There is perhaps no greater symbol of pureness of heart, utter kindness and sweater mastery than Fred Rogers from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The iconic children’s show ran from 1968-2001 across around 900 episodes, with the warm, big-hearted Rogers coming into our home, taking off his shoes and dropping knowledge for all of us to hear. Now the show, and the man behind it, are the subject of a new documentary, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?, focusing on the creation of the show. The trailer should warm your heart as much as the show did, and I defy you not to fondly recall memories of puppets, trains, life lessons and sweaters.
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From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom), Won’t You Be My Neighbor? takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.
This documentary comes on the heels of the announcement that Tom Hanks will be playing the TV icon in the movie, YOU ARE MY FRIEND, which is about a journalist who spends time with Rogers for a story and ends up having his life changed. The documentary looks undeniably sweet and sheds light on a show that reminds generations of viewers how far a little kindness and empathy can go.
WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? hits theaters June 8.