Internet Archive's in-browser video player requires JavaScript to be enabled. It appears your browser does not have it turned on. Please see your browser settings for this feature.

Muppets The Jim Henson Hour RESTORED Monster Maker

by: Jim Henson

Publication date: 1989-06-09

Topics: the jim henson hour, monster maker, harry dean stanton, jim henson, muppets, the muppet show, tv films

Language: English

Jim Henson Hour Episodes

Episode 106: Monster Maker

Rare Japanese laserdisc version, with making-of footage included.

Air Date July 9, 1989

Written by Matthew Jacobs

Nicholas Fisk (novel)

Director Giles Foster

Teenage Matt Banting wants to work with a famous but eccentric creature/special effects man named Chancey Bellow. He gets more than he bargained for when one of the creatures, the giant dragon-like Ultragorgon, takes Matt under his wing. Matt is forced to confront his inner monsters while working out his issues with his father.

Intro and Closing

Jim Henson talks about the Creature Shop, showing one of The Devils as an example of what the Creature Shop can make. He then introduces the Monster Maker.

In the closing, Jim Henson mentions that although the creatures look real, they are not actually alive. He tells how many performers were needed for the Ultragorgon (including Brian Henson operating the head). He also brings out Kermit the Frog who comments that he liked the special.

This episode was later re-aired as a stand-alone special without the framing introduction and closing, or The Jim Henson Hour title/logos.

The monster in the film-within-a-film at the beginning of Monster Maker would later appear as the Predator on Dinosaurs.

Brian Henson makes a cameo performing the slerks.

Harry Dean Stanton as Chancey Bellow

Kieran O'Brien as Matt Banting

George Costigan as Father

Amanda Dickinson as Mother

Alison Steadman as Perriwinkle

Grant Bardsley as Ben

Bill Moody as Reg

Matthew Scurfield as Vaughn

Jonathan Coy as Teacher

Ultragorgon: Brian Henson, David Greenaway, Marcus Clarke, Sue Dacre, Michael Bayliss, Chris Leith, Martin Anthony, Tony Ashton

With the voice of Michael Gambon (Ultragorgon)

Credits

Producer: Duncan Kenworthy

Jim Henson's Creature Shop Creative Supervisor: John Stephenson

Special Creature Design: David Barrington-Holt, John Blakeley, Verner Gresty, Mike Osborn, Gary Pollard, Nigel Booth, Chris Barton

Music: Rachel Portman

Costume Designer: Ann Hollowood

Production Designers: Simon Holland, John Stephenson

Produced in association with TVS Films Ltd.