By the time of the very first big-screen outings for Jim Henson’s Muppets, the TV series had been well established in the UK thanks to Lew Grade’s ATV station and Sunday afternoons in the mid to late 1970s were essential viewing for those of us like me who were mere kids and enthralled to Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Animal and The Swedish Chef amongst others whilst giving special attention to ‘our very special guest star’.
The original episodes are available on Disney+. as is THE MUPPET MOVIE, the first 1979 outing. Effectively a film within a film, the furry famous are seen at the outset at the first ever in-studio preview screening of – guess what – THE MUPPET MOVIE, which takes us back to sort of how it all started with Kermit strumming happily at home in his swamp and singing ‘RAINBOW CONNECTION’ before being propositioned by a lost boater (Dom DeLuise) with an ad in Variety for an audition in Hollywood for frogs wishing to become famous.
Kermit hits the open road, but finds himself the target of a ruthless rural frog legs restauranteur (Charles Durning), determined to make him the face of his business. He meets Fozzie Bear, a failed comedian and the two hit the open road to pursue their dream. Along the way, they encounter many of the favourites, including Miss Piggy, as well as other stars, among them Telly Savalas, Madeleine Khan, Elliott Gould and Bob Hope in fun cameos.
Cheerful and suitable for all, THE MUPPET MOVIE retains the light-hearted spirit that made the TV show so iconic to families across the world.