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With: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, Eren Ozker, Marilyn Sokol
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Written by: Jerry Juhl, based on a book by Russell Hoban, Lillian Hoban
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Directed by: Jim Henson
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MPAA Rating: NR
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Running Time: 48
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Date: 12/04/1977
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Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
Washtub Blues
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
Jim Henson's 48-minute TV special Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977) raised the bar for the Muppets, performing on a 3D set for the first time, and anticipating The Muppet Movie (1979). Based on a children's book by Russell and Lillian Hoban, the special is one of the most downbeat holiday offerings ever made, but well worth a look (and full of jug band music, like "Bar-B-que" and "There Ain't No Hole in the Washtub," as well as the lovely "When the River Meets the Sea"). In frozen Frogtown Hollow, Emmet Otter (performed by Jerry Nelson) and his Ma (performed by Frank Oz and voiced by Marilyn Sokol) are barely squeaking by, doing laundry and odd jobs. When a talent contest comes up with a prize of $50, they each enter, unbeknownst to the other. Kermit the Frog (performed by Henson) introduces the story, and Paul Williams wrote the songs, which range from bouncy to bittersweet.
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