JIM HENSON HOUR, THE: "MUPPETELEVISION" AND "MISS PIGGY'S HOLLYWOOD" (TV)

Summary

One in this series of hour-long programs hosted by Jim Henson, which includes special presentations featuring an assortment of live-action Muppets and creatures. This program includes two half-hour segments: "Muppetelevision," with special guest Bobby McFerrin, in which Kermit the Frog and his Muppet crew direct their own variety show from a TV studio; and "Miss Piggy's Hollywood," in which Miss Piggy hosts a tour of Tinseltown. In the first portion, Kermit tries to choose programming that will boost ratings. Highlights include the following: a quartet of colorful creatures emerges from a wall mural to join McFerrin for the opening number; in a parody of a nature documentary, woodland creatures turn violent and bomb butterflies; in the "yuppie" drama "hurtingsomething," married Muppet monsters discuss their feelings and trap a tiny lawyer in their bathtub; Miss Piggy telephones Kermit from the West Coast, and ratings skyrocket; McFerrin delivers a report on the Music News, aided by "an interpreter for the totally unhip"; a new ratings device called the "Response-o-matic" threatens to usurp Kermit's job; and the cast gathers for the closing number, "La Bamba." Also included is a segment featuring Marc Weiner and his militant puppets, who interrupt Kermit's signal. In the second portion, Miss Piggy is joined by Gonzo and Fozzie Bear as she visits famous Hollywood landmarks and tries unsuccessfully to gain entry to the homes of movie stars. Highlights include a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a glimpse of special attractions at Universal Studios, including the "King Kong" and "Jaws" exhibits. En route to The Comedy Store, Fozzie Bear gets sidetracked at various locations but finally arrives at the club for his audition. Miss Piggy almost meets Bob Hope; hassles "Cheers" regular George Wendt in a men's clothing store on Rodeo Drive; tricks Justine Bateman into a poolside interview; and finally is invited into the home of a celebrity -- Dudley Moore -- who turns out to be her biggest fan. As this portion concludes, Moore and Miss Piggy sing "Our Love Is Here to Stay." Henson makes closing remarks. Commercials deleted.

Details

NETWORK: NBC
DATE: May 14, 1989 7:00 PM
RUNNING TIME: 0:48:48
COLOR/B&W: Color
CATALOG ID: T:25531
GENRE: Comedy/Variety
SUBJECT HEADING: Children's programs; Puppets; Music, popular (songs, etc.)
SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1989
COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

Jim Henson … Host
Don Gillis … Music (Misc. Credits), Musical Director
For "Muppetelevision":
Lawrence S. Mirkin … Producer
Jerry Juhl … Co-Producer
Martin G. Baker … Co-Producer
Ritamarie Peruggi … Associate Producer
Kirk Thatcher … Associate Producer
Peter Harris … Director
Jerry Juhl … Writer
Tim Burns … Writer
Barbara Samuels … Writer
Mark Saltzman … Writer
Bill Prady … Writer
Chris Langham … Writer
Karen Barnes … Production (Misc.), Executive in Charge of Production
Russell Chick … Production Design
Michael K. Frith … Muppet Design Consultant
Tim McElcheran … Special Effects
Bobby McFerrin … Special Guest
Marc Weiner … Guest Puppeteer
Fran Brill … Muppet Performer
Rob Mills … Muppet Performer
Kevin Clash … Muppet Performer
Dave Goelz … Muppet Performer
Jim Henson … Muppet Performer
Steve Whitmire … Muppet Performer
Camille Bonora … Muppet Performer
Gordon Robertson … Muppet Performer
Dan Redican … Muppet Performer
Jerry Nelson … Cast
Chris Langham … Cast
Sandra Shamas … Cast
For "Miss Piggy's Hollywood":
Peter Harris … Director
Bill Prady … Writer
Jim Lewis … Writer
Jane A. Gootnick … Muppet Workshop
Marion Keating … Muppet Workshop
Rollie Krewson … Muppet Workshop
Dudley Moore … Special Guest Star
George Wendt … Special Guest Star
Justine Bateman … Special Guest Star
Bob Hope … Special Guest Star
Frank Oz … Cast, Miss Piggy, Muppet Performer
Dave Goelz … Cast, Gonzo, Muppet Performer
Charles Dougherty … Cast
Karl Rumberg … Cast
Don Draper … Cast
Kathleen Wirt … Cast