Muppet Wiki

Kermiteye Welcome to Muppet Wiki!


Please visit Special:Community to learn how you can collaborate with the editing community.

READ MORE

Muppet Wiki
Register
m (Reverted edits by DumbotheElephant (talk) to last version by Toughpigs)
(Shifted screenshot of Juliet and Gazelles.)
(27 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{episodetms|star=[[Juliet Prowse]]|production=January 29-31, [[1976]]|airdate=UK: January 16, [[1977]]<br>US: April 25, [[1977]]|video=''[[The Muppet Show: Season One|Season One]]''<br>''[[Best_of_the_Muppet_Show#volume15|Best of the Muppet Show]]''}}
 
{{episodetms|star=[[Juliet Prowse]]|production=January 29-31, [[1976]]|airdate=UK: January 16, [[1977]]<br>US: April 25, [[1977]]|video=''[[The Muppet Show: Season One|Season One]]''<br>''[[Best_of_the_Muppet_Show#volume15|Best of the Muppet Show]]''}}
[[Image:Juliet_Opening.jpg|thumb|300px]]
+
[[File:Juliet_prowse_tms.jpg|thumb|300px]]
  +
 
[[Muppy]], the favorite pet of [[The Muppet Theater|Muppet Theater]] owner [[J. P. Grosse]], becomes a prima donna when [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]] reluctantly allows him to do a [[Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear|musical number]] with [[Scooter]]. Muppy even gets his own dressing room and star billing, but Kermit draws the line when the [[Dogs|dog]] asks to change the show's title to ''The Muppy Show''. When Muppy locks himself in his dressing room and refuses to perform, Scooter does the number with [[Fozzie Bear|Fozzie]] instead.
+
[[Muppy]], the favorite pet of [[The Muppet Theater|Muppet Theater]] owner [[J. P. Grosse]], becomes a prima donna when [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]] reluctantly allows him to do a [[Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear|musical number]] with [[Scooter]]. Muppy even gets his own dressing room and star billing, but Kermit draws the line when the [[Dogs|dog]] asks to change the show's title to ''The Muppy Show''. When Muppy locks himself in his dressing room and refuses to perform, Scooter does the number with [[Fozzie Bear|Fozzie]] instead.
   
 
==Songs/Sketches==
 
==Songs/Sketches==
Line 16: Line 16:
 
* [[Episode 101: Juliet Prowse#Temptation|"Temptation"]]
 
* [[Episode 101: Juliet Prowse#Temptation|"Temptation"]]
 
<br clear="all" />
 
<br clear="all" />
  +
 
==Episode==
 
==Episode==
{|border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8"
+
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8"
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee"
+
|- bgcolor="#eeeeee"
 
!Picture
 
!Picture
 
!Description
 
!Description
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Fozzie's_opening_joke.png|300px|center]]<br />[[Image:Gonzo_gong.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[File:Fozzie's_opening_joke.png|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Juliet_Opening.jpg|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Gonzo_gong.jpg|250px|center]]
 
|"[[The Muppet Show Theme]]": Fozzie thinks his opening joke is so funny, he never gets around to telling it.<br /><br />Guest star [[Juliet Prowse]] is pestered by three of the [[Green Gazelles]].<br /><br />[[Gonzo]] ends up charred [[Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings|when he hits the ''O'' with his mallet]] and it [[Muppet Explosions|explodes]].
 
|"[[The Muppet Show Theme]]": Fozzie thinks his opening joke is so funny, he never gets around to telling it.<br /><br />Guest star [[Juliet Prowse]] is pestered by three of the [[Green Gazelles]].<br /><br />[[Gonzo]] ends up charred [[Gonzo's Muppet Show Openings|when he hits the ''O'' with his mallet]] and it [[Muppet Explosions|explodes]].
|-id="MahnaMahna"
+
|- id="MahnaMahna"
|[[Image:Mahnamahna.jpg|300px|center]]<br />[[Image:Kermit_Snowths.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Mahnamahna.jpg|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Kermit_Snowths.jpg|250px|center]]
|Kermit introduces [[Mahna Mahna (character)|Mahna Mahna]] ("whatever that means") and the [[Snowths]], who perform the classic variety show number, "[[Mahna Mahna (song)|Mahna Mahna]]."<br /><br />As the [[Sketches That Use Abstract Dialect|nonsense song]] draws to a close, Mahna Mahna dances his way [[Backstage Appearances by Jim Henson Characters Other Than Kermit|backstage]] and out of the [[The Muppet Theater|Muppet Theater]]. Soon after he has disappeared, the phone rings. Kermit answers the call and brings the receiver [[Muppet Theater Stage|on stage]], telling the Snowths "It's for you," at which point Mahna Mahna has the last word: "Mahna Mahna!"
+
|Kermit introduces [[Mahna Mahna (character)|Mahna Mahna]] ("whatever that means") and the [[Snowths]], who perform the classic variety show number, "[[Mahna Mahna (song)|Mahna Mahna]]."<br /><br />As the [[Sketches That Use Abstract Dialect|nonsense song]] draws to a close, Mahna Mahna dances his way [[Backstage Appearances by Jim Henson Characters Other Than Kermit|backstage]] and out of the [[The Muppet Theater|Muppet Theater]]. Soon after he has disappeared, the phone rings. Kermit answers the call and brings the receiver [[Muppet Theater Stage|on stage]], telling the Snowths "It's for you," at which point Mahna Mahna has the last word: "Mahna Mahna!" After the number, Statler asks what a Mahna Mahna is, and Waldorf responds with, "The question is, who cares?".
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Image:Kermit_drinks.jpg|300px|center]]<br />[[Image:Muppy_drinks.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Kermit_drinks.jpg|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Muppy_drinks.jpg|250px|center]]
|Backstage: Kermit [[References to being puppets|drinks milk through a straw]]. "Think about this, friends."<br /><br />Scooter and Muppy approach Kermit to talk about the act they're performing on the show that night. Kermit protests that they aren't performing an act until Scooter casually mentions that his uncle who owns the theater thought it up: "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Dog," which features a cute, adorable, sweet, sugary, little dance for Muppy. Kermit, displaying his artistic judgment, thinks it sounds sappy; displaying his will to survive, however, he thinks it sounds wonderful.<br /><br />Muppy shows his gratitude to Kermit by biting him and then finishing off his milk.
+
|Backstage: Kermit drinks milk through a straw: [[References to being puppets|"Think about this, friends."]]<br /><br />Scooter and Muppy approach Kermit to talk about the act they're performing on the show that night. Kermit protests that they aren't performing an act until Scooter casually mentions that his uncle who owns the theater thought it up: "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Dog," which features a cute, adorable, sweet, sugary, little dance for Muppy. Kermit, displaying his artistic judgment, thinks it sounds sappy; displaying his will to survive, however, he thinks it sounds wonderful.<br /><br />Muppy shows his gratitude to Kermit by biting him and then finishing off his milk.
|-id="Bumblebee"
+
|- id="Bumblebee"
|[[Image:Flight of the Bumblebee.JPG|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Flight of the Bumblebee.JPG|250px|center]]
|[[Gonzo's stunts|Gonzo's Stunt]]: A flustered Kermit introduces ''The Muppet Show's'' resident artist, Gonzo the Great, who announces that he will eat a rubber tire to the music of "[[Flight of the Bumblebee]]." Statler and Waldorf are amazed and astounded, but bored.<br /><br />Kermit comments the act as another wipe-out for Gonzo, who is booed off the stage, spitting out pieces of rubber and calling the audience "Yokels!" Despite his critical failure, though, he has made surprising progress on the tire.
+
|[[Gonzo's stunts|Gonzo's Stunt]]: A flustered Kermit introduces ''The Muppet Show's'' resident artist, Gonzo the Great, who announces that he will eat a rubber tire to the music of "[[Flight of the Bumblebee]]." Statler and Waldorf are amazed and astounded, but bored.<br /><br />Kermit comments the act as another wipe-out for Gonzo, who is booed off the stage, spitting out pieces of rubber and calling the audience "Yokels!" Despite his critical failure, though, he has made surprising progress on the tire.This sketch was featured on [[The Muppet Show (album)]] in which Gonzo finishes the whole tire during the entire song.
 
This sketch was featured on [[The Muppet Show (album)]] in which Gonzo finishes the whole tire during the entire song.
 
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Image:Muppy_realdog.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Muppy_realdog.jpg|250px|center]]<br />[[File:Backstage101Scene2.png|250px|center]]
|Backstage: Muppy wants Kermit to know that he is sorry for biting him earlier. He also wants his own dressing room and star billing.<br /><br />(''Note:This is the first time that a [[Live Animals Who Have Appeared on The Muppet Show|live dog]] is used to play Muppy in a long shot.'')
+
|Backstage: Muppy wants Kermit to know that he is sorry for biting him earlier. Luckily, he is also happy that Kermit let him do the "Simon Smith" number. But, he also wants his own dressing room and star billing!<br /><br />(''Note:This is the first time that a [[Live Animals Who Have Appeared on The Muppet Show|live dog]] is used to play Muppy in a long shot.'')
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Image:Juliet_backstage.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Juliet_backstage.jpg|250px|center]]
 
|Backstage: Kermit talks to Juliet backstage before her big number. She has nothing to complain about, although she has never before had to share her [[Guest Star's Dressing Room|dressing room]] with a man who eats a tire. Apparently, Gonzo was supposed to dress in [[The Stage Door|the alley]].
 
|Backstage: Kermit talks to Juliet backstage before her big number. She has nothing to complain about, although she has never before had to share her [[Guest Star's Dressing Room|dressing room]] with a man who eats a tire. Apparently, Gonzo was supposed to dress in [[The Stage Door|the alley]].
|-id="Solace"
+
|- id="Solace"
|[[Image:Solace.JPG|300px|center]]<br />[[Image:Statler_vanishes.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Solace.JPG|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Statler_vanishes.jpg|250px|center]]
 
|Juliet dances to "[[Solace]]" with the Green Gazelles. The number uses the [[Alternate Puppetry Techniques|Black Light Theater]] technique to mask the puppeteers portraying the gazelles.<br /><br />After Juliet vanishes into the background at the end of the song, Waldorf wonders how she managed the trick, so Statler demonstrates it for him.
 
|Juliet dances to "[[Solace]]" with the Green Gazelles. The number uses the [[Alternate Puppetry Techniques|Black Light Theater]] technique to mask the puppeteers portraying the gazelles.<br /><br />After Juliet vanishes into the background at the end of the song, Waldorf wonders how she managed the trick, so Statler demonstrates it for him.
|-id="AttheDance"
+
|- id="AttheDance"
|[[Image:Flower_Monster_smokes.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[File:Trumpet_Girl_with_Brewster.png|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Flower_Monster_smokes.jpg|250px|center]]
|[[At the Dance]]: [[Mildred Huxtetter]] feels like her feet haven't touched the floor all night. They haven't; she's been standing on [[George the Janitor|George the Janitor's]].<br /><br />
+
|[[At the Dance]]: [[Mildred Huxtetter]] feels like her feet haven't touched the floor ever since she and [[George the Janitor]] started dancing. They haven't; she's been standing on George's the whole time.<br /><br />[[Miss Piggy]], played by [[Richard Hunt]], asks her male [[Pigs|pig]] companion is he prefers [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] to [[Francis Bacon|Bacon]]. He, of course, prefers anything to bacon.<br /><br />[[Flower-Eating Monster|Flower-Eating Monster's]] [[Dancers#female1|partner]] says she doesn't mind if he smokes. So he does.<br /><br />Background couples: [[Brewster]] with [[Trumpet Girl]] and Mahna Mahna with [[Wayne and Wanda|Wanda]].<br /><br />
 
|- id="YouIGeorge"
[[Miss Piggy]], played by [[Richard Hunt]], asks her male [[Pigs|pig]] companion is he prefers [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] to [[Francis Bacon|Bacon]]. He, of course, prefers anything to bacon.<br /><br />[[Flower-Eating Monster|Flower-Eating Monster's]] [[Dancers#female1|partner]] says she doesn't mind if he smokes. So he does.<br /><br />Background couples: [[Brewster]] with [[Trumpet Girl]] and Mahna Mahna with [[Wayne and Wanda|Wanda]].<br /><br />(''Note: Mildred and George will be a recurring pair At the Dance, but while lost in smoke at the end of the sketch, she inexplicably calls out for [[Nigel (Muppet Show)|Nigel]].'')
 
 
|[[Image:YouandIandGeorge.jpg|250px|center]]
|-id="YouIGeorge"
 
 
|[[UK Spots (The Muppet Show)|UK Spot]]: [[Rowlf the Dog]] presents his rendition of one of the great songs of our time, that ever popular classic, "[[You and I and George]]," despite the fact that [[Tilly|his own mother]] turns down her hearing aid when he plays it.<br /><br />In his introduction, Rowlf explains that the reason nobody has heard of this ever popular classic is that, in its only recording, the song sold two copies: Rowlf bought one, and George bought one. "Where were you?"
|[[Image:YouandIandGeorge.jpg|300px|center]]
 
 
|- id="TalkSpot"
|[[UK Spots (The Muppet Show)|UK Spot]]: [[Rowlf the Dog]] presents his rendition of one of the great songs of our time, that ever popular classic, "[[You and I and George]]," despite the fact that [[Tilly|his own mother]] turns down her hearing aid when he plays it.<br /><br />In his introduction, Rowlf explains that the reason nobody has heard of this ever popular classic is that, in its only recording, the song sold two copies: Rowlf bought one, and George bought one. Where were you?
 
 
|[[Image:Juliet_kisses_Kermit.jpg|250px|center]]
|-id="TalkSpot"
 
|[[Image:Juliet_kisses_Kermit.jpg|300px|center]]
 
 
|[[Talk Spots|Talk Spot]]: Kermit confesses to Juliet that, as a tadpole, he wanted to be a dancer, but that unfortunately, the first thing to go on a [[Frogs|frog]] are his legs.<br /><br />Juliet, charmed by his sense of humor, tells Kermit that she finds him quite attractive, even calling him the [[Robert Redford]] of frogs. When he asks if she'd be willing to kiss the next best thing, she at first thinks he's talking about [[Paul Newman]]. But she kisses him anyway.
 
|[[Talk Spots|Talk Spot]]: Kermit confesses to Juliet that, as a tadpole, he wanted to be a dancer, but that unfortunately, the first thing to go on a [[Frogs|frog]] are his legs.<br /><br />Juliet, charmed by his sense of humor, tells Kermit that she finds him quite attractive, even calling him the [[Robert Redford]] of frogs. When he asks if she'd be willing to kiss the next best thing, she at first thinks he's talking about [[Paul Newman]]. But she kisses him anyway.
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Image:Muppy_Show.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Muppy_Show.jpg|250px|center]]
 
|Backstage: Kermit cues the actors for the Western sketch, and Fozzie asks him if his deep voice makes him sound more like [[John Wayne]].<br /><br />Muppy finally drives Kermit over the edge when he suggests the show be retitled ''The Muppy Show''.
 
|Backstage: Kermit cues the actors for the Western sketch, and Fozzie asks him if his deep voice makes him sound more like [[John Wayne]].<br /><br />Muppy finally drives Kermit over the edge when he suggests the show be retitled ''The Muppy Show''.
|-id="CowboyTime"
+
|- id="CowboyTime"
|[[Image:KidFozzie.jpg|300px|center]]<br />[[Image:Statler_explosion.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:KidFozzie.jpg|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Statler_explosion.jpg|250px|center]]
  +
|
|The Muppet Players put on a [[:Category:Westerns|Western]] sketch, "[[Cowboy Time]]," in which Rowlf tells the story of the time Kid Fozzie came to Snake City to hold up a saloon but was foiled by his own incompetence and some explosive vegetables.
+
The Muppet Players put on a [[:Category:Westerns|Western]] sketch, "[[Cowboy Time]]," in which Rowlf tells the story of the time Kid Fozzie came to Snake City to hold up a saloon but was foiled by his own incompetence and some explosive vegetables.
|-id="Blackout"
 
  +
|[[File:Juliet_&_zoot.png|300px|center]]<br />[[Image:Juliet Prowse.JPG|300px|center]]
 
  +
Waldorf tells Statler, who is now [[Smoking Muppets|holding a lit cigar]], that the way the Muppets find explosions funny is why he has always thought the Muppets are weird. He does not think explosions are funny, then Statler's cigar explodes when he brings it to his mouth and Waldorf confesses, "Although some of them are really quite droll."
 
|- id="Blackout"
 
|[[File:Juliet_&_zoot.png|250px|center]]<br />[[Image:Juliet Prowse.JPG|250px|center]]
 
|[[Blackouts|Blackout]]: [[Zoot]] points out that there is something strange about Juliet's [[Feather Boa Constrictor|feather boa]].
 
|[[Blackouts|Blackout]]: [[Zoot]] points out that there is something strange about Juliet's [[Feather Boa Constrictor|feather boa]].
|-id="SimonSmith"
+
|- id="SimonSmith"
|[[Image:Simon Smith & His Dancing Bear.JPG|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Simon Smith & His Dancing Bear.JPG|250px|center]]
|When Muppy refuses to go on, Scooter performs the number as "[[Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear|Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear]]" with Fozzie instead.
+
|When Muppy refuses to go on until Kermit changes the name of the show, Scooter performs the number as "[[Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear|Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear]]" with Fozzie instead.
|-id="Temptation"
+
|- id="Temptation"
|[[Image:Muppet Glee Club.JPG|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Muppet Glee Club.JPG|250px|center]]
 
|Kermit gathers [[The Muppet Glee Club|the Muppet Glee Club]] on stage to perform, but when he begins conducting, he is met first by silence and then by a cacophony of different songs, one of which is identifiable as "[[The Caisson Song]]." Kermit's suggestion that they all sing the same song is well received, though, and they all settle on their favorite song, "[[Temptation]]."<br /><br />Kermit lets "Piggy, honey" take the solo in her first featured performance, and when her cue comes, she marches down the risers and throws herself at Kermit while he conducts, ultimately pinning him to the ground before chasing him offstage.
 
|Kermit gathers [[The Muppet Glee Club|the Muppet Glee Club]] on stage to perform, but when he begins conducting, he is met first by silence and then by a cacophony of different songs, one of which is identifiable as "[[The Caisson Song]]." Kermit's suggestion that they all sing the same song is well received, though, and they all settle on their favorite song, "[[Temptation]]."<br /><br />Kermit lets "Piggy, honey" take the solo in her first featured performance, and when her cue comes, she marches down the risers and throws herself at Kermit while he conducts, ultimately pinning him to the ground before chasing him offstage.
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Image:Julietprowse01.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:Julietprowse01.jpg|250px|center]]
 
|Curtain Call: Kermit bequeaths Juliet with a [[Juliet Prowse Muppet|Muppet likeness]] of herself.<br /><br />(''Note: Although Kermit calls this a tradition, the only other guest star to receive a [[Connie Stevens Muppet|Muppet likeness]] of herself at the end of the show would be [[Connie Stevens]] in [[Episode 102: Connie Stevens|episode 102]].'')
 
|Curtain Call: Kermit bequeaths Juliet with a [[Juliet Prowse Muppet|Muppet likeness]] of herself.<br /><br />(''Note: Although Kermit calls this a tradition, the only other guest star to receive a [[Connie Stevens Muppet|Muppet likeness]] of herself at the end of the show would be [[Connie Stevens]] in [[Episode 102: Connie Stevens|episode 102]].'')
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Muppet_Show_Closing_Theme_Season_1_Juliet_Prowse_Pilot.png|300px|center]]<br /> [[Image:MahnaMahna_balcony.jpg|300px|center]]
+
|[[Image:MahnaMahna_balcony.jpg|250px|center]]
 
|Just as Statler admits that watching the show was better than sitting home and watching television, [[Characters who have been in Statler and Waldorf's box|Mahna Mahna invades]] their [[Statler and Waldorf's Box|box]].
|During the closing, an opening shot pans out on the whole orchestra.
 
 
Just as Statler admits that watching the show was better than sitting home and watching television, [[Characters Who Have Been in Statler and Waldorf's Balcony|Mahna Mahna invades]] their [[Statler and Waldorf's Box|box]].
 
 
|}
 
|}
   
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
* Miss Piggy was performed both by Frank Oz and Richard Hunt in this episode. Oz performed all of the puppeteering and spoken dialogue during the "Temptation" scene, while Hunt pre-recorded her singing voice for the number, in what would be the only time he performed Miss Piggy's vocals in a musical number. Hunt also performed Piggy (and her dancing partner) in the "At the Dance" sketch.
+
* Miss Piggy was performed both by Frank Oz and Richard Hunt in this episode. Oz performed all of the puppeteering and spoken dialogue during the "Temptation" scene, while Hunt pre-recorded her singing voice for the number, in what would be the only time he performed Miss Piggy's vocals in a musical number. Hunt also performed Piggy (and her dancing partner) in the "At the Dance" sketch.
   
 
* In the Talk Spot, Juliet makes reference to Robert Redford and Paul Newman, both of whom starred in the film ''The Sting'', which had coincidentally only several years earlier brought renewed interest to "Solace," the Scott Joplin instrumental that she danced to earlier in the episode.
 
* In the Talk Spot, Juliet makes reference to Robert Redford and Paul Newman, both of whom starred in the film ''The Sting'', which had coincidentally only several years earlier brought renewed interest to "Solace," the Scott Joplin instrumental that she danced to earlier in the episode.
Line 86: Line 85:
 
* [[Miss Kitty|Miss Kitty's]] appearance in the "Cowboy Time" sketch was the only instance in which the monster was addressed by that, or any, name.
 
* [[Miss Kitty|Miss Kitty's]] appearance in the "Cowboy Time" sketch was the only instance in which the monster was addressed by that, or any, name.
   
* The closings at the end of episodes 101 and 102 feature only Kermit, the guest star, and the guest star's Muppet likeness. Other Muppets would begin joining the guest star during the closing as of [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|episode 103]].
+
* The closings at the end of episodes 101 and 102 feature only Kermit, the guest star, and the guest star's Muppet likeness. Other Muppets would begin joining the guest star during the closing as of [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|episode 103]].
   
 
* [[Jerry Nelson]] was not available for the filming of the first three episodes, but began performing as of [[Episode 104: Ruth Buzzi|episode 104]].
 
* [[Jerry Nelson]] was not available for the filming of the first three episodes, but began performing as of [[Episode 104: Ruth Buzzi|episode 104]].
 
==[[Muppet Show Goofs|Goofs]]==
 
* In the "Cowboy Time" sketch, the bartender's line "You're confused, Kid, you ain't got no guns! Those are pickles!" was redubbed by Richard Hunt, because the beginning of the original line ("As a matter of fact, Kid...") didn't make sense after some material was cut from the sketch for the broadcast version.
 
 
* Fozzie asks Kermit why he wasn't doing an act in this particular show, even though he had just starred in the "Cowboy Time" sketch.
 
 
* There is a visible rip in the back of Piggy's mouth, through which Frank Oz's hand can be seen while he puppeteers her during "Temptation." This would be fixed by the next episode by adding new felt inside her mouth over the tear.
 
 
* Dave Goelz's face can been seen under the pair of chickens when Miss Piggy dives on Kermit at the end of the "Temptation."
 
   
 
==The Pilot==
 
==The Pilot==
 
 
[[Image:Animal_pilot.jpg‎|right|300px|thumb| [[Animal]] performing his drum solo]]
 
[[Image:Animal_pilot.jpg‎|right|300px|thumb| [[Animal]] performing his drum solo]]
Episodes 101 and [[Episode 102: Connie Stevens|102]] of ''The Muppet Show'' were both shot as pilots in late January [[1976]], several months before regular production of the show began in May of that year. These pilots were never aired, and the episodes were reworked during the regular production window, but the final versions were among the last of the first season to air in certain international markets, such as [[France]] and [[Germany]].
+
Episodes 101 and [[Episode 102: Connie Stevens|102]] of ''The Muppet Show'' were both shot as pilots in late January [[1976]], several months before regular production of the show began in May of that year. These pilots were never aired, and the episodes were reworked during the regular production window, but the final versions were among the last of the first season to air in certain international markets, such as [[France]] and [[Germany]].
   
When the episodes were reworked, several sketches were abbreviated or cut entirely, and new footage was taped. All material featuring the guest stars, however, was shot during the initial production window, although on several occasions, different takes were used in the final versions of the episode from those used in the pilots.
+
When the episodes were reworked, several sketches were abbreviated or cut entirely, and new footage was taped. All material featuring the guest stars, however, was shot during the initial production window, although on several occasions, different takes were used in the final versions of the episode from those used in the pilots.
   
 
===Changes from Pilot to Broadcast Episode===
 
===Changes from Pilot to Broadcast Episode===
 
;"The Muppet Show Theme"
 
;"The Muppet Show Theme"
Several changes were made to the pilot version of the opening theme song before the episode was broadcast:
+
Several changes were made to the pilot version of the opening theme song before the episode was broadcast:
* Different takes were used for several shots, including Kermit's opening introduction and the kickline of chorus girls (with the addition of Roxanne).
+
* Different takes were used for several shots, including Kermit's opening introduction and the kickline of chorus girls.
  +
 
* There is a second shot of&nbsp;[[Zoot]] and [[Crazy Harry]] in the orchestra after the chorus girls' verse. The first frame of this shot is also shown between the shots of [[Animal]] and [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] in [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|episode 103.]]
 
* There is a second shot of&nbsp;[[Zoot]] and [[Crazy Harry]] in the orchestra after the chorus girls' verse. The first frame of this shot is also shown between the shots of [[Animal]] and [[Rowlf the Dog|Rowlf]] in [[Episode 103: Joel Grey|episode 103.]]
   
Line 120: Line 110:
 
* The female chorus make a cameo appearance performing an extra kickline.
 
* The female chorus make a cameo appearance performing an extra kickline.
   
* The joke Fozzie told during the opening theme was different in the pilot. This one, about the panhandler who needed a bite, was told to completion. His eyebrows weren't shown during this part until his monolouge.
+
* The joke Fozzie told during the opening theme was different in the pilot. This one, about the panhandler who needed a bite, was told to completion. During this scene, Fozzie is "eyebrowless".
   
 
*Juliet sang "It's very nice to be here, I'm pleased to say hello" instead of appearing with the Green Gazelles in the cutaway shot after Kermit introduces her. It was the only singing she recorded for ''The Muppet Show''.
 
*Juliet sang "It's very nice to be here, I'm pleased to say hello" instead of appearing with the Green Gazelles in the cutaway shot after Kermit introduces her. It was the only singing she recorded for ''The Muppet Show''.
Line 127: Line 117:
 
*The most dramatic change made to episode 101 was the addition of the backstage plot involving Muppy and Scooter. "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear" was also the only onstage act to appear in the final version of the episode that was not shot for the pilot.
 
*The most dramatic change made to episode 101 was the addition of the backstage plot involving Muppy and Scooter. "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear" was also the only onstage act to appear in the final version of the episode that was not shot for the pilot.
   
* Two acts were cut completely from the pilot, [[Fozzie's Comedy Acts|Fozzie's monologue]] and [[Animal|Animal's]] drum solo. Also cut were a brief exchange between Fozzie, Rowlf, and the bartender in the "Cowboy Time" sketch; an appearance by Mahna Mahna, who pops out from behind Juliet Prowse to shout his trademark line after Kermit talks to her backstage; and an interstitial with Statler and Waldorf.
+
* Two acts were cut completely from the pilot, [[Fozzie's Comedy Acts|Fozzie's monologue]] and [[Animal|Animal's]] drum solo. Also cut were Kermit's 'introduction' and a brief exchange between Fozzie, Rowlf, and the bartender in the "Cowboy Time" sketch; a conversation between Hilda and Fozzie; an appearance by Mahna Mahna, who pops out from behind Juliet Prowse to shout his trademark line after Kermit talks to her backstage; and an interstitial with Statler and Waldorf.
   
*Several sketches, while they remained essentially unchanged in both versions, used different takes from the original shoot, including Juliet's backstage conversation with Kermit, their Talk Spot, and the final shot of Rowlf playing "You and I and George."
+
*Several sketches, while they remained essentially unchanged in both versions, used different takes from the original shoot, including Juliet's backstage conversation with Kermit, their Talk Spot, and "You and I and George."
   
 
*A rare addition between the pilot and broadcast version was a line during the Muppet Glee-Club sketch where the members comment about Kermit's baton-waving.
 
*A rare addition between the pilot and broadcast version was a line during the Muppet Glee-Club sketch where the members comment about Kermit's baton-waving.
   
*Another rare addition was when Kermit introduces Gonzo, and he comes out from the stage's left wings. A similar shot is used in [[Episode 111: Lena Horne|episode 111]] in which Gonzo comes out in the wings from stage right.
+
*Another addition occurs during Kermit's introduction of "Flight of the Bumblebee." Gonzo is seen coming out from the stage's left wings. A similar shot is used in [[Episode 111: Lena Horne|episode 111]], in which Gonzo comes out in the wings from stage right.
   
 
;Characters
 
;Characters
* Characters who appeared in the pilot but not the aired episode include Animal, [[Hilda]], and a Whatnot chorus girl (performed by [[Eren Ozker]] and identified as Roxanne) who rejects Kermit's romantic overtures (she was seen as&nbsp;the waitress in [[Cowboy Time]]&nbsp;which eventually aired).
+
* Characters who appeared in the pilot but not the aired episode include Animal, [[Hilda]], and a Whatnot chorus girl (performed by [[Eren Ozker]] and identified as Roxanne) who rejects Kermit's romantic overtures. However, she is later seen as the waitress in [[Cowboy Time]], which eventually aired. In the opening, she was replaced with another female Whatnot with a brown curly wig.
   
 
* Sonia and Her Singing Seals would have been the first in a long string of never seen acts to cancel on Kermit for one reason or another when her seals get the flu.
 
* Sonia and Her Singing Seals would have been the first in a long string of never seen acts to cancel on Kermit for one reason or another when her seals get the flu.
Line 154: Line 144:
 
===See also===
 
===See also===
 
More information on the pilot, which can be viewed at [[the Paley Center for Media]] in [[New York City]] or [[Los Angeles]], is available at [http://www.muppetcentral.com/guides/episodes/tms/pilots/3_prowse.shtml the Muppet Central Guides].
 
More information on the pilot, which can be viewed at [[the Paley Center for Media]] in [[New York City]] or [[Los Angeles]], is available at [http://www.muppetcentral.com/guides/episodes/tms/pilots/3_prowse.shtml the Muppet Central Guides].
 
   
 
==Cast==
 
==Cast==
Line 160: Line 149:
 
:[[Juliet Prowse]]
 
:[[Juliet Prowse]]
   
'''Muppets:'''
+
'''Muppets:'''
 
:[[Kermit the Frog]], [[Miss Piggy]], [[Fozzie Bear]], [[Gonzo]], [[Rowlf the Dog]], [[Scooter]], [[Statler and Waldorf]], [[Mahna Mahna (character)|Mahna Mahna]], [[The Snowths|the Snowths]], [[Muppy]], [[Green Gazelles]], [[George the Janitor]], [[Mildred Huxtetter]], [[Flower-Eating Monster]], [[Dancers#female1|Female Dancer]], [[Miss Kitty]], [[Zoot]], [[Feather Boa Constrictor]], [[Gawain]], [[Frogs]], [[Pigs]], [[Chickens]], [[Whatnots]], [[Juliet Prowse Muppet]]
 
:[[Kermit the Frog]], [[Miss Piggy]], [[Fozzie Bear]], [[Gonzo]], [[Rowlf the Dog]], [[Scooter]], [[Statler and Waldorf]], [[Mahna Mahna (character)|Mahna Mahna]], [[The Snowths|the Snowths]], [[Muppy]], [[Green Gazelles]], [[George the Janitor]], [[Mildred Huxtetter]], [[Flower-Eating Monster]], [[Dancers#female1|Female Dancer]], [[Miss Kitty]], [[Zoot]], [[Feather Boa Constrictor]], [[Gawain]], [[Frogs]], [[Pigs]], [[Chickens]], [[Whatnots]], [[Juliet Prowse Muppet]]
   
Line 169: Line 158:
 
:[[Jim Henson]] as Kermit, Rowlf, Waldorf, Mahna Mahna, and Flower-Eating Monster
 
:[[Jim Henson]] as Kermit, Rowlf, Waldorf, Mahna Mahna, and Flower-Eating Monster
 
:[[Frank Oz]] as Fozzie, Miss Piggy, the Snowths, George, Mildred, and Feather Boa Constrictor
 
:[[Frank Oz]] as Fozzie, Miss Piggy, the Snowths, George, Mildred, and Feather Boa Constrictor
 
:[[Richard Hunt]] as Scooter, Statler, Miss Piggy, Miss Piggy's dancing partner, Frogs, and Bartender
 
:[[Dave Goelz]] as Gonzo, Muppy, Zoot, Miss Kitty, and Pigs
 
:[[Dave Goelz]] as Gonzo, Muppy, Zoot, Miss Kitty, and Pigs
:[[Richard Hunt]] as Scooter, Statler, Miss Piggy, Missy Piggy's dancing partner, Frogs, and Bartender
 
 
:[[John Lovelady]] as Cowboy and Frogs
 
:[[John Lovelady]] as Cowboy and Frogs
 
:[[Eren Ozker]] as Flower-Eating Monster's dancing partner, Waitress, Chickens, and Juliet Prowse Muppet
 
:[[Eren Ozker]] as Flower-Eating Monster's dancing partner, Waitress, Chickens, and Juliet Prowse Muppet

Revision as of 04:14, 23 October 2014

The Muppet Show
Guest Juliet Prowse
Production January 29-31, 1976
Premiere UK: January 16, 1977
US: April 25, 1977
Releases Season One
Best of the Muppet Show

(TRANSCRIPT)

Juliet prowse tms

Muppy, the favorite pet of Muppet Theater owner J. P. Grosse, becomes a prima donna when Kermit reluctantly allows him to do a musical number with Scooter. Muppy even gets his own dressing room and star billing, but Kermit draws the line when the dog asks to change the show's title to The Muppy Show. When Muppy locks himself in his dressing room and refuses to perform, Scooter does the number with Fozzie instead.

Songs/Sketches


Episode

Picture Description
Fozzie's opening joke

Juliet Opening

Gonzo gong
"The Muppet Show Theme": Fozzie thinks his opening joke is so funny, he never gets around to telling it.

Guest star Juliet Prowse is pestered by three of the Green Gazelles.

Gonzo ends up charred when he hits the O with his mallet and it explodes.
Mahnamahna

Kermit Snowths
Kermit introduces Mahna Mahna ("whatever that means") and the Snowths, who perform the classic variety show number, "Mahna Mahna."

As the nonsense song draws to a close, Mahna Mahna dances his way backstage and out of the Muppet Theater. Soon after he has disappeared, the phone rings. Kermit answers the call and brings the receiver on stage, telling the Snowths "It's for you," at which point Mahna Mahna has the last word: "Mahna Mahna!" After the number, Statler asks what a Mahna Mahna is, and Waldorf responds with, "The question is, who cares?".
Kermit drinks

Muppy drinks
Backstage: Kermit drinks milk through a straw: "Think about this, friends."

Scooter and Muppy approach Kermit to talk about the act they're performing on the show that night. Kermit protests that they aren't performing an act until Scooter casually mentions that his uncle who owns the theater thought it up: "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Dog," which features a cute, adorable, sweet, sugary, little dance for Muppy. Kermit, displaying his artistic judgment, thinks it sounds sappy; displaying his will to survive, however, he thinks it sounds wonderful.

Muppy shows his gratitude to Kermit by biting him and then finishing off his milk.
Flight of the Bumblebee
Gonzo's Stunt: A flustered Kermit introduces The Muppet Show's resident artist, Gonzo the Great, who announces that he will eat a rubber tire to the music of "Flight of the Bumblebee." Statler and Waldorf are amazed and astounded, but bored.

Kermit comments the act as another wipe-out for Gonzo, who is booed off the stage, spitting out pieces of rubber and calling the audience "Yokels!" Despite his critical failure, though, he has made surprising progress on the tire.This sketch was featured on The Muppet Show (album) in which Gonzo finishes the whole tire during the entire song.
Muppy realdog

Backstage101Scene2
Backstage: Muppy wants Kermit to know that he is sorry for biting him earlier. Luckily, he is also happy that Kermit let him do the "Simon Smith" number. But, he also wants his own dressing room and star billing!

(Note:This is the first time that a live dog is used to play Muppy in a long shot.)
Juliet backstage
Backstage: Kermit talks to Juliet backstage before her big number. She has nothing to complain about, although she has never before had to share her dressing room with a man who eats a tire. Apparently, Gonzo was supposed to dress in the alley.
Solace

Statler vanishes
Juliet dances to "Solace" with the Green Gazelles. The number uses the Black Light Theater technique to mask the puppeteers portraying the gazelles.

After Juliet vanishes into the background at the end of the song, Waldorf wonders how she managed the trick, so Statler demonstrates it for him.
Trumpet Girl with Brewster

Flower Monster smokes
At the Dance: Mildred Huxtetter feels like her feet haven't touched the floor ever since she and George the Janitor started dancing. They haven't; she's been standing on George's the whole time.

Miss Piggy, played by Richard Hunt, asks her male pig companion is he prefers Shakespeare to Bacon. He, of course, prefers anything to bacon.

Flower-Eating Monster's partner says she doesn't mind if he smokes. So he does.

Background couples: Brewster with Trumpet Girl and Mahna Mahna with Wanda.

YouandIandGeorge
UK Spot: Rowlf the Dog presents his rendition of one of the great songs of our time, that ever popular classic, "You and I and George," despite the fact that his own mother turns down her hearing aid when he plays it.

In his introduction, Rowlf explains that the reason nobody has heard of this ever popular classic is that, in its only recording, the song sold two copies: Rowlf bought one, and George bought one. "Where were you?"
Juliet kisses Kermit
Talk Spot: Kermit confesses to Juliet that, as a tadpole, he wanted to be a dancer, but that unfortunately, the first thing to go on a frog are his legs.

Juliet, charmed by his sense of humor, tells Kermit that she finds him quite attractive, even calling him the Robert Redford of frogs. When he asks if she'd be willing to kiss the next best thing, she at first thinks he's talking about Paul Newman. But she kisses him anyway.
Muppy Show
Backstage: Kermit cues the actors for the Western sketch, and Fozzie asks him if his deep voice makes him sound more like John Wayne.

Muppy finally drives Kermit over the edge when he suggests the show be retitled The Muppy Show.
KidFozzie

Statler explosion

The Muppet Players put on a Western sketch, "Cowboy Time," in which Rowlf tells the story of the time Kid Fozzie came to Snake City to hold up a saloon but was foiled by his own incompetence and some explosive vegetables.

Waldorf tells Statler, who is now holding a lit cigar, that the way the Muppets find explosions funny is why he has always thought the Muppets are weird. He does not think explosions are funny, then Statler's cigar explodes when he brings it to his mouth and Waldorf confesses, "Although some of them are really quite droll."

Juliet & zoot

Juliet Prowse
Blackout: Zoot points out that there is something strange about Juliet's feather boa.
Simon Smith & His Dancing Bear
When Muppy refuses to go on until Kermit changes the name of the show, Scooter performs the number as "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear" with Fozzie instead.
Muppet Glee Club
Kermit gathers the Muppet Glee Club on stage to perform, but when he begins conducting, he is met first by silence and then by a cacophony of different songs, one of which is identifiable as "The Caisson Song." Kermit's suggestion that they all sing the same song is well received, though, and they all settle on their favorite song, "Temptation."

Kermit lets "Piggy, honey" take the solo in her first featured performance, and when her cue comes, she marches down the risers and throws herself at Kermit while he conducts, ultimately pinning him to the ground before chasing him offstage.
Julietprowse01
Curtain Call: Kermit bequeaths Juliet with a Muppet likeness of herself.

(Note: Although Kermit calls this a tradition, the only other guest star to receive a Muppet likeness of herself at the end of the show would be Connie Stevens in episode 102.)
MahnaMahna balcony
Just as Statler admits that watching the show was better than sitting home and watching television, Mahna Mahna invades their box.

Notes

  • Miss Piggy was performed both by Frank Oz and Richard Hunt in this episode. Oz performed all of the puppeteering and spoken dialogue during the "Temptation" scene, while Hunt pre-recorded her singing voice for the number, in what would be the only time he performed Miss Piggy's vocals in a musical number. Hunt also performed Piggy (and her dancing partner) in the "At the Dance" sketch.
  • In the Talk Spot, Juliet makes reference to Robert Redford and Paul Newman, both of whom starred in the film The Sting, which had coincidentally only several years earlier brought renewed interest to "Solace," the Scott Joplin instrumental that she danced to earlier in the episode.
  • Miss Kitty's appearance in the "Cowboy Time" sketch was the only instance in which the monster was addressed by that, or any, name.
  • The closings at the end of episodes 101 and 102 feature only Kermit, the guest star, and the guest star's Muppet likeness. Other Muppets would begin joining the guest star during the closing as of episode 103.
  • Jerry Nelson was not available for the filming of the first three episodes, but began performing as of episode 104.

The Pilot

Animal pilot

Animal performing his drum solo

Episodes 101 and 102 of The Muppet Show were both shot as pilots in late January 1976, several months before regular production of the show began in May of that year. These pilots were never aired, and the episodes were reworked during the regular production window, but the final versions were among the last of the first season to air in certain international markets, such as France and Germany.

When the episodes were reworked, several sketches were abbreviated or cut entirely, and new footage was taped. All material featuring the guest stars, however, was shot during the initial production window, although on several occasions, different takes were used in the final versions of the episode from those used in the pilots.

Changes from Pilot to Broadcast Episode

"The Muppet Show Theme"

Several changes were made to the pilot version of the opening theme song before the episode was broadcast:

  • Different takes were used for several shots, including Kermit's opening introduction and the kickline of chorus girls.
  • There is a second shot of Zoot and Crazy Harry in the orchestra after the chorus girls' verse. The first frame of this shot is also shown between the shots of Animal and Rowlf in episode 103.
  • Aside from Blue Frackle, the chorus boys in the kickline were different and included Snake Frackle; an orange-wigged, rock star pig; and a different Whatnot creature. They also sang "You'll see the strangest creatures on The Muppet Show tonight" instead of "It's time to raise the curtain on The Muppet Show tonight."
  • A third kickline immediately following the chorus boys' consisted of croaking frogs and clucking chickens, and was punctuated by T.R., who introduced "our leader, Kermit the Frog!"
  • A clip of Wayne and Wanda singing "You Made Me Love You" was introduced by Kermit as an example of the show's offerings. Although the pair's act was not featured in either version of the episode (a silent Wanda appeared with Mahna Mahna "At the Dance"), their performance in the theme ended as abruptly as any of their future duets would.
  • The female chorus make a cameo appearance performing an extra kickline.
  • The joke Fozzie told during the opening theme was different in the pilot. This one, about the panhandler who needed a bite, was told to completion. During this scene, Fozzie is "eyebrowless".
  • Juliet sang "It's very nice to be here, I'm pleased to say hello" instead of appearing with the Green Gazelles in the cutaway shot after Kermit introduces her. It was the only singing she recorded for The Muppet Show.
Songs and Sketches
  • The most dramatic change made to episode 101 was the addition of the backstage plot involving Muppy and Scooter. "Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear" was also the only onstage act to appear in the final version of the episode that was not shot for the pilot.
  • Two acts were cut completely from the pilot, Fozzie's monologue and Animal's drum solo. Also cut were Kermit's 'introduction' and a brief exchange between Fozzie, Rowlf, and the bartender in the "Cowboy Time" sketch; a conversation between Hilda and Fozzie; an appearance by Mahna Mahna, who pops out from behind Juliet Prowse to shout his trademark line after Kermit talks to her backstage; and an interstitial with Statler and Waldorf.
  • Several sketches, while they remained essentially unchanged in both versions, used different takes from the original shoot, including Juliet's backstage conversation with Kermit, their Talk Spot, and "You and I and George."
  • A rare addition between the pilot and broadcast version was a line during the Muppet Glee-Club sketch where the members comment about Kermit's baton-waving.
  • Another addition occurs during Kermit's introduction of "Flight of the Bumblebee." Gonzo is seen coming out from the stage's left wings. A similar shot is used in episode 111, in which Gonzo comes out in the wings from stage right.
Characters
  • Characters who appeared in the pilot but not the aired episode include Animal, Hilda, and a Whatnot chorus girl (performed by Eren Ozker and identified as Roxanne) who rejects Kermit's romantic overtures. However, she is later seen as the waitress in Cowboy Time, which eventually aired. In the opening, she was replaced with another female Whatnot with a brown curly wig.
  • Sonia and Her Singing Seals would have been the first in a long string of never seen acts to cancel on Kermit for one reason or another when her seals get the flu.
  • Scooter and Muppy were the only characters who appeared in the broadcast version but not the pilot.
Performers
  • Frank Oz's voice for Fozzie Bear was considerably deeper in the pilot, as can be witnessed in the "Cowboy Time" sketch. A new introduction to this sketch, in which Fozzie asks Kermit if using his deep voice makes him sound more like John Wayne, was written to explain the difference.
  • Both Jim Henson and Dave Goelz performed Gonzo in the pilot. Henson performed him during his tire-eating act, and Goelz performed him in a later scene backstage.
  • Jane Henson was credited as a performer in the pilot but not in the broadcast version of this episode. She likely performed a pair of chickens in the "Temptation" number, which is the only group scene in the episode to have required more than six performers.
Miscellaneous
  • Fozzie was referred to as "the kid" separately by Statler and Kermit. And in the "Cowboy Time" sketch, he played Kid Fozzie.

See also

More information on the pilot, which can be viewed at the Paley Center for Media in New York City or Los Angeles, is available at the Muppet Central Guides.

Cast

Guest appearance by:

Juliet Prowse

Muppets:

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Scooter, Statler and Waldorf, Mahna Mahna, the Snowths, Muppy, Green Gazelles, George the Janitor, Mildred Huxtetter, Flower-Eating Monster, Female Dancer, Miss Kitty, Zoot, Feather Boa Constrictor, Gawain, Frogs, Pigs, Chickens, Whatnots, Juliet Prowse Muppet

Background Muppets:

Brewster, Trumpet Girl, Wanda, Snake Frackle

Performers

Jim Henson as Kermit, Rowlf, Waldorf, Mahna Mahna, and Flower-Eating Monster
Frank Oz as Fozzie, Miss Piggy, the Snowths, George, Mildred, and Feather Boa Constrictor
Richard Hunt as Scooter, Statler, Miss Piggy, Miss Piggy's dancing partner, Frogs, and Bartender
Dave Goelz as Gonzo, Muppy, Zoot, Miss Kitty, and Pigs
John Lovelady as Cowboy and Frogs
Eren Ozker as Flower-Eating Monster's dancing partner, Waitress, Chickens, and Juliet Prowse Muppet
Jane Henson (uncredited)

Template:Ep-nav