Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure is a delightful children's television special that first aired in 1988. This 60-minute special features the beloved characters from Sesame Street, including Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. In this magical adventure, the residents of Sesame Street are preparing for Halloween, getting their costumes ready and decorating the neighborhood. However, things take an unexpected turn when a mysterious witch casts a spell, turning the entire street into a strange enchanted place. As the characters embark on a quest to undo the spell and restore Sesame Street to normal, they encounter various magical creatures and obstacles along the way. They meet a friendly scarecrow, a mysterious talking tree, and a mischievous ghost who helps them on their journey.
“All Kinds of Fur,” “Frau Trude,” “The Goose Girl at the Well,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Mother Holle,” “Rapunzel,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Snow White,” and “The Three Spinners.”
All Kinds of Fur, Frau Trude, The Goose Girl at the Well, Hansel and Gretel, Mother Holle, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, and The Three Spinners. Seeking a way to become human and pursue the love of a human prince, the Little Mermaid seeks the Sea Witch s aid who offers to brew her a potion made with several disgusting ingredients and the witch s own black blood to turn her tail into legs, in return for the Little Mermaid s voice.
They meet a friendly scarecrow, a mysterious talking tree, and a mischievous ghost who helps them on their journey. Throughout the special, the characters learn valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and facing their fears. They must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and ultimately defeat the witch.
Witchcraft Legends
Shemus Rua (Red James) awakened from his sleep one night by noises in his kitchen. Stealing to the door, he saw half-a-dozen old women sitting round the fire, jesting and laughing, his old housekeeper, Madge, quite frisky and gay, helping her sister crones to cheering glasses of punch. He began to admire the impudence and imprudence of Madge, displayed in the invitation and the riot, but recollected on the instant her officiousness in urging him to take a comfortable posset, which she had brought to his bedside just before he fell asleep. Had he drunk it, he would have been just now deaf to the witches' glee. He heard and saw them drink his health in such a mocking style as nearly to tempt him to charge them, besom in hand, but he restrained himself. The jug being emptied, one of them cried out, "Is it time to be gone?" and at the same moment, putting on a red cap, she added --
Hie over to England.
Making use of a twig which she held in her hand as a steed, she gracefully soared up the chimney, and was rapidly followed by the rest. But when it came to the housekeeper, Shemus interposed. "By your leave, ma'am," said he, snatching twig and cap. "Ah, you desateful ould crocodile! If I find you here on my return, there'll be wigs on the green--
Hie over to England."
- Source: W. B. Yeats, Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (London: Walter Scott, 1888), pp. 168-70.
- Yeats's source: Patrick Kennedy, Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts (London: Macmillan and Company, 1866), pp. 166-68.
- Return to the table of contents.
Germany
- Source: Projekt Gutenberg, Die Fahrt nach dem Brocken.
- Projekt Gutenberg's source: Heinrich Pröhle, Unterharzische Sagen: Mit Anmerkungen und Abhandlungen (Aschersleben: Verlag von Oskar Folke, 1856), no. 314, pp. 120-21.
- The Brocken is the highest summit (elevation 3747 feet, 1142 meters) in the Harz Mountains of central Germany. Witches are said to assemble there for their yearly "Sabbath" on Walpurgis Night, the eve of May 1st.
- Return to the table of contents.
Germany
Once there was a wealthy peasant, whose wife -- the people said -- was a witch. This was repeated so often that the peasant himself finally heard the rumor. He wanted to get to the bottom of the matter, and thus one day before May Night he went out and got some turf from the grave of a child who had died without being baptized. He secretly hid the turf then went to bed with his wife. He closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep, although he remained awake and attentive. At the strike of twelve his wife did indeed get up and sneak out the bedroom door. The peasant, taking turf with him, followed her outside the house door, where she suddenly disappeared. He saw nothing but a troop of black horses. But the peasant did not allow himself to be deceived. Quickly placing the turf on his head, he saw -- instead of the black horses -- women and girls of his acquaintance. In their midst was his wife. He also heard them discussing their trip to Block Mountain. He recognized them, because anyone beneath the earth can see witches and spirits in their true form. Angered, the peasant jumped at his wife and swung himself onto her, just as one would climb onto an ordinary horse's back. He also knew witches' magic words and called out:
Horse of black, horse so fleet,
Do you duty with quick feet.
Then she rose up and carried him into the air. She did not tire from the mighty ride, nor did the peasant grow tired. Again and again he called out:
Horse of black, horse so fleet,
Do you duty with quick feet.
- Source: Adalbert Kuhn, "Der Hexenritt," Sagen, Gebräuche und Märchen aus Westfalen und einigen andern, besonders den angrenzenden Gegenden Norddeutschlands , Erster Theil: Sagen (Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus, 1859), no. 419, pp. 373-74.
- Kuhn's source: written correspondence from Dr. Boegekamp, a secondary school teacher in Berlin.
- Block Mountain (Blocksberg) is another name for the Brocken, the highest summit (elevation 3747 feet, 1142 meters) in the Harz Mountains of central Germany. Witches are said to assemble there for their yearly "Sabbath" on Walpurgis Night, the eve of May 1st.
- Return to the table of contents.
Along the way, there are catchy songs and entertaining dances that engage young viewers and keep them entertained. Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure is not only a fun and exciting Halloween special, but it also teaches important lessons and promotes positive values. The special highlights the importance of working together, being brave, and embracing differences. It encourages children to be curious, imaginative, and kind towards others. This special is a perfect way for children to celebrate Halloween and learn valuable life lessons while being entertained. It continues to be a favorite among children and families, capturing the heart of Sesame Street's educational and entertaining mission. With its lovable characters, enchanting storyline, and memorable songs, Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure is truly a magical experience for viewers of all ages..
Reviews for "Join Cookie Monster and the gang for a sweet and spooky Halloween on Sesame Street"
- John - 2 stars - I found "Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure" to be quite dull and uninteresting. The storyline was predictable and lacked any real excitement. The characters didn't engage me and seemed to just go through the motions. Overall, I was disappointed with this Halloween special and would not recommend it.
- Sarah - 3 stars - While "Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure" had some cute moments, I felt that it fell short in terms of creativity. The plot felt repetitive and didn't hold my attention throughout. Additionally, the animation felt outdated and didn't add much to the overall experience. Overall, it was an okay watch, but I was hoping for something more engaging.
- Michael - 2 stars - As a long-time fan of Sesame Street, I was disappointed with "Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure". The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear focus. The songs were forgettable and didn't have the same catchy tunes as previous Sesame Street specials. I didn't find myself laughing or enjoying the humor like I usually do with this show. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity and was not up to the usual Sesame Street standards.
- Emily - 1 star - "Sesame Street Magical Halloween Adventure" was a letdown for me. The characters felt out of character and the costumes were cheaply made. The dialogue was forced and didn't flow naturally. I didn't find any of the scenes to be particularly memorable or enjoyable. Overall, I would not recommend this Halloween special to anyone.