RACE FOR YOUR LIFE, CHARLIE BROWN

US, 1977, 76 minutes, Colour.
Voices of: Duncan Watson, Greg Felton, Stuart Brotman, Gail Davis, Liam Martin, Melanie Kohn, Bill Melendez.
Directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman.

Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown was a popular Peanuts film from 1977. There had been A Boy Called Charlie Brown in 1969 as well is Snoopy, Come Home in 1972, as well is television specials and Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (1981).

This is a cheerful film as well as an outdoor adventure. It is about raft-racing on the rapids and author, Charles Schultz, went to Oregon to test out his skills in riding the rapids for background to his screenplay. Schlutz began drawing the comic strip in 1956 and it became popular all over the world.

The Peanuts gang are all here, their usual selves, Charlie Brown self-deprecating and getting into trouble, Linus with his blanket giving good advice, Snoopy in Woodstock more than just mascots for the group, Lucy and her usual criticisms.

This time there is a group of bullies with a vicious cat who confront the Peanuts teams, one for the boys, one of the girls, and cheat and put all kinds of obstacles in the way of the group. But, it is Woodstock who wins out in the end.

The film is co-directed by Bill Melendez who continued to work on Peanuts films and television specials, lending his voice for both Snoopy and Woodstock.

1. Another popular Peanuts film? In the 1970s? Subsequently?

2. The Peanut comic strips, popularity, worldwide readership, the characters, the positive message about embracing life and self-confidence?

3. The animation bringing to life the comic strips, bright colour, the characters, the situations? The title song at beginning and end?

4. The familiar characters, the addition of the bullies, and their cat?

5. Charlie Brown, with the group, self-image, relating, hard experience, arriving late on the cycle with Snoopy and Woodstock? Lost, overcoming difficulties?

6. Snoopy, with Woodstock, the motorcycle, in the adventures, their contributions, and Woodstock’s victory?

7. Lucy, her usual criticisms?

8. Schroeder, musical, the piano, his solo?

9. Linus, the blanket, good advice, participation – and the attack on the bullies and the cat with his blanket?

10. Sally, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, the girls’ team, participating in the race?

11. The bullies, their appearance, voices, the mean cat, the raft, the rapids, the race, cheating?

12. The Peanuts gang overcoming everything, not winning but not losing, the honours to Woodstock?