The Muppets Take Manhattan is a 1984 American musical comedy drama film directed by Frank Oz. It is the third theatrical film in The Muppets franchise. In addition to the Muppet performance, the film features special appearances by Art Carney, James Coco, Dabney Coleman, Gregory Hines, Linda Lavin, and Joan Rivers. Filmed in New York City during the prior summer, it was released theatrically on July 13, 1984, by TriStar Pictures. A fantasy sequence in the film introduced the Muppet Babies, toddler versions of the lead Muppet characters. Muppets Take Manhattan was the first film to be directed solely by Oz, who previously co-directed The Dark Crystal with Jim Henson. Not counting the Sesame Street film Follow That Bird, it is the final Muppet film produced before the deaths of Henson and Richard Hunt. Plot Following graduating from Danhurst College, The Muppets perform their theatrical production of Manhattan Melodies for their class. Upon the suggestion of taking the show to Broadway, the ensemble proceed with the idea, certain they will become stars instantly. Arriving in Manhattan, the group meet producer Martin Price, but the police arrive and reveal he is a wanted con artist before arresting him. The Muppets try other producers to no avail, leading to their morale and finances taking a nosedive. Thinking they are becoming a burden to Kermit when he snaps at them, the rest of the Muppets agree to go their separate ways for new occupations, though Miss Piggy secretly remains in Manhattan to keep an eye on Kermit. Though disappointed by the development, Kermit vows to make the show a hit and enlists the assistance of diner owner Pete, his aspiring fashion designer daughter Jenny, and the diner's staff of rats led by Rizzo. Kermit's attempts to promote fail, and, in the form of post, learns that Scooter house manages a Cleveland, Ohio movie theater; Fozzie joins some other bears in hibernating within the forests of Maine where he has a hard time sleeping; Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem have a gig in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, performing in a retirement home; Gonzo and Camilla are trying to make a successful water skiing act in Michigan; and Rowlf is working at a dog kennel in Delaware. While in Central Park, Jenny comforts Kermit about his losses, while an envious Piggy watches. Distracted, Piggy's purse is stolen but she takes chase and, in the ensuing chaos,