As part of the Traveling Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Children and Youth, the Utah Film Center presents a free screening of “The Muppet Movie” this weekend at Star Hall.
“The Muppet Movie” is a 1979 American-British film and the first of a series of live-action films starring The Muppets, created by Jim Henson, who also provided the voices of several characters, including Kermit the Frog.
“The Muppets”, a television show featuring Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and others, hit the airwaves in 1976. “The Muppet Movie”, telling the story of their journey from humble beginnings to the gates of Hollywood, was released in 1979, between seasons three and four of the show.
“The Muppet Movie” depicts Kermit the Frog as he embarks on a cross-country trip to Hollywood to find success in show business. Along the way, Kermit encounters several Muppets who share his ambition. All the while, he is pursued by a relentless restaurateur who wants Kermit to be the spokesman for his frog-legs business.
“At the time of its release I was coming of age in England and although 6000 miles away I knew every word to the songs on the Muppet album that accompanied the film,” Utah Film Center community outreach coordinator Sallie Hodges said. “The nostalgia of this film lives on and I’m really excited to see it on the big screen, the one experience I missed the first time around.”
Noted for its meta-references and prolific use of cameos, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards Nominations for Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher’s musical score and their song, “Rainbow Connection”. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award in 1980 for Best Album for Children.
Celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary featuring the original Muppet cast that generations have grown to love. The free screening takes place on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 2 p.m., at Star Hall, 159 E. Center St.
What: Utah Film Circuit: Moab’s free screening of “The Muppet Movie” (1979)
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2 p.m.
Where: Star Hall, 159 E. Center St.
At the time of its release, I was coming of age in England and although 6,000 miles away, I knew every word to the songs on the Muppet album that accompanied the film. The nostalgia of this film lives on and I’m really excited to see it on the big screen, the one experience I missed the first time around.
Free screening of classic film at Star Hall
