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The Muppet Show transcript for Episode 120: Valerie Harper.

Theme[]

Kermit appears in the show's O.
Kermit It's The Muppet Show, with our special guest star, Miss Valerie Harper!
The banner rises, and the theme begins.
Chorus girls

It's time to play the music
It's time to light the lights
It's time to meet the Muppets
On The Muppet Show tonight!

Male chorus

It's time to put on makeup
It's time to dress up right
It's time to raise the curtain
On The Muppet Show tonight!

The curtain opens on Fozzie.
Fozzie Hey! Did you know that if Tuesday Weld married Fredric March's grandson, she'd be Tuesday March the Second? Aaaah.
The audience laughs. The curtain closes.
Kermit

To introduce our guest star,
That's what I'm here to do!
So it really makes me happy
To introduce to you —
Miss Valerie Harper! YAAAYYY!

The Muppets gather around Valerie.
Kermit But now let's get things started
Kermit & gang

On the most sensational, inspirational
Celebrational, Muppetational
This is what we call The Muppet Show!

120-1
Gonzo tries to hit the "O" with a large mallet, but the mallet collapses on top of him.

Backstage / Opening number[]

Kermit Hey uh, George. George?
George the Janitor What? What? What?
Kermit Would you clean up this backstage? This whole place is a mess.
George the Janitor Yeah. Of course it's a mess, with all these Muppets exploding around here. Every time I turn around, there's somebody blowing his top.
Kermit Uh, George, that is a slight exaggeration, isn't it?
120-2
A Green Frackle walks by and BOOM! his head explodes. The headless figure walks away.
George the Janitor Ehh. I guess it's all in my mind.
Enter Valerie through the backstage entrance. Applause.
Valerie Am I in the right place?
Kermit Oh, Valerie Harper! Welcome to The Muppet Show! Oh, we're so glad that you can come and be with us.
Valerie Oh, me too, Kermit. You know, I'm not filming Rhoda this week. I got hiatus.
Kermit Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Did you get it lifting something?
Valerie Oh, no —
Kermit Maybe you should see a doctor.
Valerie Kermit, that means that we're on vacation. And um, well, you see, I'm a total Muppet freak.
George the Janitor Everyone in this joint is a freak!
A three-headed creature goes by.
George the Janitor See what I mean?
Kermit Uh, George, this is uh, Valerie Harper. She's on hiatus.
George the Janitor I'm George the janitor. I'm on vitamin E. (waves his mop at Kermit) Move it.
Kermit Uh, you have to uh, forgive George there, uh …
Valerie Okay.
Kermit Uh, you were saying, Valerie?
Valerie Yes. I — I was hoping that uh, you might let me do a big opening number on the show.
Kermit Oh, well, we had planned to open the show with uh, Bertha Beasley and her Galloping Geese.
Valerie Yes.
Kermit But actually, uh, Bertha isn't here yet and the show's about to start.
Valerie She won't be here, Kermit.
Kermit Uh - what?
Valerie I, uh, scotch-taped a bushel of birdseed to her body. Even as we speak, geese are pecking her into oblivion.
Kermit Uh — heh, wow, you are some determined lady.
Valerie I certainly am, Kermit. Look, I can do it if you just give me the chance. Kermit, television is great, but I gotta get back on those boards. (music swells up) You know what it's like - a live audience, smell of the grease paint, the roar of the crowd. At least let me audition for you, will you?
Kermit Sure. Go on ahead.
Broadwaybaby2
Valerie sings "Broadway Baby" while walking upstairs. She enters her dressing room, re-emerging in costume as a maid, Mae West, and Marilyn Monroe. She takes the spotlight for her big finish. The Muppets gather around and applaud. All three of her characters come out for their curtain call.
Kermit Oh, that was great! You were just wonderful, Valerie! I tell you, you're going out on that stage a star, but you're gonna be coming back a chorus girl. (walks off)
Valerie I'm not sure that's what I had in mind.
Waldorf Ehh, what a beautiful performer.
Statler Yeah, what a beautiful woman. You know, Waldorf, I think I'll go backstage and meet her. Hmph!
Waldorf Why, you old fool, she wouldn't have anything to do with you. Besides, I was thinking of going backstage.
Statler You? You? Why, you're old enough to be her grandfather.
Waldorf Why, you geriatric joker. We'll settle this. We'll flip for her.
Statler Okay.
Waldorf One, two, three —
120-4
Statler flips upside down.
Waldorf You win.

The Swedish Chef[]

Open on the Chef, dancing with two spoons.
Swedish Chef (sings in mock Swedish) … Børk børk børk!
He tosses the spoons and reacts in shock when he hears an explosion. He points to a chocolate cake on the table.
Swedish Chef (mock Swedish) … de cøokën cåkën. (mock Swedish)
He displays an icing tube and starts icing the cake, then garnishes it with fruit, jelly candies and sprinkles.
Swedish Chef (mock Swedish)
He cuts into the cake with a knife, and the cake yelps in a Japanese accent.
Cake AI-YO! (mock Japanese)
Swedish Chef (mock Swedish)
120-5
Cake (mock Japanese)
The Chef takes out a translation book and frantically thumbs through it.
Swedish Chef (mock Swedish)
Cake EEEEE-YOOOO-SHIATSU!
The Chef takes out a baseball bat.
Swedish Chef "E-yo-shiatsu"? (mock Swedish) … de cåkën smøoshër! (mock Japanese) … HIYO!
He smashes the cake.

Backstage[]

Gonzo runs towards Kermit.
Gonzo Hey, chief. One of those hecklers from the box is back here, and— and he says he wants to speak to Miss Harper.
Kermit Oh, for goodness sakes. I've got a show to do. I can't have every Tom, Dick, and Harry coming back here.
The three-headed creature goes by again.
Kermit Hi, Tom. Hi, Dick. Hi, Harry. … Of course, there are exceptions.
Statler enters with a plant.
Statler Where is Miss Harper? I demand to see her! I will not be denied!
Kermit Well, wow! One of our hecklers has turned into a stage-door Johnny. Uh, Miss Harper is up in her dressing room there, rehearsing her lines.
Statler Well, I've been rehearsing my lines too, for when I meet her. How's this? "Hiya, toots. You're some kind of hot-looking tomato." Heh!
Kermit (frowns) That's a very old line.
Statler Well, I'm a very old man.
Kermit Hey, listen. Stage-door Johnnies are supposed to bring roses. What is that thing?
Berrybush
Statler Oh, roses are ordinaire. This is a very special plant for a very special lady. It's an African berry bush. Grows at a rate of three feet an hour. Unless it rains, then it grows faster.
Kermit Uh, well, I suggest that you bury your berry bush and bug outta here, buster. That's nice alliteration, huh?
Statler Hey! Hey — I'll have you know I've dated, and wined and dined some of the finest performers on the legitimate stage. Hayes, Langtree, Barrymore …
Kermit Wait a minute. You dated Ethel Barrymore?
Statler No, Lionel. Ethel was busy that night. To tell you the truth, we didn't dance much either.
Kermit Will you get outta here!
Statler No, I'll sit over here with my bush. (sits)
Kermit I have the feeling this is going to be one of those shows. (frowns)

Muppet newsflash[]

Newsman Here is a Muppet News Flash. (runs to the desk) Dateline, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doctors in Milwaukee have reported a phenomenon never before witnessed in medical annals. Mr. Gus Klinger, a steam fitter. has, over a three-month period, turned into a rug. (double-checks the paper) Here is his wife, Mrs. Klinger, to explain what happened.
Valerie appears in the monitor.
Valerie Well, it all started as a simple case of shag pile on the belly, but then, gradually, it spread, until he is now a 9x12 carpet. With fringe. I am just going to have to sue for divorce, that's all.
Newsman Why is that, Mrs, Klinger?
Valerie 'Cause he does not match the drapes.
120-6

A Poem by Rowlf[]

Main stage. Kermit enters to a fanfare.
Kermit Okay, now it is with great pleasure and no little concern, that I present my dear friend Rowlf, with an original poem written, directed, and conceived by Rowlf - sort of a tour de force, which is French for "blow your own horn". So let's bring him on with a great big hand!
A great big hand walks by. Kermit frowns and walks off. The curtain opens on Rowlf..
Rowlf I've titled this original poem "The Butterfly." Ahem.

I saw a butterfly one beautiful morn,
Flitting silently on the dew-covered lawn.
And I thought to myself, how wonderful it would be
If only we could see
Millions of these covering the mountains, the plains, and the seas.

A butterfly flies behind him.
Rowlf

I held out my hand, and motioned it to land.
And as it did, I looked for another butterfly with which to mate it.
I couldn't find one, so I sat down and ate it.

120-7
As he laughs, a giant butterfly catches him with a net and drags him away.
Rowlf It was only a joke! I'm just kidding!
Waldorf Ehh, Statler would have loved that one. But I hated it.

Backstage[]

Kermit Okay, let's move that butterfly. Move it, move it, move it.
Statler watches as the butterfly drags Rowlf along.
Statler Well, at least you're better than that bear. Not much, but …
George the Janitor Hey! What are you doing here?
Statler Well, if it's any of your business, janitor man, I'm waiting for Miss Harper.
George the Janitor Oh. Well, it looks like your, uh, plant could use some waterin'.
He waters the plant, and it immediately grows.
Statler Hm? No! No! You fool! Oh, no! This is an African berry bush! It grows at an enormous rate! It will grow and grow and eat everything in sight.
120-8
George the Janitor (aside) It bears a striking resemblance to my brother-in-law.

At the Dance[]

Couples dance in a ballroom. Animal dances with a woman.
Woman (EO) I think your brother is going to buy you a house.
Animal Why?
Woman (EO) I heard him say that you belong in a home.
Animal Ahhh! Dip!
He dips her. Switch to the loud lady and her partner.
Loud lady (loudly) You know, I just can't seem to hold on to a guy. What is it, huh? I'm a real good-looker, a neat dresser, and a great cook. Come on, tell me now. What's my problem?
Man You're too introverted.
Loud lady Yeah, maybe you're right.
Switch to Zoot and Janice.
Zoot Ehh, this music they're playin' is garbage! Pure garbage, man.
Janice Why do you say that?
Garbage falls on him.
Zoot Enough said?
Switch to Dr. Teeth and Mildred.
Mildred Uh, Dr. Tooth?
Dr. Teeth Teeth.
Mildred Teeth. Do you think honesty is the best policy?
Dr. Teeth Oh, positively.
Mildred Well, you are a terrible dancer.
Dr. Teeth Another crack like that and your best policy will be an insurance policy.
Switch to two Frackles.
Green Frackle You'd better be careful. There's a bat coming your way.
Blue Frackle Oh, that's all right. My uncle was a vampire.
Green Frackle It's not that kind of a bat.
WHACK! A sentient baseball bat whacks off the Blue Frackle's head.
Green Frackle A definite improvement.
120-9

UK spot[]

Rowlf plays the piano. Sam looks over a piece of sheet music.
Sam the Eagle Uh, so what do I do here?
Rowlf Oh, Sam, you just play the part of the bird. I mean, it's not written for an eagle, but uh …
120-10
Sam the Eagle Well, is this cultural?
Rowlf Oh, yeah. This is light opera. Gilbert and Sullivan.
Sam the Eagle Mm. Begin.
Rowlf On a tree by the river, a little tomtit sang …

Uh, this is your part, Sam.

Sam the Eagle (reading) Willow … tit willow … tit willow.
Rowlf And I said to him, "Dickeybird …"

See, that - that's you, Sam. You play the part of the dickeybird.
"Why do you sit, singing …"

Sam the Eagle (gives him a blank look) Dickeybird? (nods, sighs) Willow … tit willow … tit willow.
Rowlf "Is it weakness of intellect, birdie?" I cried …

Not meaning you, Sam.

Sam the Eagle Mm. Yes, yes.
Rowlf

"Or a rather tough worm in your little inside?"
With a shake of his poor little head, he replied …

Sam the Eagle Uh, willow … tit willow … tit willow.
Rowlf Mm-hm.

Now I feel just as sure as I'm sure that my name isn't …

Sam the Eagle Willow, tit willow, tit willow.
Rowlf That 'twas blighted affection that made him exclaim…
Sam the Eagle (aside) You wanna do this? (catches up) Uh, willow, tit willow, tit willow.
Rowlf And if you remain callous and obdurate, I …
Sam the Eagle What's "obdurate"?
Rowlf I don't know, Sam.

Shall perish as he did, and you will know why.
Though I probably shall not exclaim as I die …
This is the last one, Sam.

Sam the Eagle Willow … tit willow … tit willow. … Why are they laughing?
Applause.

"Searchin'"[]

Searchin
Floyd and two Whatnots sing "Searchin'" while seeking out an evasive Mary Louise.
Whatnots Gonna quit now.
Floyd I'll find you, darling.
Whatnots Gonna quit now.
Floyd I know you're around here someplace.
Whatnots Gonna quit now.
Floyd Oh, this is hard work.
Whatnots Gonna quit.
She pops up.
Floyd Okay.
Applause.
Waldorf Just think, that old fool Statler's getting a chance to meet Miss Harper backstage … just because he could do a flip. But I bet he can't do this. (makes a funny face)
120-11
Waldorf Ehh, sometimes I tickle myself. In fact, I think I'll tickle myself now. (does so)

Backstage[]

Kermit is shocked when he sees that Statler's plant has grown around the entire backstage area.
120-12
Kermit Statler! You gotta do something about this crazy plant of yours!
Statler Now, hold it right there. I know my rights. Section three, paragraph four, Theatergoer's Manual. "Any member of the audience has the right to"—
Kermit Oh, don't give me that hogwash!
George the Janitor (holding a bucket) What did you say?
Kermit I said, "Don't give me that hogwash."
George the Janitor All right. I was gonna wash the hogs, but if you don't want the hogwash, I'll just dump it here.
Kermit No, no, no! Not there!
George throws the bucket on the plant, and it grows some more. Gonzo, Scooter and Wanda run around in chaos, but Statler just sits still.
George the Janitor What? Oh, no!
Gonzo Help! Bush running amok! Bush running amok!
Wendy (screaming)
George the Janitor Help! Help! Help! Oh, no. Help!
The plant wraps itself around Kermit.
Gonzo I'll get you! I'll get you! Just hold still!

Dressing room[]

Valerie Hilda, I lost my comb. Do you know where I can get a new one?
Hilda Oh, haven't you met Bernie, our new makeup man?
Valerie No, I guess I haven't.
Hilda Oh. Uh, Bernie! Bernie!
Bernie, a blue rabbit, hops in.
Hilda Bernie. Uh, Miss Harper needs a comb, Bernie.
120-13
Bernie Oh, hiya, Miss Harper.
Valerie Hiya, Bernie.
Bernie I'll get you a comb in just a minute. In the meantime, have an egg.
Hilda snickers.
Valerie Hilda, don't tell me he's …
Hilda That's right. He's the Easter Bernie! (laughs) Oh, dear. Oh, finally, they gave Hilda the pinch line.
Valerie Don't you mean punch line?
Hilda No, I mean the pinch line.
Valerie How come?
She jumps when Animal pinches her on the rump.
Animal Haaahh.
Hilda That's how come.
Animal Hiya, sweetie.
Valerie Hilda, you want a punch line, this is a punch line.
She bops Animal on the head. Animal faints.
Hilda Nice punch, Valerie.

Backstage[]

It is now such a jungle backstage that Kermit has to chop his way through the foliage.
120-14
Kermit (through the intercom) Onstage for the next sketch, please.
Fozzie Uh, Kermit? (grunts)
Kermit What?
Fozzie Kermit, I cannot do my monologue.
Kermit How come?
Fozzie Because the tree ate my cue cards.
Kermit (sigh) Statler!
Statler Hmm?
Kermit One of these days I'm gonna get you for this.
Statler Well, you could have avoided all this if you had let me meet Miss Harper when I asked.
Kermit The only person you're going to meet back here is Tarzan.
They overhear Tarzan yelling.
Statler I hope he's a good dancer.

Wayne and Wanda[]

Sam the Eagle Ahem. Once again, the happy harmonies, the melodious melodies, the warm warblings of Wayne and Wanda. (mumbles) Please, do it for me. Or somebody.
Open on the two in a countryside setting. The fog rolls in as they sing.
Onaclearday
Wayne and Wanda

On a clear day,
Rise and look around you,
And you'll see where you are…
(coughing)

Muppet newsflash[]

Newsman Here's a Muppet News Flash. (runs to the desk) Dateline …
120-16
He examines the paper and sees it's blank on both sides.
Newsman Oh. Ahem. Sorry. (walks away)

Dressing room[]

Valerie powders her face.
Valerie Kermit, I am so pleased that you're gonna allow me to do a big dance number to close the show.
Kermit Oh, listen, it's my pleasure. Hey, but I think I should warn you, uh, you're gonna be doing this with our chorus line, and they're known as the Clodhoppers.
120-17
Valerie That's perfect. It's been so long since I've danced. I'll fit right in. I'll be a perfect clod. (Kermit frowns) Oh, no, no. Don't worry. I'm gonna give it my best shot.
Kermit Aw - you're a trooper, Valerie. I'll go out there and introduce you, okay? (walks off)
Valerie Okay. (to audience) Hang in there, gang, This could be the start of a new career. Or the end of one. (sighs)

"Nobody Does It Like Me"[]

Main stage. Kermit enters.
Kermit Okay! And now, once again, ladies and gentlemen, Miss Valerie Harper with the Clodhoppers.
120-18
Valerie sings "Nobody Does It Like Me" while dancing with the Clodhoppers.

Goodnights[]

Kermit Well, once again, friends, it's time to say so long, but first, let's thank our special guest star, Miss Valerie Harper. Yaayy!
Applause.
Valerie Kermit, I can't tell you how great it's been being with you, if very unusual.
Statler Ahem! Excuse me, Miss Harper. Uh, my name is Statler, I —
Kermit Oh, for heaven's sake, Statler!
Statler I was wanting to meet you all evening.
Valerie Oh.
Statler I wanted to give you this little present and ask if you'd join me for a steak dinner later on.
Kermit Wait a second! Uh, what — didn't that plant grow into a great big bush, or was that my imagination?
Statler Yeah, well, this is its firstborn.
120 plant
Valerie Thank you very much, Statler. It's lovely. But I can't join you for dinner. You see, I'm a vegetarian. Of course, I could always eat the plant.
Statler Yeah - before it eats you. (laughs)
Kermit Okay, well, good night, Valerie. Good night, everybody. We'll see you all next time on The Muppet Show.
Statler You're not too bad yourself. Hubba hubba hubba.
Fozzie drags him offstage. The other Muppets gather as the credits roll.
Statler Hey? What? No! What are you? What? No! Wait! Wait!
Waldorf hangs from the balcony, chuckling.
Waldorf I was practicing my flip. HELP!
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