Muppet master Jim Henson's early work

Network Awesome compiled some of Muppet-creator Jim Henson's delightfully dark early work, beginning with the infamous and violent Wilkins coffee commercials from 1957 (previously on BB) and going all the way to the 1970s. From Network Awesome:

Henson did a lot of other product sponsorship, but he also created loosely instructional sales videos for IBM in 1966. This unexpected combination solidified the unique stylistic qualities that make Henson’s work so venerable. And as made obvious in the range of products that he “sold,” Henson was not expressing personal loyalty to these companies but using their business as a way to develop his artistic style, and even to make fun of the typical associations with television advertising in his comedy.

"Jim Henson Commercials and Early Works"

• [mypalmike]

  “You either go with Wilkins Coffee or you don’t go.”

  Also, it has interesting effects on the digestive system.

• [hadlock]

  If history repeats itself, Don Hertzfeldt’s carreer is about to skyrocket.

• [but.if.and.that]

  I have always believed in Henson’s mantra: “When you get stuck you can always eat something, blow something up, or throw penguins.” Thanks so much for sharing this old gem.

• [Cassandra]

  I saw some of the original puppets used in these commercials at this great exhibit last summer. They’re wonderfully built; for instance the Linit guy has armor plate on his elbow joints.

• [bcsizemo]

  I used to love me some Fraggles growing up.

  And as a late teen/early 20 something loved me some Farscape as well.

  Best sci-fi show I’ve ever seen.

• [politeruin]

  Yeah, farscape is where it’s at. A bit wild to watch this then see something like pilot in action.

• [jimh]

  Site has been Boinged, apparently.

• [Anonymous]

  my, but proto-kermit was a nasty fellow…

• [Anonymous]

  It’s true! But we’re WORKING ON IT!!! Give us a few min, cool?

• [Anonymous]

  One of my personal favorites of Henson’s work is The Cube starring Richard Schaal, 1969 television film. Think Donnie Darko mixed with 1997 The Cube. Very strange, lsd inspired, black and white.

  Worth the watch, but very un-Henson like.

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cube_(1969_film)
  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6203080879952576646#

  ~ Crystal Henson :)

• [Chris Durso]

  Gratuitous Muppet violence was a recurring theme in Henson’s earlier works… And shilling for food companies was how he worked out early versions of characters like Kermit and Cookie Monster.

  Here are a few more…

  http://www.foodiggity.com/7-of-the-best-food-moments-in-muppet-history /

• [tyger11]

  I don’t understand why Wilkins isn’t a big name in coffee today. Very puzzling.

• [Vanwall]

  Land of Gorch. ‘Nuff said.

• [Jason Forrest]

  southafricanscum – Thanks!

• [Jason Forrest]

  Crystal – We actually showed The Cube last week!
  http://networkawesome.com/show/jim-henson-the-cube-1969/

  You wouldn’t be his daughter would you? If so- COOOL!

  • [southafricanscum]

    On a completely unrelated note, I really want to thank you for getting J.O.T.S. to remix Raunchy. Great original, great mix.

• [Vanwall]

  Must mention Skeksis.