A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

From Peanuts Wiki

Charlie Brown is planning to go to his Grandmother's for Thanksgiving dinner, when Peppermint Patty calls him, and 'invites herself' to a Thanksgiving Dinner. Shortly thereafter, she calls again, saying that Marcie and Franklin will also be attending. Charlie Brown tries to explain that this is not possible, but Peppermint Patty keeps prattling on with little regard to Charlie's words.

When Linus comes over, Charlie Brown explains his predicament. Linus then proposes a solution: have 2 dinners. One can be in the afternoon with the other kids, and then Charlie Brown can still go to his Grandmother's as planned. Charlie Brown is also not convinced of this idea, as his culinary expertise is preparing 'cold cereal and maybe toast.'

Linus then recruits Snoopy and Woodstock to help set up the guest area, as well as prepare the meal. Sometime later, Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Franklin arrive. After everyone has a seat, Linus says grace and gives a speech in regards to what Thanksgiving was about.

Once grace is finished, Snoopy serves the food that has been prepared: buttered toast, jellybeans, pretzels, and popcorn. Upon seeing the food available, Peppermint Patty angrily shouts at Charlie Brown regarding the food that has been prepared. Embarassed at the situation, Charlie leaves the table.

Once he's gone, Marcie asks Patty if she was being too rough on Charlie Brown. Peppermint Patty vehemently says that they should have been served a 'real Thanksgiving Dinner.' Knowing a little about Patty's state-of-mind, Marcie asks if Charlie Brown had intended to invite them over, or if Patty in some way 'forced' him to invite them. Upon realizing what a jerk she's been, Patty asks Marcie to talk to Charlie Brown and tell her that she is sorry for the harsh words and what she has done.

Marcie discusses things with Charlie Brown, who still feels that he has ruined the day for everyone. However, Marcie explains that Thanksgiving is about what Linus said in his speech: it's about being together and being thankful. As they finish talking, Patty appears and apologizes in person for her attitude.

As he looks at the clock, Charlie Brown realizes that he's late in going to his Grandmother's. He quickly dials her up, and explains what happened. When his Grandmother finds out that his friends haven't eaten dinner yet, she insists they all come to her place for dinner.

Shortly thereafter, the kids start on their trip to Charlie's grandmother's condominium, leaving Snoopy and Woodstock alone at home. As soon as they leave, the two friend set up a table outside the doghouse, where Snoopy serves up an actual Thanksgiving dinner for the two of them.

Voice Actors & Characters:

Todd Barbee: Charlie Brown

Robin Kohn: Lucy Van Pelt (briefly)

Hilary Momberger: Sally Brown

Stephen Shea: Linus Van Pelt

James Ahrens: Marcie

Christopher DeFaria: Peppermint Patty

Robin Reed: Franklin

Bill Melendez: Snoopy & Woodstock

Original Airdate: 1973.

Awards: Emmy.