The Muppet Movie

The Muppet Movie is the first of a series of live-action musical feature films starring Jim Henson's Muppets. This film was produced by Henson Associates and ITC Entertainment, and originally released in movie theatres in 1979.

Related Topics:
Live-action - Musical - Feature films - Jim Henson - Muppets - Henson Associates - ITC Entertainment - 1979

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The plot centers around Kermit the Frog's journey to Hollywood in order to pursue an acting career. On the way he is joined by many other famous muppets such as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo. Kermit's progress is hindered at every step of the way by Doc Hopper (played by Charles Durning), a conniving restaurateur seeking to coerce Kermit into becoming the spokesfrog for his fast food chain, "Doc Hopper's French-Fried Frog Legs."

Related Topics:
Kermit the Frog - Hollywood - Miss Piggy - Fozzie Bear - Gonzo - Doc Hopper - Charles Durning

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The closing song, known as "The Magic Store/Rainbow Connection Reprise" featured a performance by every Muppet that had been created up to that time. The filming of this scene required the use of many more puppeteers than worked for Henson at the time. It is reported that John Landis and Tim Burton were among those who operated various Muppets to help create this scene.

Related Topics:
John Landis - Tim Burton

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The film was scored by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher, and their song The Rainbow Connection received an Academy Award nomination and became the informal theme song of Henson Pictures.

Related Topics:
Paul Williams - Kenny Ascher - The Rainbow Connection - Academy Award - Theme song

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The film had numerous celebrity cameos including Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Elliott Gould, Milton Berle, Telly Savalas, and Orson Welles. The movie was dedicated to Edgar Bergen, who made his final film appearance in this movie.

Related Topics:
Mel Brooks - Steve Martin - Richard Pryor - Elliott Gould - Milton Berle - Telly Savalas - Orson Welles - Edgar Bergen

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