Sam the Eagle
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Sam the Eagle is a character from the syndicated television show The Muppet Show, performed by Frank Oz. The name "Sam" is probably derived from Uncle Sam, as the Bald Eagle is the official symbol of the United States. Sam is also possibly a caricature of U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon, as the set of his eyes and eyebrows have a striking similarity, as does the character's overall bearing.
On the show, Sam acts as a censor and speaks as if unhip. He often gives self-important lectures in which he complains about some liberal idea only to find himself forced to stop in embarrassment. On one occasion he gives a lecture about conservationism in which he reads a list of endangered animal species that he feels are the focus of misguided efforts to save them, only to sheepishly withdraw his statement when he realizes that his own species is included. In another sketch, he lectures about the indecency that all people are naked underneath their clothes, then leaves in embarrassment upon realizing that all birds are similarly naked underneath their feathers.
As the voice of the older generation's sensibilities, he happily introduces his favorite singing duo, Wayne and Wanda, with gushing praise, calling them classy and artistic (though their routines invariably ended with typical slapstick violence). The couple sings old standards like "You Do Something to Me" and "It's only a Paper Moon". Sam's intolerance on one occasion has him throwing guest star Rudolf Nureyev out of the building in a fit of temper, mistaking him for a bum. To his credit, he becomes extremely upset when he learns of his mistake, and is forgiven.
[edit] Quotes
- Why am I here? (A Muppet Family Christmas)
- You there! You were in charge of railing dust! Thirty lashes, and then you walk the plank! (Muppet Treasure Island)
- Any man caught dawdling will be shot on sight! (Muppet Treasure Island)
- You are all weirdos. (The Great Muppet Caper)
- It's times like this I'm proud to be an American.' (The Great Muppet Caper)
- Sam: You'll love business, for it is the American way!
- Charles Dickens (Gonzo): [whispers into Sam's ear]
- Sam: "Oh, that is the British Way!" [thinks for a few seconds then looks at Charles Dickens]
- Ladies and Gentlemen, it is I - Sam the American Eagle.
- I would just like to say a few words about "nudity" in the world today. And I for one am just appalled by it.
- Why, did you know that underneath their clothing the entire population of the world is walking around completely naked? Is that disgusting? And it's not just people, although goodness knows that's bad enough. Animals too, even cute little doggies and pussy cats, can't be trusted. Underneath their fur - absolutely naked!
- And it's not just the quadrupeds either. Birds too - yes, beneath our fine feathers, birds wear nothing! Nothing at all. Abs... oh m... could someone, hand me a robe? ... Mmmhmm. -- 'Source: Second Muppet Show Cast Album', Discourse on Nudity
- To ensure that the quality and moral content of this show is beyond reproach, I, Sam the *American* eagle am proud to present the singing duet of Wayne and Wanda. Besides being tremendous singers, they're church people -- 'Source: First Muppet Show Cast Album', Wayne and Wanda - Trees
