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ADVENTURE IN THE ARTS: THE MUPPETS ON PUPPETS {SEGMENT} (TV)

Summary

In this program, Muppets creator Jim Henson -- with the help of Muppet character Rowlf -- explains the art of puppetry, from building to performance. Henson describes the various kinds of puppets; demonstrates how to operate a hand puppet; and provides a brief history of puppet development and performance throughout the world, beginning with the influence of the character Punch from the "Punch and Judy" shows of the 1800s. Puppeteers Jerry Juhl and Frank Oz demonstrate how other kinds of puppets work, such as the string puppet or marionette, the rod puppet from Java, the finger puppet, and the Sicilian puppet. Highlights include the following: Oz performs a puppet sketch called "The Sunday Painter"; Rowlf talks about the Muppets and introduces a young Kermit the Frog; puppet maker Don Sahlin demonstrates the use of special effects and how to build a puppet; and Oz and Henson jointly operate a puppet, which transforms into various characters. Other highlights include a backstage view of the Muppets in a unique version of the Cinderella story, combined with scenes from other classic children's stories; a skit in which bare human hands are used as puppets; and a demonstration of how to make simple puppets from materials found at home. The program concludes with a skit about a king and his daughter, featuring finger and foam puppets constructed during the show.

(This program aired on several public television stations, including WITF in Hershey, Pa.)

Details

  • NETWORK: NET National Educational Television / PBS forerunner
  • DATE: November 30, 1967
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:57:22
  • COLOR/B&W: B&W
  • CATALOG ID: T85:0424
  • GENRE: Children's programs; Arts documentaries
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Puppets; Children's programs
  • SERIES RUN: NET - TV series, 1968
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Tim Steele … Producer, Director
  • Jerry Juhl … Writer, Puppeteer
  • Jim Henson … Host, Puppeteer
  • Frank Oz … Puppeteer
  • Don Sahlin … Guest, Puppet Builder
  • Charles Rice … Settings by
  • Dennis Stoner … Instrumentalist, Piano music by