It’s October, the weather is getting cooler, Halloween is approaching, and it is the perfect time to get cozy on the couch and watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is an animated short film created by Charles M. Schulz in 1966, based on the “Peanuts” comics that filled the pages of your parents’ morning magazines. These stories follow a group of children; Snoopy, Lucy, Sally, Linus, Pig-Pen, Peppermint Patty, and, of course, Charlie Brown; on their hilarious adventures. In the film, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” their adventure is set on Halloween night. Most of the kids go trick-or-treating, while Snoopy imagines himself as a World War I Flying Ace engaged in an intense battle. Linus, accompanied reluctantly by Sally, waits in the pumpkin patch for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, a mythical figure he believes delivers presents to children, like Santa Claus.
The best part of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is its timeless enjoyment across generations. It features humorous lines that resonate with older audiences while also appealing to younger audiences. For example, when Linus is scolded by Lucy for his belief in the Great Pumpkin, he declares, “There are three things I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.” Having watched this film every October since childhood, this year marks the very first time I truly understood and appreciated the humor in Linus’s statement. As I’ve grown and gained more life experience, I find myself connecting to this film in ways I couldn’t before.
Children can enjoy this film’s entertaining story, which replicates many of their own Halloween traditions. The story is fun, relatable, and filled with humor. While there are some jokes that mostly appeal to adults, there are also plenty of moments for children to enjoy. One of the catchphrases, “You blockhead!” will cause an eruption of laughter. During trick-or-treating scenes, the children excitedly compare their goodies, exclaiming, “I got five pieces of candy! I got a chocolate bar! I got a quarter!” When it’s Charlie Brown’s turn, he replies, “I got a rock.” This iconic quote is often the first that comes to mind when people think of the film, as it provides humor for both children and adults. Kids find it hilarious that Charlie Brown repeatedly ends up with rocks after cutting too many holes in his ghost costume, while adults may explore the deeper messages. Charlie Brown’s struggles with self-doubt and insecurity resonate with older viewers, while younger audiences may overlook these deeper meanings. Viewers of all ages find different meanings in the film, yet everyone experiences a sense of creativity, wonder, humor, and enjoyment.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a must-watch film for all ages. Its heartfelt, humorous, and nostalgic storyline has made it a cherished tradition passed down through generations. For adults, the film brings back childhood memories of Halloween; trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and the innocent wonders of being a kid. The timeless humor and creative animation will entertain viewers of all ages. Sharing this film with your own children allows you to relive the joy and pass this piece of art down to another generation once again. As they relate to the characters and Halloween festivities, you’ll see excitement in their eyes that only “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” can create. There’s a reason that this film from 1966 continues to be enjoyed 58 years later.
