Film: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”

Roger C. Kostmayer

Full disclosure requires a confession that, until seeing this recent documentary about Fred Rogers and his TV show, I was one of the few people who knew nothing about him or it. I did have a vague impression of a mild, preachy chap with a sweater, surrounded by young children. My uninformed impression could not have been more wrong.

What I discovered in this film, much as I did in the Justice Ginsberg documentary (“RBG”), was that there are modest Americans who, in various ways, were doing brilliant and humane things. In Fred Rogers’ case the things were both simple and profound, and they had to do with kindness, self-respect, compassion and empathy. I highly recommend Mr. Rogers’ story to anyone of any age who was once, or is now, a child.

Mr. Rogers was a child whisperer, although his charm extended to adults and gorillas as well. He listened intently and found ways, often through puppets & music, to touch just the right note – with quiet wisdom and love.

Don’t miss it.

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