Childhood: What Takes You Back?
There’s something about the impending holiday season that always gives us a hankering for the TV programs and movies we loved as kids. (And with relatives of all ages about to descend, it’s certainly a good time for entertainment that everyone can enjoy without fear of “adult themes.”) Here’s a list of our some of our favorite television shows and films from our younger days:
Peanuts/It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown:
Charlie Brown and friends demonstrate the true meaning of friendship, family, and that 
happiness truly is a warm puppy. Though Charles Schultz created a classic animated tale for almost every holiday, with Halloween around the corner, it's hard to resist joining Linus' annual search for the most sincere pumpkin patch and the elusive Great Pumpkin.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory:
Tim Burton's 2005 update of this classic is, perhaps, truer to the spirit of Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but just try not singing along with the Oompa Loompas and Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka as he guides Charlie and the other golden ticket winners through his mysterious world.
Sesame Street:
“Come and play, everything's A-okay ...” No lyrics were ever more inviting. Big Bird,
Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and the other neighbors--be they puppet or human--made learning so effortless that it was like spending the afternoon playing games with a best friend from down the street.
The Smurfs:
Kermit may lament that it's not easy being green, but the Smurfs know all about true blue. Papa Smurf uses his considerable knowledge of alchemy to keep Smurfette, Brainy, Jokey, and the rest of his mushroom-residing cerulean citizens safe from the bumbling Gargamel week after week.
The NeverEnding Story:
Who didn't want a luck dragon like Falcor of their own after escaping into this magical world? Become a part of the story with bookish Bastian as he escapes from the neighborhood bullies and then follows Atreyu's journey to save Fantasia's fantastical creatures and our imaginations from the looming Nothing.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood:
Slipping into his iconic sweater and sneakers, Mr. Rogers promised us a beautiful day in his neighborhood. Speaking simply and directly to the viewer brought us into his living room. And no episode was complete without hopping onto the trolley and into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
As narrated by Boris Karloff, this classic Dr. Seuss tale offers none of the computer graphics or costumes of the newer Jim Carrey version, but the simple line drawings tug at the heart all the same.
The Muppet Show/The Muppets Take Manhattan:
Kermit and friends learn that taking on the Big Apple is no piece of cake, especially if you're a frog. With the help--and despite the scheming--of a plethora of '80s stars (the cameos alone make this worth repeat viewings!) the Muppets try to get their musical produced on Broadway.
Looney Tunes:
Although the best-known character from the Looney Tunes arsenal is wascally wabbit Bugs Bunny, this
classic cartoon offers something for everyone, from westerns to science fiction to slapstick comedy. Marvin the Martian, Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, Wile E Coyote and the Road Runner did more than just make us laugh, they led the way for new classics like The Animaniacs spin-off and a host of movies and specials.
The Care Bears:
"Care Bears...prepare to stare!" As the call to action went out, Cheer Bear, Funshine, and Grumpy Bear, and the rest of the Care Bears combined tummy symbols--unique to each character--to form a ray of love and good cheer. With each person the colorful bears helped, they demonstrated the value of kindness and working together.
Which TV shows and movies from childhood wrap your heart with warm fuzzies? Discuss. --Jill Corddry & Leah Weathersby
(PS: Amazon’s Family Classics Event runs through Oct. 27—save up to 50% on DVDs the entire clan can enjoy.)
Karen on October 26, 2009 at 05:13 PM
What about Marlo Thomas' "Free to Be You and Me?".
I loved it then.
Still love it.
joesen on November 04, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Slipping into his iconic sweater and sneakers, Mr. Rogers promised us a beautiful day in his neighborhood. Speaking simply and directly to the viewer brought us into his living room. And no episode was complete without hopping onto the trolley and into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.