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{{Italic title}}
{{title|image=title-specialssxmas.jpg|director=Russ Petranto|writer=Tom Dunsmuir|release=1978|runtime=|available=}}
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{{title|image=title-specialssxmas.jpg|director=Russ Petranto|writer=Tom Dunsmuir|release=December 8, 1978|runtime=49 minutes|available=DVD}}
 
'''''A Special Sesame Street Christmas''''' was a 1978 CBS Christmas special based on the television series ''[[w:c:muppet:Sesame Street|Sesame Street]]'', made in the same year as ''[[Christmas Eve on Sesame Street]]''.
 
 
The special features only three of the Sesame Street [[Muppets]] - [[Oscar the Grouch]], [[Big Bird]], and Barkley. In addition to the Muppets, Mr. Hooper, David, Bob, and Maria made appearances.
 
 
The special also features several celebrity cameos and guest stars, including Leslie Uggams, Imogene Coca, Henry Fonda, Michael Jackson, Ethel Merman, Anne Murray, and Dick Smothers. A different Barkley puppet was used, making him a gigantic five foot tall dog.
 
 
In 1979, the special was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Children's Program. However, the program lost to that year's other ''Sesame Street'' Christmas show, ''Christmas Eve on Sesame Street''.
 
 
The special incorporates many elements of the classic story, ''[[A Christmas Carol]]''. To win round the typically grouchy Oscar into the Christmas spirit, celebrity guest stars portray the ghostly visitors. Anne Murray appears as the Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows Oscar his childhood; Imogene Coca plays the Ghost of Christmas Present; and Dick Smothers is the Ghost of Christmas Future. The special also includes a crippled kitten named Tiny Tim, to whom Oscar grows sympathetic.
 
 
The theme of Oscar in the role of Scrooge would be revisited almost 28 years later in the direct-to-video special ''[[A Sesame Street Christmas Carol]]''.
 
 
The book ''[[w:c:muppet:Street Gang|Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street]]'' talks a bit about this special, stating: {{quote|Paul Firstenberg was CTW's executive vice president in 1978 when ''Christmas Eve on Sesame Street'' was produced. One of his most baffling decisions (which included selling off interest in cable television that would later be valued in the hundreds of millions) was to sign a deal that same year for ''A Special Sesame Street Christmas'', with independent television producer Bob Banner. Banner, whose roots in variety television went back to the Garry Moore and Diana Shore shows of the 1950s, had a track record of working with [[wikipedia:Jim Henson|Henson]] and the Muppets from his days producing ''{{WikipediaLink|The Jimmy Dean Show}}''. CBS bought the idea even though there was one in the works for [[wikipedia:PBS|PBS]]. When executive producer [[Dulcy Singer|Singer]] questioned the wisdom of competing specials, Firstenberg said, "If we proceed with two shows, maybe one will make it to air." Said Singer, "Can you imagine the mentality? He had a complete lack of understanding of the show."<ref>Davis, Michael ''Street Gang'' page 276</ref>|}}
 
 
==Summary==
 
 
[[File:Imogene.jpg|thumb|250px|Imogene Coca appears to Oscar as the Ghost of Christmas Present.]]
 
[[File:Imogene.jpg|thumb|250px|Imogene Coca appears to Oscar as the Ghost of Christmas Present.]]
 
[[File:Youneededme.jpg|thumb|250px|Anne Murray sings "You Needed Me" to Big Bird.]]
 
[[File:Youneededme.jpg|thumb|250px|Anne Murray sings "You Needed Me" to Big Bird.]]
  +
[[File:Yaketyyak.jpg|thumb|250px|Oscar sings "Yakety Yak".]]
  +
[[File:Dicksmothers.jpg|thumb|250px|Dick Smothers appears to Oscar.]]
  +
[[File:Tinytimcat.jpg|thumb|250px|Oscar bonds with Tiny Tim.]]
 
[[File:Henryfonda.jpg|thumb|250px|Henry Fonda complains on the fire escape.]]
 
[[File:Henryfonda.jpg|thumb|250px|Henry Fonda complains on the fire escape.]]
 
[[File:Tomorrow.jpg|thumb|250px|Ethel Merman sings "Tomorrow".]]
 
[[File:Tomorrow.jpg|thumb|250px|Ethel Merman sings "Tomorrow".]]
[[File:Closingmedley.jpg|thumb|250px|The cast wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.]]
+
[[File:Winterwonderland.jpg|thumb|250px|Ethel Merman and Oscar sing "Winter Wonderland".]]
  +
[[File:Closingmedley.jpg|thumb|250px|The cast wishes the viewers a Merry Christmas.]]
The show opens with a shot of Mr. Hooper and a little girl trimming a Christmas tree, as the audience is greeted by Leslie Uggams saying, "Merry Christmas, everybody! This is Leslie Uggams. You're lookin' at Sesame Street -- and yes, it's the Christmas season." Then Oscar pops in saying, "Hello, this is Oscar the Grouch speaking. I can't stand Christmas! Anyway, I do have orders to say: Welcome to A Special Sesame Street Christmas!"
 
 
'''''A Special Sesame Street Christmas''''' is a [[Christmas]] special based on the television series ''[[w:c:muppet:Sesame Street|Sesame Street]]''. It premiered on {{w|CBS}} on December 8, 1978, just five days after ''[[Christmas Eve on Sesame Street]]''.
   
  +
The special features only three of the ''Sesame Street'' [[Muppets]] - [[Oscar the Grouch]], [[Big Bird]], and [[Barkley]]. (A different Barkley puppet was notably used, making him a gigantic five foot tall dog.) It also features several celebrity cameos and guest stars, including {{w|Leslie Uggams}}, {{w|Imogene Coca}}, {{w|Henry Fonda}}, {{w|Michael Jackson}}, {{w|Ethel Merman}}, {{w|Anne Murray}}, and {{w|Dick Smothers}}.
Bob, David, Mr. Hooper, and Maria are happily trimming a Christmas tree that they've set up out on the street next to the stoop of 123 Sesame Street. They invite Oscar to participate in the festivities, so he gives them a dirty old sneaker to hang on the tree. "Bah humbug!" he snarls. Mr. Hooper makes the best of it saying "We mustn't let Oscar get our spirits down!" Big Bird shows up with the present he got for Leslie. The others want to see the present -- they chipped in for it too -- but he wants it to be a surprise.
 
   
 
In 1979, the special was nominated for an {{w|Emmy Award}} in the category of Outstanding Children's Program. However, it lost to ''Christmas Eve on Sesame Street''.
"Here's the STAR!" Leslie cries, as she enters with a star for the top of the tree. The cast greets her warmly. Oscar joins in: "I just want to tell you, Miss Uggams, that I've never missed any of your shows!" She is pleased: "Oh, thank you, Oscar!" He says, "I never see any of your shows, so I never miss them!"
 
   
 
The special incorporates many elements of the classic story, ''[[A Christmas Carol]]''. To win round the typically grouchy Oscar into the Christmas spirit, celebrity guest stars portray the ghostly visitors. Anne Murray appears as the [[Ghost of Christmas Past]], who shows Oscar his childhood; Imogene Coca plays the [[Ghost of Christmas Present]]; and Dick Smothers is the [[Ghost of Christmas Future]]. The special also includes a crippled kitten named [[Tiny Tim]], to whom Oscar grows sympathetic.
Leslie opens the present, and finds an ugly hat with earflaps. Big Bird is disappointed -- everyone trusted him to pick out a present for her, and he failed. This is a cue for her to sing a big Broadway-style show stopper production number about how it's the thought that counts at Christmas. Everyone joins in and dances around.
 
   
 
The theme of Oscar in the role of [[Ebenezer Scrooge]] would be revisited almost 28 years later in the direct-to-video special ''[[A Sesame Street Christmas Carol]]''.
It starts to snow, and the snowplow (represented by a yellow flashing light) dumps all of it in front of the stoop. Leslie takes charge and enlists Bob, David, and Barkley the dog to sweep it away. As they do so, she tells them to think of warm things. Oscar brings them cups, which they naively assume are full of hot cocoa. They don't realize it's really ice cold lemonade until they've all brought it to their lips to take a big sip. David and Bob are so offended by Oscar's devious scheme that they leave, but Leslie stays behind for a little Star-to-Grouch talk.
 
   
 
The book ''[[w:c:muppet:Street Gang|Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street]]'' talks a bit about the special, stating: {{quote|Paul Firstenberg was CTW's executive vice president in 1978 when ''Christmas Eve on Sesame Street'' was produced. One of his most baffling decisions (which included selling off interest in cable television that would later be valued in the hundreds of millions) was to sign a deal that same year for ''A Special Sesame Street Christmas'', with independent television producer Bob Banner. Banner, whose roots in variety television went back to the Garry Moore and Diana Shore shows of the 1950s, had a track record of working with [[Jim Henson|Henson]] and the Muppets from his days producing ''{{w|The Jimmy Dean Show}}''. CBS bought the idea even though there was one in the works for {{w|PBS}}. When executive producer [[w:c:muppet:Dulcy Singer|Singer]] questioned the wisdom of competing specials, Firstenberg said, "If we proceed with two shows, maybe one will make it to air." Said Singer, "Can you imagine the mentality? He had a complete lack of understanding of the show."<ref>Davis, Michael ''Street Gang'', page 276</ref>|}}
Oscar pops up from his can. "Look, Leslie, I'm glad that somebody agrees with me about all this Christmas nonsense." She shakes her head: "I don't agree with you, Oscar." He is startled: "You don't? You mean, you're with...them?" "Yes. And you should be with them!" She informs him through a song about how much fun Christmas is, but it has no effect. She's completely frustrated.
 
   
  +
==Synopsis==
Maria emerges from the brownstone, and finds Leslie fuming: "It's just Oscar, with his whole dog-gone Christmas attitude!" Maria tries to take her mind off it by showing her the injured kitten she found. She's dressed it up with a red ribbon, and put a cast on its broken leg. Leslie determines that the kitten needs a name. Then they shout out in unison: "Tiny Tim!" Maria laughs: "I can't believe we came up with the same name!" Leslie complains some more, saying, "Oscar certainly does remind you of another Christmas grouch, doesn't he." Maria answers, "You mean Scrooge." The word "Scrooge" gives Leslie an idea to teach Oscar a lesson. Maria trails after her: "What are we going to do, Leslie? What's the plan?"
 
 
The special opens on [[Mr. Hooper]] and a little girl trimming a Christmas tree, as the audience is greeted by Leslie Uggams saying, "Merry Christmas, everybody! This is Leslie Uggams. You're lookin' at {{w|Sesame Street (location)|Sesame Street}} -- and yes, it's the Christmas season." Then Oscar pops in saying, "Hello, this is Oscar the Grouch speaking. I can't stand Christmas! Anyway, I do have orders to say: Welcome to ''A Special Sesame Street Christmas''!"
   
 
[[w:c:muppet:Bob|Bob]], [[w:c:muppet:David|David]], Mr. Hooper, and [[w:c:muppet:Maria|Maria]] are happily trimming a Christmas tree that they've set up out on the street next to the stoop of {{w|123 Sesame Street}}. They invite Oscar to participate in the festivities, so he gives them a dirty old sneaker to hang on the tree. Mr. Hooper makes the best of it saying "We mustn't let Oscar get our spirits down!" Big Bird shows up with the present he got for Leslie. The others want to see it -- they chipped in for it too -- but he wants it to be a surprise. Leslie then enters with a star for the top of the tree. Everyone greets her warmly. Oscar joins in, saying, "I just want to tell you, Miss Uggams, that I've never missed any of your shows! I never see any of your shows, so I never miss them!" She opens the present, and finds an ugly hat with earflaps. Big Bird is disappointed -- everyone trusted him to pick out a present for her, and he failed. This is a cue for her to sing a big Broadway-style show stopper production number about how it's the thought that counts at Christmas. Everyone joins in and dances around.
They go to Mr. Hooper's store, where they make a Ghost of Christmas Past costume out of trash. Nobody wants to volunteer to dress up as the ghost, but then Anne Murray walks in! She lip-synchs a song to Big Bird -- a love song called "You Needed Me" -- as everyone else looks on. Then she agrees to be the Ghost.
 
   
 
It starts to snow, and the snowplow (represented by a yellow flashing light) dumps all of it in front of the stoop. Leslie takes charge and enlists Bob, David, and Barkley to sweep it away. As they do so, she tells them to think of warm things. Oscar brings them cups, which they naively assume are full of hot cocoa but turns out to actually be ice cold lemonade. David and Bob are so offended by Oscar's devious scheme that they leave, but Leslie stays behind for a little Star-to-Grouch talk. Oscar pops up from his can and says, "Look, Leslie, I'm glad that somebody agrees with me about all this Christmas nonsense." She shakes her head, telling him she doesn't agree with him. She informs him through a song about how much fun Christmas is, but it has no effect. She's completely frustrated.
Bob, David, Maria, and Leslie hide around the corner and make an "Ooooo-oooo" ghost sound to surprise Oscar. Then Anne appears with a green felt Christmas-tree cloak and matching top hat, adorned with trash accessories. She tells him that she's the Ghost of Christmas Past. She gives him a magic eggnog container, and tells him, "You look into it, and you'll see the wonders of a Christmas when you were young!"
 
   
 
Maria emerges from the brownstone, and finds Leslie fuming about Oscar's attitude. Maria tries to take her mind off it by showing her the injured kitten she found. She's dressed him up with a red ribbon, and put a cast on his broken leg. Leslie determines that he needs a name, and they decide on Tiny Tim. She complains some more, saying, "Oscar certainly does remind you of [[Ebenezer Scrooge|another Christmas grouch]], doesn't he?" and then gets an idea to teach him a lesson. They go to {{w|Hooper's Store}}, where they make a Ghost of Christmas Past costume out of trash. Nobody wants to volunteer to wear it, but then Anne Murray walks in! She sings "{{w|You Needed Me}}" and then agrees to be the Ghost.
As Oscar looks through the tube formed by the eggnog container, the others all act out a little scene in front of him. Leslie is dressed up as his nanny, and she's pushing a baby carriage holding a little trash can. She sings about him being a happy little baby, but he grew up and became an awful grouch.
 
   
 
Bob, David, Maria, and Leslie hide around the corner and make a ghostly sound to surprise Oscar. Then Anne appears with a green felt Christmas-tree cloak and matching top hat, adorned with trash accessories. She tells him that she's the Ghost of Christmas Past. She gives him a magic eggnog container, and says, "You look into it, and you'll see the wonders of a Christmas when you were young!" As Oscar looks through it, the others all act out a little scene in front of him. Leslie is dressed up as his nanny, and she's pushing a baby carriage holding a little trash can. She sings about him being a happy little baby, but he grew up and became an awful grouch. But this facade does not make him feel any nicer; instead, he grabs an electric guitar and sings "{{w|Yakety Yak}}".
This doesn't make Oscar feel any nicer. Instead, he grabs an electric guitar and sings "Yakety Yak." It blows up at the end of the song.
 
   
 
The next morning, Oscar gets up early to read the grouch newspaper. Leslie sits at an upstairs window, staring dreamily at him and singing a love song about his lyrical smile. Imogene Coca then arrives as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and informs him that he's now completely invisible. The street fills with kids and adults wishing each other a Merry Christmas and singing about how they don't care whether Oscar celebrates Christmas with them or not. This doesn't work either, so everyone's depressed. Maria, Bob, Leslie, and Imogene are all staring hopelessly into space. Then Ethel Merman walks by, and gives them a hearty greeting: "Hi Leslie! Merry Christmas Imogene! -- what's the matter? You look like an idiot!" She instantly understands that they're down because Oscar isn't in the Christmas spirit. She says they shouldn't be depressed and sings "{{w|Tomorrow (song from Annie)|Tomorrow}}", urging them all to think positively.
The next morning, Oscar gets up early to read the grouch newspaper. Leslie sits at an upstairs window, staring dreamily at him and singing a love song about his lyrical smile.
 
   
  +
Next, Michael Jackson walks down the street, reading a book about ghosts. Oscar asks him for it. He gives it to him, and then leaves. Dick Smothers visits next, dressed as the Ghost of Christmas Future. He tells Oscar that everyone moved away from Sesame Street because they got sick of his grouchiness. The only one who stayed is Tiny Tim. Dick leaves him with Oscar, who turns protective and loving. "How's your leg there?" he asks. "I'd be happy to autograph your cast. I know just what I'd write on it: 'Merry Christmas, Tiny. Love, Oscar.' Did I say that?"
Then: "Ooooo-oooo!" Here comes Imogene Coca dressed up in red with alarm clocks strapped all over her body! She's the Ghost of Christmas Present, and she informs Oscar that he's now completely invisible. The street fills with kids and adults wishing each other a Merry Christmas and singing about how they don't care whether Oscar celebrates Christmas with them or not. In the middle of the song, Henry Fonda appears on the fire escape holding a toy bulldozer, and announces: "Christmas is still being in my bathrobe at 11:00 in the morning sitting in my easy chair! Attach Part C to Part B, being sure to use the ¾" wingnut...What ¾" wingnut?" Then he disappears through the door at the top and is never seen again.
 
   
 
Leslie bursts through the brownstone's door and sings "[[w:c:peanuts:Just One Person|Just One Person]]" to Oscar, joined by everyone else. When they're done, he snarls, "Are you people gonna stand around singing while that poor cat freezes? Hand him up here." They all wish him a Merry Christmas, and he ducks down into his can with Tiny Tim. "Merry Christmas, everybody!" he shouts, and then pops back up: "Did you hear that? This cat talks! He just wished everybody a Merry Christmas!" Everyone gathers in a big crowd for a Christmas medley, after which they all wish the viewers a Merry Christmas.
This ghostly visitation doesn't work either, so everyone's depressed. Maria, Bob, Leslie, and Imogene are all staring hopelessly into space. Then Ethel Merman walks by, and gives them a hearty greeting: "Hi, Leslie! Merry Christmas! IMOGENE -- what's the matter? You look like an IDIOT!" She instantly understands that they're down because Oscar isn't in the Christmas spirit. She says they shouldn't be depressed -- "You gotta do what ETHEL does! You gotta out-LAST him!" She sings "Tomorrow", urging them all to think positively. They agree, and follow her in the song.
 
   
  +
== Availability ==
Next, Michael Jackson walks down the street, reading a book about ghosts. Oscar asks him for it. He gives it to him, and then leaves.
 
  +
[[File:ASpecialSesameStreetChristmasDVDCover.png|right|260px|The cover to the DVD release]]
  +
The special was made available on DVD by Legendary Entertainment Alliance on November 6, 2012.
   
  +
== Soundtrack ==
Dick Smothers visits next, dressed as the Ghost of Christmas Future. He tells Oscar that everyone moved away from Sesame Street -- "You were such a grouch at Christmas, they couldn't take it any longer!" The only one who didn't move away is Tiny Tim, the crippled kitten.
 
  +
In addition to the DVD release, a soundtrack album featuring the songs used in the special (plus four bonus songs sung by Michael Jackson and the Merry Mistletoes) was released by Legend Group Records on November 6, 2012. It was made available both individually and in a combo pack with the DVD.
   
  +
The soundtrack's track listing was as follows:
Dick leaves Tiny Tim with Oscar, who turns protective and loving. "How's your leg, there?" he asks. "I'd be happy to autograph your cast. I know just what I'd write on it: Merry Christmas, Tiny. Love, Oscar." Then he starts. "Did I say that?"
 
  +
#"It's the Thought That Counts" - Full Cast
  +
#"Christmas Blech" - Leslie Uggams
  +
#"[[The Twelve Days of Christmas|The Six Days of Christmas]]" - Oscar the Grouch
  +
#"You Needed Me" - Anne Murray
  +
#"Oscar Remembers" - Leslie Uggams
  +
#"Yakety Yak" - Oscar the Grouch
  +
#"Look at That Face" - Leslie Uggams
  +
#"Christmas Morning" (featuring Henry Fonda and Imogene Coca) - Full Cast
  +
#"Tomorrow" - Ethel Merman
  +
#"Just One Person" - Leslie Uggams
  +
#"[[Jingle Bells (song)|Jingle Bells]]/[[Sleigh Ride]]/[[Winter Wonderland (song)|Winter Wonderland]]/[[I Saw Three Ships]]" - Full Cast
  +
#"Your Imagination" - Michael Jackson
  +
#"[[Angels We Have Heard on High]]" - The Merry Mistletoes
  +
#"[[We Three Kings]]" - The Merry Mistletoes
  +
#"Jingle Bells" - The Merry Mistletoes
   
  +
== Cast ==
Leslie bursts through the door of 123 Sesame Street and sings "Just One Person" to Oscar, joined by the rest of the cast. When they're done, he snarls: "Are you people gonna stand around singing while that poor cat freezes? Hand him up here." They all wish him a Merry Christmas, and he ducks down into his trash can with Tiny Tim. "Merry Christmas, everybody!" he shouts, and then pops back up: "Did you hear that? This cat talks! He just wished everybody a Merry Christmas!"
 
  +
{| class="wikitable"
  +
! Actor / Muppeteer
  +
! Character
  +
|-valign="top"
  +
| {{w|Caroll Spinney}}
  +
| [[Big Bird]]<br>[[Oscar the Grouch]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Toby Towson}}
  +
| [[Barkley]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Will Lee}}
  +
| [[Mr. Hooper]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Northern Calloway}}
  +
| [[w:c:muppet:David|David]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Bob McGrath}}
  +
| [[w:c:muppet:Bob|Bob]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Sonia Manzano}}
  +
| [[w:c:muppet:Maria|Maria]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Imogene Coca}}
  +
| Herself
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Henry Fonda}}
  +
| Himself
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Michael Jackson}}
  +
| Himself
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Ethel Merman}}
  +
| Herself
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Anne Murray}}
  +
| Herself
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Dick Smothers}}
  +
| Himself
  +
|-
  +
| {{w|Leslie Uggams}}
  +
| Herself
  +
|}
   
  +
== References ==
Everyone gathers in a big crowd for a Christmas medley. The whole cast sings "Jingle Bells". Leslie sings a verse of "Sleigh Ride". Ethel sings a chorus of "Winter Wonderland". The cast sings part of "I Saw Three Ships", and they all wish the viewers a Merry Christmas.
 
  +
<references/>
   
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
  +
* {{interwiki|muppet|Muppet Wiki}}
* [http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/A_Special_Sesame_Street_Christmas Muppet Wiki: A Special Sesame Street Christmas]
 
  +
* {{imdb title|0329634}}
  +
* [http://www.toughpigs.com/sesame-streets-blue-christmas/ Tough Pigs: "A Blue Christmas"]
  +
* Tough Pigs: "Christmastime is Weird: Watching A Special Sesame Street Christmas" [http://www.toughpigs.com/special-sesame-christmas-1/ Part 1], [http://www.toughpigs.com/special-sesame-christmas-2/ Part 2]
   
 
{{Muppets}}
 
{{Muppets}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sesame Street Christmas, A Special}}
+
{{DEFAULTSORT:Special Sesame Street Christmas, A}}
 
[[Category:Specials]]
 
[[Category:Specials]]
 
[[Category:Muppets]]
 
[[Category:Muppets]]
 
[[Category:Originally aired on CBS]]
 
[[Category:Originally aired on CBS]]
[[Category:Released in the 1970s]]
 
 
[[Category:A Christmas Carol]]
 
[[Category:A Christmas Carol]]
 
[[Category:1978 releases]]
  +
[[Category:Award-nominated specials]]
  +
[[Category:Shout! Factory]]
  +
[[Category:Musicals]]

Revision as of 03:56, 21 October 2019

Imogene

Imogene Coca appears to Oscar as the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Youneededme

Anne Murray sings "You Needed Me" to Big Bird.

Yaketyyak

Oscar sings "Yakety Yak".

Dicksmothers

Dick Smothers appears to Oscar.

Tinytimcat

Oscar bonds with Tiny Tim.

Henryfonda

Henry Fonda complains on the fire escape.

Tomorrow

Ethel Merman sings "Tomorrow".

Winterwonderland

Ethel Merman and Oscar sing "Winter Wonderland".

Closingmedley

The cast wishes the viewers a Merry Christmas.

A Special Sesame Street Christmas is a Christmas special based on the television series Sesame Street. It premiered on CBS on December 8, 1978, just five days after Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.

The special features only three of the Sesame Street Muppets - Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, and Barkley. (A different Barkley puppet was notably used, making him a gigantic five foot tall dog.) It also features several celebrity cameos and guest stars, including Leslie Uggams, Imogene Coca, Henry Fonda, Michael Jackson, Ethel Merman, Anne Murray, and Dick Smothers.

In 1979, the special was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Children's Program. However, it lost to Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.

The special incorporates many elements of the classic story, A Christmas Carol. To win round the typically grouchy Oscar into the Christmas spirit, celebrity guest stars portray the ghostly visitors. Anne Murray appears as the Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows Oscar his childhood; Imogene Coca plays the Ghost of Christmas Present; and Dick Smothers is the Ghost of Christmas Future. The special also includes a crippled kitten named Tiny Tim, to whom Oscar grows sympathetic.

The theme of Oscar in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge would be revisited almost 28 years later in the direct-to-video special A Sesame Street Christmas Carol.

The book Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street talks a bit about the special, stating:

Paul Firstenberg was CTW's executive vice president in 1978 when Christmas Eve on Sesame Street was produced. One of his most baffling decisions (which included selling off interest in cable television that would later be valued in the hundreds of millions) was to sign a deal that same year for A Special Sesame Street Christmas, with independent television producer Bob Banner. Banner, whose roots in variety television went back to the Garry Moore and Diana Shore shows of the 1950s, had a track record of working with Henson and the Muppets from his days producing The Jimmy Dean Show. CBS bought the idea even though there was one in the works for PBS. When executive producer Singer questioned the wisdom of competing specials, Firstenberg said, "If we proceed with two shows, maybe one will make it to air." Said Singer, "Can you imagine the mentality? He had a complete lack of understanding of the show."[1]


Synopsis

The special opens on Mr. Hooper and a little girl trimming a Christmas tree, as the audience is greeted by Leslie Uggams saying, "Merry Christmas, everybody! This is Leslie Uggams. You're lookin' at Sesame Street -- and yes, it's the Christmas season." Then Oscar pops in saying, "Hello, this is Oscar the Grouch speaking. I can't stand Christmas! Anyway, I do have orders to say: Welcome to A Special Sesame Street Christmas!"

Bob, David, Mr. Hooper, and Maria are happily trimming a Christmas tree that they've set up out on the street next to the stoop of 123 Sesame Street. They invite Oscar to participate in the festivities, so he gives them a dirty old sneaker to hang on the tree. Mr. Hooper makes the best of it saying "We mustn't let Oscar get our spirits down!" Big Bird shows up with the present he got for Leslie. The others want to see it -- they chipped in for it too -- but he wants it to be a surprise. Leslie then enters with a star for the top of the tree. Everyone greets her warmly. Oscar joins in, saying, "I just want to tell you, Miss Uggams, that I've never missed any of your shows! I never see any of your shows, so I never miss them!" She opens the present, and finds an ugly hat with earflaps. Big Bird is disappointed -- everyone trusted him to pick out a present for her, and he failed. This is a cue for her to sing a big Broadway-style show stopper production number about how it's the thought that counts at Christmas. Everyone joins in and dances around.

It starts to snow, and the snowplow (represented by a yellow flashing light) dumps all of it in front of the stoop. Leslie takes charge and enlists Bob, David, and Barkley to sweep it away. As they do so, she tells them to think of warm things. Oscar brings them cups, which they naively assume are full of hot cocoa but turns out to actually be ice cold lemonade. David and Bob are so offended by Oscar's devious scheme that they leave, but Leslie stays behind for a little Star-to-Grouch talk. Oscar pops up from his can and says, "Look, Leslie, I'm glad that somebody agrees with me about all this Christmas nonsense." She shakes her head, telling him she doesn't agree with him. She informs him through a song about how much fun Christmas is, but it has no effect. She's completely frustrated.

Maria emerges from the brownstone, and finds Leslie fuming about Oscar's attitude. Maria tries to take her mind off it by showing her the injured kitten she found. She's dressed him up with a red ribbon, and put a cast on his broken leg. Leslie determines that he needs a name, and they decide on Tiny Tim. She complains some more, saying, "Oscar certainly does remind you of another Christmas grouch, doesn't he?" and then gets an idea to teach him a lesson. They go to Hooper's Store, where they make a Ghost of Christmas Past costume out of trash. Nobody wants to volunteer to wear it, but then Anne Murray walks in! She sings "You Needed Me" and then agrees to be the Ghost.

Bob, David, Maria, and Leslie hide around the corner and make a ghostly sound to surprise Oscar. Then Anne appears with a green felt Christmas-tree cloak and matching top hat, adorned with trash accessories. She tells him that she's the Ghost of Christmas Past. She gives him a magic eggnog container, and says, "You look into it, and you'll see the wonders of a Christmas when you were young!" As Oscar looks through it, the others all act out a little scene in front of him. Leslie is dressed up as his nanny, and she's pushing a baby carriage holding a little trash can. She sings about him being a happy little baby, but he grew up and became an awful grouch. But this facade does not make him feel any nicer; instead, he grabs an electric guitar and sings "Yakety Yak".

The next morning, Oscar gets up early to read the grouch newspaper. Leslie sits at an upstairs window, staring dreamily at him and singing a love song about his lyrical smile. Imogene Coca then arrives as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and informs him that he's now completely invisible. The street fills with kids and adults wishing each other a Merry Christmas and singing about how they don't care whether Oscar celebrates Christmas with them or not. This doesn't work either, so everyone's depressed. Maria, Bob, Leslie, and Imogene are all staring hopelessly into space. Then Ethel Merman walks by, and gives them a hearty greeting: "Hi Leslie! Merry Christmas Imogene! -- what's the matter? You look like an idiot!" She instantly understands that they're down because Oscar isn't in the Christmas spirit. She says they shouldn't be depressed and sings "Tomorrow", urging them all to think positively.

Next, Michael Jackson walks down the street, reading a book about ghosts. Oscar asks him for it. He gives it to him, and then leaves. Dick Smothers visits next, dressed as the Ghost of Christmas Future. He tells Oscar that everyone moved away from Sesame Street because they got sick of his grouchiness. The only one who stayed is Tiny Tim. Dick leaves him with Oscar, who turns protective and loving. "How's your leg there?" he asks. "I'd be happy to autograph your cast. I know just what I'd write on it: 'Merry Christmas, Tiny. Love, Oscar.' Did I say that?"

Leslie bursts through the brownstone's door and sings "Just One Person" to Oscar, joined by everyone else. When they're done, he snarls, "Are you people gonna stand around singing while that poor cat freezes? Hand him up here." They all wish him a Merry Christmas, and he ducks down into his can with Tiny Tim. "Merry Christmas, everybody!" he shouts, and then pops back up: "Did you hear that? This cat talks! He just wished everybody a Merry Christmas!" Everyone gathers in a big crowd for a Christmas medley, after which they all wish the viewers a Merry Christmas.

Availability

The cover to the DVD release

The special was made available on DVD by Legendary Entertainment Alliance on November 6, 2012.

Soundtrack

In addition to the DVD release, a soundtrack album featuring the songs used in the special (plus four bonus songs sung by Michael Jackson and the Merry Mistletoes) was released by Legend Group Records on November 6, 2012. It was made available both individually and in a combo pack with the DVD.

The soundtrack's track listing was as follows:

  1. "It's the Thought That Counts" - Full Cast
  2. "Christmas Blech" - Leslie Uggams
  3. "The Six Days of Christmas" - Oscar the Grouch
  4. "You Needed Me" - Anne Murray
  5. "Oscar Remembers" - Leslie Uggams
  6. "Yakety Yak" - Oscar the Grouch
  7. "Look at That Face" - Leslie Uggams
  8. "Christmas Morning" (featuring Henry Fonda and Imogene Coca) - Full Cast
  9. "Tomorrow" - Ethel Merman
  10. "Just One Person" - Leslie Uggams
  11. "Jingle Bells/Sleigh Ride/Winter Wonderland/I Saw Three Ships" - Full Cast
  12. "Your Imagination" - Michael Jackson
  13. "Angels We Have Heard on High" - The Merry Mistletoes
  14. "We Three Kings" - The Merry Mistletoes
  15. "Jingle Bells" - The Merry Mistletoes

Cast

Actor / Muppeteer Character
Caroll Spinney Big Bird
Oscar the Grouch
Toby Towson Barkley
Will Lee Mr. Hooper
Northern Calloway David
Bob McGrath Bob
Sonia Manzano Maria
Imogene Coca Herself
Henry Fonda Himself
Michael Jackson Himself
Ethel Merman Herself
Anne Murray Herself
Dick Smothers Himself
Leslie Uggams Herself

References

  1. Davis, Michael Street Gang, page 276

External links

Jim Henson Productions and Related Shows
Specials
Sesame Street and related shows Christmas Eve on Sesame StreetA Special Sesame Street ChristmasElmo Saves ChristmasElmo's World: Happy Holidays!A Sesame Street Christmas CarolElmo's Christmas Countdown • "Peter Alexander präsentiert Spezialitäten" • "Christmas Special (Barrio Sésamo)" • Christmas with Ernie & Bert • "Jul med Jeppe, Marie og Elmo" • "A Christmas Present in Summer" • "Boot" • "Monster Monster Day" • Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas • "A Furchester Christmas" • "Holiday at Hooper’s" • Sesame Street: The Nutcracker Starring Elmo & Tango • "Yip Yip Tree Tree" / "The Snowman Scarecrow"
The Muppets John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas TogetherA Muppet Family ChristmasThe Muppet Christmas CarolIt's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie • "Christmas (From the Balcony)" • A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa • "Ringing of the Bells" • Lady Gaga & the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular • "Single All the Way" • "Ho Ho Ho!" • "Christmas" (Muppet Moments) • "Santa Claus" (Muppet Moments) • "A Very Muppet Babies Christmas" / "Summer's Super Fabulous Holiday Surprise" • "It's a Wonderful Elf-bot" / "A Merry Litter Christmas"
Other shows and specials The Jimmy Dean Show: Episode 114The Jimmy Dean Show: Episode 214The Jimmy Dean Show: Episode 314Santa Claus Routine with Arthur GodfreyChristmas ReindeersThe Great Santa Claus SwitchEmmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas • "The Bells of Fraggle Rock" • The Christmas Toy • "Refrigerator Day" • Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree • "Mrs. Zabarelli's Holiday Baton" • "The Siberian Tiger and the Reindeer" • "A Berry Bear Christmas" • "Holidays" • "Hooblebumper Box Day" • "Oh Christmas Tree" • "Sid's Holiday Adventure" • "Cretaceous Conifers" • "Don's Winter Wish" • "The Annoying Orange Generic Holiday Special" • "Orange Carol" • "Joy to the World (Pajanimals)" • "War on Christmas (No, You Shut Up!)" • "A New York Christmas to Remember" • "A Song For Everyone" • "The Holiday Tree" • "Whitebeard/Coral Day" • "Traditions on Ice" • "Night of the Lights"
Albums
Christmas Eve on Sesame StreetMerry Christmas from Sesame StreetJohn Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas TogetherA Sesame Street ChristmasElmo Saves Christmas: Holiday FavoritesA Green and Red ChristmasBob! from Sesame Street: Christmas Sing AlongHoliday Classics . It's Christmas Time