“Thank you.”

From Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

In 1968, tired of the senseless entertainment and violence that he saw on television, ordained minister Fred Rogers gathered enough funding to create and produce a show for children that would air on a Pittsburgh public television station.  Simple sets, low-quality production, and a gentle host became the driving force behind the unexpected success Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.  Fred Rogers was a kind and quiet man that ran his show as if he were speaking to the individual children watching across the country; topics ranged from war, divorce, race, emotions, and any other issue Fred felt could help ease the confusion of America’s children.  After just a few years, he had made a name for himself all across the country by connecting with children from all walks of life and repeatedly showing adults that his only desire was to help children.  Throughout his entire television career, he created simple shows that consistently reinforced what value Fred Rogers placed on public television and the power of love.  Filled with interviews from some members of the cast, production crew, and family that knew Mr. Rogers best; the many friends help paint an honest picture of what drove this man (and his career) as he became a cultural icon.

There is an almost whimsical feel to this documentary because the public television show was an integral part of so many childhoods.  While the film does highlight Fred Rogers faith and convictions, it never feels like being preached at, much like the show itself; it is easy to see how Rogers’ faith fueled everything he did, but also how that love for others kept him from forcing anything on anyone.  The historical aspect of the film is also fascinating to watch unfold; learning the real story of the classic show(s) and the man behind them is simple, but captivating.  Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a fascinating look into the past, that apart from a few mild curse words in several interviews, feels like the perfect lifetime celebration for the Mr. Rogers that everyone knows and loves.

| Rated: PG-13 | Running Time: 94 minutes |Genre: documentary |

||Family Viewing||Cursing: 2 of 10|Nudity: 1 of 10|Sexuality: 0 of 10|Gore: 1 of 10

|AVAILABLE FOR HOME VIEWING|