Misterogers (CBC, 12/9/1963)

Network: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Air Date: December 9, 1963

Mister Rogers demonstrates a stringed instrument he calls a "psalter." He compares the simple notes played on the strings to those played on the piano. He then sings Propel Propel Propel Your Craft as he plays the psalter -- "difficult words with a simple instrument."

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Tadpole Frogg is "pig sitting" at the clock for New Guinea -- a Guinea pig staying with Daniel Striped Tiger. He shares his feelings of nervousness about moving to a new neighborhood. When Daniel returns, he sings I Like You As You Are.

Meanwhile, Elan Stuart sings Afternoon as she approaches the tree for a visit with her friend Henrietta Pussycat. She mentions that they became friends during Henrietta's recent trip to Paris. When Ms. Stuart knocks, she finds Tadpole Frogg behind Henrietta's door. He is looking for X the Owl to talk more about finding comfort in a new home. Ms. Stuart, Tad, and X discover a note from Henrietta informing them that she is at the castle.

Moving along to the castle, Ms. Stuart meets King Friday XIII who mistakenly thinks she is there to give him voice lessons -- a gift from Henrietta for his upcoming birthday. Henrietta does not want to disappoint King Friday and Ms. Stuart agrees to give lessons to them both.

Notes

The instrument demonstrated by Mister Rogers, which he refers to as a "psalter", is typically called a "psaltery." According to dictionary.com, a psaltery is "an ancient musical instrument consisting of a flat sounding box with numerous strings which are plucked with the fingers or with a plectrum" while a psalter is another name for "the Biblical book of Psalms."
Row Row Row Your Boat plays in the background as the episode transitions to Make-Believe.
King Friday gives specific instructions to Ms. Stuart on how she is to enter the castle: "Go around the castle twice, then in the back door and you'll find a long red carpet leading to one large music room. Knock on the door seven times and we shall be there."

Appearing In This Episode

Locations

Mister Rogers' House
Daniel's Clock
Oak Tree
Castle (Calendarland)

Songs

Images

Episode Credits

Created by Fred Rogers
Guest: Elan Stuart
Music performed by Lou Snider
Assistant Puppeteer: Ernest Coombs
Settings designed by Robert Hackborn
Lighting Direction: George Ridgley
Audio: Everett Ferguson
Technical Producer: Bob Helm
Produced by Francis Chapman

This has been a CBC Television production
CBC Radio-Canada