Thanks to Mark Buzzitta, we can now share the complete as-produced “Springtime with Mister Rogers” special as it was seen in 1979. The special opens with Mister Rogers walking down the city, greeting his neighbors. When he arrives at his house, Mister Rogers is told that Betty Aberlin’s Little Theater has a leak in its roof. Everyone in the neighborhood starts to find a way to raise money, Mister Rogers even refinishes a cabinet he plans to donate. Eventually, the neighborhood decides to make a special musical springtime show for the event. In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Elaine is sad that she can’t become a princess, and eventually fantasizes about being a princess. With Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangroo).
Mister Rogers plays peek-a-boo and shows a portrait of his father done by Dianne Dengal. He visits Dianne to have his own portrait painted. Dianne talks about starting to paint as a child and how she learned to paint with her fingers and pieces of rolled up newspaper, because she could not afford brushes. Mister Rogers talks about the differences between himself and his father and says that no two people are exactly alike.In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Mr. McFeely delivers an “exactly-like-me” portrait to King Friday. It is a mirror, and was created by James Michael Jones who is moving to Southwood in order to marry Betty Templeton. Lady Elaine and Lady Aberlin say yes to being bridesmaids. Hennrietta agrees to being a flower girl. Mister Rogers talks about dressing up and using dolls to re-enact pretend weddings. He says what clothes you wear really doesn’t matter; people can like you just the way you are.
Mister Rogers visits a pottery studio to see how Eva Kwong makes a bowl. Later, Mister Rogers talks about weddings. in The Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Betty Okonak Templeton Jones and James Michael Jones have their wedding.
Watch full-length Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood programs. The first Monday of every month will feature programs from the early years 1968-1975. The third Monday of every month will feature programs from the “Theme Weeks” library 1979-2001.
Looking for more Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood episodes? Find them here:
