Free to Be… You and Me
6.7
48 minutes
3/11/1974
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.
Cast List
Marlo Thomas
as Self - Host
Alan Alda
as Self
Harry Belafonte
as Self
Mel Brooks
as Baby Boy (voice)
Rita Coolidge
as Self
Billy De Wolfe
as The Principal (voice)
Roberta Flack
as Self / Young Girl
Rosey Grier
as Self
Michael Jackson
as Self / Young Boy
Kris Kristofferson
as Self
Bobby Morse
as Dudley Pippin (voice)
Tom Smothers
as Self
Cicely Tyson
as Self
Dionne Warwick
as Self
Peter DuPre
as Self
Stuart Pankin
as Man in the Maternity Ward
Dustin Hoffman
as Self (scenes deleted)
June Angela
as Self (uncredited)
Carol Channing
as Self (voice) (uncredited)
Rafer Johnson
as Self (uncredited)
Ron Marshall
as Voices (uncredited)
Diana Sands
as Self (uncredited)