Growing up, many children wished they lived in Mister Rogers’ neighborhood. Well, in 2001, MTV producer Benjamin Wagner spent the summer as Mister Rogers’ real-life neighbor on Nantucket island. After Rogers’ death in 2003, Wagner set out to learn more about the man who meant so much to a generation. He also wanted to dig deeper into some of the lessons Rogers had taught him that summer, including the idea that “deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex.”
The result was Mister Rogers & Me, an 80-minute documentary chronicling the life-changing friendship. “If I learned one thing during the making of Mister Rogers & Me, it was that nearly everyone has a Mister Rogers story,” says Benjamin. “Everyone has a story of inspiration and impact.”
How amazing is that? The trailer made me so excited to see the film. It must have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a childhood wish come true!
Will you watch it, friends? Did you watched Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood when you were little? What’s your Mister Rogers story? I’d love to hear it! I’ll share mine in the comments! xoxo
[Via Laughing Squid]
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Anonymous says
This looks like a lovely documentary – I would enjoy watching it! I was always a fan of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, and Fred Rogers seems like he was a truly kind man.
Not sure I remember any show in particular – I remember learning what the different colors of traffic lights meant, and seeing how crayons were made – but it was a great show. I also loved Sesame Street and Shining Time Station. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
P.S. Melissa, as you are an English major…and I majored in grammar myself (although French grammar, not English) I read once that you should always add the 's at the end of a surname even if it ends in an S. So it should have been Mr. Rogers's neighborhood? TOTALLY off topic and I have NO idea if I am correct – and this isn't criticizing your post in any way, you didn't name the show, it's just a side thought – was just curious if you had read the same thing in your writing experience/education?
Tim Madigan says
Thanks for getting the word out, Melissa. I was so fortunate to have known Fred Rogers, and to have been a part of this film. I've watched it several times, and I feel like I'm a better person each time I do. I'll check out your blog on a regular basis. Peace to you. Tim
Melissa Blake says
Hi Anon — I was always taught that you don't need to add another "S" and that it was optional. Here are some grammar rules…
http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/apostro.asp
Melissa Blake says
Hi, Tim — thank you so much for your kind comment. Mister Rogers was indeed a great inspiration. In fact, I wrote him a letter when I was younger about my surgeries and her personally wrote back. I've never forgotten that. 🙂