July 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2014
Jim Henson's illustrated synopsis of an early ''Muppets'' segment debuting three new characters. In preparation for a 1974 pitch to ATV Studios in London, Henson here outlines his vision for a Muppet segment on the Herb Alpert television special. Sketch with handwritten notes by Henson presents original Muppets ''Cool Cat'', ''Slinky The Vamp'' and ''Heap''. Henson's text reads in full: ''Dance Piece #3 / 'Whipped Cream' / Three new characters do dance - start with Cool Cat - enter Slinky the Vamp - finally Heap - There is a stand-off between Cool Cat and Heap - Slinky gets them both. Would be done at Muppet 6' wall - actually 6'1'' high Background could be cyc - any color''. On the right half the legendary puppeteer draws four rows of characters; the first depicts a calm version and a ''freaking out'' version of Cool Cat; the second depicts the serpentine Slinky the Vamp; the third showcases Heap; and the fourth is a portrayal of a riled-up Heap. Occupying rows three and four to the right is a diagram of a Muppet being manipulated by a puppeteer on the wall, with notes about the size of the wall. This segment aired on the special on 13 October 1974, which helped the Muppets secure their own television show. Sheet measures 14'' x 11'' and is framed in a transparent acrylic case equipped with wall mountings to an overall size of 17.25'' x 14.25''. Toning and fading to handwritten notes, else fine condition.
Illustrated Synopsis of an Early Muppets Bit From a 1974 Pitch by Jim Henson -- Henson Presents a Trio of New Characters -- Cool Cat, Slinky The Vamp & Heap
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