Mister Rogers: It's You I Like

For decades, Fred Rogers was a reassuring presence on his TV show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, educating young viewers while also offering messages of comfort and acceptance. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rogers’s first telecast, filmmaker John Paulson’s PBS-aired documentary examines the elements that made Rogers successful and unique. Actor Michael Keaton, who appeared as an early performer in Rogers's neighborhood, reviews a typical show, in which a casually dressed Rogers would come out and sing a few songs in his gentle, light voice. Music was always an important feature, and the series featured guests such as Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis. Rogers never talked down or lied to children. The special effects were deliberately low tech, and Rogers always made the distinction between what was "make-believe" vs. what was real. He also believed in the value of being vulnerable, emphasizing a healthy expression of emotions, and never shying away from difficult topics including birth, death, and divorce. The series also featured eagerly awaited regular characters, like delivery man Mr. McFeely, as well as factory tours, which showed how things were made, ranging from crayons to pretzels. John Lithgow, Whoopi Goldberg, and comedian Sarah Silverman recall Rogers’s playful and curious side, and his minimal use of retakes, stemming from his belief that life isn't always perfect. When violinist Itzhak Perlman came to call, his crutches were displayed (children with challenges and handicaps provided many memorable, inspiring moments on the show). In a run of over 900 episodes, Rogers proved that he could never be replaced. A fine companion documentary to 2018’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (VL-9/18), extras include bonus footage. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)