Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

I am embarrassed to admit that I just watched “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” for the very fist time yesterday.  In my defense, I will say that I saw it on the big screen as it returned to theaters for a limited engagement as part of a “Jim Henson Holiday Special” that also included “The Bells of Fraggle Rock.”  Both were heartwarming and joyful and full of holiday cheer and I am so glad I saw them in the theater.

The Emmet Otter Christmas special first aired in 1977, two years before the release of “The Muppet Movie.”  What I noticed about the Christmas special is that despite some obvious (and a little awkward) marionette use in some scenes, it was really well done from a puppetry perspective.  Not that I am some puppetry professional, of course, just a huge fan of The Muppets and Jim Henson himself.  One of the most spectacular effects is the opening scene when Emmet and Ma Otter are singing while rowing a small boat down a river.  It is flawless!  Beginning a holiday special with a scene so technically brilliant really helps to establish this incredible fantasy world in which river animals talk and work and shop and have talent shows and get ready to celebrate Christmas.

Also, all the music is courtesy of the genius that is Paul Williams.  It is an integral part of the storytelling and it resonates long after the special is over.

For more information on “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” please check out this article…

http://mentalfloss.com/article/563578/jim-henson-emmet-otters-jug-band-christmas-returning-to-theaters

Leave a comment

The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.