The Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile

I'm actually quite happy this was brought to my attention.

Speaking as someone who has zero knowledge of Raggedy Ann in any capacity or format other than she's a doll, it surprises me how much I enjoyed this little special. There's not much to the plot besides a young boy who yearns to celebrate the holiday is stopped by his crumudgeon of an aunt, as both Ann and Andy seek out a pumpkin to lift the boy's spirits and we're introduced to the eponymous pumpkin as they race to save the Halloween spirit before the night is done. It is bare bones as all get out, but it holds a different kind of power. The word more than any other I would describe this special as is mellow. It is a mellow, laid back, cute short. Whatever lack of exquisite fall atmosphere that was missing from the last two specials is brought tenfold here, this short bleeds autumn. The sunset sky, the rich trees, the old town architecture, it is unbelievable what Chuck Jones and the production team brought to this just in terms of visuals. I like the story and can give my two bits on two aspects, one being the pumpkin who is honestly a good stand in for depression and how that makes one feel even around holidays but the simple fact that someone out there is happy that pumpkin exists changes a great deal on their outlook, and can also perhaps lighten a person's feelings as well watching this knowing there's at least one person who is excited you're around. Second is and maybe this also due to Chuck Jones having a hand in this, but the grumpy aunt practically has the Halloween equivalent of the Grinch going from not liking the holiday at all to revelling in it. The voice cast may be small but are solid throughout, June Foray has a voice as sweet as honey, Daws Butler is a bit more rough around the edges but ultimately nice and wanting to help, Les Tremayne's perfomance as the pumpkin is perfect for animation and it is quite sweet to see the arc he goes through. And if Garfield is the special you watch right before you charge out into the night, this is the special you watch as you come back home and start winding down, trading candy with friends and lounging on the couch in the glow of the TV eating your favorite treats, before finally going to bed. And hey, Halloween is on a Saturday this year so it doesn't get much better than that. As for this incredibly short and sweet special I give it 3 stars, 7/10, and next week we go back to the silent era.