Episode 1720
Topic: Be Yourself: That's the Best
Air Date: August 29, 1997
Previous Episode: 1719 - Be Yourself: That's the Best
Next Episode: 1721 - Giving and Receiving
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Mister Rogers arrives with a hula hoop and talks about how it got its name. Taking it outside, he does his best to show how it is used but is unable to keep the hula hoop around his waist. Luckily, Paul Tifford is in the Neighborhood offering hula hoop lessons and Mister Rogers decides to pay him a visit.
At Mr. Tifford's studio, Mister Rogers listens to a few suggestions and is able to successfully keep the hula hoop spinning around his waist. He then steps back and watches in amazement as Mr. Tifford demonstrates his ability to spin multiple hula hoops at the same time. Mister Rogers continues observing as Maggie Stewart stops by for her hula hoop lesson.
In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Prince Tuesday is about to share the details of his accident with Mayor Maggie when King Friday interrupts. As Lady Aberlin and Lady Elaine Fairchilde arrive, King Friday announces that all flying lessons are to stop. Lady Elaine apologizes to Prince Tuesday for making him think the propeller hat she gave him would make him fly. Prince Tuesday suggests that Lady Elaine teach hula hoop lessons instead.
Inside the tree, Lady Aberlin and Prince Tuesday talk with X the Owl who is still feeling somewhat responsible for the Prince's accident. Prince Tuesday explains that X's instruction to be careful could have prevented his fall. X feels much better knowing that he was a good teacher.
Outside, Lady Elaine's first hula hoop lesson is underway with Mayor Maggie.
Back at the house, Mister Rogers spends some time thinking about children who are just learning to walk. He concludes by talking about practicing skills in order to get better and sings I'm Proud of You.
Notes
Paul Tifford, Jr. would appear in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe as Fortune Cookie Man in the first series of episodes from the next year.
This episode is included on the It's a Beautiful Day Collection (DVD).
Appearing In This Episode
- King Friday XIII
- Lady Aberlin
- Lady Elaine Fairchilde
- Maggie Stewart
- Mayor Maggie
- Mister Rogers
- Prince Tuesday
- X the Owl
Guests
- Paul Tifford Jr.
Songs
Images
Episode Credits
With Fred Rogers
Neighbors: Betty Aberlin, Lenny Meledandri, Maggie Stewart, Paul Tifford Jr.
Special thanks to: Civic Light Opera Academy
Executive Producer: Fred Rogers
Producer: Margaret Whitmer
Director: Bob Walsh
Location Director: Gary Hines
Associate Producer: Allen Feuer
Music Directors: John Costa, Michael Moricz
Editor: Susan Howard
Art Director: Kathryn Borland
Assistant Art Director: Catherine McConnell
Properties: Andy Vogt
Production Assistants: Chris Boulton, Lenny Meledandri
Assistant Directors: Chelle Robinson, Susan Howard
Lead Technician: Tom Deluga
Technical Director: Jim Ochtun
Production Interns: Greg Marcks, Cindy King, Abby Anderson
Lighting Director: Frank Warninsky
Assistant Lighting Director: Bob Lubomski
Video: Don Williamson
Studio Cameras: Kevin Conrad, Don McCall, Art Vogel
Audio: Dick LaSota
Videotape: Bob Millslagle, Bill Moore
Floor Managers: Jim Seech, Nick Tallo
Location Production: Joe Abeln, Win Bernfeld, David Brannigan, John Burdick, Chris Dahl, Alec Harrison, Mark Knobil, Bob Lubomski, David Meek, Mike Schmeh, Rich Schutte, Rich Seig, Donny Stegall, Doug Suhr, Jerry Wheat
Scenic Artists: Joe Abeln, Jim Bruwelheide, Pam Lewis, Gregg Puchalski, Sandra Strieff
Make-Up: Patty Bell
Videotape Editor: Kevin Conrad
Post Production Sound: Dick LaSota, Bob Millslagle
Musicians: Carl McVicker, Bob Rawsthorne
Original Scenic Design: Jack Guest
Director of Production: Sam Newbury
Produced in association with WQED/Pittsburgh
A production of Family Communications
© 1997 Family Communications, Inc.