MuppetWatch

petervulfranc
MuppetWatch

MuppetWatch is a journey through entertainment and popular culture using The Muppet Show as our guide.

Episodios

  1. 18/10/2024

    110: Harvey Korman & Huckleberry Finn

    Today we’ve got a guest who doesn’t sing at all on The Muppet Show but sings quite a bit in his movie. The star is four time Emmy winner Harvey Korman, and the movie is 1974’s Huckleberry Finn, from the unlikely team of the Sherman Brothers and a two-time Planet of the Apes director! Topics of discussion include Fozzie Bear’s finest hour, the still confounding talking houses, the equally confounding Muppet Show production order, sex versus violence on the nineteenth century stage, different pronunciations of Maurice, and con artists pretending to be Romanovs or Bourbons. Further resources: ABC Network - The Harvey Korman Show (Complete Broadcast, 4/11/1978) (https://youtu.be/O1MRPyFOk60?si=qVZVGILuInclpRrI) The Dentist from The Carol Burnett Show (https://youtu.be/9IUSM4EKcRI?si=py7E9ltMiBsp8EOh) The Family: Sorry! from The Carol Burnett Show (https://youtu.be/oNG1DkS_f4g?si=jfA9IYWBOsbZ1g3S) Gazoo’s Antimatter Arrival in Bedrock (https://youtu.be/nUg3yy5iC6c?si=Wr_MU-EzCAw9H93a) Harvey Korman and Brenda Vaccaro Win Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress (https://youtu.be/qpr6bAacyMY?si=ED2u6Zg5cNwHWPj0) Harvey Korman - Television Academy Interviews (https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/harvey-korman) It’s Hedley! - Mel Brooks - American Masters (https://youtu.be/ZEQ3OxYL2Co?si=cyO6uHpNX1GI_Frc) “Now go do that voodoo that you do so well” (https://youtu.be/jS_Shu8y0sI?si=LHDgwrA9J5-MEh-e) The Nutt House (1989) Ep. 1 “Pilot” (https://youtu.be/nlz7xN2csAQ?si=lUPalEEj_CjBkita)

    1 h y 16 min

  2. 10/10/2024

    109: Charles Aznavour & Shoot the Piano Player

    Today on MuppetWatch, we do Sam the Eagle proud and get cultured, because our special guest is French national treasure and entertainer of the century Charles Aznavour, and our film is French New Wave legend Francois Truffaut’s second ever film, Shoot the Piano Player. Topics of discussion include whether or not Hilda is accessory to attempted murder, how drag is approached in a maybe-not-great way, the redemption of Scooter, Jack Klugman’s vocal prowess, and parallels to Hitchcock and Hamlet. Further resources: Charles Aznavour dies, age 94 by Tony Cross (https://www.rfi.fr/en/20181001-charles-aznavour-dies-aged-94) Charles Aznavour: ‘I wanted to break every taboo’ by Angelique Chrisafis (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/19/charles-aznavour-i-wanted-to-break-every-taboo) Charles Aznavour - Les plaisirs demodes (Audio Officiel) (https://youtu.be/al_VnI4cjxc?si=XZ3o2Vt8W7FLhbMG) The Odd Couple - Tony Randall & Jack Klugman - The Inch Worm (https://youtu.be/1ibIND5D53s?si=k3fjZqGGPjVub3rt) Quantum Leap - “The Inch Worm” (https://youtu.be/5_GAUHam6nI?si=DCgc5xg_mIkmc7d8) Why Charles Aznavour’s Global Fame Never Reached American Shores by Franz Nicolay (https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2018/10/05/why-charles-aznavours-global-fame-never-reached-american-shores/)

    1 h y 11 min

  3. 26/09/2024

    108: Paul Williams & Phantom of the Paradise (with Dallin Agatone)

    Thursday… today is Thursday… and this is a momentous occasion in Muppet history: their first collaboration with legendary songwriter, singer, and actor Paul Williams! Then, we and our returning guest host Dallin discuss his role in the initially-misunderstood tragedy-slash-funhouse mirror history of popular music, Phantom of the Paradise. Topics of discussion include songs about love songs, Bunsen’s odd position among the Muppets, how terrifying it would be to work at Rainforest Cafe while high, who the ultimate Muppets antagonist should be, Rick Baker’s post-Planet of the Apes filmography, and the unfortunate ongoing relevance of movies about exploitation in the music industry. Check out Dallin’s short film’s IndieGoGo here (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/i-want-grandkids-a-dark-comedy-short-film#/)! Further resources: Daft Punk Wins Album of the Year - GRAMMYS (https://youtu.be/ncnBz6A14i0?si=PDQZpUrFz9UylG20) “New documentary pays tribute to loyal Winnipeg fans of Phantom of the Paradise, a ’wild gem of a film’” by Kelsey Mohammed (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/phantom-of-winnipeg-documentary-pays-tribute-to-fans-1.5185828) Paul Williams Arrives Straight From Filming Battle for the Planet of the Apes - Johnny Carson (https://youtu.be/y5jQYOcpVks?si=rhUp3r3jhIR4VGpW) Paul Williams: Still Alive Trailer (https://youtu.be/1CAsJUqqFyM?si=w94CHMetFuBrtZ6t) Paul Williams - The Hell of It - The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (https://youtu.be/DKZ2p5tB6y4?si=3uQfWkujsQ17YgCV) The Swan Archives - Genesis and Financing (https://www.swanarchives.org/Production.asp)

    1 h y 58 min

  4. 18/09/2024

    107: Florence Henderson & The Love Boat

    Miss Piggy is one of the Muppets’ breakout stars, so it’s surprising but welcome that this is the first episode to center around her, her love for Kermit, and her struggles in a world that only sees her as a piece of meat. Then we move on to the 1970s television classic that made special guest Florence Henderson a star and is still airing in reruns to this day: The Love Boat. Obviously. What else could we be talking about? Topics of discussion include our new favorite Muppet Wiki hyperlink, which Star Trek ship Kermit and Miss Piggy are most like, the surprising parallels between The Love Boat: The Movie and Mildred Pierce, and of course, The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Further resources: 1984 Wesson Oil commercial featuring Florence Henderson (https://youtu.be/urM7eYh5ON4?si=MQWefgaE5H7BuT56) ”Amish Paradise” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfZLb33uCg) Bathtubs Over Broadway Official Trailer (https://youtu.be/QTgS1SXr0nc?si=YLIGhgWq9d9r4cwi) Florence Henderson - I Have to Tell You (1954) (https://youtu.be/UHWJ5yyOOec?si=ymOk8gGGwkqbfhbX) Indy 500 2011 - God Bless America (https://youtu.be/TSGdz3hCY6I?si=jiuKTA8BBJ-dbWcT) Life is Not a Stage by Florence Henderson and Joel Brokaw (https://search.worldcat.org/title/Life-is-not-a-stage-:-from-Broadway-baby-to-a-lovely-lady-and-beyond/oclc/707964514) The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (https://youtu.be/CCJ0D4pI0tI?si=SDiXxlLeMgnxldT_)

    1 h y 3 min

  5. 11/09/2024

    106: Jim Nabors & Cannonball Run II

    Live from the Benny Vandergast Memorial Theatre, the Muppets are joined by TV’s Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors, and Scooter, a new recruit, except for the episodes he already appeared in. Then we watch Cannonball Run II, a movie that we didn’t hate quite as much as it hates us. Jim Nabors, we apologize. Topics of discussion include new Muppet lore, the career trajectory of Rowlf, the erosion of the all-around performer, why you shouldn’t always let your friendships direct your career choices, the possible Bowfingering of Frank Sinatra, and an accidentally-relevant anecdote about the making of Master of Disguise. Further resources: Carol Burnett & Jim Nabors: Medley of Broadway Tunes (1967) (https://youtu.be/GfM2f-s-3Ag?si=Niu0uIyjN6SR5WEy) ‘It wasn’t a facade’: Friends, fans remember Jim Nabors’ talent, wit and folksy charm by HawaiiNewsNow staff (https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/36963883/tv-legend-jim-nabors-dies-at-87/) Jim Nabors’ Last “Back Home Again in Indiana” 2014 (https://youtu.be/7wcgaRkHAWY?si=zSpit7pMSPf5LN7a) Jim Nabors, TV’s Gomer Pyle, Dies at 87 by Miriam Di Nunzio (https://chicago.suntimes.com/2017/11/30/18394990/jim-nabors-tv-s-gomer-pyle-dies-at-87) MST3K Invention Exchange: Rat Pack Chess Set (https://youtu.be/RZovoKgYxsE?si=-NXkMf_a167n5Y0k) Siskel & Ebert / Cannonball Run II / 1984 (https://youtu.be/x8edTVibPrY?si=irh6kRXUfS09AfT5)

    1 h y 16 min

  6. 04/09/2024

    105: Rita Moreno & West Side Story

    In the first episode of The Muppet Show that we would call great, we’re joined by jacqueline-of-all-trades and third-ever EGOT Rita Moreno. Then, we discuss West Side Story, which looms large over Moreno’s career - but due to an entirely unplanned mixup, one of us watched the 1961 film and the other watched the 2021 film. Further resources: The Electric Company - Director’s Sketch - Good Night (https://youtu.be/aA6CyjiaT38?si=B3YbMQv75s6AZhpm) How Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story Finally Solved the Problem of “I Feel Pretty” by Charles McNulty (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-12-10/how-steven-spielberg-west-side-story-finally-solved-the-problem-of-i-feel-pretty) How West Side Story’s Anybodys Went From Tomboy to Trans Character by Isaac Butler (https://slate.com/culture/2021/12/west-side-story-anybodys-2021-movie-trans.html) Mainly on Directing: Gypsy, West Side Story, and Other Musicals by Arthur Laurents (https://search.worldcat.org/title/mainly-on-directing-gypsy-west-side-story-and-other-musicals/oclc/904295222) Rita Moreno Winning Best Supporting Actress - 34th Oscars (1962) (https://youtu.be/ZaOy0eb0Tbs?si=_VV_eUQkTXCMi3bq) Rita Moreno Wins Outstanding Lead Actress, Single Appearance, Drama or Comedy (1978) (https://youtu.be/xNDzTWR28lk?si=ofOwZHhuzyLUeE94) Rita Moreno Wins Tony (1975) (https://youtu.be/n8nj-mNKApQ?si=cNJY-HprnxwVi84Z) Steven Spielberg Wanted to Cut “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story by A. A. Cristi (https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Steven-Spielberg-Wanted-to-Cut-I-Feel-Pretty-from-WEST-SIDE-STORY-20220224) West Side Story stars Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno open up about Anita’s attempted sexual assault by Maureen Lee Lenker (https://ew.com/movies/ariana-debose-rita-moreno-anita-sexual-assault/)

    1 h y 18 min

  7. 28/08/2024

    104: Ruth Buzzi & Freaky Friday

    Today’s special guest is Laugh-In favorite Ruth Buzzi, but will she and the Muppets be able to withstand the terror of MechaKermit? Then we watch the 1976 film Freaky Friday, which is much stranger than either of us expected. The title probably should have warned us. Topics of discussion include a plethora of recurring sketches that feel like filler, frustrated housewives in popular culture, John Astin’s unfortunate resemblance to William F. Buckley, and droopy basset hounds. Further resources: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - 10 Things I Hate About You (https://youtu.be/SixsaGWC2Io?si=pUHZc2cw498dtM0m) Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Drop Dead Gorgeous (https://youtu.be/kBKQL6f5sec?si=i5KNFAKS08SMqGfH) Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: “Jack Klugman” (https://youtu.be/4dm9iJFEOfw?si=_btVtfskhIW_jZOF) Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers (https://search.worldcat.org/title/freaky-friday/oclc/42430508) Gump - Weird Al Yankovic (https://youtu.be/hQwWaWFjd0Y?si=LUlvgg1NYQZkF5jK) The Lost Saucer opening (https://youtu.be/3A7wIFCM7m8?si=uHKEkLZ8Q0UE9mtR) Sesame Street: “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” (https://youtu.be/hnXtALcrpeY?si=2N7X3tlnM1TkKwy4)

    1 h y 7 min

  8. 13/08/2024

    103: Joel Grey & Cabaret (with Dallin Agatone)

    Today on MuppetWatch, the podcast is joined by friend and filmmaker Dallin Agatone (https://www.youtube.com/@dallinagatone) to discuss Tony and Oscar winner Joel Grey! Then we discuss the film that won Grey his Oscar, Cabaret, and find our opinions split. Topics of discussion include waiters at the Hotel for Dogs, the personality shift of Sam Eagle, being an underdog versus just being pitiful, cutting edge 70s video technology, and how literally we are meant to take the Kit Kat Klub as representative of Weimar Germany. Further resources: Broadway Legend Joel Grey Opens Up About His Sexuality by Liz McNeil (https://people.com/celebrity/broadway-legend-joel-grey-opens-up-about-his-sexuality/) “Cabaret - 1967 Tony Awards” (https://youtu.be/XDFvtbKQFU4?si=F-lXbF4h-yUiJstS) Divine Decadence: Fascism, Female Spectacle, and the Makings of Sally Bowles by Linda Mizejewski “Joel Grey Wins Supporting Actor — 1973 Oscars” (https://youtu.be/GEy-p-fO7JA?si=8-ciShSNinuCmX-V) Master of Ceremonies by Joel Grey “The Real Sally Bowles” - The Berliner (https://www.the-berliner.com/books/the-real-sally-bowles/)

    1 h y 32 min

  9. 05/08/2024

    102: Connie Stevens & Rock-A-Bye Baby

    Tonight on MuppetWatch, our special guest is singer-actress Connie Stevens, and the show undergoes more growing pains. Then we take a trip back to 1958, with the Frank Tashlin-directed Jerry Lewis-starring semi-remake of The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek, Rock-A-Bye Baby. Topics of discussion include Muppet skin versus fur, the Electric Mayhem still having yet to perform as a group, unfortunate color schemes for evening gowns, the FTA tour, and how much emotional suffering for Fozzie Bear is too much emotional suffering? Further resources: Baywatching: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (https://youtu.be/NUOqTdaWZyg?si=zAiklSGoH7iSMyZo) Connie Stevens - Official Web-site (http://conniestevens.com) F.T.A. - Official Re-Release Trailer (https://youtu.be/YWAbhonmCOg?si=1AEs4QEE_4FjZvbQ) Hope: Entertainer of the Century by Richard Zoglin (https://search.worldcat.org/title/Hope-:-entertainer-of-the-century/oclc/879468434) “Jerry Lewis’ Costars Speak Out: “He Grabbed Me. He Began to Fondle Me. I Was Dumbstruck”” by Julie Miller, Amy Ziering, and Kirby Dick (https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/jerry-lewis-sexual-assault-harassment-investigation) “Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)” with Edd Byrnes on The Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show (https://youtu.be/MT9QZBGyXjU?si=yxdc7RuCVT24Pvnh) Laughing Hysterically: American Screen Comedy of the 1950s by Ed Sikov (https://search.worldcat.org/title/Laughing-hysterically-:-American-screen-comedy-of-the-1950s/oclc/29564401) Mulholland Drive: “Sixteen Reasons” (https://youtu.be/AnZKD-EqMQA?si=fTMmJTxeQJ2PqznH) Tashlinesque: The Hollywood Comedies of Frank Tashlin by Ethan de Seife (https://search.worldcat.org/title/Tashlinesque-:-the-Hollywood-comedies-of-Frank-Tashlin/oclc/785601430)

    1 h y 12 min

  10. 29/07/2024

    101: Juliet Prowse & G.I. Blues

    Tonight on MuppetWatch, we’re joined by dancer Juliet Prowse in the first episode of The Muppet Show produced and all of its awkward growing pains. Then, we watch G.I. Blues (1960), where Prowse plays love interest to Elvis Presley in his first film out of the army. Topics of discussion include Space Mutiny-esque Elvis names, the troubling implications of a Muppet version of yourself, StarKid musicals that haven’t aged well, the career of Arnold Drake, and At the Dance: Yea or Nay? Recommended viewing/reading Championship Ballroom Dancing (1987) (https://archive.org/details/championship-ballroom-dancing-1987-1) Circus of the Stars (1987) (https://youtu.be/Y1w-Mq1DMwY?si=9m6c8F8boToPePLC) Dancer-Actress Juliet Prowse Dies at 59 — Former Ballerina and TV Star Suffered from Cancer (https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19960915&slug=2349194) “I watched every Elvis movie and all I went was insane” (https://youtu.be/7aloGdnDx8Y?si=ps2bgeppnDZZC3g7) In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid (1993) part 1 (https://youtu.be/-p_p8C0koMA?si=B9L4_sUPRE9Z1TjO) and part 2 (https://youtu.be/rqUJ9Tz2yYo?si=35rfhDE1HIn4Meds) “Mahna Mahna” on The Ed Sullivan Show (https://youtu.be/zb47CstE7R4?si=l4VRBivYofzwqmlh) Obituary: Juliet Prowse (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-juliet-prowse-5600367.html)

    1 h y 5 min

  11. 22/07/2024

    MuppetWatch 001: Mia Farrow

    On this very special pilot episode of MuppetWatch, we cover The Muppets Valentine Show (1974) with special guest Mia Farrow, and The Muppet Show: and Violence (1975), with not much , a decent amount of violence, and no humans. Then, we discuss Rosemary's Baby, the film that made Mia Farrow a star.

    1 h y 5 min
  • 11 episodios

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MuppetWatch is a journey through entertainment and popular culture using The Muppet Show as our guide.

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    petervulfranc
  • Años de actividad
    2 k
  • Episodios
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