Rare Muppet Videos Now On YouTube

Yesterday our good friend Patrick Cotnoir did something awesome. He combed through his extensive collection of Muppet TV appearances and uploaded some of the extremely rare appearances to YouTube. We're so thankful to Patrick for uploading these videos--and even more thankful to him for sharing them with us. Check out the incredible videos below!

60 Minutes Backstage at The Muppet Show - 1979



Johnny Fiama and Sal on Larry King Live - 1996



Jim Henson on What's My Line? - 1974



Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee - 1990



Tales of the Tinkerdee Unaired Pilot - 1962



The Cosby Show episode "Cliff's Nightmare" featuring The Muppets - 1990



Big, big thanks again to Patrick! Enjoy the videos, Muppet fans.






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Interview with "The Muppets" Sound Team Member: Rocco Fonzarelli

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming the first member of The Muppets production team to stop by The Muppet Mindset for an interview! We'll have a few more interviews with Muppet people in the coming weeks, so be on the lookout! But for now... read on!!

Interview with The Muppets Sound Team Member – 
Rocco Fonzarelli

Conducted by Ryan Dosier

RYAN:   Today on The Muppet Mindset we're thrilled to welcome one of the integral behind the scenes members of the team that worked on The Muppets. Rocco Fonzarelli had the incredible opportunity of being on the sound team that worked on the film and is awesome enough to sit and talk to us about it. Welcome, Rocco! Tell us a little bit about your job on the film. What is your official job title and what duties did it entail?

ROCCO:   My official job title is Gentlemens Monkey for the post production company 424 Post. My duties include making really bad cappuccinos, getting in everyone's way, holding the door for Muppets Supervisor Jill Breitzman, and pants ironing.

RYAN:   You got to work with some of the great Muppet performers including Dave Goelz and Bill Barretta when they came into the recording studio. What was that like?

ROCCO:   UNREAL! Our sound supervisor Kami Asgar (who also worked on Muppets From Space) had to introduce me to Dave Goelz and Bill Barretta because I was too shy to even say hello. Dave came into to do ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and loop some lines for Gonzo. I wish I could tell you the line, because it's great. Ask me after Thanksgiving so I can be free to speak. So... Dave says, "Nice to meet you." My response was something along the lines of, "Oh, I met you before in 2003 at the Muppet convention. You signed my coloring book." The sound crew erupted in laughter and everybody realized they had a fanboy on the set. To most of the sound crew, it is not as exciting as it is for me. Our mixer worked on Empire Strikes Back, so he was used to working with icons. Bill came in to loop some lines for Chef. I mentioned Johnny Fiama--my favorite Muppet--within my first breath of meeting Bill. After three takes someone says, "Okay Bill, let's do one more for safety," to which Johnny replied, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Johnny Fiama does not do more than three takes. Rocco knows, right Rocco?" I was like, "Please tell me we got that on tape." Sadly, we did not. I hate to use the word surreal so much, but it's nuts. As I am typing this to you now, Brett McKenzie is in front of me air guitaring to the music he has written and beautifully orchestrated as we do playback fixes, with James Bobin to my left.

Also, this week, I got another INCREDIBLE surprise from our Post Production Supervisor Jill. She basically says, "You, get in the car, were going to do promotions." I get in, and we wind up at the studio where the whole gang is filming some promotional commercials. As I said before, I went to the 2003 Muppet convention in Santa Monica where I met Gonzo, Floyd, Sweetums, Pepe, Johnny, Sal, Kermit, etc. But I ran into Miss Piggy for the first time backstage at the commercial taping that day... and she is breathtaking, literally breathtaking. Our conversation went something like...

PIGGY: Are you going to be okay? (to Jill) Is he going to be okay? Breathe, breathe, in, out.
ME: I'm sorry Miss Piggy, I just never thought I would get a chance to see you in person.
PIGGY: I know, I know, it's okay.

I can’t tell you how our conversation ended. It was too much for me to take in. Talking to Kermit was a little easier because we had met at the convention... I was talking to Sal about his short stint as a boneologist and he decided to grab Kermit and recreate that moment so that was really awesome. But Piggy... I can't even tell you what we talked about, I was absolutely starstruck.

RYAN:   You also received an incredible gift from Bill Barretta and one of his closest friends which came with a little help from director James Bobin. Can you talk us through this moment and how it felt to get such an incredible present? (I’m only slightly jealous.) (And by slightly, I mean entirely.)

ROCCO:   My boss, Princess Jill Breitzman, realized early on that I was a HUGE Muppet fan. Back up to last Thanksgiving... I was layed off from my job due to the MGM Studios going bankrupt. Then I found out I had to have heart surgery again. Long story short, I had a really rough year and Muppets Supervisor Jill and the sound team decided to do something really nice for me... they had Johnny Fiama come in and sing. While Jill was in New York doing a preview, she had a Rocco--I mean Rokko Muppet made for me at the Whatnot Workshop. They kept the secret really well for like a month until I got a call one Friday morning by boss Sean McCormick (gentlemens monkeys have a lot of bosses) to come to the stage immediately. So I came in and sat down and that's where the video takes over. I have watched it about 100 times and I still can't believe it.



RYAN:   So is Rokko a Muppet or a Moopet?

ROCCO:   Well, as you can tell from the leather Jacket, he is definitely a Moopet. Where as you and I have more of a Hi-ho attitude, he has more of a cynical world view. Like the other day, my boss Tim texted me and Rokko grabbed my phone and texted him back things a Muppet would never say. He gets away with a lot.

RYAN:   Is he in the new film?

ROCCO:   No, he tried out but... his screen test was with Amy Adams, and let's just say, it didn't go well. Now he has to stay at least 400 yards away from Ms. Adams at all times--at least that's what his restraining order says. He has been in the industry for a while. He was a production assistant on Americas Top Model, and had a bit part on That 70's Show as a bartender, so he has had an interesting career to say the least.

RYAN:   Is Rokko dating anyone?

ROCCO:   Well, the thing about Rokko is that he's a bad boy, and from what I have heard on both Oprah and the interwebs, is that chicks dig bad boys. Remember when Bobo and Cindi Crawford were dating? Don't quote me on this, but I think he had something to do with breaking up their engagement, and Katy Perry was a nice church girl when she met Rokko and now she's not aloud near Sesame Street. For a while he was trying to get in trouble so he could do community service to meet Lindsy Lohan, but I'm not sure if that worked out or not. His cell phone rings all hours of the night with the most random Muppets (Beautiful Day Monster, Behemoth, Crazy Harry, Frank Oz...) calling. Ever since he and Spamela Hamderson from Muppets Tonight broke it off, he hasn't been the same.

RYAN:   Just to aggravate the jealousy of Muppet fans even further... tell us how many times you've gotten to see the movie.

ROCCO:   I have seen the movie at least 20 times. In every stage and every edit. It is FANTASTIC.

RYAN:   Without giving away any spoilers, what was your favorite part of the movie to work on?

ROCCO:   The coolest thing was watching the story develop into what it is, and what you are about to see. They had a great story from the beginning but as the weeks and months passed, just watching how James Thomas (picture editor) shaped the story line, and gave the film such a natural flow was incredible.

RYAN:   Which character in the film do you think gets the biggest chance to shine?

ROCCO:   Well, without giving anything away, Walter, the new Muppet, represents us, the true Muppet fans. So, without sounding cliché, the character that shines is you. You are Walter. I am Walter. We are all Walter.

RYAN:   We've figured out, and you've mentioned a couple times to me, that this movie was made for Muppet fans. How do you expect Muppet fans, and non-hardcore fans, to react to the film?

ROCCO:   Everyone is going to love this movie. After going to several previews with people from all walks of life, it really touches people across the board. It's got it all.

RYAN:   As part of the sound team, did you get to work on the music for the film at all? If so, how do the songs measure up to previous Muppet classics? No, Brett McKenzie (1/2 of Flight of the Conchords) wrote all the songs and they are fantastic. I am a musician, so I really appreciate the songs. They are all instant classics. So funny, heart warming, and arranged and orchestrated to perfection.

RYAN:   What is your favorite part of your job?

ROCCO:   Talking to you man.

RYAN:   If you had to compare the "feel" of The Muppets to any of the other Muppet movies, which one would it be?

ROCCO:   There are elements of all the previous films in this movie. That is part of the genius that Jason and Nick captured so well.

RYAN:   What is your advice for Muppet fans waiting anxiously for the film to come out?

ROCCO:   Be patient, it's worth the wait. AND DON'T WATCH THE PREVIEWS! To me, watching the previews is like opening your presents before Christmas--or in this case Thanksgiving.

RYAN:   In your opinion, what should Muppet fans be most excited about?

ROCCO:   That we have a movie made by us for us. The crew of this film is filled with people who are Muppet fans and that shows on screen. And if it does well, because traditionally Muppet movies don't do big numbers at the box office, there will be more to come! So get out there and see it on opening day! And maybe a couple more times over Thanksgiving weekend!

RYAN:   Any final words you'd like to share with Muppet fans about the movie?

ROCCO:   You will not believe your eyes and ears. An instant classic!

RYAN:   One last question for you, Rocco... Is it November 23rd yet?

ROCCO:   ALMOST!

Thanks so much to Rocco for doing this interview with me. He really are living the dream! I'm sure I can speak for the whole Muppet fan community when I wish the entire team of The Muppets the best of luck and in saying that we can't wait to dump our praises on you.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Sal Minella

Written by Ryan Dosier.

SAL MINELLA

Performed by...
Brian Henson


First appearance...
Muppet Treasure Island (as a generic monkey)
Muppets Tonight Episode 103: Billy Crystal (as Sal)

Most recent appearance...
"Bohemian Rhapsody" video (2009)


Best known role...
Johnny Fiama's gentleman's monkey, bodyguard, butler, and general flunky.


Famous quote...
"Johnny Fiama didn't make no money on them albums!"

WHO IS SAL MINELLA?
Sal is, first and foremost, the first (and last) line of defense between Johnny Fiama and whoever's tryin' to hurt him or his Ma! Sal serves Johnny and worships him like a prince. He has been involved in many of Johnny's musical  numbers, even appearing to act as Johnny's manager and promoter at times. He and Johnny also appear to be very close friends, despite the unbalance of power between them.

Sal first appeared in the form we know him in today on the Billy Crystal episode of Muppets Tonight. In the episode, he argues with Bobo about Johnny's name not being on the guest list for tonight's episode, only to be beaten and hurled into a moving taxi by Bobo. Eventually Johnny checks his calendar and realizes that he isn't even scheduled to be on the show that night. Thus, Johnny and Sal's relationship was born.

In later episodes this relationship would be tested by the likes of Tony Bennett, auditors, unforgiving audiences, boneology, and more. But through it all Johnny and Sal remain close friends and, for some reason, Sal remains in Johnny's employment.

Sal also appeared alongside Johnny in Muppets From Space, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz. In the films, he cut Gonzo's cake for Johnny, sold his moped to buy Johnny a solid-gold record player, and drove Johnny around on a flying motorcycle, respectively. Johnny and Sal also performed "Bohemian Rhapsody" on the MDA Telethon. 13 million people have not seen that performance.

The most recent appearance of both Johnny and Sal was in 2009's "Bohemian Rhapsody" viral video.

BRIAN HENSON AND SAL MINELLA
Along with Dr. Phil van Neuter, Sal is one of the few main Muppet characters performed by Brian Henson. At MuppetFest, Brian "explained that the performers got together with a bunch of random puppets to start working out characters for Muppets Tonight. Bill picked up a puppet and started singing, as Johnny Fiama, but everybody else was fooling around with their own puppets and not paying attention. So Brian picked up a monkey and shouted, "Would you all quiet down and listen to Johnny Fiama!" and Sal was born." (via Muppet Wiki)

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED SAL MINELLA?
I wouldn't say that the Muppets as a whole need Sal, but Johnny Fiama sure does. No one can replace Sal in Johnny's life and the two of them need each other (although Johnny sure needs Sal a lot more, but don't tell Sal that). Without Sal, Johnny wouldn't really be able to function, nor would he be as down-right hilarious.

Here's hoping we see more of Johnny and Sal soon!

 





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Johnny Fiama

Written by Ryan Dosier.

JOHNNY FIAMA

Performed by...
Bill Barretta

First appearance...
Muppets Tonight! Episode 103: Billy Crystal (1996)

Most recent appearance...
"Bohemian Rhapsody" video (2009)

Best friend...
Sal, Ma

Favorite food...
Cannolis

WHO IS JOHNNY FIAMA?
Johnny Fiama is a momma's boy (and proud of it, bub!), lounge singer, crooner-esque, Tony Bennett obsessed fellow who has his own gentleman's monkey, Sal Minella. Johnny may not look like more than a pressed suit and a diminishing singing career, but he's so much more... isn't he?

No, he is. Johnny is actually an extremely funny character whose humor derives from the situations he finds himself in with Sal at his side. Whether it's performing an impromptu rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" after Sal spilled Mama's famous sauce ("Mama... Sal dropped da sauce..."), fending off Sal's advances after he's been pierced by Cupid's arrow, or getting a double date with the Hannah twins, Johnny and Sal are another one of those great Muppet comedy teams.

Johnny also loves his Ma more than most other things. So much so that he still lives at home with her (yeah, that's why). While this aspect of Johnny's character can also be laugh-out-loud funny--just see what happens when Johnny brings a girl home to meet Mama--it also provides a unique look at Johnny's tender side. One of the most poignant moments of the entire run of Muppets Tonight! was Johnny serenading Mama with "You and Me Against the World."

Muppets Tonight! was Johnny's first appearance in the Muppet world. On the show he hosted his own segment called "The Johnny Fiama Show," which parodied late night television shows. He also got to meet his idol, Tony Bennett, and even perform with him (after he stopped shaking).

Johnny has been included in each Muppet movie since Muppets Tonight! (excluding Letters to Santa) and each time he was on the screen he was hilarious. In Muppets From Space he and Sal cut Gonzo's cake for his alien brethren, then proceeded to hassle people about doing so. They pestered Rizzo for his Christmas-light nose and assumed Kermit was drunk in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. Johnny also acted as the bartender in Mrs. Bitterman's "Dot" nightclub where he got Statler and Waldorf kicked out.

Johnny's biggest role, however, was in The Muppets' Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West's lacky. Here, Johnny had an obvious love for the Witch, calling her "Shnookums," "Mama," and other such pet names. He was the only one who mourned her melting (besides FooFoo).

Unfortunately, Johnny hasn't had a speaking appearance since The Muppets' Wizard of Oz. He and Sal did appear in the Muppet version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" in November, however. So perhaps this means we'll start seeing more of the duo again.

JOHNNY FIAMA AND BILL BARRETTA

Johnny was one of the first main characters performed by Bill Barretta. Bill has said that Johnny was inspired by both his father and grandfather. He was even more inspired by the character Johnny Fiama that Bill portrayed in a short film made with his brother Gene that showcases the Fiama Brothers in all of their... glory.

Where did Bill say all of these things, you ask? The Muppet Mindset, duh! (End shameless plug.)

JOHNNY FIAMA PERFORMANCES

As a singer, Johnny has performed many a musical number. Here are a few highlights:

• "Johnny, We Hardly Heard Ya" - A Collection of Johnny's Greatest Hits including "Theme from New York, New York" and "Hooked On a Feeling."
• "Shaking the Blues Away" - with Tony Bennett
• "Mack the Knife"
• "What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love" - interrupted sporadically by Beaker and Sal
• "Pretty Bunsen"
• "A Cheap Knock Off of a James Bond Song"
• "You and Me Against the World"
• "Jingle Bells" - It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
• "The Witch is in the House" - The Muppets' Wizard of Oz with Miss Piggy and the Flying Monkeys

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED JOHNNY FIAMA?Usually I know exactly what I'm going to say for this section... but here I just don't have a distinct answer. No, Johnny isn't exactly an irreplaceable member of the Muppet cast, but he's still just as important. He and Sal are a hilarious duo rivaling Gonzo and Rizzo, or Rowlf and Fozzie. He's different from the other Muppets because he isn't that far out there and strange... but at the same time he's extremely similar to them. Johnny and all of the other Muppets share the same dream of singing and dancing and making people happy.

Johnny rocks. I sincerely hope that we see he and Sal more in new Muppet projects soon!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com