Free to Be… You and Me
Seen it?1974 | 48 min | Animation, Family, TV Movie, Documentary
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- One for parents and kids watching together and anyone who knows cartoons aren't just for kids. Works for the whole couch, from little ones up.
- The mood
- Feel-good, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Well paced for a documentary, at 48 min. Done before bedtime.
- What might put you off
- No age rating on record, so check it first for young kids.
- Made in 1974: an older pace and style.
- Skip it if you can't get past animation (your loss).
Free to Be…You and Me, a project of the Ms. Foundation for Women, is a record album, and illustrated book first released in November 1972, featuring songs and stories from many current celebrities of the day (credited as "Marlo Thomas and Friends") such as Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Cicely Tyson, Carol Channing, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross, among others. An ABC Afterschool Special using poetry, songs, and sketches, followed two years later in March 1974. The basic concept is to encourage a post-60's gender neutrality, while saluting values such as individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one's identity. A major thematic message is that anyone, whether a boy or a girl, can achieve anything.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 47K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Bill Davis, Len Steckler, Fred Wolf
- Marlo ThomasSelf - Host
- Alan AldaSelf
- Harry BelafonteSelf
- Mel BrooksBaby Boy (voice)
- Rita CoolidgeSelf
- Billy De WolfeThe Principal (voice)
- Roberta FlackSelf / Young Girl
- Rosey GrierSelf
- Michael JacksonSelf / Young Boy
- Kris KristoffersonSelf