Whether it be the comic strips or the classic CBS cartoons, everyone knows the beloved Peanuts characters of Charles M. Schulz. No matter what generation you belong to, chances are very good you’ve at least heard of Charlie Brown, his dog Snoopy, Lucy and Linus Van Pelt, Pigpen, Peppermint Patty, and Woodstock.
Peanuts episodes originally ran between 1966 and 1970 and the most beloved episode of these animated adventures was 1966’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
This fun-filled flick features some of the most quotable lines from throughout the longtime family-friendly franchise! Let’s look at some of the memorable lines and break down the best
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Quotes
“I got a rock.” – Charlie Brown
Perhaps one of the most memorable lines from the film, Charlie Brown is none too thrilled to look within his bag to discover that he has been given a rock by one of his neighbors. One can only help feel sorry for Charlie in this scene, especially while the rest of the gang are all busy comparing the different sorts of candy they’ve obtained during the evenings door-to-door shenanigans.
“Well, that’s nothing compared to a woman who has been cheated out of tricks-or-treats.” – Linus
Linus was comparing the rage a woman would have to one who has been “scorned.” In both examples, a woman would have had something wrong happen to her. But in a movie celebrating Halloween, what could be worse than missing out on the rewards of Halloween?
“On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises from his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys to all the children.” – Linus
This happened when Linus was waiting in the Pumpkin Patch explaining who The Great Pumpkin was to Lucy and her friends. The Great Pumpkin is like Santa Claus except he comes two months early and no one is left out since everybody celebrates Halloween.
“Welcome to the 20th Century!” – Sally
After Linus explained the story of The Great Pumpkin and Linus was not believed, he questions girls believing whatever they are told without question. That could be classified as a sexist comment, but I love Sally’s great response to the rather stupid remark from Linus’ lips.
“Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He’s gotta pick this one. He’s got to. I don’t see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one.”
“You can look around and there’s not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see.” – Linus
Linus believed the only thing he needed to see the rise of the Great Pumpkin was to have the most sincere Pumpkin Patch. I don’t know what makes a Pumpkin Patch sincere but it is my opinion that Linus is obsessed with The Great Pumpkin and sincerity.
“He’ll come here because I have the most sincere pumpkin patch and he respects sincerity.” – Linus
I saw this quote referenced on the Facebook page of someone who loves this movie. Linus is explaining to his friends why he is hiding in a pile of pumpkins on Halloween night. He thinks he will see the rise of the Great Pumpkin because he found the most honest pumpkin patch of them all.
“You must get discouraged because more people believe in Santa Claus than you. Well, let’s face it; Santa Claus has had more publicity, but being number two, perhaps you try harder.” – Linus
This was in a letter that Linus was writing to the Great Pumpkin. Santa Claus may be more popular because of society but what can you say about the spirit of a boy that believes in something so much, he refuses to believe anything else?
“Everyone tells me you are a fake, but I believe in you. P.S.: if you really are a fake, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.” – Linus
Linus was told by Peppermint Patty while writing his letter to the Great Pumpkin that what Linus believed in wasn’t real. As we covered in previous examples, Linus didn’t want to believe that something he believed in wasn’t real.
“Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.” – Linus
Like kids who believe in the magic of Christmas when they are young, Linus thought he was going to get a lot of free loot when he visited the Great Pumpkin. Who says there can’t be another day of the year when kids get gifts?
“Just wait ’til next year, Charlie Brown. You’ll see! Next year at this same time, I’ll find a pumpkin patch that is real sincere and I’ll sit in that pumpkin patch until the Great Pumpkin appears. He’ll rise out of that pumpkin patch and he’ll fly through the air with his bag of toys. – Linus
There’s a lot there, but he continues “The Great Pumpkin will appear and I’ll be waiting for him! I’ll be there! I’ll be sitting there in that pumpkin patch… and I’ll see the Great Pumpkin. Just wait and see, Charlie Brown.”
Everybody has heard of the saying that if you don’t succeed at first try again. It seems Linus believes that also when his first plan doesn’t work, just try again even if you have to wait a whole year for another chance.
“I wouldn’t want to be accused of taking part in a rumble.” – Sally
This is the response Sally had when Lucy explained to her what trick-or-treating was and after Lucy assured Sally that trick-or-treating was completely legal. While Sally’s answer is funny, I remember how my friends and I reacted when we saw a “Take One Treat” house while trick-or-treating.
“A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality.” – Lucy
Halloween is looked at as the only day children can be anything they want to be for a day without growing up. Since you are dressing up in a costume, why not choose a character that isn’t you all the other days of the year? This logic can be applied to adults too.
“There are three things I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.” – Linus
That’s a great rule to live by every day. Religion and Politics usually lead to fights if there is a differing opinion. I wouldn’t bring up The Great Pumpkin in a situation either unless you want to deal with funny looks from people you were having a conversation with.
These are some of the greatest quotes from “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.” It’s all about Linus believing in something when people told him it wasn’t real.
If you have never seen this television special before, you should make watching it a Halloween Tradition. If you can’t wait until October 31st to check it out, this beloved classic is streaming now on several platforms ranging from Amazon to Apple TV!
Chris: “Ah, ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ brings back so many childhood memories! Excited to see a breakdown of the best quotes. Those lines are timeless and hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane!”