by Jim Henson Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977) may not be as widely known as Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) or Rankin/Bass’ Rudolph red-nosed reindeer (1964). But it’s no less enchanting and enduring than those Christmas TV specials.
Based on the 1971 children’s book by Russell Hoban, it was produced by The Jim Henson Co. and premiered in Canada on CBC on December 4, 1977, then in the US on HBO a year later. Emmet technically ambitious, using new Muppets magic to bridge the gap between Puppet showdebuted in 1976, and Puppet Movies (1979) – includes elaborately assembled sets (with floor) and radio-controlled puppets. The plot, which is ended by the arrival of Kermit the Frog, follows Emmet and his widow Ma, residents of Frogtown Hollow who do odd jobs for the residents, some of them some of them. tricked them for money.
News of a talent contest with a grand prize of $50 prompts both of them to enter in hopes of winning money to buy Christmas presents. But, riffing on O. Henry Sorcerer’s Gift, has unintended consequences: Ma sells Emmet’s tools to buy fabric for dresses, while he turns her laundry bin into a stand. To compose songs for the special, Henson approached Paul Williams, the talented musician and actor he had touched during a taping of the show. Puppet show in ’76.
“I walked onto that soundstage in London and was like, ‘Oh my God – I found my tribe,'” Williams, 82, recalls his first meeting with Henson and collaborators Others include Frank Oz and Dave Goelz. With Otter“he is auditioning me for the score Puppet Movies,” Williams said. “I loved the story and I used my own band. We recorded the tracks at Sigma Sound [Studios] in Philadelphia.”
Melodic and complex melodies — such as “Ain’t No Hole in the Washtub” and “When the River Meets the Sea” — will predict where Williams classics will emerge (co-written). with songwriting partner Kenneth Ascher) in Puppet Movies compositions such as “Movin’ Right Along” and “The Rainbow Connection,” are attributed to Kermit just as “When You Wish Upon a Star” was to Jiminy Cricket. Henson’s Williams said: “He knew he was going to get the best out of us. “What a rare, rare opportunity to work with him.”
THR called the special a “success of captivating story, song, and performance.”
This story first appeared in the December 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to sign up.
