Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor

For a span of 30 years and 900-plus programs, friendly, cardigan-clad Fred Rogers invited young viewers into his special neighborhood, offering bits of homey advice, gentle reassurances, music, fun, and fantasy. Headed up by the multifaceted Rogers (minister, composer, writer, producer, gadfly, and visionary), who ceaselessly spoke out against the limited imagination of most children's programming, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood shows represented an island of sanity in a sea of commercial television noise. Narrated by actor Michael Keaton (who once worked on Rogers' show, in front of and behind the camera), Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor is a loving tribute to a true broadcast pioneer, offering generous excerpts from his early series' such as The Children's Corner and MisteRogers, which provide insight into how Rogers introduced characters and themes that he would later expand in his signature series. The documentary explores familiar rituals on the show (Fred putting on and taking off his sweater and sneakers, the train going through a tunnel beginning and ending fantasy segments), and while Keaton pokes some good-natured fun, the many clips of Rogers talking at home or on TV talk shows, testifying before Congress, or accepting awards, reveal an articulate and serious man, with definite ideas on child development and television's role in educating and entertaining children. Sadly, Rogers' death in 2003 has left a void not easily filled. Loaded with goodies and extras (including two Rogers appearances with Joan Rivers on The Tonight Show and a chat with Arsenio Hall), this excellent and inexpensive program is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)