The Man Behind The Great Pumpkin
by M. J. Bacch 

The Peanuts cartoon strip has been enjoyed by millions of viewers since October 2, 1950 and is now still running as a syndicated cartoon strip as Classic Peanuts. Created by Charles Swartz, a high school graduate of Central High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Peanuts characters reflect on sometimes complex, human emotions from the famously drawn children. 

The Peanuts cartoon characters were one of the first cartoons to be enjoyed on primetime television in the 1970’s in America and has become a staple of theses holiday seasons they reflect on. I can’t think of one person who wouldn’t know what you’re talking about if you mention “The Great Pumpkin” from classic holiday special “The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.” Of course there is also the Christmas special as well, that is still a standard view for many children even today. Now, parents and children view these little animated characters together with many of the parents recalling the time when they too were young. 

Today the “Classic Peanuts” is seen in 75 countries, translated into 21 languages and entertains both children and adults around the world. At its peak, over 355 million people viewed the cartoon strip. I sometimes wonder if the world would be just a bit different if the “The Peanuts” never existed. Would the word “cool” still have the same meaning today if Snoopy that lovable alter ego of Charlie Brown, never mentioned it or should I say thought it? And what would kids think of when the name Red Barron was mentioned? 

PBS will be running a profile of Charles Swartz on the program “American Masters” October 29th, 2007 at 9 P.M. The program will be a profile of Mr. Swartz whose world of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Pigpen and Schroeder will be explored. Also, clips from the infamous TV specials will be highlighted as well. If you simply can’t tune in to the show a DVD and other “Peanuts” merchandise may be purchased at www.TheGreatPumpkinOnline.com 



Cool Peanuts stuff and more can be found at http://www.TheGreatPumpkinOnline.com

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