A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 TV Movie)

Christopher Shea: Linus Van Pelt

Photos 

Quotes 

• Charlie Brown : I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.

  [shouting in desperation] 

  Charlie Brown : Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

  Linus Van Pelt : Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

  [moves toward center stage] 

  Linus Van Pelt : Lights, please.

  [the lights dim, and a spotlight shines on Linus] 

  Linus Van Pelt : "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:"

  [Linus drops his security blanket on purpose] 

  Linus Van Pelt : "for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

  [Luke 2:8-14 KJV] 

  Linus Van Pelt : [silent pause as Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]  That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

• Linus Van Pelt : [seeing Charlie Brown's drooped-over Christmas tree]  I never thought it was such a bad little tree.

  [straightens it up] 

  Linus Van Pelt : It's not bad at all, really.

  [wraps his blanket around it for a skirt] 

  Linus Van Pelt : Maybe it just needs a little love.

• [first lines] 

  Charlie Brown : [Charlie Brown and Linus stop at a wall on their trip to the pond for ice skating]  I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel.

  [begins to walk with Linus again] 

  Charlie Brown : I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

  Linus Van Pelt : Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest.

• Patty : Try to catch snowflakes on your tongue. It's fun.

  Linus Van Pelt : Mmm. Needs sugar.

  Lucy Van Pelt : It's too early. I never eat December snowflakes. I always wait until January.

  Linus Van Pelt : They sure look ripe to me.

• Lucy Van Pelt : Linus, you've *got* to get rid of that stupid blanket, and here, memorize these lines.

  Linus Van Pelt : I can't memorize these lines. This is ridiculous.

  Lucy Van Pelt : Memorize it and be ready to recite when your cue comes.

  Linus Van Pelt : I can't memorize something like this so quickly. Why should I be put through such agony? Give me one good reason why I should memorize this.

  Lucy Van Pelt : I'll give you five good reasons.

  [proceeds to make a fist out of her fingers] 

  Lucy Van Pelt : One, two, three, four, FIVE!

  Linus Van Pelt : [begins nodding his head in horror]  Those are good reasons. Christmas is not only getting too commercial, it's getting too dangerous.

  Lucy Van Pelt : And get rid of that stupid blanket! What's a Christmas shepherd gonna look like holding a stupid blanket like *that*?

  Linus Van Pelt : Well, this is one Christmas shepherd who's going to keep his trusty blanket with him.

  [Lucy raises her fist to strike Linus; Linus puts his blanket over his head like a headdress] 

  Linus Van Pelt : See, you wouldn't hurt an innocent shepherd, would you?

• Lucy Van Pelt : You think you're so smart with that blanket. What are you going to do with it when you grow up?

  Linus Van Pelt : Maybe I'll make it into a sport coat.

• Linus Van Pelt : [after Linus and Charlie Brown discover the little tree]  Gee, do they still make wooden Christmas trees?

  Charlie Brown : This little green one here seems to need a home.

  Linus Van Pelt : I don't know, Charlie Brown. Remember what Lucy said? This doesn't seem to fit the modern spirit.

  Charlie Brown : I don't care. We'll decorate it and it'll be just right for our play. Besides, I think it needs me.

  [picks up tree; a lot of needles fall off] 

• Charlie Brown : Sally, come here.

  Linus Van Pelt : What do you want her for?

  Charlie Brown : She's gonna be your wife.

  [Sally is seen surrounded by hearts and clapping her hands in glee] 

  Linus Van Pelt : Good grief.

  Sally : Isn't he the cutest thing?

  [Linus hides himself under his blanket] 

  Sally : He has the nicest sense of humor.

• [Linus knocks on an aluminum Christmas tree, which gives a metallic "clank"] 

  Linus Van Pelt : This really brings Christmas close to a person.

  Charlie Brown : [gazes in amazement]  Fantastic.