Some experiences stick in the mind and are never far away from immediate recall. However, other memories disappear in the recesses of the brain, never to surface again after the experience is over. A couple days ago, I wrote about a memory that has stuck in my mind, shaped and molded my personality, but is not a happy thing to remember. It was traumatic and is as vivid a memory today as it was forty years ago.
One of the songs in the show was “What The World Needs Now Is Love” made popular by Jackie DeShannon.
I was completely consumed by the story. The caterpillar was mesmerizing and had become real in my imagination. At the end, Fred actually turned into a beautiful butterfly.
I cried.
I had never, up to that point, been so caught up in a story or felt overwhelming emotions for an imaginary television character. I lived the story with Fred the caterpillar. He had become real — more real than my paper dolls, Barbie, my Tippy-Toe doll or the tiny, plastic cowboy and Indian figures.
The moral and the caterpillar in “For The Love Of Fred” left an indelible mark on my life in many ways. I always remember the importance and value of being loved and sharing friendship. Neither are frivolous or should be taken for granted. The show taught me that true friends love, support and help whenever needed. I also learned that love, real love, is absolutely beautiful and can work miracles.
No matter where or when I hear the first notes by the baritone in the song, “What The World Needs Now Is Love“, I immediately think of Fred the caterpillar. I also see the entire moment as if I was hovering above the room of my childhood home — the first color television my parents owned, Dad’s gold chair, the blue couch and Mom doing chores behind me as I sat crossed legged on the floor.
The final moments when Fred breaks out of his cocoon and is a beautiful butterfly has been so etched in my mind that I can distinctly remember the veins in the leaves on the trees where he stretched out his new butterfly wings. Even more than that, I can feel the surge of emotion as I realized that love had helped him become a butterfly.
Fred the caterpillar was determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a butterfly. No obstacle stopped him. Fred remained steadfast in his quest because he knew that his dream was possible as long as he did not give up.
Our lives today are the same as a caterpillar that turns into a butterfly. The dream can only become reality if we persevere. We must get up each time we fall because to remain face down in the dirt ensures utter failure. It is easy to remain in the dirt and give up. Having or keeping a positive outlook may feel virtually impossible, but love, friends and doctors can keep us going on the right path toward our dreams.
It’s funny how one moment in our history can change everything. The moments when every sense is heightened, time stands still and then etches it in our memories like a diamond scratching a window pane. Until that moment, life was one way and then after the moment, it is all new — sometimes better and sometimes worse. How we handle the change defines us, so for the love of Fred, do not stop dreaming and believing while on the journey.
What a wonderful memory. It is so true how moments, be they negative or positive, can be powerful catalysts in our lives. It is up to us to make sure we are propelled in the right direction. Thank you for sharing this story.
What a wonderful memory. It is so true how moments, be they negative or positive, can be powerful catalysts in our lives. It is up to us to make sure we are propelled in the right direction. Thank you for sharing this story.
So, I guess you weren't naming your chin whisker Fred like I did… 🙂
TJ,
I remembered that part, but it was not "happy" so I didn't include it in the post LOL
As I read this post, I was taken back into your world. I well remember that day. I remember how you cried. Did you forget when he became a butterfly that he forgot who his friends were and that you were so sad because as he flew off all his friends were yelling at him and he paid no attention to them? Unlike Fred we should never forget our friends even when they do not agree with us. I love you Sherry.
mom
I posted your blog on my face book, my cousins read it and thinks it is fabulous
mom
Redhead Riter, this is such a moving story that I, too, posted your blog on my Facebook page and tweeted it.
You are a writer (even if you spell it Riter) — and in your writing you share some of your memories with us, making them each brilliant vignettes that make us think and touch our heart!
Hi – thanks for writing about For The Love of Fred …. I was on here googling – trying to find a copy of it to purchase when I came across your blog on it. I had SAME reaction and same memory – I remember seeing it a few times as a kid and sobbing when Fred flew off as a butterfly. I would love to buy a copy of this. I just went to NBC.com and to the contact link under Vintage movies and chose "other" from the drop down and requested information on how to get a hold of this movie. I am writing you to see if you will do the same. If they get lots of requests maybe they will go into archives and make some up. Who knows until we try? Maybe you can put a blog request for people to do this? Thanks …..
Will do!
Something made me think of that movie today so I googled it and there was your blog. I was really young when I saw the movie. Honestly, any good positive messages the show may have held were obliterated when Fred callously flew off, abandoning all those who truly loved him. I absolutely hated that story for that reason. It still disturbs me a bit when I think of it. Like the one poster said, it’s something to aspire *not* to be! Great blog though!
LOL Thanks Just Me for clicking over to find me!
I remember how upset I was when he flew off too. It was really beyond my understanding at the time how he could leave all the people that loved him. Actually, I still don’t understand that part! LOL It is really strange though how much of an impact that show made me out of all the things that I used to watch on TV. Out of hundreds and hundreds of shows, I STILL remember THAT one!
I had the same feelings and emotions as you did about this show. It was so powerful for me. I cried as well. Also felt so empty as he flew away from his friends. The song stuck with me ever since.
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂
All of those comments about The Love of Fred on NBC back in1972 warmed my heart…because I produced, directed, was cinematographer, and edited the film. We shot it in Princeton, NJ and Lawrenceville, Paul Ritz wrote the script and he and wife Mary created the life sized hand puppets.
The three of us won the Christopher and Gabriel national TV awards.
Sadly, Paul, Mary, and son Mark are all deceased. Part of their legacy remains in the character of Geoffery the Giraffe, which was bought by a commercial toy manufacturer.
I certainly hope NBC reissues the film digitally. I have a film copy but NBC retains the copyright. It was a great experience creating it.
Avery Chenoweth, Sr.
Avery,
I was so pleased to get your comment and appreciate you taking the time to write it. Obviously, you know that The Love of Fred touch me so deeply that I’ve never forgotten it. Strangely, the movie will pop into my mind for no apparent reason and I will think about the butterfly at the end. Every single time I’ve ever heard, “What The World Needs Now,” I’ve thought of The Love of Fred.
If it is ever released, I want a copy! Do you know who I could write to get a copy?
Thank you so much for your comment, but most of all for the wonderful show.
You have to just love the internet! I was speaking to my partner this morning and I mentioned an early childhood memory that I have from about 7 or 8 years old about a Giraffe and some of his friends helping their friend a caterpillar become a butterfly. When the show was over I remember going outside to my mother who was working in the garden and just bawling my head off…I was so wrecked from how moving and beautiful the story was. My mother thought something bad had happened to me…no, just television. It’s funny, I can’t remember what happened 2 days ago, and just have glimpses of my childhood memories, but that one sticks clearly in my mind. I got on the internet today just to see if I could find out the name of the show and stumbled upon your post. I also stumbled on a place where you can supposedly get a copy of the show: http://www.skaryguyvideo.com/puppets.htm
I’d be curious if you do get it, if you feel the same way about it as then. Sometimes our minds play tricks on us…oh and then there’s the fact that we get a little cynical as we grow older! Thanks again for the memory! Steve
Thanks Steve. I found that site also, but I don’t think it has been updated in a long time so I’m not sure if they really sell the video any more. The only means of payment they offer is through PayPal, so I just wasn’t willing to take the chance at this point. Let me know if you do! LOL
I’m happily surprised to learn this film meant as much to someone else as it did to me. It’s almost like we are in a melancholy club. The sadness I felt because he didn’t recognize his dedicated and loving friends (post metamorphosis) crushed me. One of my brothers occasionally reminds me of it nearly 50 years later. I’m so glad I found your blog. I had forgotten the name of the film. I almost feel like Freddie. I no longer remembered. But I don’t ever want to forget.
Thank you so much for writing about The Love of Fred. It made a tremendous impact on me as a child and I’m glad to find out there are others out there!
It was a pleasure, Valerie, to write about this lovely show!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it too.
For the Love of Fred was actually filmed at the farm where I lived in my early childhood. At least part of it was – apparently at some point during filming the cicadas were too loud and I think they had to find a new location to film the rest of it. I was just a baby when it was filmed so I never remember actually seeing it, but I do remember looking at the still photographs in my family’s photo album of the puppets and Mary Ritts. I would love to see it and I’d really love to have a copy of it!
– Laura (Goeke) Hess
Toooooooooo cooooooooool!!!
Do you still have a picture of the house?
Hi- this is actually the second post I have made on this site, for some reason the first one wasn’t posted, which strikes me as curious. Albeit…
I was the narrator for this show. We did win a Christopher and a Gabriel award. Mark Ritts was a teacher in my elementary school in New York City. I was in second grade when he recruited me. The audio was taped in Paul and Mary’s studio in Princeton, New Jersey, where a good part of the “action” of the film took place.
About 10 or 15 years ago, when Mary Ritts was still alive, I contacted her. I have, in addition to the nice letter she wrote me after all those years, a copy of the master VHS from the NBC vault. I had this digitized to DVD last year, it came out fine. I would be willing to seed a copy or two to people on this list, perhaps the proprietor of this blog could contact me. Avery, thanks for all your hard work, perhaps you remember me (I was a snotty seven year old kid). It is a timeless story and I enjoyed being a part of it.
I live in Brookline, Massachusetts. I am glad this show has made its fans over the years. Peace, Philippe
Awesome!!!!! I would LOVE a copy of this show!!! I will send you an email now. 😉
I remember watching this movie as a kid, in school and loving it. I would love to have a copy of it, if someone knows where-how I could get one;)
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂
Hi Phillipe,
My husband played a small role in the movie. He is the towheaded boy sitting on a wall and sharing something with a little girl.
I would love to be able to give him a copy for his birthday. Can I venmo or PayPal you to cover costs?
Thank you.
Laurie
I would love a copy of this. Happy to pay whatever. My husband’s was in it! Please let me know how to get in touch with the narrator, Philippe Block. Thank you!
I guess this is where most of us land that Googled For the Love of Fred. It left an indelible mark in my memory, as well. I did not see in on T.V. we watched on the reel to reel in grade school. I remember it being 2 big reels and the excitement that I knew it was a long viewing! I have tried to find it from old libraries which loaned them for personal viewing. Those have sadly been phased out.
The story was beautiful and though there is that touch of sadness at the end I have never forgotten the powerful message of friendship displayed with those characters. The fact that friendship can be costly, messy and sometimes painful was real. The movie does not tie up into a perfect ending for those who are sad to loose Fred, it beautifully depicts friendship. Snippets of this film have rolled through my mind since 1979 when I first saw it. If ever I hear the song, What the World Needs Now, I am transported backed to scenes in the movie. I would love to own a copy and encourage NBC to release it digitally.
Thank you for writing about it! I enjoyed reading the comments.
I’m so glad you have the same kind of fond memories as I do and that you found everyone’s comments. 😀
By the way, I just sent you an email
Oh my gosh, I am so glad I found someone else who remembers this! I saw this as a small child and It imprinted me forever! I think about it often & have tried to find a copy everywhere. It’s been so long I was starting to doubt how accurate my memories are, but your writing is exactly how I remember! LOVE THiS!! If anyone knows how to find a copy of this. pLEASe email me! Paige.caplan@yahoo.com. Thank you!!
You aren’t imagining things. 😀 I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post. By the way, I just sent you an email.
Thank goodness for google! I have wracked my brain for years trying to remember the name of this show. We watched it in elementary school some 40 years ago! I adored it. Also, there was another show we watched that parts of have stuck with me over the years, and I don’t know the name of it either. What I can remember was a boy that lost his dog, looked high and low for him only to find him with a blind person. He chose to leave him with that person. Oh, so heart wrenching.
Thank you for writing this piece.
Sincerely,
Lisa K. Perrin
I’m glad you finally have peace with this show like the rest of us! 😉 Tell me more about the other show with the dog because it isn’t jogging any memories.
My brother and I are corresponding over an ocean about this show from so long ago. I had thought I was the only one in the family who had been so moved by it. Turns out I was wrong. Nice to find your article. Thought it strange that you didn’t focus more on the ending. But that’s been taken up in the comments. As we’re facing some big life decisions, the focus you took is pertinent to us now. Would love to get a copy of this and share it with my brother’s kids… Happy trails, John
I’m glad you found this post!
I just sent you an email 😀
Oh my gosh! I would absolutely love a copy of For the Love of Gred. I couldn’t stop talking to my children about my memories of this show I have from when I was a kid. Please let me know how I can get a copy.
I would love to show this show to my grand daughter and have been looking for it on and off for many, many years. If someone could please point me to where I could obtain a copy I would appreciate it.
😀 I just sent you an email Rob! 😀
Have a great day!
You must be around my age because I still to this day have never forgotten that show, It has haunted me after all these years. I cried all alone while watching Fred and his friends nurse him through his change……….When he became the beautiful butterfly and could not remember his old life……very deep .I was in my early teens and waited to watch that show on Saturday afternoons. I must have been 13 yrs old. I have talked about the story for years because it effected me in such a powerful way I wanted everyone to experience it. I wish there was a way to get a copy? If there is please let me know. The world should not miss out on this beautiful moving story……………………and yes, I do remember the story about the lost dog and the deaf man. This is another beautiful sad story. Thank you, Valerie, I am now in my 50’s Imagine that? It never left me.I have searched for it for my now grown children.
Yes, it is such a wonderful story! I’m so glad you enjoyed sharing the memory!
By the way, for some reason your comment went into the spam and I just found it. Now that you have an approved comment, it shouldn’t happen again. Thanks so much for commenting.
YES!!! This was the story. Whoa, what an impression it left on me. I was trying to find it, but could not remember the name. As a librarian, I did my online research thing (not even knowing the title) today …for it specifically and BOOM…here you are talking about it. If anyone knows of a video where I can get a copy, please try to find me and share with me.
It is 2019 and I decided to google and try to figure the name of this show out for the thousandth time since 1980, and finally I found it! I watched the first part of the show, then my mom took me someplace, then I came home just in time to see him fly away without recognizing his friends and the “What the world needs now” song and I have NEVER FORGOTTEN OR GOT OVER MISSING THE WHOLE SHOW. I am a middle aged woman still pining to see it once again all the way through!
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂
I was so surprised to stumble on this conversation. I lived down the street from Paul and Mary Ritts and made a brief appearance in the movie. If you have any idea how to get a copy I would be very grateful.
I have enjoyed reading the posts about “For the Love of Fred”. Like most others here, I have done my own share of pulling hair and going crazy trying to remember this show! It’s a shame NBC does not put these kids shows together and release a DVD set- Why let them rot away in a vault? (I’d also like to see the one with the boy and the lost dog, too). I profoundly remember crying my eyes out the rest of the day after seeing Fred turn into a butterfly. The only part of it I can recall in my minds eye nowadays (after 43 years) is just before he turns into a butterfly, one of the other puppets is sitting nearby in a rocking chair and sleeping, I believe? I would very much love to see this again and share it with my 8 year old adopted son- I’ll then be able to die happy!
Craig
Craig, I sent you an email 🙂 and I’m so glad that you enjoyed the movie as much as we did!
Sherry,
Thank you for solving a mystery that has haunted me since I was 6! I LOVED this movie as a child and vividly remember Fred turning into a butterfly and flying away. Like everyone else, I remember sobbing… I admit I still get choked up whenever I hear “What the World Needs Now.”
I would love to see this as an adult (I’ll have plenty of tissue handy) some day because I know the story is deeper than I absorbed as a little boy. The lessons of love, support, and loss DID make a lasting impact however; as I experienced each multiple times throughout adulthood, I remembered thinking of this story.
Thank you for bringing back a good memory from childhood, Sherry. Thank you, too, to all who brought the story to life and as a result, impacted my life (and countless others) for good with important lifelong lessons. I would love to know how to get a copy of the DVD if it is still available.
Jarrell in Savannah, GA
I’m so glad that you found this post and enjoyed the memories!
By the way, I have written you an email. 🙂
I, too, would love to get a copy of “For the Love of Fred” on DVD. I’ve tried to explain what a moving childhood film it was to my wife (who, upon hearing that Fred did not remember his friends after becoming a butterfly, gasped “That’s a TERRIBLE story!”). I would like the chance to show her the true beauty of Fred’s journey: that no matter who he became, his friends knew – and loved – him…even when it meant letting him go. If anyone out there can help me find a copy, it would be much appreciated.
LOL I can see how your wife would think it was a terrible story. I don’t like the letting go thing either. I just sent you an email too. 🙂
I too would love to see “For the Love of Fred” again. My son, who is now 50 years old, sat glued to the TV during the whole program. He was just a little boy. However; he got so upset when Fred turned into the butterfly & didn’t recognize his friends. He thought that was the saddest thing ever. I’m sure he would love to see it again.
This post is a life saver. I have been racking my brain trying to remember this show. After a wordy Google search I was brought here, thank you. You’ve expressed my exact feelings regarding this show. Now I need to find a way to rewatch it.
I’m so glad you found this post, Russell. I just sent you an email. Enjoy! 🙂
Oh my gosh! I would absolutely love a copy of For the Love of Gred. I couldn’t stop talking to my children about my memories of this show I have from when I was a kid. Please let me know how I can get a copy. Please email me! ??
Wow. I was talking to a friend tonight who is younger than I am and telling her about Lidsville, another children show from when I was growing up.
I went to YouTube and found a clip to share with her and then I saw a link to The Bugaloos. somehow that immediately made me think of For The Love of Fred.
I’m so glad I found your post here! As I read your synopsis of the film I started to cry. I continue to cry as I read every post on this page. I had no idea this film has shaped my life in so many ways. (I am a wonderful friend and I will do anything to help them achieve their dreams, even if it means letting them go.)
I would love to see this film again although I am scared at the same time. I remember my brother used to tease me with the memory of Fred when he wanted me to cry.
Thank you for this blog post!
I am so glad I found this post! I loved this movie when I was a child and couldn’t remember the name of it. I would love to be able to see it again and show it to my nephew. Do you know how I can get a copy of it?
I am so glad I came across your post . Like many others on here, this movie had such an impact on me. I would love to show it to my nephew. Can you please let me know where I can find a copy?
My two sister and I watched this show as children. I have always wondered about the song, and my search took me here. If there is anyway to get a copy of For The Love Of Fred, please let me know.
Kathy in Chicago
Thanks very much for sharing this post. Similar to the people who shared comments, I remember this show and was very moved by it (I recall bawling at the end when Fred became a butterfly). I was pretty young when I saw this show (about 7 or 8 as I recall), so I couldn’t remember the name, only the basic story. I’d love to see it again. Do you know where it can be purchased or viewed?
I am so happy to have found this site
My sister and I have been searching for any copy of the beloved movie
If you would be so kind to let me know if there is a way to purchase a copy that would be so great.
My sister was searching on and off for years and I would love to surprise her on her big 50 bday.
Thank you again for taking the time to write such a beautiful recollection of your experience. My sister and I were sitting in front of the TV exactly the same way.
Rhonda,
I thought I wrote you, but I can’t find an email in my sent box. Did you get an email from me a while back?
Thank you for this article! Not only did it fill a gap in my memory but it also shows me how I am not alone in the impact this film had on my childhood.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the memories! 🙂
OMG… this must have been the story that has rarely left my mind. Born in 1961, I was definitely a child of early television education programs. This story just never left me. I think I cried at the end when (as I remember…hopefully correctly) Fred as the butterfly seemed to not remember his friends.
Oh gosh, For the Love of Fred. I never remembered the name. In the words of Maya Angelou, (something like…) “You may not remember what they said, but you remember how they made you feel.” I think that story helped make me a better person…it was so deep.
What a bucket of emotions during and after watching that. It shaped me …yes, it did. Regards and thanks for remembering too. ~ Yolanda (the Librarian)
Hi Sherry!
As many have done before me, I want to also thank you for this blog. Many times over the years, particularly when I hear the song, I’ve thought of looking for this show on the net but haven’t been near my computer or phone to look it up.
Tonight was the night. It’s amazing to see how many of us were so deeply affected by that show!
I, too, would love to find out how to get a copy of this show. My inner 7-year old would be so grateful!
Oh wow talking about memories. I too remember when the movie/show would come on. I had to be about 5 or 6 the first time I saw it, I cried. My sister and I so loved the song I remembered the words all these years because I have wanted to see it again. I promised myself when I was little I would never ever forget it. It reminds me of a time in my life when my life was so good, carefree, had both my parents in a wonderful family in a magical time in my life. Nice to find this article and nice to see others can relate. Thank you ohh especially love the touch of the TV Guide close up! I hate the cable menu and guide. What a great time it was then the world is in so much need today of Love……. Peace&Love to all
I vividly remember watching this when I was around 4 or 5. I knew it had something to do with a butterfly. And I remembered the music at the end was sweet and soulful, but I always thought it was the Carpenters. I didn’t remember the title. Only now, years later, I discovered the name of this song “What the world needs now”, and searched for it and “butterfly”, and found the name of that movie I watched as a child so long ago. Even seeing screenshots have brought back vivid memories. I want to watch the whole thing now. I have this all consuming need to find it and watch it. Any ideas how I might do that? The wiki page for this movie is blank! 🙁
Thank you for this! I have been trying to find out what this movie was I remembered for several years. Wish I could find it!
Dear Red,
I want to thank you for posting this “memory” so that those who remember this childhood movie could relive it.
I have been searching for the title to this movie for decades. My librarian friend found your website.
I, too, have fond memories of this story and watched it many times during my elementary school days. In fact, the after school program used to play it in the cafeteria from time to time. I believe my sister and I paid a dime or a quarter each to watch it in the school theater.
Not only has the story stuck with me for over 40 years but the heme song is forever in my heart and mind.
Memories of the movie bring tears to my eyes. It is such a wholesome touching story. I didn’t even remember them as puppets.
Thank you again for sharing your memories with us.
Stephen
I was an elementary teacher for 33 years and we would show this film to our students each year. Of course, then it was shown on a film projector! I, too, have looked for a copy of this movie over the years and would appreciate it if anyone who is able to find out where a digital copy can be obtained would let me know as well. Thank you!
I have the same vague memory- a butterfly flying off and the song “What the world needs now…” playing in the background… And crying my eyes out! I have no idea why this has stuck with me for so long. I would love to get a copy of this video.
I stumbled upon this years too late but I have major depressive disorder and have spent the last 24 hours sobbing over this silly children’s program that may have set up my mental disease because I remember crying my heart out when I watched this show. The scene that stayed with me is Albert in his rocking chair cradling Fred in his arms and then he wakes up and Fred has changed and flies away unaware of who Albert is. I know it was supposed to teach a lesson but it just tore me up. I have never gotten over it.
Thanks, Red, for your research and post. I was seven when I watched For The Love of Fred on TV. I was so sad, too. I still remember that after almost 50 years. Those artists really tapped into something all kids could learn from, I think. I tried to purchase from the above link, but I’m only taken to Paypal’s generic website. Thoughts?
I was so surprised to stumble upon this thread! As a child I lived down the street from Paul and Mary Ritts, and had a brief cameo appearance in this movie. If you know how to obtain a copy I would be very interested.
I saw this film as a small child, and I, too, sobbed at the end, to the point where my mother turned off the television set and sent me off to cheer up. It devastated me, too, that after the love and nurturing of his friends, Fred did not remember them after he transformed. Loss and death are tough topics for children to grasp and accept, and the thought of Fred’s transformation haunted me, like it did all of you. It was a profound realization for a small child.
I was reminded of this film today while listening to a public radio piece about memory. An experiment was run on caterpillars, and it turned out that after they transformed into moths, they remembered their caterpillar experiences. Not only that, but there was evidence of undeveloped wings inside the bodies of caterpillars. So, the transformation is not point of utter change, but the seeds of the caterpillar’s life live on while she is a butterfly, and her butterfly form lives within her as a caterpillar. It gave me strange relief to learn that. In the metaphoric language of the film, Fred would have remembered the things most important to his survival as a butterfly, and that, as the film says, would be the love that surrounded him before his metamorphosis. And to all of our inner children, maybe loss is never complete, and death never the end.
Oh wowwwww!
I was just playing guitar and singing to my dad. He’s 83 and a bit frail due to COPD and *ping* the memory of that puppet rocking the little cocoon all night popped right into my head and I had to find it. All I could remember was the song and the cocoon. I also remember thinking, “Rocking anything *all night* is dedication; I had no idea a person could or would do that.”
And it turns out the movie is nearly invisible on the internet and there are NO clips on YouTube. But this page was the #1 hit on Google for “what the world needs now cocoon” ha ha.
I too would love to find out how to get my grubby paws on a copy. I remember that this show was the favorite “classroom pacifier” selection for several of my elementary school teachers (it is an hour long, fitting a classroom period perfectly) so I saw it several times. Shadow Oaks Elementary, Spring Branch Independent School District, Houston TX.
Thank you Sherry, for sharing your insight, and for bringing this community together. I saw this 16mm film at the age of 8 in Elementary school. I was not just moved, but partially healed, as I was privately grieving from the loss of several dear young friends who had moved away to different schools and cities. The story consoled me by affirming that it is indeed better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. We spend our adult lives slowly learning this lesson. The characters in this story were also examples of how selfless acts are a way of thanking the world for our relationships. Partially because of this film, I found a way to make a career involving puppets (look me up on the web…). My son turns 8 tomorrow, and I would love to show him this film. Let me know if there is a way to view it.
I see this show every.e I hear that song as well. This show has haunted me for decades.
If this post is still active I would info on how to purchase a copy on dvd.
Thank you so much!
Just finished watching a movie with my youngest daughter (The Boss Baby). She loves stories about when Mom or Dad were young. “Blackbird” was a key song in the movie, and I told her that was the first song I learned to play on the guitar. Then the song, “What the World Need Now is Love” came on – I told her that watching a sad show with that as the theme song was the first time I remembered crying from my childhood.
I thought an internet search would be fruitless, but managed to find this site. What a pleasant surprise. (Thanks, Sherry.) The video stills on your post instantly brought back my memories. I imagine that all of the commentors here are in a very narrow age range (1964 for me).
If anyone does ever manage to find a legitimate source for For The Love Of Fred, please post it here in the comments!
Thanks all, and keep holding on to those childhood memories.
I realize it’s been years since you posted this, but I just had to write to tell you that I share a very similar experience with “For the Love of Fred”. I just heard the song “What the World Needs Now” and it made me think of this show — as it always has ever since 7-year old me saw the movie for the one and only time I ever did! I have tried to find it many times over the years and in searching, once again, I came upon your story. If you, or anyone you hear from, ever manages to find copies, I hope someone might let me know, as I would love to see if, as a 54-year old, it would have the same affect. In any case, thanks for sharing your story.
As with so many others, I Googled my way here. 🙂 [Search string in my case: kid’s show caterpillar turns into butterfly 1970s]
Would absolutely love to buy a copy of this show, for I cried too and have written about it as one of the most intense experiences of my life, back when I was six or seven.
I was just watching The Voice when the singer chose “What the World Needs Now” and the image of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly popped into my head….again. For years it’s happened and I’ve asked people why..today I pursued it. And found this post. First, I’m not crazy with my memory and second, I’m not alone. Forever I will remember this story…and will cry too.
Hi, oh my goodness! For The Love of Fred is such a huge memory from my childhood! Did anyone ever find where to get a copy of it? I’ve searched high and low (hence finding you! Bless Google!)
Thank you for any info!
Dear Sherry,
I too googled my way to this site when I was asked which movie had affected me the most deeply. Like others in this thread, I cried at the end when Fred disappeared into his cocoon then emerged beautiful, but did not recognize his friends. At 6 or 7 years old, it was my first experience with a non-disneyfied ending with no “happily ever after”. It is a story of love and loss and grief, things that we continue wrongly to try to prevent our children from knowing. It was the saddest thing I’d ever seen. That song is still a song of loss and love for me. Every 6 year old understands friendship. I had recently left my best friend when my family moved across the country, but at least I knew she still remembered me. To be left, unremembered by a close friend and still love them is an adult concept that many of us face as our parents fall headlong into dementia. The story is true.
While I’m sure I would smile at the homemade, non-CGI technology of the puppets, I would love to have a copy of this story.
At almost 53 yrs. old, I still remember that one. Like you and many of the posters here, I too sobbed….so profoundly moved at my tender age by this story of Fred. After watching me be so affected by this tv show, my father nicknamed me Fred/Freddie? At 90 yrs old, he still to this day refers to me as Fred?
Thanks for sharing your memory with us!
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂
Dear Sherry, I’ve tried to reach you recently via email. Please contact me so I can reach out to readers who are interested in acquiring a copy of the program. Thanks, Philippe
I just sent you an email with details. Thanks so much Philippe!
Wow!! For the Love of Fred!!!! I finally have a name! I have thought about that movie every time I hear the song ‘What the World Needs Now is Love” and it still brings tears to my eyes with the memory of the butterfly flying away after getting the greatest gift of all….the love of his friends but he does not remember them……they will always remember him and love him anyway!!
I’m 58 years old and that movie & song touched me as a small child and yes I did cry. But it helped me through out the years to realize that what small & loving gifts we do in love & friendship may never be know or acknowledged. And we keep doing them anyway, in love.
I would love to have a copy of this story. It’s a special one!
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂
Looks like I am years behind the curve finding this page but would very much love to see this show again. So crazy it made such an impact on so many people that we still come searching after all these years. I can’t remember as much as some but finally got the name to pop up but was disappointed it isn’t on video.
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂
Hi Sherry,
Wow! Thank you so much for this post. This show has haunted me for 50 years. My memory is a 5 year old me sitting on the floor in front of the TV, sobbing, and feeling such deep sadness as ‘What the World Needs Now’ is playing. Until reading all of the comments I hadn’t remembered that Fred has forgotten his friends as he flew away. Like so many of us here, that song still moves the hell out of me.
Anyway, I took a chance several weeks ago and ordered the movie from the skaryguy link in one of the above comments. I haven’t received anything so I’m guessing that site is defunct. It looks pretty old. Do you know of any way to get a copy? Thanks again.
Ellen
I just sent you an email about how to get a copy of the movie. 🙂