Episode 1184

Air Date: April 29, 1971
Previous Episode: 1183
Next Episode: 1185

Mister Rogers talks about how he can tell the difference between objects by feeling them. With a large piece of paper, he sits on the floor and uses a crayon to make a rubbing of the rug's texture before singing Everything Grows Together. Outside, Mister Rogers makes a rubbing of the welcome mat on the porch.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, King Friday XIII has called for the world's best jazz musicians. While Handyman Negri gathers the players, King Friday prepares his bass violin and Lady Aberlin invites others throughout the Neighborhood.

Handyman Negri returns with Eric Kloss -- a blind saxophonist. Lady Elaine does not understand how he can play music without being able to see. Dr. Bill explains that Mr. Kloss did not do anything bad to cause his blindness and that those who are blind can still do many other things. Mr. Kloss is joined by Handyman Negri, Johnny Costa, Bob Rawsthorne, and Michael Taylor for jazzy versions of It's Such a Good Feeling and It's You I Like.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers wonders if Lady Elaine might have been concerned with Mr. Kloss' blindness since she was recently responsible for hurting X the Owl's wing. He explains how Mr. Kloss learns by listening and touching. He concludes by singing Everybody's Fancy.

Notes

Lady Aberlin compliments Lady Elaine on her new sweater. Lady Elaine mentions that she had it on the other day when [she] was throwing [her] teeny tiny hard ball." This refers to Episode 1182 when Lady Elaine accidentally injured X the Owl's wing.

This episode features the first visit from Neighborhood friend Eric Kloss.

Due to the musicians playing outside the castle, the Trolley tracks are not present in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Appearing In This Episode

• Ana Platypus
• Bob Rawsthorne
• Dr. Bill Platypus
• Handyman Negri
• Johnny Costa
• King Friday XIII
• Lady Aberlin
• Lady Elaine Fairchilde
• Michael Taylor
• Mister Rogers
• Prince Tuesday
• Queen Sara Saturday

Guests

• Eric Kloss

Songs

• Everybody's Fancy
• Everything Grows Together
• Tomorrow
• Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Images

Episode Credits

Produced by WQED Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in association with Small World Enterpriese, Inc. for N.E.T.

Created by Fred Rogers
Produced and directed by Sam Silberman
Written by Eliot A. Daley, Fred Rogers
Music Director: John Costa
Neighbors: Betty Aberlin, W.P. Barker, Joe Negri (uncredited)
Jazz Combo: John Costa, Eric Kloss, Joe Negri, Robert Rawsthorne, Michael Taylor

Production funds for this television visit were provided by a grant from the Sears-Roebuck Foundtation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

© 1971 National Educational Television and Radio Center