OF MUPPETS & {AND} MEN: THE MAKING OF THE MUPPET
SHOW (TV)
Summary
This special, narrated by Muppets creator Jim Henson, offers a behind-the-scenes account of the making of "The Muppet Show." In interviews with the writers, performers, and designers of the Muppets, interspersed with clips from past shows, the program explores each stage of the creative process involved in producing the show for television. Henson provides details on everything from the conception of an idea for the script to the mechanics of the puppeteering performances. Topics discussed include the following: Kermit the Frog's function on the show; Miss Piggy as a media phenomenon; the artistic and creative freedom given to the writing team; the working relationship among the cast and crew; the importance of Frank Oz's contribution at each stage of the show's development; how guest stars are chosen; the unique qualities of each Muppet performer; and how interaction among the Muppet characters is created. Highlights include the following: interviews with Muppet performer Frank Oz, head writer Jerry Juhl, and executive producer David Lazer; writers Don Hinkley, David Odell, and Chris Langham in a brainstorming session; choreographers Norman Maen and Gillian Lynne staging dance numbers for guest stars; puppet designers in the workshop; and performers rehearsing. Also included are appearances by Muppet performers Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Kathy Mullen, and Louise Gold; floor manager Richard Holloway; directors Philip Casson and Peter Harris; and ballet dancer Graham Fletcher. Featured in clips from past shows are guest stars Roger Moore, 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, and many others. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: Syndicated
- DATE: November 30, 1980
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T85:0013
- GENRE: Arts documentaries; Specials
- SUBJECT HEADING: Children's programs; Puppets
- SERIES RUN: Syndicated - TV, 1981
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- David Lazer … Executive Producer
- Elizabeth Taylor-Mead … Producer
- Harley Cokliss … Director
- Peter Berry … Director
- Jim Henson … Narrator
- Harry Belafonte
- Milton Berle
- Philip Casson
- Cleese, John (John Cheese)
- James Coburn
- Graham Fletcher
- Dave Goelz
- Louise Gold
- Mark Hamill
- Peter Harris
- Don Hinkley
- Richard Holloway
- Bob Hope
- Richard Hunt
- Glenda Jackson
- Jerry Juhl
- Chris Langham
- Linda Lavin
- Gillian Lynne
- Norman Maen
- Ethel Merman
- Roger Moore
- Rita Moreno
- Zero Mostel
- Kathryn Mullen
- Jerry Nelson
- Rudolf Nureyev
- David Odell
- Frank Oz
- Linda Ronstadt
- Peter Sellers
- Brooke Shields
- Beverly Sills
- Raquel Welch
- Steve Whitmire
- Andy Williams