The Costumes in The Muppet Christmas Carol Deserved an Oscar | A Dress Historian Analysis

🙏🏻Thank you to Audible for sponsoring this video! Try out Audible today: www.audible.com/abbycox or text abbycox to 500-500! 🎉
It's the holiday season, and that means it's time for the onslaught of Muppet Christmas Carol articles, quizzes, and Tumblr posts. And let me tell ya something...I 👏🏻am👏🏻 here 👏🏻for👏🏻 it👏🏻! I have loved and adored The Muppet Christmas Carol since I was 6 years old and saw it in the movie theatre (hi, elder millennial here), and I have been looking forward to making a video about this movie since I started a youtube channel.
Here's the thing, not only do I think that The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best version of a Christmas Carol (second is Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol, btw). The costumes in The Muppet Christmas Carol are also historically accurate. I'm not kidding. It's honestly kind of ridiculous how much research was done for the costumes in this movie. They're muppets. It's a kid's movie. Like...why? (Not that I care, because I am living for the costumes in this movie.)The costume designers, Polly Smith and Ann Hollowood (who worked with Jim Henson for years and years, btw), did incredible research on Victorian fashion, specifically what would have been worn when A Christmas Carol would have taken place (1843).
So, here it is... everything you could ever want to know about the costumes in The Muppet Christmas Carol, from Gonzo to Kermit, Scrooge (Michael Caine, you're amazing) to Fred (mmm plaid pants.) I'm going to analyze the historical accuracy of the costumes from The Muppet Christmas Carol.
...including Belle's Regency Pelisse from the break-up scene, and yes, we're going to rant about how "When Love is Gone" was cut from the movie...
🥳Socials
Instagram: / abbyelyn
Patreon: / abbycox
Tiktok: @nabs_co
📚My books:
The American Duchess Guide to 18th-Century Dressmaking: amzn.to/2GrkAIQ
The American Duchess Guide to 18th-Century Beauty: amzn.to/2TTwJtq
💌Business Inquiries ONLY [e-mail]
(This email goes directly to my management and not to me.)
🖼Images Used
collections.lacma.org/node/21...
www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collect...
collections.lacma.org/node/23...
www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
collections.lacma.org/node/25...
www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
collections.lesartsdecoratifs....
www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Trousers (or Trowsers), 1845-1853, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London:
collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O75...
Coat, 1828-30, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London:
collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O75...
libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/dig...
www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/dig...
Lappets,1825-1850 (made), © Victoria and Albert Museum, London: collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O35...
📝 Works Cited
archive.org/details/treatiseo... archive.org/details/GodeySMag...
ew.com/movies/the-muppet-chri...
muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Ann_Ho...
www.nostrings.org.uk/puppet/po...
www.imdb.com/name/nm0391380/?...
www.vulture.com/2017/12/the-s...
libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/dig...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture...
www.mentalfloss.com/article/7...
www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/enter...
I also heavily referenced Norah Waugh's Cut of Men's Clothes for period quotes and information since menswear is not my strong suit (har har ba-dum diss) amzn.to/39pge0Z
🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
**I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. By purchasing items through the links listed above, I could earn a small commission for your purchase. Thank you.❤

[@AbbyCox]

I also 10/10 recommend A Christmas Carol (Radio Spirits Version - Dramatized) from The Campbell Playhouse (1938), narrated by Orson Wells on Audible too. I like to listen to that version annually too. (www.audible.com/abbycox or text abbycox to 500-500! 🎉)

[@kallandar13]

I’m listening to Tim Curry’s version of A Christmas Carol right now, too!

[@kpopf4nmom]

As someone who loves A Christmas Carol and was only in recent years able to actually read it, I'm surprised that I haven't yet seen this movie!! I guess since I work all the time, at least it feels that way, I've stopped making time for my little luxuries. Thank you, Abby!! Not only will I make a point of watching The Muppet Christmas Carol this year but the Audible stories you've mentioned will make an appearance on some Christmas gift lists, as well!! 💖🤗

[@sophroniel]

As a Dickensian aside, have you seen the Nicholas Nickleby movie from 2002 with Anne Hathaway? The Costumes 😔🤌

[@flibbertygibbette]

Did you see that they're adding the song back? www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55232499

[@mtncreekdawn]

@@flibbertygibbette I just saw that! JOY!!!

[@PollyP28]

Ok. One story. I flew home from LA on a Saturday where I had been working on the TV show Dinosaurs and walked in to the Henson NY Workshop Monday morning to face a whole crew ready to start work on Muppet Christmas Carol - which was going to ship out to London in 2 months. I had no designs yet. But I figured every puppet would need a shirt [ Muppets are 90% male characters] so I handed out period shirt pattern research, raided the drawers for white fabric and bought myself a little time to figure out the rest of it. For the most part I only had time to pin swatches to period research and only managed to do sketches for Scrooge and a few of the other main characters. Rizzo's smock was my favorite as well. Thanks again.

[@AbbyCox]

Oh my gosh, this is amazing! This story is just the best and makes everything even more fantastic. Obviously, I spent a lot of time gushing about the costumes in this movie, but I cannot stress enough how beautiful this movie is, and how much it means to me. If you ever felt inclined to share more stories about working on this movie, or any projects, I would *love* to talk/interview/etc with you one day. Thank you for commenting & making my whole week! This is just fantastic! ❤

[@AbbyCox]

@@PollyP28 oh yay! Normally, I would ask for your email and email you, but I don't want you to put it out here. However, mine is public, you can find my email in the about section of my channel (kzbin.infoabout) ❤

[@cecilyerker]

PLEASE record a video of you telling this story, because not everyone will see this comment, but they will probably see a video.

[@stargirl7646]

This comment is amazing, thank you for sharing :D

[@bugeyedmonster2]

Thanks for this comment. And please let Abby interview you for an upcoming video.

[@MeredithHagan]

Dickensian scholars have gone on the record saying it is THE most faithful adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

[@docsavage8640]

Citation needed

[@forrestdupre87]

The 2009 version has more scenes

[@thomasdavidowen]

@@forrestdupre87 only a couple more from the book. It also adds scenes that aren’t in the novella and changes dialogue. Muppets Christmas Carol is far more faithful both in essence and execution

[@georgegoonhouse220]

@@thomasdavidowen citation needed. Believe me I love both of these movies but I really do need a proper citation. It's not that I don't believe it but I am... skeptical.

[@thomasdavidowen]

@@georgegoonhouse220 I mean, I don’t have a citation. I’m going on my own personal experience as a teacher who has taught the book at least twice a year for over a decade, and been watching muppets Christmas Carol since I was a lad! There is no competition. The muppets version is easily the most faithful adaptation of the two films. Not even close.

[@TheSneakyFox93]

My literature professor in college confirmed that - without match - The Muppets A Christmas Carol is the most faithful adaptation of the original text to date.

[@CanadianPale]

I've always liked the 1951 Alistair Sim version adding the wrinkle that Scrooge has gone pretty much his entire adult life resenting his nephew Fred for the death of Scrooge's beloved sister Fan in childbirth. When Scrooge, via the visions of Christmas Past, learns that it was Fan's dying wish that he should always take care of her son, it absolutely BREAKS him, and arguably serves as the real starting point of his redemption.

[@peccantis]

Looking at all this attention to fashion, silhouette, texture, colour, layering, accessories, etc you just KNOW in your heart that not a single lady on the set wore their corsetry on bare skin/fur.

[@bridgetthewench]

I am personally offended that critics thought kids wouldn't like it. I was 3 when it came out and I grew up watching it every year, usually multiple times. I LOVED IT!

[@AbbyCox]

I know right? Like little did they realize how *wrong they were*

[@emmonstrex65]

Me2♥️

[@anarosareyes6269]

I was five but really only watched it when i was like seven or eigth but I watch it at least once a year since then. The only Henson's film prodution that i love more than Muppets christmas carol is the Dark Crystal and both were the favoritas of my dad too

[@kallandar13]

I have the film, but I also still have my cassette tape of the soundtrack too!

[@polkadot8788]

They need kids to review kids films...they would totally tell it straight.

[@TheBibliophiliac]

The Muppets in the street choir have bonnets where an Oscar winner couldn't be bothered.

[@TealCheetah]

When you actually let the costume designers do their thing for a movie.

[@Betsyschugar]

"sad, boring earth tones" *Rachel Maksy would like to know your location*

[@woodenkat8971]

She concentrates all color in her vicinity into her hair!

[@cottagecreations2431]

Oh god you can hear her beam eyesing in the distance

[@AbbyCox]

I was *this close* to being like THIS IS NOT SHADE TOWARDS OUR EARTHTONE QUEEN. 😂 Because it is her, and her alone, that makes me appreciate an earth tone palette 🎨 😂

[@madelinegutierrez1720]

@@AbbyCox I so agree - even when she's wearing a brown wig @RachelMaksy #RachelMaksy

[@karencostanzo2906]

JIm Henson & Mr. Rogers had the gift of speaking to children on their level, without talking down to them. It is hard to walk that line, but they had it. God Bless Us, Everyone.

[@denisecampbell6736]

As did Ernie Coombs, better known as Mr. Dressup, here in Canada. In fact, he & Mr. Rogers were great Friends & IIRC, worked on Mr. Rogers Neighbourhood for a couple of years before coming up here to create Mr. Dressup. Last year the CBC put out a Tweet w/him making Stocking Ornaments out of Construction Paper & it’s still the most viewed Tweet they’ve ever put out. So many of us were lucky to have these three amazing Men teach us so many things as we grew up. The most important of all IMO : To be kind to each other. I’ve been really missing them the last few years, as that Message is one we all need reminding of. Especially right now. How lucky were we to grow up w/them & their Creations, huh? 😊

[@masuganut2082]

I could not agree more ❤️

[@esthermcafee5293]

I force my family to watch MCC with me every year. And “LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT!!” gets used in conversation a surprising amount at my house.

[@colorfulcolorist6532]

We don't have to force anyone to watch it. :) It's one of my family's Christmas traditions.

[@Madnessofmusic]

Honestly it isn't just the costumes, the Cratchit household is also incredibly accurate to the period, this movie went above and beyond in terms of attention to detail.

[@TerriMRoberts]

Thank you for this! Muppets are often overlooked as "just kids" entertainment, which frankly is insulting to the Muppets and to kids.

[@Tadfafty]

The entire intention of the muppets was to make something with puppetry not for kids.

[@TheMightyFancySquirrel]

I'm only 10 minutes in and Rizzo giving a kiss to gonzo got me melting of cuteness

[@MiniMidgMom]

I grew up with the black and white original. That was some scary stuff! There was no melting with cuteness, just shock and a strong desire to be better humans - or else!

[@Katied2017]

The muppet Christmas carol is one of my favorite movies ever, not just Christmas movie!

[@katrose5572]

It's also one of the few holiday movies that I try and watch every year. A local theater here plays it every year. I wonder how or if they are going to do it this year. It came out when I was 20.

[@samgreenbergart]

Same here. I watch it every year on Christmas Eve on VHS.

[@TheRvestal11]

Me too!!

[@sweetyukibo]

I think that it was the perfect opportunity for “actors” to have the accurate amount of clothing layers since the puppets don’t suffer from heat. Although the puppets are operated by human arms, the puppeteers are able to take the puppet off fairly easily for breaks, unlike a human actor wearing multiple layers.

[@oranplan1630]

They must've had the sweatiest arms known to man after these shoots...

[@PinkythePinkDemon]

So I used to work at a Dickens Faire that really strove for accuracy with it's staff and Muppet Christmas Carol was one of the few videos on the list that we were instructed to look at for clothing ideas that had almost no caveats (I think the only one was make sure the scene takes place in the right era). It really went all-out with the details and research.

[@AkashaOConnell]

I love this movie, as well as Muppet Treasure Island. I wish they'd do more Muppet versions of classic stories, cuz they're so good, and a great way to introduce kids to them.

[@AllThePeppermint]

AkashaOConnell, I am convinced we need The Muppet Chronicales or Narnia. ALL the books. Lol

[@margotmolander5083]

I love Muppet Treasure Island, but I cackled at an Amazon review that complained that it wasn’t an original story. 😅

[@annbrookens945]

I, too, love both those movies best! Some of my all time favorites!

[@aussie405]

Who can forget Kermit holding Miss Piggy upside down on Treasure Island as they dangled over the cliff? So expressive!

[@heatherpedersen8209]

Muppet Treasure Island would be another awesome movie to do this kind of video for!

[@TheAgeofFabulous]

When Abby says, “I want to see I want to see what he has underneath it” and it’s all about Master Hotness...I giggled ALOT.

[@AbbyCox]

BAHAHAHA unintentional double entendre 😂

[@ragnkja]

Striptease, but slow enough to fully appreciate every single part of the outfit.

[@allisonarmtrong3891]

Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame

[@kirar2180]

I am so glad I'm not the only one who's mind went there.

[@ninegreydaisies]

Yep. My first thought was "I bet you wanna see under that grey coat."

[@timemoore6838]

"If your eyes aren't bleeding, it's not historically accurate." ~Abby Cox, 2020

[@bethoconnor8236]

People actually died for color in this time period. In particular, that green wall she was laughing at would have been Scheele's green. The pigment was copper arsenite. People got arsenic poisoning and died from living in rooms painted with it.en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheele's_Green

[@SRP3572]

The one thing you can say about the Muppets, whenever they do a book adaptation, they're usually one of the most faithful to the book. Like when they did The Wizard of Oz, they used Crystal slippers and not ruby slippers

[@ericstoverink6579]

The book had silver slippers.

[@GoddessNeith]

@@ericstoverink6579 you read the book! 🙂I always wanted to see how they would do the china doll land and the other monsters Dorothy and her companions had to go thru to get to the wicked witch.

[@k_golly_g]

Am I the only one that wants to read Abby's ranking of all these different versions of A Christmas Carol???

[@AbbyCox]

LOL - I can say that Mister Magoo's is in my top (the music is just so, so good) and I also actually love the Campbell Playhouse Radio program version narrated by Orson Wells from 1938 (It's on Audible). I listen to it a lot.

[@daisyslusher1281]

@@AbbyCox i really want to hear your opinion on the Blackadder Christmas Carol

[@lornadavis476]

I haven't seen the Mr. Magoo version in YEARS! Sigh. I always love the so called "spoof" versions of the classics. But I think kids also need to see the original movies. I'm from the time where they played old classics on Sunday afternoon. Family Classics with Ray Raynor. I was exposed to many more classic stories than the few that schools required us to read.

[@silvergypsylady]

My favorite version of A Christmas Carol is with George C Scott. I also love the Mr Magoo version. Haven't seen the Muppet version in years. I never realized how detailed the costumes in this movie were. Now I will have to watch it. Thanks for a great video.

[@hianah]

Would 'Scrooged' with Bill Murray count? That one I include on my annual watch list.

[@nidomhnail2849]

Excellent review! Thank you for pointing out the completeness and details of the muppet's costumes. I would not be surprised to find out that Miss Piggy was wearing stays; as a methods actor, she would demand it. ;-)

[@AbbyCox]

BAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAAH 😂🤣❤

[@ragnkja]

Of course, that’s part of the whole “even the muppets wear all the layers of their outfits”, isn’t it? Miss Piggy without the appropriate support garment for her outfit? Unthinkable!

[@bendybenz2080]

I mean you're not wrong lol!

[@lucie4185]

Miss Piggy demands the best she wore Vivienne Westwood in one of the more recent movies.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

During Jim Henson’s life, the Muppets were treated like people, almost. Their costuming was intended to to be as accurate as the human costumes to add to the realism. He wanted children, especially, to believe they were real.

[@kathmorgan3429]

Muppet christmas carol is one of those peices of art where you can just tell that everyone had FUN making it, and that is always the best art even when it isn't "good" exactly. Except, this one is also very very good and yes those little puppet costumes are ADORABLE

[@SamWest96]

My singing teacher played Belle so it's awesome to hear the love for her song 😍

[@juliejohnson7690]

Jim Henson was alive at the beginning of the production, after he passed Brian took over.

[@selkieselkiechick1325]

As far as the costumes go, there's something to be said for "if you have to make something, may as well do it right".

[@Magearod]

"When Love is Gone" is SO important!! The finale "The Love We Found" is a reprise and it loses something without the loss of love.

[@AnnAnonyme]

It has now been found and will be readded!

[@GoddessNeith]

@@AnnAnonyme hasn't been so far, at least on disney+

[@autumn_west]

​@@GoddessNeithCheck the extras! It's right there, listed as the extended version

[@Robin-of2jt]

I absolutely adore how much work the designers and sewists put into these costumes for absolutely no reason. This is a Muppets movie but so clearly a labor of love.

[@lavendermenace8078]

When you mentioned the use of colour historically it made me think of living in Nova Scotia, Canada. Here we have many old historical houses exteriors that are painted using very bright colours. The tradition comes from fisherman who would paint their houses the same colours as their fishing boats so that they could see their way home more easily in the fog. This caught on with members of the community who were also not fishermen. As well because these houses are so old many of them are protected so you cannot change the colours of the exterior paint, they have to stay the same original colours. So now you can drive past 200-year-old homes in downtown Halifax that are painted bright pink with turquoise trim and lime green shutters. It's one of my favorite things from home.

[@kpopf4nmom]

Wow! I knew Victorian homes were frequently sporting multi color paint jobs but I didn't know about the connection to the fishing community! That's the kind of historical detail that I expect to learn about watching this channel and I'm here for it! Thank you for sharing!! ❤ I used to sell paint at Sears years ago and every time someone said in passing that all the old houses were white-washed and bland before "modern times" would elicit a gentle lecture from me regarding Victorian homes and their minimum of 7 colors paint palettes. Doubters were pointed to PBS episodes of This Old House to be further lectured by Bob Vila, Steve Thomas and Norm Abram. Watching them visit a historical home with at least 15 different colors, many of which were peaking out from behind the gingerbread, convinced lots of folks that they didn't have to just go with Eggshell white on their more modern home. I was rather partial to Memphis Blues and Purple Haze. 😎

[@Haghenveien]

Very interesting. I'm from Cádiz, in South Spain, we also have some colourful houses, although ours are more pastel shades in general (light colours are better in warm climates). And they also have a conection with fishermen since they would use them as a guide for navigation.

[@ser132]

That's common in St. John's, Newfoundland, as well. houses painted one colour, and doors & trim painted other colours that you wouldn't usually pair together, but somehow work anyway.

[@heather3021]

My husband has requested that I play this on the tv so we can enjoy.....as a family. My plans of totally converting him and the child to be hardcore costumers may final be coming to fruitation. I thank you for your contribution to this glorious cause.

[@sarahrosen4985]

Heather Wallis ooooh! Get ‘em while they’re young! ;-)

[@kathrynehiersche1817]

you have big goals, and we wish you well

[@Theturtleowl]

Every royal palace ever.

[@BTMmarineLM]

Got any tips???? My family still thinks I’m nuts.

[@kathrynehiersche1817]

@@BTMmarineLM try getting your significant other to find a craft. Same for any children who are old enough to do so. Younger children will go because they have too and eventually find reasons they love it

[@couch_philosoph3325]

I just hope the costume designers once got someone that told them how great they did it. I hope they find this video and see someone appreciate all the details they put in!

[@outlanderfrog]

Polly did! Her comment is above. 😊

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

"Hey ,hey hey, light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat!" One of my favourite movies, even though I can't find my copy... Thanks, Abby!

[@angelofbacon]

I would LOVE to see some sort of interview with Polly! She'd probably be thrilled to know someone appreciated all the work her and Ann put into the costumes!

[@madelinegutierrez1720]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

[@jennyormrod2288]

The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of my favourite movies ever! I found out at university that the story was very accurate to the book (when I decided to actually read it!) and now to find out that the costumes are very accurate too makes this film even better! Thank you Abby!

[@shannoncrowder1528]

The rant about The Song is every millennial everywhere! We all feel this and it is very important. FYI...there is a anniversary dvd that was released at least 10 years ago that has the option to watch a full-screen extended version that includes The Song! This video was so much fun! Thanks for the Muppet Christmas Carol love!

[@Sirithromeniel]

You would not *believe* (or maybe you would, but I'm dramatizing) how angry my brother was that he couldn't find a single version wirh the emotional linchpin of the story when it came time to share with his kids. His wife still laughs over him basically pausing the movie, playing the song, and then allowing the movie to continue.

[@karlarose536]

When my kids (now 25 and 17) were growing up, we only had (a pretty old) VHS version which did have The Song, so I had never realized until very recently that it was missing from many versions. I can't imagine--it really the the emotional linchpin of the movie! Apparently it is now restored in most recently released versions.

[@GoddessNeith]

I saw it in the movie theater. some versions had the song and some did not. I was lucky. 🙂

[@ZehnWaters]

@@Sirithromeniel Good man.

[@ryansweeney2067]

It's now on Disney+!

[@moniqueforrester674]

Finally someone sees the level of quality and excellence in this film! They did not cut corners and it shows. Honorable mention for the ghost of Christmas past being the most visually accurate version ever depicted on screen.

[@kirar2180]

The one problem I have with this movie is that I have to remind myself that Jacob Marley doesn't actually have a brother 🙄.

[@ragnkja]

Unless both Marleys were dead, to begin with.

[@jeaniecox6575]

True, but the fact that they named the brother Robert cracks me up 😂

[@kirar2180]

@@jeaniecox6575 ha ha I never thought about that Robert can be shortened to Bob until now.

[@lauraclayton8973]

And the levels of amazing accuracy and adaptation with this movie continue to grow. How can critics hate this movie??? I've always loved how they captured that so many of Dickens characters are more caricatures than actual people. It was a fast way to have so many in a story, and their big identifier was their odd or downright silly name (ie. Misters Krook and Smallweed in Bleak House). How do you visually represent a Dickensian caricature? An equally silly muppet with obvious visual identifiers in adorable yet killer costumes.

[@AbbyCox]

I was *shocked* when I read the reviews, because it's been so popular for the past several years, that I just assumed it was always popular. Never would I have thought that critics would have hated it soooo much! And you're right - muppets are a fantastic way to show the caricatures in Dicken's world.

[@scouttyra]

+

[@ragnkja]

+

[@MossyMozart]

@Laura Clayton - Michael Caine is such a versatile and polished actor. He was a good choice to play Scrooge as the bedrock around which the bouncy and gay Muppets could revolve.

[@heatherclements2680]

I learned a long time ago to skip anything the critics love, and if they hate it, it's a must-see!

[@jennymunday7913]

I appreciate that they put this much effort into a "kid's" movie. A faithful adaptation, well-acted, beautiful costumes and sets. You can feel the love and respect for the audience and source materials and the pride they take in their work.

[@mjmcpherson23]

I'm definitely adding this to my "required reading/viewing" list the next time I teach History of Dress.

[@mcsmaria28]

Costumes in an early ‘90’s Children’s film.99% accurate Consumes in a late 2010’s adaptation of a Phillippa Gregory novel - no head coverings a d smoky eye makeup

[@ItsJustLisa]

THIS!

[@peterrealar2.067]

The "now" mindset to filming is poison. STICK TO THE PERIOD.

[@aidanchilders9043]

mcsmaria28 Upvoted just for the Jordan Chiles profile picture

[@kristinewatson3702]

The only woman to call Ebenezer a thirst trap like... EVER. Love you, girl. 🤣

[@ragnkja]

TBF, young Ebenezer Scrooge _is_ good-looking.

[@kpopf4nmom]

Honestly, if they could've found a young actor that looked like a young Michael Caine, more mom's would've been taking their kids to see this just so they could secretly stare at young Ebby!! 🤣

[@eternityjadelan]

I absolutely love this movie. I attribute Jim Henson’s films for my love of historical and fantasy costume. I actually love that Fred and his friends outfits don’t fit perfectly because they are poor (or poorer than Scrooge). Their outfits may not have been made for them, tailored for them or have been hand me downs/garments given to them from employers. The textures, layers and colors in this film are absolutely some of my favorite details. From the wigs to the garments this movie has just such a gem and really deserved more accolades

[@lailinshale]

"if your eyes aren't bleeding, then it's not historically accurate" LOLLL SHE SAID IT, Y'ALL ohhhh myyyy gosssshhhh the mice in their bonnets :')

[@laurenloertscher1319]

MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IS MY FAVORITE ADAPTATION. Just the inclusion of Dickens as a character was genius, and the costuming is soooooo good. I loved the fact that they had Piggy wear an older style, just as it implies in the book. So book accurate. So historical. Love. It. So. Much.

[@joelleburdette642]

YESSSS! As a young Gen-X-er/Xennial this is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol (followed closely by the 70s musical one with Albert Finney). My tradition is to watch all my favorite versions of the story on Christmas Eve, ending with The Muppets. Also, that Tim Curry audiobook is THE BEST. He does all the voices so well, and he really makes Dickens' humor shine through, almost as much as Gonzo's performance. And now back to watching the rest of the video for the actual costume content.

[@AbbyCox]

I’m listening to the Tim Curry version right now!!!

[@babyjenks1784]

Omg I too love the Albert Finney version of Scrooge and I feel that one has become super obscure over the years!! So good to find another fan!!

[@joelleburdette642]

"Thank you very much! Thank you very much! That's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me!" 😁

[@RockyMountainHoosier]

Killing off "When Love Is Gone" also makes the breakup scene seem... Abrupt. Not really clear. Also now that you've done this one can you do Muppet Treasure Island too? It's pure fun!

[@AnnAnonyme]

It has now been found and will be readded!

[@stacylynn1152]

I’m actually sitting here watching Muppet Treasure Island wondering about Abby’s take on the costuming!

[@meghanmcgowan7748]

I never realized until watching this what a genius move it is to have a muppet movie be the place to really lean into historically accurate costumes! For one since the muppets' costumes are smaller it probably takes a decent chunk out of the budget since you'd need less materials and marginally less time to get a piece finished, and plus there was probably a lot more freedom for the costume designers, because I imagine the heads of the movie would've taken a stance of "yeah idgaf, they're muppets, just make them look good" and within reason let the costumers do whatever they wanted. Petition to have muppet versions of all of Jane Austen's work, I just really want to see Miss Piggy as Lady Catherine de Bourgh now

[@qwertyTRiG]

Okay, Miss Piggy as Lady Catherine is my new headcanon.

[@sarahr8311]

I didn't know I needed Miss Piggy as Lady Catherine till now. Though they'd probably try to make her Elizabeth so Kermit could play opposite her as Darcy .

[@meghanmcgowan7748]

@@sarahr8311 they do always try to put them opposite each other in a romantic pairing but if you're casting purely on vibes, it HAS to be Kermit as Bingley, there's just no other way

[@vincentbriggs1780]

Oh my goodness, I didn't notice the smocking when I watched this last year! Must re-watch!! Those pink striped coats from the 1790's flashbacks are so incredibly similar to an extant one that I'd suspect it was the inspiration if it wasn't a comparatively recent post from an auction house. And normally I hate shiny plastic wigs, but muppets have plastic hair anyways so it's fine here!

[@vincentbriggs1780]

www.thierrydemaigret.com/lot/13421/2465917?npp=100& Look, it even has some stripes in the same yellowish colour as their waistcoats!

[@helenaitken1003]

Cutting "when love is gone" was a travesty thank you for speaking out. Disney+ includes it as an Extra so until they get their act together I plan to manually edit it back in for the annual family viewing (which I'm looking forward to even more now I can tell everyone about the costumes!! Seriously this video is everything I've ever wanted thank you so much :-D)

[@CandiSnake528]

I am so glad to find people who believe this about "When Love is Gone" as much as I do. (This song also may or may not be part of my breakup playlist every single time...)

[@Hair8Metal8Karen]

I hate that they cut the song because it ruins the flow of the movie. Give us the song!

[@TheodoraWimsey]

Get ye to eBay. Apparently the 2005 dvd version has both the theatrical version and a version with the song! I just bought one.

[@SkipperJane]

@@TheodoraWimsey it does, but sadly it’s the TV pan n scan version (4:3 proportion). I have 2 copies of this movie. 🤪

[@penelopemillar637]

It’s on the VHS I had as a kid so I didn’t even realize it was cut from the theatrical release

[@SilverDawnArrow]

When we studied A Christmas Carol at school, this is the adaptation we watched in class and then we were asked to write a review on it

[@thedeepfriar745]

I love the detail on the Ghost of Christmas Present, everything about that character’s design just Exudes warmth and kindness.

[@lucie4185]

I remember when this first came out being mesmerised by how soft Michael caines night cap looked.

[@ragnkja]

Given the attention to detail in all of the costumes, I assume it _was_ incredibly soft, just like you’d want a nightcap to be.

[@juliehenry6421]

When I was in high school I was involved with the theater group and the teacher who ran it askec Frank Oz to to a Muppet workshop with us - he showed how they were made and brought some along to handle - The Count was one of them - we actually were given a pattern for the general ones - it was Sooo cool

[@MossyMozart]

@Julie Henry - Jealously abounds!

[@jessf2660]

I think I just realized this movie is the reason I’m a period drama costume snob... we were spoiled..

[@SuperPooped]

ABBY THEY FOUND THE SONG I JUST SAW ON THE NEWS!!

[@nyotauhura7412]

Weren't you the one who said something like "the Victorians didn't invent aniline dyes to wear earth tones"?

[@ragnkja]

While _A Christmas Carol_ predates aniline dyes, the demand for bright colours was definitely already there, and always had been.

[@MossyMozart]

@@ragnkja - Yes - there were plenty of vegetal dyes around that could be collected from the field or wood or the kitchen garden. Even peasants used them in coloring their humble clothing.

[@ragnkja]

@@MossyMozart Mauveine was invented accidentally, and the discoverer’s first thought upon seeing it permanently stain fabric was to use it as a dye. That would not have been the case if people didn’t already wear the bright colours that were possible with natural dyes.

[@published1789]

Oh Abby! Bless your little -- historically accurate material -- socks. Well done. :-)

[@HBMmaster]

it's nice how you shoutout the actual specific costume designers instead of just attributing everything to the director or broadly "the muppets" like other analyses of this movie do

[@londonsdeady]

Rizzo's costume with the scarf looks like a homage to Tom Baker's Doctor Who. It's near identical and Rizzo has jelly beans, which the Tom Baker version of Doctor Who was famous for carrying.

[@meghanboutilier1982]

I have performed in over 140 performances of A Christmas Carol. We all generally agree that Muppet Christmas Carol is the BEST film version. Second place is normally Mr. Magoo's. I love to see others love it as well! Last year's performance, a group of the cast read the original book together. It is so wonderful to have source material. It's also lovely to see this movie to have great hair. That is something I love from this time period. After seeing your recent video of the purple 1850's gown, I have already asked for a replica when we next perform A Christmas Carol. Ours is set about 20 years after this version is set.

[@voxangelaemortis]

Abby: talks about Thirst Trap Scrooge including the non-innuendo line re: the gray waistcoat "I would love to see what he had on underneath of it." Me: *Cocker Spaniel head tilt* Yeah. That tracks.

[@ragnkja]

While she might have meant the other garments of his outfit, I don’t think she would have protested if he went further…

[@celiadarkface9394]

When reading the play adaptation of A Christmas Carol, we would then watch the equivalent of A Muppets Christmas Carol after every scene. It was so good and having this movie as the closing thoughts of the last scene just hit some chord inside that made me happy. Side note: this was a rural Illinois seventh grade AP class who shared this part of the curriculum with the rest of the grade. Classic.

[@1goofeygirl]

I learned awhile back that ‘if the critics didn’t like a film or movie’ I’d go see it because it meant it would be ones I’d find most enjoyable, filled with worthy life lessons or able to catapult me into a maniacal world that I could/would get lost in and happy to be left in as well! Hehe 😜

[@ArtemisScribe]

I love that literally 3 days ago I saw a Tumblr post praising Polly Smith and Ann Hollowood for their historical accuracy and beautiful work on this and someone was like "Can we get Abby Cox to do a video on this" and knowing how long youtube videos take means that this video must have already been either totally or 99% finished when that post was written! The coincidence of it is brilliant!

[@krystalbarton4166]

My family watches this movie every year and yes, we sing along and quote it. Rizzo's & Gonzo's interaction throughout the movie is the best.

[@CaptainMischief]

This was such a love letter to this movie. I haven't watched this movie in years, and you convinced me with your passion to watch this year.

[@gkseeton]

It is a delightful adaptation. I’ve been a fan since the 60’s. Jim Henson is one of the creatives who helped to shape who I am. I just realized my 11yr old has absconded with my copy of Dickens’ book

[@loisismygramma4258]

Finally, this movie is getting some recognition!!! I'm gonna have to check out Tim Curry's rendition of CC. His voice🔥

[@joelleburdette642]

His performance is so so so good.

[@jenhaynes4773]

Think that's great - check out Muppet Treasure Island. Tim Curry as Long John Silver rocks!

[@loisismygramma4258]

@@jenhaynes4773 THATS MY FAVORITE MUPPET MOVIE EVER!!!! Treasure Island was one of the first "real" books I ever read. It was my gateway book. When my husband leaves for work in the morning, I always think "He marooned me, MEEEEEE" 😂😂😂

[@mnels5214]

There's just no such thing as a bad Tim Curry performance.

[@loisismygramma4258]

@@mnels5214 Being a 90s kid, I think my favorite role of his is actually Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers. Let's hear something about the costumes in that movie!!!!

[@TheSneakyFox93]

I specifically bought a DVD of this movie that includes “When Love Is Gone” in the widescreen version.

[@ponderouslydreaming]

Bless you.

[@nicoleroth3127]

First watched this movie as an adult and have LOVED it ever since. It's both touching and hilarious and I agree, it IS the best version of A Christmas Carol by far. And just as I was commenting my hubby came in, asked what I was doing and after giving him a short overview, guess what we're going to watch tonight?

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Yaaaaaassssss!!! It was everything I hoped for! I was 19 when this movie came out, but I’d had a solid 15 years of loving the Muppets prior. I watched it multiple times in the theater, and was delighted each time. As someone who identifies as part Muppet, you did good, Abby!! Have a wonderful week!

[@lightofgod1000]

I was watching this on Friday and literally said to my housemates that I wanted one of the amazing Costubers/dress historians of KZbin to do a video about the costumes cause I was so curious about if they were any good or not. Thank you for making all my dreams (or at least this one) come true!!!

[@victoriabugado6272]

Regarding the progs: my daughter has decided that Piggy and Kermit are the same species with extreme sexual dimorphism (as evidenced by the sons being frogs and the daughters being pigs).

[@therealameliabedelia7821]

The BBC reported today that Disney found the missing footage of The Love Is Gone and it is being reinstated!!! Brian Henson wasn't sure if it would be fixed by Christmas but it is coming!

[@lisamz]

I have always said that Michael Caine was the best Scrooge, because he successfully portrayed both the curmudgeonly and changed versions of Ebenezer so well. Most others are cast for the grumpy miser version only. I just love him in the film.

[@monical.3892]

I'm not even done with the intro yet but I'm already looooving this😆!!! This is the kind of research and PASSION we need from the people giving away Oscar's

[@myahackeberg9755]

OMG OMG OMG we were JUST watching this in English class LITERALLY YESTERDAY GDHADJHFHJFJHAFHJ and the WHOLE TIME i was leaning over to fervently whisper to my friend about how much the berthas were SLAYING ME. THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this masterpiece of a video about a MASTERPIECE of a movie, i will promptly be sending it to all of my friends who had to listen to me ramble about period accurate outerwear for 89 minutes straight.

[@nikkiwc]

I am equally distraught about the removal of her song and the views of the costumes!!! I absolutely love this video! It proves even more how incredible this movie is.

[@ronnie4901]

This was brilliant, beautiful and hilarious. I never thought I'd be watching a video on the historical accuracy of Muppets. My favourite video of yours yet!

[@Logitah]

I am a massive Christmas Carol nut, so it's lovely to see you gush about these costumes. Even though I barely knew anything about costuming, I still felt strongly about the costumes. They somehow FELT more accurate even for an untrained eye! I guess it was the details.

[@ADollOnAMusicBox]

Fun fact- Muppets Christmas Carol had the classic 90’s “kids reacting/quoting the movie” commercial, and I was in it! And in the version we were given to react to, “When Love Is Gone” was included. So imagine my indignation and confusion when it awkwardly cut from Belle to Rizzo crying. Travesty. Anyway, I can’t find the VHS of the movie or the commercial, but I always thought this movie was terribly under appreciated. THE SMOCKING ON HIS LITTLE WORKING RAT GARB IS PERFECTION!!

[@suicidalclock]

My favorite adaptation by far, and I am a connoisseur of A Christmas Carol adaptations. I was also 6 when this came out, and nostalgia is definitely a part of it - but absolutely felt it was very true to the source as well. I will be looking closer at the costumes on my next watch for sure.

[@iheartmusic41]

if you've ever been right about one thing, it's that when love is gone BELONGS IN THIS MOVIE

[@AeriSoondingie]

"And I would love to see what he had on underneath of it" MA'M, I BEG YOU TO BEHAVE

[@pumpkinpatch6857]

"All this work for a Mppet" but that's exactly why we love the muppets is the sheer detail that they have put into costume and details and interactions and references. Its so beautifully done

[@jenniferharned6484]

Great coats/capes are one of those articles of men’s clothing I wish had made it through the centuries of fashion. Oh my good the are so lovely.

[@SewBiased]

"I really want to see what's under his great coat." ... Yeah you do.

[@MsChess19]

This might feel like a completely off-topic thing, but speaking of puppet costumes... the Netflix Dark Crystal prequels? The Gelfling costumes??? ...incredible. The Henson’s don’t think of their puppets as “just puppets”- they consider all the details, don’t they? Also, I’m LIVING for this level of enthusiasm, ngl. 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you for sharing!

[@gennyfer8]

“When Love is Gone” is essential to the film- the reprise is the FINALE OF THE MOVIE. The fact that it was cut is a travesty.

[@Mary-sulli]

Yes! The thing that bothers me the most about them cutting the song is the fact that it's literally reprised!!

[@knittinghistory5430]

"it's too sad for kids" Ok Katzenberg, so we cut to Rizzo, Gonzo, and Scrooge weeping at the line "you did once?" With no more emotional buildup? And yeah, if a song is reprised it makes no sense not to include the original song 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@gennyfer8]

@@knittinghistory5430 right? Or cut Sam the Eagle’s funeral scene in muppet treasure island? Or the goodbye song in muppets take Manhattan? Muppets don’t shy away from real adult emotion.

[@1Thunderfire]

Thank heavens I still have the VHS version. Why cut out such a beautiful song?!

[@Mary-sulli]

@@1Thunderfire I pause the movie and pull up the song on youtube whenever I watch

[@impagain]

This is exactly my genre of video. Muppets, costuming, Muppets, fashion history, geeking out over Muppets, extreme attention to detail, Michael Cane in his best performance ever, MUPPETS.....

[@lavendermenace8078]

This is my girlfriend's favorite movie ever, so we usually watch it a few times around Christmas as well as throughout the year as a kinda pick me up when she is sick or sad

[@Anaffordabledeath]

I’m 2 years late but I am so glad I found this! I have always love The Muppet Christmas Carol and I love it even more now. I glad you got to create this video. ❤

[@matthewford5094]

My Godmother, Carol Craddock, did costumes for this movie and Muppet Treasure Island. But her full-time job for decades was doing costumes for the Metropolitan Opera, so they definitely put together a team with serious experience with period costumes.

[@emile_fa]

Plot twist: the Muppet Christmas Carol is what got Abby into costuming.

[@mysticalart]

I watched Muppets Christmas Carol yesterday in the cinema and I kept getting distracted by how good the costumes were and then this video popped up when I got home lol. Great review. The costume designers definitely deserved an oscar

[@sewthernbelle]

Now I’m curious about how historical accurate the costumes in Muppet Treasure Island is.

[@Theturtleowl]

All this effort for costumes for puppets while most historical drama's can't even be bothered to have the right silhouette or headwear. I love this movie even more now.

[@ateliernostalgia4088]

I feel a strong need to re-watch this now. Mission succeeded I think, thanks!