Why Mr. Rogers is a summer movie star

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Episode 18630

Listen • 25:45

Why Mr. Rogers is a summer movie star

"Won't You Be My Neighbor" filmmaker Morgan Neville reveals why his documentary about Fred Rogers has become a hit movie this summer. And singer-songwriter Mary Gautier partners with veterans to make music and mend wounds.

Mr. McFeely (David Newell) and Fred Rogers on set, in the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?

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Fred Rogers, the host of the children's television series, 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,' rests his arms on a small trolley in this promotional portrait from the 1980's.

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Getty Images/Getty Images

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Mary Gauthier at McCabe's Guitar Shop.

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Libby Denkmann/KPCC

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Mr. Rogers spoke to our better selves

(Starts at :45)

When "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" premiered 50 years ago — with simple sets, some old puppets and an unassuming host — there was no reason to expect the show would last. But something about Fred Rogers made it work. Filmmaker Morgan Neville talks with John Horn about his new documentary, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" which is one of the biggest indie hits of the summer.

Songwriting to mend invisible wounds of war

(Starts at 18:45)

Nashville singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier has been volunteering as a mentor with the non-profit SongwritingWith:Soldiers for about five years, facilitating artistic collaboration between the military and civilian worlds. Now she's made an album off songs that she wrote in partnership with veterans.