The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

About The Great Muppet Caper

The Great Muppet Caper, released in 1981, is a mystery musical comedy film directed by Jim Henson. This film follows the adventures of the Muppets as they journey to Britain to stop a jewel heist. The movie begins with Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo the Great as investigative reporters sent to London to interview Lady Holiday, a high-fashion designer. The trio lands in the midst of an audacious jewelry theft and sets to prevent the thieves from stealing the illustrious Baseball Diamond.

Making / Production

This was the second Muppet film to hit the silver screen, produced by Henson Associates and ITC Entertainment. The screenplay was written by Jerry Juhl and Tom Patchett. The film makes extensive use of meta-references, breaking the fourth wall, and self-aware humor. The complexity of the Muppet movements, like synchronized swimming and bicycle movements, required the use of various inventive puppetry techniques.

Actors

• Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson): Played the role of an investigative reporter who, along with his friends, embarks on a mission to solve a jewelry theft.
• Miss Piggy (Frank Oz): Took on the role of a fashion model who becomes a prime suspect in the theft.
• Fozzie Bear (Frank Oz): He plays a news writer that contributes to the investigation.
• Gonzo the Great (Dave Goelz): Played a daring photographer with an inclination for dangerous stunts.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the directorial debut for Jim Henson.
• The characters all play different roles from their regular Muppet Show personas, leading to the unique humor in the film.
• This is the only Muppet movie in which the Muppets control the opening credits.

Awards

The Great Muppet Caper received a British Academy Film Awards nomination in 1982 for Best Original Song for "The First Time It Happens".

Quotes

• "Stealing? How could you? Haven't you heard of the Code of the Woosters?" - P.G. Wodehouse
• "I've seen detergents leave a better film than this." - Fozzie
• "Look, Mother. It's my life Okay, So if I want to live on a beach and walk around naked... Oh." - Janice

Music, Soundtrack

• "The First Time It Happens" - Composed by Joe Raposo
• "Happiness Hotel" - Composed by Joe Raposo
• "Hey a Movie!" - Composed by Joe Raposo
• "Piggy's Fantasy" - Composed by Joe Raposo