The Charlie Brown Valentine special, also known as Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, first aired on January 28, 1975, on the CBS network. This animated television special was the 13th prime-time animated special based on the popular Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. The special focuses on the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Valentine's Day, with Charlie Brown trying to find the perfect Valentine's Day card for the little red-haired girl and Linus trying to give his teacher, Miss Othmar, a box of chocolates.
Background and Production
The production of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown involved many of the same team members who worked on previous Peanuts specials, including director Phil Roman and producer Lee Mendelson. The special was written by Charles M. Schulz, who ensured that the story stayed true to the spirit of the Peanuts comic strip. The music for the special was composed by Vince Guaraldi, who was known for his jazz-influenced scores for the Peanuts specials. The special features the voice talents of Duncan Watson as Charlie Brown, Melanie Kohn as Lucy van Pelt, and Stephen Shea as Linus van Pelt, among others.
Reception and Legacy
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown was well-received by audiences and critics upon its initial airing. The special has since become a classic Valentine’s Day tradition, airing on television every year. The special’s themes of unrequited love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. The special has also been released on DVD and streaming platforms, making it easily accessible to new generations of Peanuts fans.
| Special | Air Date | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown | January 28, 1975 | CBS |
| A Charlie Brown Valentine | February 14, 2002 | ABC |
Technical Specifications
The special was produced using traditional animation techniques, with hand-drawn characters and backgrounds. The animation was created by Bill Melendez Productions, which was responsible for producing many of the Peanuts specials. The special features a mix of humor, pathos, and satire, making it a standout among animated television specials of its time.
Performance Analysis
The performance of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown can be analyzed in terms of its ratings and cultural impact. The special was a ratings success upon its initial airing, with over 10 million viewers tuning in to watch. The special has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, with references to the special appearing in everything from music to film. The special’s themes and characters continue to be beloved by audiences around the world, making it a cultural touchstone for many people.
What is the main plot of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown?
+The main plot of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown follows Charlie Brown as he tries to find the perfect Valentine’s Day card for the little red-haired girl, while Linus tries to give his teacher, Miss Othmar, a box of chocolates.
When did Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown first air?
+Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown first aired on January 28, 1975, on the CBS network.
