One of the movies that people ardently watch during the Christmas season is undoubtedly the short-animation flick, A Charlie Brown Christmas. It has become a staple, as it is a heartwarming classic with a deep-rooted message focusing on Christmas’ religious aspect. This short movie stays true to the Christmas spirit, as well as to that of ‘Peanuts.’
Across all these, since its original release on December 9, 1965, it has gained the status of a perennial classic. Commercialism is rampant when the Holiday season arrives, and this dampens Charlie’s spirit, which pushes him on a search to find out what Christmas really means. If you are planning on streaming it, the following details will help you.
What Is A Charlie Brown Christmas About?
Charlie Brown is a perennial outsider who finds it difficult to immerse himself in the Holiday festivity spirit. And, to top it, he beats down himself with a self-loathing feeling. As Charlie enunciates in his depressive mood that he knows people don’t like him, and he blames the Holiday season for emphasizing it all the more.
The psychiatrist booth of Lucy is where he visits to get rid of his depression ensued by the Holiday season. This opens up a plot that seeks to explore Christmas’ true meaning and look deeper into other themes of commercialism, friendship, and happiness.
Now, more than 50 years after its release, the story remains relevant and themes more pertinent than ever before. The characters take center stage to put down what Christmas means and is hence a cultural touchstone. It helps up look beyond the fixation on commercial and superfluous aspects to connect with its religious meaning. Bill Melendez has helmed the movie, and the plot is written by Charles M. Schulz.
Where Can You Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas?
A Charlie Brown Christmas is not available for watching on popular streaming channels like Hulu, Netflix, or Prime. PBS has a sanction to stream it live on December 19, but if you missed it, you need not worry. The short animation film is available for watching on Apple TV+.
In 2020, the channel had made this movie free upon the arrival of Christmas. However, there is no such clause for this year. But if you are new to the channel, you can still stream it for free if you sign up for a 7-day trial. The subscription for Apple TV+ is available at $4.99.
Who Is In The Cast?
A Charlie Brown Christmas features a talented group of voice actors who play the various characters in the short film. It includes Peter Robbins, voicing the character of Charlie Brown, Linus by Chris Shea, and Sally Brown by Cathy Steinberg.
Lucille Van Pelt or Lucy is voiced by Tracy Stratford, and Geoffrey Ornstein has voiced Pig-Pen. Chris Doran has voiced both Shermy and Schroeder. Bill Melendez has himself voiced Snoopy, Violet by Sally Dryer, Patty by Karen Mendelson, and Frieda by Anne Altieri.
Should You Skip Or Stream It?
Featuring the much-loved Peanuts characters by Charles M. Schulz, A Charlie Brown Christmas offers an important take on Christmas. It is a heartwarming, animated classic special, ideal for watching for both children and adults alike. Appalled by the all-engulfing commercialism during Christmas, the animated movie presents a thought-provoking tale that puts forth a worthy message for you to ponder upon.
