Over his lengthy career, Jim Henson produced a number of projects that had nothing to do with The Muppets, his most famous creations. Henson was an artist and innovator, and he continually experimented with new forms of puppetry and methods of storytelling. One of his most unique productions was The Song of the Cloud Forest, a beautifully designed fable about the sanctity of the rainforest. In one half-hour Henson created a wonderfully sweet and charming fable that still resonates to this day.
The Song of the Cloud Forest begins with Milton the golden toad (Dave Goelz) on the search for a mate. Despite his best efforts, Milton cannot find another golden toad, a fact that worries him and his animal friends. Meanwhile, two human scientists (Fran Brill and Jerry Nelson), or “Uprights,” as the animals call them, have appeared in the forest, along with a caged female golden toad in their possession. Milton and his friends overhear the scientists’ discussion and learn that Milton and the scientists’ captured female are the last two golden toads in existence. The scientists want to capture Milton and take him back to their lab in hopes of repopulating the species. Understandably devastated, Milton is at a loss as to what to do and retreats deep into the Cloud Forest, looking for an answer.
All the Colors of the Rainforest
Without a doubt the highlight of The Song of the Cloud Forest is its art direction, which still remains a visual treat. Everything in the special is brightly colored with tropical hues, from the animals, to the jungle, to the sky, creating a very stylized and emotional approach to the rainforest. The animal designs themselves appear to be based on early indigenous South American folk art, a wise decision that takes The Song of the Cloud of the Forest into the realm of ancient fable. Producer and director Jim Henson extensively used digital greenscreens throughout the production, which allowed the puppeteers to be painted out from the final product, resulting in puppets that move differently than any previous form of Henson puppetry. Regardless of one’s opinion of the special as a whole, The Song of the Cloud Forest is a truly unique spectacle.
Thankfully the rest of The Song of the Cloud Forest is able to live up to its production design. The performances from the lead puppeteers, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Kevin Clash and Fran Brill, are all uniformly terrific as they manage to give a real sense of emotional depth to their characters. Goelz in particular is amazing as Milton the golden toad; he captures a remarkable range of emotions that help make Milton a genuine three-dimensional character. Never have loneliness and longing been more evident in a toad’s performance.
A Message With Heart
If one could find a fault with The Song of the Cloud Forest it would be that the special’s message is a little tired. This is not necessarily its fault; The Song of the Cloud Forest was produced back in 1989 and the last twelve years have seen a huge influx of environmentalist media and attempts to educate people on the disappearing rainforests. At the time of its release the special was fairly radical but the years have somewhat diluted its message.
However, what carries the program is Jim Henson’s sincerity. Henson genuinely believes in the special’s message and he is smart enough to never beat the audience over the head with its lesson. As The Song of the Cloud Forest is aimed more at small children it allowed Henson the opportunity to focus more on visuals to help convey the special's message. He does not need to have characters make long speeches on the issues, as he instead uses a few well-chosen images. A sequence where Milton finds his mate locked in a cage says more about the state of the rainforest than any lecture could.
Ultimately The Song of the Cloud Forest ends on a happy note (this is Jim Henson production after all), but a bittersweet one as well. Henson wanted to educate people, especially children, about the value of the rainforests, and this special could not be a better tribute. Henson imbued The Song of the Cloud Forest with a joyous spirit full of color, music and love, and any Henson devotee owes it to his or herself to find this special and share it with their family.
The Song of the Cloud Forest (1989)
- Starring: Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Fran Brill and Kevin Clash
- Written by David Young
- Directed by Jim Henson
- Running Time: 24 minutes
Join the Conversation