The trailer for a new documentary of the venerable PBS children’s series “Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood” debuted Tuesday and “Please Won't You Be My Neighbor” is already winning over viewers.
The short 2:40 clip from the Focus Features film is even causing those unfamiliar with the program to tear up.
A total of 895 episodes of “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” ran, beginning in 1968 until 2001, with each episode beginning the same way. The host, Fred Rogers, arrived home, singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” where he changed into a comfortable pair of sneakers and a cardigan sweater.
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet From Stardom”) directed the film, which includes interviews with cast members from the show, including such favorites as Elizabeth Seamans (Mrs. McFeely) and François Clemmons (Officer Clemmons).
The documentary also will include footage from the award-winning series, as well as interviews with Rogers, who died 15 years ago. The trailer’s release came on what would have been the host’s 90th birthday.
“Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” distinguished itself from other children’s programming by addressing subjects that were previously considered off-limits for the genre, including divorce, race relations, and death. Rogers’ message was simple: that we should all accept and care for out neighbors.
“Children have very deep feelings, just the way everybody does,” Rogers explains in the trailer.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” premiered at The Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and debuts in select theaters June 8.
The trailer caused a sensation on social media.
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