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The Pee-Wee Herman Show (1981)

Plot

The Pee-Wee Herman Show

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Summaries

  • Comedy special starring Pee-Wee Herman and his friends in an adult version of the children's television show, Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986) before it even existed.
  • An adult-oriented version of what would eventually become an award-winning children's classic. This version of the show features Pee-wee's playhouse and many of the characters of the later series, but with adult and sexual overtones and jokes including "mirror shoes" and others.—Joe Pranevich <knight@wwaves.com>

Synopsis

  • This live stage version adds a dose of mildly adult double-entendre to the format familiar later as the children's TV show "Pee-Wee's Playhouse." Recorded live at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.

    Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens), in his fantastical odd-angles playhouse, is visited by puppet characters and cartoonish human friends, who conduct satirical 'educational' skits such as "Pen Pals From Around The World" with Mailman Mike (John Moody), a risque hypnosis of a female audience volunteer (Joan Leizman), and a one-guitar salute to Sly Stone hits by Mr. and Mrs. Jelly Donut (Brian Seff and Monica Ganas).

    Between the skits we are presented a story in which Pee-Wee wants a precious wish awarded to him by Jambi, the head-in-a-box genie (John Paragon), but then must decide whether to use it to help his old sea salt buddy Captain Carl (Phil Hartman) win the love of the captivating Miss Yvonne (Lynne Marie Stewart).

    Also among the anamatronic characters include citizens of Puppetland; Pterri the pterodactyl, Mr. Knucklehead, Clockey the USA wall-map and clock, Randy the Rascal, Hammy and his sister Susan, and Hermit Hattie (Edie McClurg).

    Pee-Wee really wants to be able to fly after he is given a wish by Jambi, but he decides to give his wish away to Miss Yvonne, who wants Captain Carl to "really like her" and think she's "beautiful from head to toe".

    Later, Pee-Wee gets upset that he gave away his magic wish when he sees Captain Carl and Miss Yvonne happily on a date. After much pouting and throwing a tantrum, Pee-wee finally runs away.

    The concerned citizens of Puppetland group together and find out about Pee-wee's secret wish and after Captain Carl reveals that he had already liked Miss Yvonne, they all realize that Pee-wee still has a wish coming. Jambi the genie then grants Pee-wee's wish to be able to fly.

    In the final shot, Pee-Wee (in a practical illusion) triumphantly soars and roars above Puppetland and proclaims that he is the "luckiest boy in the world". He waves goodbye to the audience. Fade out.

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