Jim Henson Made a Movie Featuring a Stripper -- It Was His Only Oscar Nod

Before Jim Henson had dedicated himself to television for children and families, he saw puppets as merely a means to an end. He was an artist. Prior to Sesame Street, the commercial success of Rowlf the Dog funded other artistic endeavors. These included an avant-garde night club that never opened and experimental films. One such film was "Time Piece" that featured a stripper scene.

"Time Piece" starred a young Jim Henson and was created as a side project. It premiered in 1965 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. It won several film festival awards and enjoyed a long run as the introduction to a French film at the Paris Theater in Manhattan. It was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Live Action Short Film. It was Jim Henson's only nomination.

"Time Piece" is a critique on the fast pace of modern life. In one scene where the main character is on a date, they watch a variety show that includes a burlesque dancer stripping. The adult nature of the content will catch you off guard, but Jim Henson's artistic style and sense of humor are clearly discernible throughout the 9 minutes.