I watched a lot of the Charlie Brown specials when I was a kid, but have to admit that the only two I really remember are this one and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." So, basically, I'm thinking of one in terms of the other. "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" seems to miss some of what made the Christmas show really work. It doesn't seem to have any particular purpose or message, and at times I found it very negative. I know Charlie Brown is the always the butt of the jokes, but in this some of what was directed his way seemed mean rather than funny - like adults (presumably) throwing rocks in his trick or treat bag. And even Linus was being constantly picked on for his belief in The Great Pumpkin - a Santa Claus type figure Linus believes in who rises out of a pumpkin patch and delivers toys to children.
The show to me seemed more directed to adults than to children. There were a lot of references that would have gone over the heads of children. Things like "there are three things I should never discuss - religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin!" or Charlie Brown suggesting that his belief in Santa Claus and Linus' belief in the Great Pumpkin represent "denominational differences." Snoopy is always a great addition to these shows, and he's always cute enough for young ones to love, but his get-up as the World War I flying ace, and the extended part of the story about it also seemed to be extraneous.
Yeah. It brings back some good memories of childhood - not just of watching this year after year but of going trick or treating with friends and dressing up, but I still didn't find this anywhere near as magical as "A Charlie Brown Christmas," although I was delighted that at the end of the story a softer side of Lucy came out as she went and collected a shivering Linus from his fruitless night in the pumpkin patch and put him to bed. Brothers and sisters might fight, but in the end they love and care for each other. (5/10)
The show to me seemed more directed to adults than to children. There were a lot of references that would have gone over the heads of children. Things like "there are three things I should never discuss - religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin!" or Charlie Brown suggesting that his belief in Santa Claus and Linus' belief in the Great Pumpkin represent "denominational differences." Snoopy is always a great addition to these shows, and he's always cute enough for young ones to love, but his get-up as the World War I flying ace, and the extended part of the story about it also seemed to be extraneous.
Yeah. It brings back some good memories of childhood - not just of watching this year after year but of going trick or treating with friends and dressing up, but I still didn't find this anywhere near as magical as "A Charlie Brown Christmas," although I was delighted that at the end of the story a softer side of Lucy came out as she went and collected a shivering Linus from his fruitless night in the pumpkin patch and put him to bed. Brothers and sisters might fight, but in the end they love and care for each other. (5/10)