The Muppet Christmas Carol

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The Muppet Christmas Carol title card.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is the fourth feature film to star the Muppets, and the first produced after the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson. Released in 1992, it was one of many film adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Synopsis

In this adaptation of the timeless story, as told here by Gonzo the Great and Rizzo the Rat, it is Christmas Eve in London. The merriment is not shared by Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), a surly money-lender who is more interested in profit than celebration. So cold to the season of giving is Scrooge that his book-keeping staff, including loyal employee Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), has to plead with him just to have the day off work during Christmas.

Later that evening, Scrooge find himself face to face with his former business partners, Jacob and Robert Marley (Statler and Waldorf), who have been condemned to shackles in the afterlife as payment for the horrible deeds they committed under Scrooge's employment. They warn him that he will share the same fate if he doesn't change his ways, and foretell the coming of three spirits throughout the night.

Scrooge is first visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, a child-like specter who takes Scrooge on a journey back through time to his youth. He recalls his early school days, during which he focused on his studies; the meeting of a young girl named Belle (Meredith Braun), with whom he would later fall in love; and the final parting between Belle and Scrooge, despite Scrooge's protests that he would marry her as soon as there was enough money. Later, Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Present, a somewhat forgetful entity who lives only for the here and now. He gives Scrooge a glimpse into the holiday celebrations of others, including Bob Cratchit and his family. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveals the most chilling revelation that young Tiny Tim (Robin the Frog) will not survive the coming year, thanks in no small part to the penniless existence of the Cratchit family. Furthermore, it is revealed that when Scrooge's own time has passed, others will certainly delight in his absence from the world. It is this final epiphany that jolts Scrooge back into humanity, and vows to celebrate with his fellow man. Scrooge plans a feast for Bob Cratchit and his kin, and learns to adopt the spirit of Christmas throughout the year.

Edits

Like many films, when The Muppet Christmas Carol was going through production, many concepts, ideas, and even songs were conceived which did not make it into the final film. The song "When Love Is Gone" was originally planned to be part of the film; however, it was dropped when film makers found that the test audiences (mainly family viewers with younger children) become restless during the scene. Its reprise at the film's finale, "The Love We Found," and the pop version over the closing credits, were retained. Producers felt the song slowed the film down, and was not Muppet-focused; plus the film was already pushing the limits of many younger viewers' attention spans in the test screenings. The producers decided to cut the song from the theatrical release of the film. It was not until the film was released on home video that the song was presented to the viewers. They felt that the song worked better in a home-viewing context, and audiences would be more accepting, understanding and appreciative of its inclusion. Since they regretted cutting the important song from the theatrical edit, they decided to add it back in to the film for all subsequent home video and DVD releases in the USA, along with all subsequent TV airings of the movie. The film retains the cut in the UK and Region 2 DVD release. The issue of this cut was discussed by director Brian Henson in the film's DVD audio commentary recorded in 2002 (again, except on the UK DVD release, which omits the commentary as well).

There are common misconceptions and confusion surrounding two other songs written for the film that weren't seen the final product. The songs "Room in Your Heart" (sung by Bunsen and Beaker) and "Chairman of the Board" (sung by Sam Eagle) were written by Paul Williams for the film. The two songs were recorded and mixed. However, they didn't move further into development because the filmmakers felt the film was already going to be quite lengthy, that the songs didn’t help progress the story, and that they would hurt the overall pacing and feel of the film. The two numbers were dropped from the script early on. These musical sequences never made it to production and were never filmed. Yet, since the filmmakers did not just want to waste the two unused Paul Williams tunes, the songs were included on the soundtrack album.

Production Notes and Trivia

• The film was directed by Jim Henson's son, Brian Henson. Ironically, in spite of the majority of the cast being puppets, this film is in one sense one of the truest adaptations of the original story. This is because the film is interspersed with scenes of a narrator (Gonzo playing Charles Dickens), who -- along with the characters -- recites many of Dickens's original lines.

• This is the first of the Muppet movies in which the focus of the story revolves around characters played by human beings. However, several pivotal roles -- in particular, the three Christmas Spirits -- were portrayed by specially-created Muppet characters. It was at one time considered that well-known Muppets would be cast in these roles (Piggy, Scooter, and Gonzo, specifically) before it was decided that it would detract from the ominous effect the spirits would need to convey.^[1]

• Following the death of Jim Henson, other puppeteers took over the roles of some of his characters, though a few (including Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth and Link Hogthrob) went into semi-omission from newer Muppet productions. Steve Whitmire took over the role of Kermit for this movie, and would do so for every subsequent Muppets production afterwards. Of Henson's regular characters, only Kermit, Waldorf and the Swedish Chef appeared in speaking roles (Rowlf, Dr. Teeth, and Link also appeared, although briefly and silently). Likewise, following the death of Richard Hunt many of his characters went into semi-omission from new productions. Of Hunt's regular characters, only Statler and Beaker appeared in the speaking roles (and Janice appeared silently). The film was dedicated to both Henson and Hunt.

• The film is credited as the first full-length theatrical film to use a green-screen instead of the standard blue for its visual effects. The green-screen allowed for clearer visual effect against a rich blue "evening sky" lighting, and hue without distortion or interference with the picture quality, while still keeping the effects realistic looking. Green has since become the standard for special effects films rather than the blue due to the better effect quality due to the contrast of green to other lighting, set and human elements.^{[citation needed]}

• Near the end of the film, Scrooge and company pass by a store called "Micklewhite's." Michael Caine's real name is Maurice Micklewhite.

• This film was originally planned to be a TV special. ^[2]

Soundtrack

For the soundtrack album see: The Muppet Christmas Carol (soundtrack)

The movie, like the three previous Muppet films, was done as a musical. The songs were written by Paul Williams and the score by Miles Goodman. A soundtrack album was released including the film's songs along with instrumental tracks of Goodman's score. In addition, recordings of two unused songs were also included on the album.

Cast

• Muppet Performers

Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, David Rudman, Louise Gold, Karen Prell, Mike Quinn, Robert Tygner, Donald Austen, William Todd Jones, Jessica Fox, David Shaw Parker, David Alan Barclay, Robbie Barnett, Ian Allen, James Barton, Joan Barton, Michael Bayliss, Simon Buckley, Dave Bulbeck, Marcus Clarke, Craig Crane, Sue Dacre, Taylor David, John Eccleston, Geoff Felix, Kate Frost, Ken Haines Ronnie LeDrew, Christopher Leith, Anthony Lymboura, Rebecca Nagan, Angie Passmore, Peter Passmore, Nigel Plaskitt, Judy Preece, Sally Preisig, Peter Robbins, Gillie Robic, Tim Rose, Kaefan Shaw, David Showler, John Thirtle, Ian Thom, Mark Alexander Todd, Ian Tregonning, Simon Williamson, Victoria Willing, and Phil Woodfine

• Human Cast

Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge

Steven Mackintosh as Fred

Meredith Braun as Belle

Robin Weaver as Clara

Edward Sanders as Young Scrooge (Child 1)

Theo Sanders as Young Scrooge (Child 2)

Kristopher Milnes as Young Scrooge (Child 3)

Russell Martin as Young Scrooge (Adolescent)

Raymond Coulthard as Young Scrooge (Adult)

Anthony Hamblin as Boy #1

Fergus Brazier as Boy #2

Muppet Cast

• Muppet Characters

Gonzo as Charles Dickens

Rizzo the Rat as himself

Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit

Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit

Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim Cratchit

Statler as Jacob Marley

Waldorf as Robert Marley

Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig

Emily Bear as Ma Fozziwig

Betina Cratchit

Belinda Cratchit

Peter Cratchit

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker

Sam the Eagle

Bean Bunny

Ghost of Christmas Past

Ghost of Christmas Present

Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

• Background Characters

The Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, Rowlf, Lips, Sprocket, Droop, Lew Zealand, George the Janitor, J.P. Grosse, Pops, Mr. Applegate, Old Joe, Mrs. Dilber, Undertaker, Laundress, Lyle the Dog, Chester Rat, Masterson Rat, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Wander McMooch, Brool the Minstrel, Murray the Minstrel, Begoony, Mudwell the Mudbunny, Aretha, Snowman, Miss Appleby, Wolf, Bobby Benson, Vegetable Seller/Prisoner, Dogs, Penguins, Inkspots, Pigs, Vegetables, Punch and Judy Puppets, Mouse Family, Horses, Babies, Geri and the Atrics, Frackles, Cashboxes and Locks, Whatnots

Additional Credits

• Executive Producer: Frank Oz and Robert Kraft

• Producers: Martin G. Baker and Brian Henson

• Co-producer: Jerry Juhl

• Production Designer: Val Strazovec

• Director Of Photography: John Fenner

• Costume Designer: Polly Smith

• Choreographer: Pat Garrett

• Puppet Coordinators: Mike Quinn, Karen Prell, and Rob Tygner

• Muppet Workshop:
  • Project Supervisor: Mark Zeszotek
  • 'Assistant Supervisor: Peter MacKennan
  • Creative Supervisor: Tim Miller
  • Design Consultant: Michael K. Frith
  • Muppet Costume Supervisor: Connie Peterson
  • Muppet Stunt Coordinator: Fred Bucholz
  • Fabric Dying and Painting: Jason Weber

• Muppet Electro Mechanical Effects: Larry Jameson (supervisor), Tom Newby, Tim Rose, Chris Barton

• Designers and Builders: Rollie Krewson, Peter MacKennan, Tom Newby, Mark Zeszotek, Paul Andrejco, Abigail Belknap, Isabelle Dufour, Henri Ewaskio, Jon Gellman, Paul Hartis, Laurent Linn, Michael Wick, Heather Asch, Mary Brehmer, Edward G. Christie, Patty Farr, Jim Glavan, Jim Hammer, Anne Timinelli, Jean-Guy White

• Muppet Costumes: Stephen Rotondaro, Barbara S. Davis, Carol Spier, Carmel Dundon, Victoria Ellis, Muriel Stockdale, Lisa Boquist, Carol Craddock, Liz McGarrity

• Jim Henson's Creature Shop
  • Creative Supervisor: John Stephenson
  • Production Supervisor: William Plant
  • Ghost of Christmas Past Designer: Kevin O'Boyle

Reviews

It's hardly suprising that the Muppets look more comfortable than the humans in this Victorian London heritage ride. It's like a department-store Xmas grotto after lights-out with the toys taking over and sending up the tawdriness of the whole thing simply by indulging their cynicism and sentimentality, while Michael Caine's Scrooge wanders round like a disgusted caretaker. The film's best joke is its ongoing symposium on the problems of narration, between "Dickens" (The Great Gonzo, neither bird nor beast but a misbegotten bendy-nosed thing) and his skeptical stooge Rizzo the Rat. They have to keep climbing walls and hitching lasso rides to get the story told. Rather than panto, it's more like a gentler Carry On film for kids, which works by casting regulars in deeply unsuitable roles. It even has that all-important touch of Carry On perversity: Kermit (Kenneth Connor) and Miss Piggy (Hattie Jacques) are the Cratchits, married with children. But why are the girls healthy ringleted sows and the boys wizened, decrepit froglets? And did anyone imagine that children wouldn't ask?

-- Jonathan Romney. The New Statesman December-January 1993 issue, p. 60

...There's a sense that the film-makers, overawed by their classic source, are reining back the anarchic exuberance on which the Muppets' appeal always rested. Cult acts like Fozzie Bear (Fozziwig) and Miss Piggy (Miss [sic]] Cratchit) are seriously constrained by their Dickensian characters -- although at least the long-delayed union between Kermit and Miss Piggy, celebrated in The Muppets Take Manhattan, has finally borne fruit (two female pigs and two male frogs --- the opportunity for a pog, or even a frig, has sadly been passed up)... All the same, The Muppet Christmas Carol achieves the odd genuinely chilling moment, along with a lot of fun. The sets are detailed and charming, there are the usual lively, instantly forgettable songs, and several favourites (the Swedish Chef, Rowlf) show up in cheeful cameos. As lead guest human, Michael Caine makes a respectable stab at Scrooge, but never for a moment challenges the memory of Alistair Sim. This is a Scrooge whose scowl teeters constantly on the verge of benevolence, with a nice line in sardonic gags. "Very well," he snarls, when his clerks protest against sending foreclosure notices on Christmas Eve, "You may gift wrap them."

--Philip Kemp. Sight and Sound, February 1993.

References

1. ↑ Brian Henson, Audio Commentary
2. ↑ Lewis, Jim The MuppetCast episode 35

See also

• The Muppet Christmas Carol (video)
• The Muppet Christmas Carol (soundtrack)

External links

• Studies in Popular Culture -- A Weirdo, A Rat, and A Humbug: The Literary Qualities of The Muppet Christmas Carol