In this early episode, it’s not a sweater and sneakers that Mister Rogers changes into -it’s a tuxedo for the variety show at Betty’s Little Theatre!The neighbors share their hidden talents.Betty Aberlin and Bob Trow do a charming pantomime of hide-and-seek in old-time-movie style, Joe Negri sings a story-song, Mister Rogers and musical director, Johnny Costa play an accordion duet and the McFeelys tap dance!Also included are Elsie and Debbie Neal, neighbors who were featured in early episodes and tap dancer, Joey Hollingsworth.
Mister Rogers watches a potter at work at Elsie Neal’s Craft Shop. He makes a stuffed panda from a kit while Picture-Picture shows a film about real bears.Purple Panda visits Lady Elaine Fairchilde and says that Paul and Pauline of Planet Purple will visit tomorrow. Planet Purple is one of Lady Elaine’s past discoveries.
Mister Rogers has two carpenters horses. He points out that even though they look very much the same, there are some differences. Mister Rogers uses them as horses for two dolls, as a base for a seesaw, and as a table base. Mister Rogers goes to see a horse at the McFeelys’.In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Handyman Negri and Purple Panda play hide-and-seek. King Friday is startled by Purple Panda. Lady Aberlin and Handyman Negri put on a horse costume and challenge Purple Panda to a race. Paul and Pauline arrive. They demonstrate the Purple way of travel.
Mister Rogers sits on a platform rocker and shows a film about how it was made. He goes to Brockett’s Bakery and helps out behind the counter because there are so many customers. Purple Panda breaks a Purple Planet rule and sits on a rocking chair. He is afraid that he will never be allowed to return to home.
Mister Rogers shows how chopsticks are used. He visits Bob Trow and gives him carrots. Bob is working on a bird house for a troglodytes aedon, a wren.In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, King Friday has a wooden bird on a stick which he calls Troglodytes Aedon. Lady Aberlin is looking for Purple Panda. Paul and Pauline say Purple Panda did a “Sixteen,” so he can’t return to Planet Purple.
															Watch full-length Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood programs. The first Monday of every month will feature programs from the early years 1968-1975. The third Monday of every month will feature programs from the “Theme Weeks” library 1979-2001.