The Muppet Movie

About The Muppet Movie

"The Muppet Movie" is the first of several movies featuring Jim Henson's iconic Muppets. The 1979 film tells the origin story of the Muppets. It starts with Kermit the Frog living a simple life in the swamp, when a Hollywood agent approaches him and tells him he has potential. Inspired to pursue his dream, Kermit embarks on a cross-country trip to Hollywood, encountering several other Muppets along the way. The story is filled with adventure, comedy, and poignant moments, all while being chased by a wealthy businessman who wants to exploit Kermit for commercial purposes.

Making / Production

"The Muppet Movie" was directed by James Frawley, with Jim Henson serving as a puppeteer alongside several of his regular collaborators. The movie was a technical achievement at the time, incorporating complex puppetry techniques into a feature-length film. The film is also notable for its numerous celebrity cameos, including Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, and others.

Actors

• Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog: As the main character, Henson portrayed Kermit's journey from the swamp to stardom with heartfelt sincerity.
• Frank Oz as Miss Piggy: Oz's portrayal of the glamorous yet tough Miss Piggy has become one of the most beloved Muppet characters.
• Dave Goelz as Gonzo: Known for his eccentric passion for stunts, Goelz captured Gonzo's unique charm perfectly.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "The Muppet Movie" was the first time Kermit the Frog was seen with collar-less.
• Despite being a movie about puppets, "The Muppet Movie" features a great number of celebrity cameos.
• Steve Martin's cameo involves him playing an insincere waiter - a character opposite from his usual roles.

Awards

While "The Muppet Movie" did not win any major awards, it was nominated for two Oscars: Best Original Song for "Rainbow Connection" and Best Original Score.

Quotes

• "Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending." - Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog.
• "Kermit, does this film have socially redeeming value?" - Frank Oz as Sam Eagle.

Music

The music for "The Muppet Movie" was written and scored by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher. Their song, "Rainbow Connection," is highly regarded and was nominated for an Oscar.

Soundtrack

• "Rainbow Connection" – Kermit
• "Movin' Right Along" – Kermit and Fozzie
• "Can You Picture That?" – Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem