Английская речь Нуриева напомнила речь голливудских актёров 50-60-х...
The Muppet Show впервые посмотрел несколько десятилетий назад не то в Финляндии, не то в Нидерландах. Помню, что капиталистическое шоу было в новинку, и я, даром, что ничего не понимал, смотрел его, не отрываясь от экрана...
ПРОЛОГ*
Scooter calls for guest star Rudolph Nureyev, but he's nowhere to be seen. "Uh-huh. I knew he was too smart to show up."
Sam the Eagle arrives for an inspection, to ensure everything is well arranged for Rudolph Nureyev's arrival. He tells Robin how excited he is to have Rudolph Nureyev on the show, Nureyev being his "favorite opera singer."
It is here that Sam learns that Rudolph Nureyev is not an opera singer, but rather a ballet dancer. Sam decides, "Six of one, half dozen of another. Culture is culture."
Sam is relieved to learn that Rudolph Nureyev was not around to hear it. An unidentified man arrives, announcing, "I'm here!" Sam responds, "Not for long you're not!" Assuming the man to be some "freak," Sam kicks him out of the theater.
Sam: "Who do these punk kids think they are?"
Kermit: "Well, that one thinks he's Rudolph Nureyev. In fact, that was Rudolph Nureyev."
Sam is relieved to learn that Rudolph has forgiven him for kicking him out. He is only happy, however, until he learns the title of Rudolph's first ballet on the show: "Swine Lake."
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Действие первое (картины первая, вторая) и действие второе (картины третья, четвёртая).
Kermit explains that in "Swine Lake," a beautiful princess has been turned into a pig by the wicked magician Trichinosis. The handsome prince, as played by Rudolph Nureyev, has not heard of the change. The portion of this "classic ballet" has Rudolph discovering what has occured as he dances with the Ballerina Pig.
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Miss Piggy tries to seduce a reluctant Rudolph Nureyev as they sing "Baby, It's Cold Outside" in a steamroom. In the end, Piggy is left only with his towel and a Rudolph Nureyev-shaped hole in the wall.
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Sam apologizes to Rudolph for all of the things that Kermit has "forced" Rudolph to do on the show. Rudolph protests, saying, "I wanted to do them. And it was fun!" Sam is shocked to hear it and even more shocked to see Rudolph dressed, not in a ballet costume, but in a tuxedo, all ready for his final number...
The Muppet cast joins a tap-dancing Rudolph, all of them decked out in top hats, white ties and tails, to sing "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails"... Naturally.
At the closing, Sam apologizes to Rudolph Nureyev.
Rudolph: "Sorry you threw me out?"
Sam: "No, sorry I ever let you back in!"
To end it, Rudolph tops Sam off with his top hat.
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* Английский текст взят отсюда.