Amazon.com
"No strings attached," a closing line in
The American Puppet, not only underscores the magical effect of puppets but also describes this expansive yet straightforward documentary chronicling 300 years of American puppetry. The well-constructed program presents a colorful chronology of the subject, inviting audiences to both reminisce and relish the charms of puppet heroes Howdy Doody, Kukla and Ollie, and Kermit the Frog, to name a few. Beginning with the 18th-century street puppets Punch and Judy to the 20th-century Muppets, narrator Dan Lauria highlights classic puppet characters that have shaped American culture while celebrating their imaginative creators, from Edgar Bergen and Tony Sarg to Bill Baird and Jim Henson. The Mazzarella brothers (who produced, wrote, and directed the film) strike the proper storytelling tone as they blend archival photo collections, movie and television clips, and dozens of interviews with puppeteers (notably Margo Rose and Shari Lewis) or their partners (such as Henson's wife, Jane). Even nominal puppet fans will enjoy the show. (Ages 12 and older)
--Lynn Gibson
From the Back Cover
From the streets and taverns of colonial America to the bright lights of today's Broadway stage, puppets have been a favorite form of American entertainment.
The American Puppet is the first documentary to chronicle this arts fascinating and colorful evolution. Narrated by film and television actor Dan Lauria, this landmark documentary examines the lives and recounts the significant contributions of men and women who, throughout the years, have helped to shape puppetry in America.
Archival film, rare photographs, historical reenactments and engaging interviews from some of the most influential puppeteers of the 20th century, help bring the story of American puppetry to life. Viewers will delight in seeing classic puppet characters from television's golden age including Howdy Doody, Lamb Chops, and Kukla and Ollie. Young and old will marvel at the memorable performances by many American puppet masters in this entertaining and nostalgic documentary on the history of American puppetry.
