The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)

Kermit and his friends go to New York City to get their musical on Broadway only to find it's a more difficult task than they anticipated.

Director:

Frank Oz

Writers:

Tom Patchett (story by), Jay Tarses (story by)

Stars:

Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Henson	...	Kermit the Frog / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Waldorf / Swedish Chef / Ernie / Granny / Horse & Carriage Rider / Link Hogthrob / The Newsman (voice)
Frank Oz	...	Miss Piggy / Fozzie / Animal / Bert / Cookie Monster / Ocean Breeze Soap Board Member / Sam the Eagle (voice)
Dave Goelz	...	Gonzo / Chester the Rat / Bill the Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Jim the Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Penguin (voice)
Steve Whitmire	...	Rizzo the Rat / Gill the Frog / Baby Kermit / Chicken / College Student in Audience / Dog (voice)
Richard Hunt	...	Scooter / Statler / Janice / Beaker / Dog (voice)
Jerry Nelson	...	Camilla / Lew Zealand / Floyd / Bear / Chicken / Crazy Harry / Dog / Dr. Julius Strangepork / Granny / Penguin / Pops (voice)
Juliana Donald	...	Jenny
Lonny Price	...	Ronnie Crawford
Louis Zorich	...	Pete
Art Carney	...	Bernard Crawford
James Coco	...	Mr. Skeffington
Dabney Coleman	...	Martin Price / Murray Plotsky
Gregory Hines	...	Roller Skater
Linda Lavin	...	Kermit's Doctor
Joan Rivers	...	Perfume Saleswoman

Storyline

The Muppets graduate from college and decide to take their senior revue on the road. They hit the streets of Manhattan trying to sell their show to producers, finally finding one young and idealistic enough to take their show. After several mishaps and much confusion, things begin to come together for them.

---

Plot Keywords:

college | the muppets | hit by a car | frog | cave | 

---

Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Family | Musical | Romance

---

Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Henson.com Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 July 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Muppet Movie III

Filming Locations:

Hoboken Railway Station, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,416,022, 15 July 1984, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$25,534,703

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures, Henson Associates (HA), Delphi II Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The portrait of Kermit the Frog in his producer's disguise has become a permanent fixture at the real Sardi's, and can be seen in other movies set there.

---

Goofs

When Miss Piggy karate chops Kermit into a chair and he finally snaps out of his amnesia, he hits the chair upside down. This would've required Kermit to turn 180 degrees still facing everybody as he's flying towards it, which would be impossible due to the laws of physics.

---

Quotes

Audience Member: That doesn't sound like the "William Tell Overture" to me...

---

Crazy Credits

The opening credits roll over aerial shots of various suburban neighborhoods.

---

Alternate Versions

The VHS and Family Channel versions have Animal's slow growls of "BAAAAAAD MAAAAAAN" (at Dabney Coleman) dubbed out, though his repeated shouts of the phrase can be heard at the end of the scene. However, the growls are present on the DVD version.

---

Connections

Followed by The Jim Henson Hour (1989)

---

Soundtracks

Right Where I Belong
Music and Lyrics by Jeff Moss
Performed by Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, and Steve Whitmire

User Reviews

Love Miss Piggy

The Muppets gang graduate from college, and try to make it on Broadway. Only they can't find any takers. The gang decide to go on their own, and not depend on Kermit so much. Meanwhile Kermit works in a diner, and try to get his play off the ground.

This starts off great with a lot of comedy from the whole gang. Dabney Coleman is great for some gut busting laughs. It's too bad that the gang is scattered after the start. Miss Piggy has some hilarious fun, but I prefer to have the whole gang together. They're funnier together.

The main live action lead is Juliana Donald who's trying to help Kermit get the play off the ground. She doesn't have any sparks, and looks awkward like she's acting with a bunch of puppets. There are a lot of famous cameos. I'd prefer to have Brooke Shields as the lead. Beside that, there is a lot to love, and a lot of laughs in this Muppets movie.