples on his own show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" which began on February 19, 1968. Rogers wasn't afraid to tackle tough subjects like death, bigotry, divorce, and war. Although the series was aimed primarily at preschool ages 2 to 5, it was labelled by PBS as "appropriate for all ages" and many older children enjoyed watching Mr. Rogers. His message was simple; be kind to others and believe in yourself. His soft-spoken demeanor was often parodied but there wasn't a more powerful voice on television that spoke to the soul. Although he wasn't educated on the subject (although his show did use child phycologist as consultants), he became one of the leading voices in child development. For 31 seasons Fred Rogers invited us into his home and to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. This film is a celebration of his career. You didn't have to grow up with Mr. Rogers to appreciate this film or to be touched by Rogers message, but if you did you will be overcome with nostalgia and warmth of seeing him again. Its really interesting to see that one of his biggest motivators for doing the show was that he truly hated television, or at least how it spoke to kids. A fact that is repeated often in the film. The film also touches on many of the myths and urban legends about the man. Was he a Navy Seal or Marine? Was his iconic sweater worn to cover tattoos? Was he gay? Even his political beliefs (it was amusing to hear the audience that I watched this with gasp when it is revealed that Rogers was a lifelong Republican, as if that is impossible to believe). It also shares some of his most famous moments like when he appeared before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Communications to get government funding for PBS. In one of the most memorable moments of the documentary, Rogers is visibly nervous when he is called upon to speak. Democratic Senator John O. Pastore, who was chairman of the committee has already admonished several witnesses for reading prepared speeches and not convincing the committee that the funding was needed. Many felt that the proceedings were going horribly for those looking for the funding and that PBS would not get the funds. Pastore tells Rogers "Alright you have the floor" in an ominous tone, as if there was nothing that he could say that would change their mind. Rogers states that he had a 10-minute statement prepared for the committee (something the other witnesses bored the committee with) but will trust that the chairman will read it later as he promised. Senator Pastore sarcastically interrupts Rogers saying "Will it make you happy if you read it?". Rogers then begins to speak spontaneously from his heart talking about his show and what he tries to do with "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", the message of caring for others. Rogers then recites a song from the show that deals with controlling anger and emotions. Pastore was not familiar with Rogers' work but was obviously drawn to Rogers and moved by his testimony admitting that it had given him goosebumps, and declared, "I think it's wonderful. Looks like you just earned the $20 million." The subsequent congressional appropriation, for 1971, increased PBS funding from $9 million to $22 million. Another wonderful scene is his introduction of Jeff Erlanger to his viewers, a boy who uses a wheelchair due to his disability. Rogers was a champion in the belief of diversity and loving everyone, even those who are different than what we are used to. (Stay during the credits to see his reunion with Erlanger many years later during Rogers induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999) There are many other heartwarming moments and revelations that the documentary shares and I can promise you, you will be moved. Fred Rogers was a special human being that we need today, more than ever. It seems that many of his messages have been forgotten but perhaps if people see this wonderful documentary they will be touched by them & try to be kind to others and more tolerant and his legacy can truly be memorialized.

If you grew up with me Rodgers you will face a huge wave of nostalgia. This movie showed the best of him and gave people a sense of hope even if you didn't grow up with me Rodgers you will still feel the impact of this movie and even you will be at the brink of tears by the end.

As a child, I only watched Mr. Roger's Neighborhood sporadically...enjoyed it, but wasn't a hard core viewer. What a mistake. After seeing the wonderful documentary 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' today, I wish I had viewed his show exclusively. The documentary is a beautiful tribute to a man who devoted his life to children's education via the television medium. However, it's more than that. Through interviews with his wife, cast members, co-workers, and others, a portrait of a GOOD man emerges. A man who preached love and the belief that everyone is special because you are you. Whether you watched him as a child, or just knew a little about him, do yourself a favor a go see this movie, and be prepared to be moved and challenged to be a better person.

A vital part of several generations' childhood, I went in hoping to learn more about someone i had grown up watching. Instead i discovered he was even more of a great person than i realized. He truly cared about people and trying to make this a better world, which is rare! My boyfriend and i both were reaching for the Kleenex by the end.