Movielogr
Free to Be… You and Me (1974)
Directed by Fred Wolf, Len Steckler, Bill Davis
Overview
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.
Length 48 minutes
Actors
Marlo Thomas | Alan Alda | Harry Belafonte | Mel Brooks | Rita Coolidge | Billy De Wolfe | Roberta Flack | Rosey Grier | Michael Jackson | Kris Kristofferson | Bobby Morse | Tom Smothers | Cicely Tyson | Dionne Warwick | Peter DuPre | Stuart Pankin | Dustin Hoffman | June Angela | Carol Channing | Rafer Johnson | Ron Marshall | Diana Sands