WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

Fred Rogers developed a simple idea after surveying children’s television in the 1950s. In Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, director Morgan Neville takes the audience through the meteoric rise of the cultural icon, whose messages about love, acceptance, and believing in oneself set him apart in the entertainment industry. The story is told from the perspectives of those closest to him: his wife, Joanne Rogers, and his two sons; Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood characters and production staff; and celebrities like Yo-Yo Ma, who recount their experiences with his brilliant mind and inordinately large heart. Rogers’ own personal philosophies are sprinkled throughout, particularly as they applied to his beliefs on human dignity and respect. His commitment to his young audience was steadfast, and his earnestness came back to him a hundredfold in waves of support. The impact of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, which ran for nearly 30 years, is examined, along with its pop-culture parodies and the backlash against his messages of kindness. Overall, however, the world is a better place because Fred Rogers shared what he believed with us. If you grew up watching his show, this documentary will have you humming catchy tunes and revisiting familiar characters. Even if you didn’t, the key message from this evangelist of goodness will not be lost on you. Rated PG-13. 94 minutes. Regal Stadium 14; Violet Crown. (Thomas M. Hill)