Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

Muppet Christmas special was originally made for HBO but has gone on to have a life outside of pay cable. Based on a book this is the story of Emmet Otter who wants nothing more than to get his mom a gift for Christmas. He forms a jug band in order to win enough money…and well what happens is the story. Beautifully performed by the Jim Henson Muppeteers who show clearly what they are capable of. Its clear that they could do more than the Muppet Show and Sesame Street , with beautiful sets and character design that would serve them well on projects like the Dark Crystal. If the story seems familiar, it should it's a variation on the classic O Henry tale, The Gift of the Magi, but with addition twists and turns. This is a lovely holiday tale and one that really should be seen more than just at Christmas.

In all of his work, Jim Henson seemed to always concentrate on the quality of the story, and not the frills and thrills that so many movie goers are now addicted to. To me, Jim was a hippie in many ways, and I mean that with the sincerest praise. He seemed to grow up in a time when imagination was blooming and people were breaking the bonds of tradition. In his short life, he allowed himself to explore his imagination as far as he could take it. It is a shame he left us so early.In this short film, he uses the simple premise of a mother and son's love. It is feelings that most of us can identify with. Emmett and his mother are poor and the things they work for are sometimes only used as a means of getting something else they need to work with. This film touches how those who have been stripped of most of their possessions still find it in themselves to laugh, love, and care for others around them.I recently bought this for my daughter and was so familiar with the lines that even after 20+ years ago, I could tell what was cut out from the DVD version. There is a simple scene in this film that makes your heart ache, and as I watched it, I was feeling like I was 12 again, having tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. Emmett and his mom are thinking about how they are going to get a Christmas present for each other, and both are thinking about the only two truly valuable things left in the home: a washtub and a tool chest. Each are willing to sacrifice these things to get the other a present. It is such a powerful scene, even in a children's movie, you will see the heart of the film shining through.Jim Henson's spirit lives on and as long as there are great storytellers in the world, his vision for humanity will be seen by those lucky enough to find it.

Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.Yes, same thing, couldn't wait for HBO to show this every year, do they still? Would like to own a copy.

Muppeteers: Jerry Nelson, Marylin Sokol, Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz and Eren Ozker.This is a great TV Christmas Special! It's about poor Emmett and his mother who are poor and whose husband/father just died. Emmett and his mother decide to do a talent show to get money for Christmas presents, but they need to sell/ruin each other's most prized possessions. Excellent music by Paul Williams including Ain't No Hole in the Washboard and Bar-b-que. Based on a book but made personal by Jim, considering he directs it and all the Muppet show stars are in it. Has a short opening with Kermit the frog also. I highly recommend it! Not rated. 52 mins.