OF MUPPETS AND MEN: THE MAKING OF THE MUPPET SHOW (TV)
Summary
In this documentary, Jim Henson hosts a behind-the-scenes look at the production of The Muppet Show. The program begins with Miss Piggy and other Muppets singing "I Get Around"; the camera pulls back to reveal the puppeteers controlling the puppets and performing the song as other crew members move cameras and other equipment. A series of clips from the Muppet Show featuring guest celebrity performers follows, over which Jim Henson introduces the documentary. In footage from a sound recording of a sketch from "The Muppet Show," Henson performs with Frank Oz. Henson then discusses the success of "The Muppet Show." A segment from the show featuring the characters Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog follows. Over clips of Henson, other crew members and guest performer Roger Moore taping "The Muppet Show," Henson describes the similarities between his function in the production of "The Muppet Show" and the character Kermit's function in the program's story. Henson discusses Frank Oz; Oz performs as Miss Piggy in a skit with Moore. Oz talks about the anonymity of puppeteering. Over images of magazine covers featuring the Miss Piggy puppet and segments from "The Muppet Show" featuring Miss Piggy (including an appearance by Linda Lavin), Henson discusses the popularity of the Miss Piggy character. Jerry Juhl talks about writing for "The Muppet Show" over segments from the program. Henson talks about the writing process for "The Muppet Show" and introduces the show's writers; footage of a writer's meeting is shown, followed by a segment from "The Muppet Show" of the sketch discussed at the meeting. A clip from "The Muppet Show" taping is shown, after which Henson described the good atmosphere of the show's productions and the closeness of the crew. Henson praises Oz for his contributions, followed by a clip from "The Muppet Show" featuring Oz (as "Fozzie the Bear") performing with Linda Ronstadt. Henson talks about the puppeteers and voice performers who perform on "The Muppet Show"; film of these performers during production of "The Muppet Show" is interspersed with segments from the show featuring their performances. "The Muppet Show" executive producer David Lazer talks about his role in coordinating the appearances of guest stars on "The Muppet Show", and the importance of their contributions, followed by segments from "The Muppet Show" featuring several guest stars. Henson visits the Muppet workshop and discusses the creation of the "Muppet" puppets, as well as the difficulties faced by puppeteers; segments from "The Muppet Show" illustrating his points are shown. Henson talks about the process of producing the show, from the conception of the stories to the taping of the program over footage of the set-building, rehearsal and taping of a scene from "The Muppet Show". Henson talks about the director's involvement in the production and the increasingly elaborate production numbers. Oz and Henson talk about the appeal of the "The Muppet Show" for audience and performers alike, including the combination of puppetry and television technology; clips are shown featuring special effects. Henson visits the set builders and talks about the sets; footage of a set design meeting and a scene from "The Muppet Show" discussed at the meeting are shown. Henson talks about the choreography over footage of a dance rehearsal featuring the choreographer and Raquel Welch and her performance on "The Muppet Show". A segment featuring John Cleese is shown, followed by Lazer's discussion of choosing material for guest performers and a montage of "The Muppet Show" segments featuring other guest performers, including Beverly Sills. The documentary ends with Henson describing his love of his job and the people he works with, followed by a montage of "The Muppet Show" production footage and performances by guests including Andy Williams, Glenda Jackson, Linda Lavin, Raquel Welch, Milton Berle, Zero Mostel, Bob Hope, Peter Sellers, James Coburn, Linda Ronstadt, Rudolf Nureyev, Harry Belafonte, Rita Moreno, Mark Hamill, John Cleese, Brooke Shields, Beverly Sills, Ethel Merman.
(This program was originally broadcast on October 10, 1981 out of Columbia, MO, and had several airings via syndication.)
Details
- NETWORK: WCBS-TV
- DATE: November 27, 1981 Friday 5:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:22
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:64558
- GENRE: Arts documentaries; Specials
- SUBJECT HEADING: Children's programs; Puppets
- SERIES RUN: WCBS (New York) - TV, 1981
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- David Lazer … Executive Producer
- Elizabeth Taylor-Mead … Producer
- Peter Berry … Production (Misc.), Editor, Director
- Harley Cokliss … Director
- Jim Henson … Host
- Harry Belafonte
- Milton Berle
- John Cleese
- James Coburn
- Mark Hamill
- Valerie Harper
- Bob Hope
- Glenda Jackson
- Jerry Juhl
- David Lazer
- Linda Lavin
- Ethel Merman
- Roger Moore
- Rita Moreno
- Zero Mostel
- Rudolf Nureyev
- Frank Oz
- Linda Ronstadt
- Peter Sellers
- Brooke Shields
- Beverly Sills
- Raquel Welch
- Andy Williams