Episode 1390 [1974]

Original Air Date: May 17, 1974

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

GUESTS: Chrissy Thompson, Terri Thompson

SONGS:

• Won't You Be My Neighbor?
• I'm Proud of You
• It's Such a Good Feeling
• The Weekend Song

Upon his arrival, Mister Rogers heads straight to the kitchen where he shows the icebox cake which he made as a refreshment for the day's puppet show. Taking out a number of ingredients, Mister Rogers demonstrates how he made the cake.

 

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin is taking a nap outside the castle when she is awakened by Edgar Cooke. Lady Elaine calls to the castle to ask that Lady Aberlin come to the MGR-TV studio where the world's smallest talking zebra will be appearing. Lady Aberlin is asked to find the world's smallest talking witch so the zebra and witch can talk on the air -- a first for television.

 

Thanks to an idea from Daniel Striped Tiger, Lady Aberlin asks Henrietta to bring her witch puppet to the studio.

 

Inside the MGR-TV studio, Lady Elaine is wrapping up a Fireside Chat when Lady Aberlin and Henrietta arrive. The talking zebra arrives and is eager to meet the talking witch; however, he is surprised to find that it is only a puppet.

 

Following Make-Believe, Mister Rogers leaves for the McFeely's where Chrissy and Terri will be performing their puppet show. A small crowd has gathered to watch the McFeely's granddaughters' show.

 

Complete with music and a detailed plot, the girls put on quite a performance as they present their own version of the Princess and the Pea. After the show, Mister Rogers departs as the others enjoy the refreshments.

 

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings I'm Proud of You.

 

COMMENTARY

Chrissy and Terri are the television grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. McFeely. Chrissy wears braces on her legs as a result of a spina bifida condition. CLICK HERE to view a mid-1970's promotional picture of Mister Rogers with Chrissy Thompson.

Aside from their television grandparents, the McFeely's, others in the crowd assembled to watch the puppet show included members of Chrissy and Terri's real family.


CREDITS

With Fred Rogers
Neighbors: Betty Aberlin, Betsy Nadas, Elsie Neal, David Newell, David M. Smith, Becky Thompson, Chrissy Thompson, Judy Thompson, Richard Thompson, Terri Thompson
Directed by Bill Moates
Music Director: John Costa
Bass: Michael Taylor
Percussion: Robert Rawsthorne
Writers: Fred Rogers, Betsy Nadas
Psychological Consultants: Margaret B. McFarland Ph.D., Albert V. Corrado M.D.
Film Producer: Laura Perkins
Associate Producers: David Newell, Nan Wheelock
Assistant Producer and Associate Director: Azriel Gamliel
Assistant to the Director: Norma Baker
Art Director: Jack Guest
Assistant Art Director: David M. Smith
Propmaster: Roy Backes
Lighting Director: Gregory King
Floor Manager: Nick Tallo
Assistant Floor Manager: James Seech
Technical Supervisors: Tom Knight, Ken Anderson
Video Tape Editor: Chet Bednar
Cameramen: Bob Vaughn, David Anthony, Don McCall
Video: Don Williamson
Audio: Dick LaSota

Produced with a grant from The Sears Roebuck Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Produced by Family Communications, Inc. in association with WQED, Pittsburgh
The people who gave the money to make this television visit are the people of The Sears Roebuck Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

© 1974, 1975 Family Communications, Inc.