July 6th in Chicago, IL. Morgan Neville directs this documentary about television legend, Fred Rogers. Neville traces Rogers humble and good natured beginnings in television that would morph into Mister Roger's Neighborhood. Neville gives the history of the show from interview footage of Rogers as well as interviews with family, friends, cast and crew.
Rogers felt that children deserved better programming and for over 30 years, he gave it to them. He dealt with topics (race, death and anger to name a few) that no other kids shows dealt with. His goal was to educate children not just turn them into future consumers. He even testified in front of Congress for funding in 1969, apparently the Republican Party has been trying to destroy public television for decades.
The last 10-15 minutes are an emotional roller coaster. Starting with a clip from the show with a special needs child, about how his funeral was protested by westboro baptist church types for tolerating homosexuals to the on air reunion with Jeff Erlanger at his induction into the Television Hall of Fame. I bawled my eyes out.
This is a fascinating documentary chronicling the life of a fascinating advocate for children.
No comments:
Post a Comment