Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

A poor otter family risks everything for the chance to win the cash prize of a talent contest for Christmas.

Director:

Jim Henson

Writers:

Lillian Hoban (book), Russell Hoban (book)

Stars:

Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Marilyn Sokol

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jerry Nelson	...	Emmet Otter / Weasel / Doc Bullfrog / Melissa Rabbit / Yancy Woodchuck (voice)
Frank Oz	...	Chuck / Ma Otter (assistant) (voice)
Marilyn Sokol	...	Ma Otter (voice)
Dave Goelz	...	Wendell / Pop-eyed Catfish / Will Possum (voice)
Richard Hunt	...	Charlie / Lizard / George Rabbit (voice)
Eren Ozker	...	Gretchen Fox / Hetty Muskrat / Mrs. Mink / Old Lady Possum (voice)

Storyline

Emmet Otter and his Ma are dirt-poor, but very happy and good singers. But as Christmas is around the corner, both of them want to get something special for each other. And the talent show prize is $50! So, Ma gets a song ready, and Emmet forms a jug-band with his friends. But the Riverbottom Gang, a bunch of rich kids with killer electric band equipment are going to be tough competition.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to the gift of the magi | slimehouse | year 1977 | 1970s | poverty | 

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Taglines:

A Merry Musical Treat For The Whole Family!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Musical

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Certificate:

TV-G

Did You Know?

Trivia

Amy Poehler states that Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is her favorite Christmas special.

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Quotes

Ma Otter: A person's got to take some chances or life will never come to nothin'.

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Alternate Versions

The DVD release has some footage removed from the original print of the movie such as...

• When talking to Gretchen Fox, Ma Otter tells her "I would really appreciate it if you'd...fall off the dock." This part is edited out.
• When Ma and Emmett are rowing home in the boat some dialogue is cut before the "ain't no hole in the washtub" song. Ma says, "Oh there ain't no hole in the washtub, that's your basic keeping warm while you're rowing home song." Emmett says. "I'm rowing, where's the singing?" This part is completely removed.
• Originally, after the hedgehog finishes mangling "Barbecue", Harrison Fox says to the stage manager, "Better get ready. We're off to a shaky start." (I don't remember the exact line, but that's close.) Then it fades to black, fading up on Fox finding the jug band in the alley (suggesting a passage of time).
• Second, the DVD version cuts Kermit's final narration in Doc Bullfrog's restaurant.

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Connections

Follows Tales from Muppetland: The Frog Prince (1971)

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Soundtracks

When The River Meets The Sea
Written by Paul Williams

User Reviews

I loved the mashed potatoes

Charming Christmas special from Jim Henson, based on the book by Russell and Lillian Hoban. This sweet story is about dirt poor Emmet Otter and his mother. Unbeknownst to each other, they both get the idea to join a talent show in hopes of winning the prize money to buy a gift for the other. It's a sentimental tale with a great moral lesson and some nice songs. Wait until you get a load of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band! Try to find the uncut version if you can. Unfortunately, after Disney acquired the rights to the Muppets, some scenes were removed from the DVD releases. Still, whatever version you watch I'm sure you will enjoy this delightful Christmas special.

Details

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 December 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los Teleñecos: Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$473,802, 16 December 2018

Gross USA:

$231,710

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$231,710

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Henson Associates (HA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

48 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1