J.T. – An Unforgettable Christmas Special (1969)
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J.T. Was A Holiday Special That First Aired in 1969
It was originally shown as part of the CBS Children’s Hour. .
That was a Saturday children’s show. It was so successful that CBS quickly aired it in prime time.
It was rerun by CBS many times during the 1970s and 1980s.
This film won a prestigious Peabody Award.
J.T. Is Unforgettable
This is the story of a young boy in gritty 1960s Harlem in New York.
He has started doing petty thefts and is not responsive to his mother’s frustrations with his behavior.
J.T. steals a transistor radio, is inattentive in school, and generally has a rotten attitude.
He has few friends.
One day during the Christmas season, as he is running around the abandoned buildings of his neighborhood, he discovers a sickly cat.
He immediately starts bonding with the cat, and tries to nurture it back to health.
J.T. has discovered that he loves someone without reservations.
He discovers having responsibility for others, compassion, and honesty.
*Without going into details, there is one scene that will bother animal lovers, even though we only hear it, not see it. It is not graphic, and it is an important turning point for J.T.’s character.*
The story does not glamorize the neighborhood or the lives of the people living there.
The area is surrounded by ruined buildings, and when he asks his mother if he can have a cat, she replies that the only animals allowed in the building are rats.
The last few minutes of the film are beautiful. This is a truly touching story set in a tough neighborhood at Christmastime.
What Happened To the Cast?
Kevin Hooks is the son of actor Robert Hooks, who is an actor, producer, and activist..
Kevin Hooks has gone on to a successful career as an actor, director, and producer. He was in the great film Sounder. See it if you can! It’s a wonderful family film.
Ja’Net DuBois (listed as “Jeanette” in the opening credits) had an interesting career. She became famous as the character “Willona Woods” on Good Times.
She was a very striking woman and made grand entrances, always with stylish 1970s clothes. She wore them so well.
However, she may be most famous for singing The Jeffersons theme song! It’s a classic!
Theresa Merritt had a great career!
While she was best known for appearing on the television series “That’s My Mama”, she had a long career in theater.
Further Reading
Check out my other posts!
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)
The 1970s Yule Log Brings Back Happy Christmas Memories!
Christmas at Canfield-Morgan Farm & Museum | Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Christmas at The Farm at Green Village
Christmas at Kip’s Castle 2023
Christmas at Kingsland Manor | Nutley, New Jersey
Christmas at Zenas Crane Homestead | West Caldwell, New Jersey
The Sopranos’ Opening Credits and Super Bowl Commercial 2022 | Television, Music
Late Night Local TV And Fabulous Saturday Night Discomania in the 1970s | Television
New York Television Celebrates New York and New Jersey During the 1970s and 1980s | Television
The Historic Red Mill Museum Village 2024 | Clinton, New Jersey
Holsten’s Ice Cream Parlor (famous from The Sopranos) | Bloomfield, New Jersey
Hot Dog Johnny’s | Buttzville, New Jersey
Bendix Diner | Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey
Positively New Jersey! | Television
Morley Safer and Modern Art | Television
It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature! | Television
You Deserve A Break Today Commercial | Television
Great Adventure Theme Park and Rolling Thunder | Jackson Township, New Jersey
and check out posts from my books and writing blog, The Literary Lioness:
The Cat Who Came For Christmas by Cleveland Amory | Book Review
The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken: A Search for Food and Family by Laura Schenone | Book Review
Thanks for visiting New Jersey Memories!
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Christmas at The Farm at Green Village 2023 | Green Village, New Jersey
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)
