10 Festive Facts About The Muppet Christmas Carol

The Muppet Christmas Carol’s version of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol captured imaginations all over the world when it was released way back in 1992. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang tell the story of an old, bitter man who is forced to learn the misery he has inflicted not only onto others, but onto himself.

If you love the movie just as much as us here at The List Love, you’ll adore these 10 festive facts about The Muppet Christmas Carol.

1. Kermit the Frog

Kermit the Frog

The Muppet Christmas Carol was the first major Muppet project following the death of creator Jim Henson, who also performed Kermit the Frog. His successor, Steve Whitmire, was riddled with nerves before recording Kermit’s songs for the movie.

The night before the recordings, Whitmire dreamt he met Henson in a hotel lobby and told the creator how unsure he was about the role. Henson reassured an anxious Steve the feeling would pass, and so he awoke the next day feeling confident in the role.

2. Gonzo and Rizzo

Gonzo and Rizzo

Brian Henson, the movie’s producer, stated he chose to use Gonzo and Rizzo as the narrators to incorporate Charles Dickens’s narration and prose into the film.

3. The Credits

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Pay close attention to the opening credits in the movie, as the names of the Muppets characters are listed with the Christmas Carol characters they portray; for example, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit. The ending credits, of course, list the voice actors and puppeteers. You can also spot a closing credit for “Rizzo’s personal caterer”.

4. Statler & Waldorf

Statler and Waldorf

Look out for the tavern toward the end of the film, as it’s called ‘Statler & Waldorf’ after the famous Muppet hecklers. They’re the guys that constantly heckle Fozzie Bear for his terrible comedy in most of The Muppet productions, and they also feature as ghosts in the film.

5. Shooting Star

Kermit shooting star

The Muppets movies often have a trademark of a shooting star streaking across the sky when Kermit is on screen. You’ll see the shooting star overhead as Kermit the Frog sings “One More Sleep”.

6. When Love is Gone

The Muppet Christmas Carol

The heartbreaking song “When Love is Gone” never made it into the movie’s theatrical production, as Disney deemed the track too sad for young children. You can, however, find the song on the film’s 10th anniversary edition DVD, or you can just watch it below…

7. No Blinking

Gonzo and Rizzo The Muppet Christmas Carol

Michael Caine eyes are as unflinching as bad ol’ Ebenezer, as he never blinks in his close-ups – and neither do Gonzo and Rizzo.

8. The Street Scene

Kermit and Robin The Muppet Christmas Carol

The scene where Kermit walks down the street, with robin singing on his shoulder, required ten puppeteers. Kermit has to walk on a rotating drum to achieve the movement effect.

9. Micklewhites

Michael Caine The Muppet Christmas Carol

Another shop featured in the movie is ‘Micklewhites’ – as Michael Caine’s real last name is Maurice Micklewhite.

10. The Cratchit Daughters

Miss Piggy and the Cratchit daughters

The Cratchit daughters were created for puppeteers Dave Goelz and Steve Whitmire so they could tease Frank Oz for the way he performs Miss Piggy.

You can read more Christmas movie facts by clicking here for 10 Festive Facts About The Holiday Movie.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Twitter for more interesting facts about movies, TV, history, science and more – and we’d love it if you shared our facts with your friends!

The List Love

The List Love is the home of high quality top 10 lists on everything from movies and TV to history and science. We offer interesting, entertaining posts to broaden your mind and smile. Follow us today on Facebook and Twitter for more amazing listicles!

You may also like...

2 Responses

  1. December 4, 2014

    […] to learn more facts about your favourite movies? Take a look at 10 Festive Facts About The Muppet Christmas Carol. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest top 10 […]

  2. December 10, 2014

    […] We love the festive season here at The List Love, which is why we’ve provided 10 wonderful facts about The Muppet Christmas Carol right here: http://www.thelistlove.com/10-festive-facts-about-the-muppet-christmas-carol/ […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.