‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor’ is a wonderful look back at an icon

Posted on July 6, 2018

By MARK VIOLA

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” was a staple of American children’s television diets for decades. Each episode would begin with Fred Rogers returning home, trading his jacket for a sweater and changing his work shoes for casual ones. From there, audiences would meet interesting people and learn about new things, followed by a trip to the land of make believe where the lessons of the day were cemented with stories of kings and tigers and train trolleys.

Back in the 80s, I was one of those children visiting the “Neighborhood,” but like a lot of things when it comes to my memory, Mr. Rogers exists more in the abstract than in specific moments. Still, he was an important piece of my introduction to television and pop culture.

As such, I was heartened to learn that a documentary was coming about Rogers and his legacy. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is directed by Morgan Neville — who won an Academy Award for his documentary “Twenty Feet From Stardom” — and looks at the influence Rogers had and how his message of love and friendship may be needed now more than ever. I watched the trailer several times, and it was always a challenge to keep my eyes from misting up by the end.

Having now seen the movie, I can bet you will have a similar challenge, because “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is a beautifully respectful and insightful look at someone we all knew, but probably didn’t truly appreciate the impact at the time.

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