Charlie Brown tries desperately to impress his redhead dream girl Heather at a football game only to have Lucy continually foil his attempts at kicking a winning field goal. However, despite losing the game Charlie still attends the homecoming dance so he can be Heather's escort. Charle B. Schulz's bright and compact script offers the usual winning blend of well-defined characters, a pleasant sense of humor, and a little pathos mixed in with all the silliness. The best and most inspired running gag has Snoppy popping up all over the place during the big game as the referee, a helicopter for Woodstock (his ears act as chopper blades), a member of the cheering squad, a member of the band, and even a doctor. Charlie Brown once again makes for a likable hard-luck protagonist: You just have to admire Chuck for having the guts to go to the dance after losing the game and having the courage to confront his dream girl (it's a gloriously sweet and lovely moment when Charlie Brown kisses her). Moreover, the football game is a memorably fierce and funny set piece, with Peppermint Patty giving vague instructions to her teammates and Lucy constantly pulling the ball away from Charlie Brown. The funky-groovin' discoid score by Ed Bogas and Judy Munsen throbs to an incessantly thumping beat. A really fun and amusing romp.
It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown
(1977 TV Short)
Enjoyable Peanuts TV special
31 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers