Pufnstuf (1970) User Reviews (27)

Great fun

[wayne_dav · 7/10 · 11 March 2006]

Pufnstuf is what it is. I saw this in the cinema at age 4 and I have very fond, and vivid, memories of it. Seeing this as as adult allows one to catch the references that are way over the heads of the target audience - like the bit where Jimmy's grey witch wig is ripped off and Witch Hazel (Cass) sneers "I KNEW she had brown roots!". It is of course heavily influenced by the flower power culture of the time, and in some ways quite progressive. The track Different, for example sends a clear message to the young viewers about being yourself, not running with the pack, and cherishing what is is about yourself that is different. This could be an anthem to the gay community, it should be, great track.

Martha Raye, Cass Elliot and Billie Hayes are all great as witches, and the Living Island cast give it their all in the confines of their character suits (includes Billy Barty, Felix Silla and other famous names). There is a LOT of over acting in this film - there's really nothing subtle, and when little Jack Wild has to emote his concern for the kidnapped residents of Living Island it's really little more than yelling. This is drama and comedy spread on with a trowel. While I think of it - I never could stand the flute though.

I love the soundtrack, especially the above mentioned Different but also Zap The World, Pufnstuf and even Jack Wild's touching If I Could. What's more, it IS now out on CD from the tasteful people at El Records in London. See here for more: www.cherryred.co.uk/el/artists/pufnstuf.htm

I'm rooting for witchipoo.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 14 January 2017]

A flute that talks, a dragon sheriff who seems to lack firey breath, a stove that does a bad Edward G. Robinson impression, a house that sneezes, and all sorts of talking characters that appear to be in drag (check out the dancing frog) join "Oliver's" Jack Wild in this corny adventure. The Saturday morning live action kiddie show was successful enough at the time to warrant a big screen version, and it's entertaining enough to warrant a few laughs, but they are often embarrassing for adults, especially when they recall howling at stuff like this when they were a kid.

The energetic performance of Billie Hayes is the major reason to watch this, not the sappy score. Of the songs, only Mama Cass's "Different" stands out, having hidden meanings for kids bullied like Jack here, an outcast in his school simply because he's British. So while this at times seems to be simple children's entertainment, it does try to teach some valuable lessons. Only the most patient of adults will be able to get through it without cringing. References to cultural icons like the Gabor sisters and W.C. Fields as voices of some of the characters hidden inside the costumes, while a stereotypical John Wayne impersonator plays the skybound west wind. Famous little persons Billy Barty and Angelo Rossito are hidden inside some of the smaller costumes. Martha Raye is fairly amusing in a cameo as "boss witch".

One scary movie.

[filburt-2 · 6/10 · 21 September 1999]

Why would you want to see this movie? Cos it'll scare the pants off of you, Thats why. It has all the Hallmarks of a good Horror flick; witches, dragons, spiders and diamond encrusted flutes. But perhaps the scariest part is the little English boy Jimmy, who sings and dances and comes up with the stupidest plans, that actually work.

A great retro movie!

Someone was "Puffin' Stuff" all right!

[Schlockmeister · 16 November 2002]

This is a movie from a wonderful children's TV series and everyone in the TV show is here and a few surprises are thrown in as well. One generation's hit is another's camp classic, but this is fun. They sure don't make them like this anymore!

There is something here for everyone, visually it would appeal to the very young due to it's eye-catching colours and gentle plots, older children might get more into the storyline and even adults might catch themselves enjoying the borderline Freudian plot which is at the center of this movie as well as each episode of the TV series, a witch and her obssession with a little boy's "magic flute".... ahem.

The non-human characters will remind many of the old ad campaigns of McDonald's with Mayor McCheese, The Hamburgler, etc. Did the Crofts have anything to do with the McDonald's advertising or was it just a rip-off?

It was a nice surprise to see "Mama" Cass Elliot in this one, she seems to be having a ball in her role as a crony of Witchpoo. Seeing this makes me wonder at what potential died with her.

Recommended highly...and yes, I'd have to strongly agree with other reviewers here who have said that if children's fantasy movies from the period interest you, definately give this one a try, switch off your inner critic, and just enjoy!

Terrifying

[dsewizzrd-1 · 7/10 · 18 January 2009]

This is why I still have nightmares.

This terrifying film (a musical) was considered appropriate for children in the 1970s.

A boy leaves on a magical journey to an island. The mayor of the island, Pufnstuf, allegedly a dragon, looking more like a newt with conjunctivitis to me, and a magic talking flute are targeted by a witch (Billie Halliday, who was considered 'a bit of alright' at the time).

The flute is recovered at an 'interesting' witches convention, with the witches having a gay old time. The boy dresses in drag then as a 'fairy' to recover the flute.

Not suitable for children.

My favourite movie

[victoria-85 · 10/10 · 15 February 2005]

I absolutely LOVED this movie when I was a kid. I cried every time I watched it. It wasn't weird to me. I totally identified with the characters. I would love to see it again (and hope I wont be disappointed!). Pufnstuf rocks!!!! I was really drawn in to the fantasy world. And to me the movie was loooong. I wonder if I ever saw the series and have confused them? The acting I thought was strong. I loved Jack Wilde. He was so dreamy to an 10 year old (when I first saw the movie, not in 1970. I can still remember the characters vividly. The flute was totally believable and I can still 'feel' the evil woods. Witchy poo was scary - I wouldn't want to cross her path.

Yo Gabba Gabba

[johnstonjames · 7/10 · 11 September 2012]

before all the kiddie vid weirdness of 'Yo Gabba Gabba' there was 'PufnStuf'. when i watch the 'PufnStuf' show now i'm really surprised at the similarities and how well the old show and movie keep up with recent kiddie TV trends.

obviously 'PufnStuf' was ahead of it's time. it's claims are dubious but legit. i also think 'PufnStuf' is less irritating and obnoxious than 'Yo Gabba Gabba'. it's also more spectacular and has better sets.

i still think this show is a little peculiar and a curiosity. i also think Jack Wild is still a little too much as is Puff's Jim Neighbors impersonated voice over. the problem with the 'PufnStuf' show is that it's too weird. it always has been. even watching it as a kid i thought it kind of strange. the result is because it's not the same well planned or thought out kiddie entertainment that Disney was.

i don't know what to say about this movie. it's mostly of interest because of Mama Cass playing a witch and for retro nostalgia. you probably have to be stoned and zonked to fully partake or appreciate, otherwise you have to be four years old, in that case, it's competently filmed and produced kiddie fare and competes well with anything offered on the kiddie networks. it's every bit as good or better than 'Yo Gabba Gabba'.

i enjoyed watching this again. but i think that says something about me more than the film. i know a lot of adults that couldn't sit through this or 'Yo Gabba Gabba'. i happen to watch both. i think i'm hopelessly zonked (or something else). i think the quality of things like this will remain forever notorious in the annals of what's what.

Pufnstuf

[BandSAboutMovies · 4/10 · 18 September 2021]

Right after the H. R. Pufnstuf television series ended its initial run, this film was quickly made to take advantage of its popularity. Financed by Universal and Kellogg's, the sponsors of the TV show, this film adds two new witches alongside Billie Hayes' Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo: Witch Hazel, played by co-creator Sid Krofft's neighbor Cass Elliot and Boss Witch, played by Martha Raye, who was so beloved by the cast and crew that she ended up playing Benita Bizarre in the Kroffts' next show The Bugaloos.

The first choice to play Boss Witch? Bette Davis. When Sid called her, she was so upset that she was his first choice to play a witch that she hung up on him.

Pufnstuf is going to seem absolutely insane to anyone who didn't grow up in the 70s. It tells the story of Jimmy (Jack Wild), who gets along with absolutely no one in his school and then ends up getting kicked out of the school band before he meets a magical talking flute named Freddy. Today, we would get Jimmy the right drugs and therapy and he'd be successful integrated into a group of kids that would understand him - before mercilessly roasting him on social media - but in 1970 Jimmy ends up on an evil boat and being taken to Living Island, which is ruled by Mayor H. R. Pufnstuf.

As for the antaognists, Witchiepoo wants to steal Freddy the Flute away from Jimmy in order to impress the visiting Witches' Council and win the Witch of the Year Award. Oh yeah - th witches also plan on eating Pufnstuf, who I assume tastes like the best sashimi ever made.

What's wild is that Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox worked together for the first time creating the music for this movie and stuck together afterward, writing the songs "Killing Me Softly with His Song", "I Got A Name", "Ready To Take A Chance Again" and many other popular songs.

You know who had it rough? Marty Krofft, who accepted the guardianship of Jack Wild while the teenage boy was working in the United States, in addition to producing the show and movie.

I've always wondered if McDonald's ripped off the Kroffts. And I was right. The show was the subject of a successful lawsuit - Sid & Marty Krofft Television Productions Inc. V. McDonald's Corp., 562 F.2d 1157, - which was decided in the Krofft's favor by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1977.

Pufnstuf the movie was directed by Hollingsworth Morse, who also made Daughters of Satan and Ark II, and was written by John Fenton Murray, who also scripted Arnold, Lidsville, Sigmund and the Sea Monster and Partridge Family 2200 AD., and Si Rose, who wrote plenty of TV.

You can now get this movie from the awesome people at Kino Lorber, who have released it on blu ray along with an extra trailer. I'm excited to have this film as part of my collection and you will be too.

Surely low-tech, but lovable for it

[h._harlow · 9/10 · 11 November 1999]

I used to watch Pufnstuf every weekend when I was about 10. It was on right after Bay City Rollers. I saw it come on to Family Channel one day, and taped it for my then three-year old daughter. I'd forgotten all the things I'd loved as a child, the magic flute, the zoom broom, Witcheepoo's makeup.

This show is decidedly low tech. The mayor is surely a precedent to Mayor McCheese, and everyone is a stuffed creature with annoying googly eyes. But kids love this stuff. They would way, way rather watch a guy work a sock puppet than sit in front of high-tech computer animation. There is (mild) slapstick, but no adult themes such as sex or people dying, and kids accept Jimmy's schemes. Kids think it would be neat to carry a bag of smoke around and convince someone their house was on fire, and I loved how every time my daughter saw a jet stream in the sky she thought Witchypoo was flying overhead. The music is old, but you really get used to it, and my daughter really loved it. She used to sing "different is hard, different is lonely" in the car. My daughter watched this show at least once a day for about 5 months, and it's still one of her favourites.

I see that a new Pufnstuf 2000 is in the works. I really hope they try to keep the old flavour and don't do anything like computer-animating characters etc. I think a whole new generation would love Pufnstuf.

Surrender Freddy!

[moonspinner55 · 4/10 · 14 April 2016]

Sid and Marty Krofft's 17-episode children's television show "H.R. Pufnstuf" was a curiosity item in 1969, a low-budget, whacked-out variation on "The Wizard of Oz" featuring life-size puppets. The film version went into production immediately following the TV show's ultimate demise, the result of a headache-inducing schedule for the creators in dealing with costumes, make-up, special effects and a difficult teenage lead (Jack Wild, returning here but looking worse for the wear). Expanding the series' pilot episode, we get some background on young Jimmy, a British kid transplanted to small town America whose flute comes to life after the boy is kicked out of his school band. Theatrical comedy with musical numbers retains most of the manic bombast and psychedelic charm of the original, but is missing the vocal talent of Lennie Weinrib as Mayor Pufnstuf and Witchiepoo's henchman Orson. It's also missing the insistent laugh track, a plus in some aspects though one that points up the fact the script just isn't very funny. Billie Hayes (a trouper as Witchiepoo) has to giggle and cackle and holler for over 90 minutes to keep this thing from deflating, and she gets no help from guest stars Martha Raye (a washout as Boss Witch) and Cass Elliot (shamefully credited as Mama Cass). The screenplay, concocted by John Fenton Murray and producer Si Rose, is a leadweight, tying Pufnstuf to a spit and keeping him spinning for an eternity. The shortcut editing, as manic as the direction, is also disappointing, making the end results look as sloppy as the series. With such an uncharismatic actor at the heart of the film, and without Weinrib's involvement, it isn't any wonder that kids of 1970 bypassed the movie completely and stayed loyal to the reruns. *1/2 from ****

What could be better than Jack Wild singing and dancing?

[dbrinkley-1 · 10/10 · 16 May 2006]

I grew up with H.R. Pufnstuff and the dashingly talented Jack Wild and now my daughters are adoring fans of Jack Wild too. This movie is exactly what movies should be: fun and entertaining. This movie is not limited to children either. A lot of the dialogue is directed to adults and Witchiepoo's performance is something you do not want to miss. The music in this movie suited Jack Wild and Mama Cass beautifully. And as a Jack Wild fan, I would never miss the chance to watch him dance or hear him sing. Knowing the hard life that Jack had now makes this movie even more wonderful especially when he sings the opening song "If I Could". It makes me pause in loving adoration for him for giving me wonderful childhood memories that I am now passing on to my children. Let's all go to Living Island where there is friendship and fun! And keep Jack Wild's memory alive by passing Pufnstuff on to others.

Yet another strange children's film, but not in a good way.

[stiv-7 · 2/10 · 5 October 1999]

I caught this a few months ago on Family Channel, and having some memories of the TV show from my youth, decided to watch it along with my 4 year old daughter. I should have got some psychedelic mushrooms to go along with it, 'cause this is just bizarre! Not only is it a musical with annoyingly forgettable tunes, the requisite cheesy effects and cameos by stars long past their collective primes, it seems to have been produced as somebody's good acid trip. Talking flutes, British children far too old for this kind of crap... in the words of Krusty the Klown "uuuuuugggghhhhh! What was I on?" If you're a huge fan of the whole Sid and Marty Krofft oeuvre, go for it; otherwise, unless you're willing to get looped before watching, stay far, far, FAR away.

And a GREAT Musical Score

[rossco-3 · 24 October 2005]

I'm always amazed at the following certain films I thought of as totally obscure actually have.

This is one of the funniest films I've ever seen. Admittedly the humor is of its time and really stoned out, but it works straight too, the best of both worlds.

I would also like to point out the great songs and musical score by Charles Fox.

One of the songs, "If I Could," sung by Jack Wild, is really touching and poignant, and Mama Cass's "Different" is a great 60s up-tune with a timeless message.

Charles Fox had scored another great trip movie, BARBARELLA, about this time, and this score is like Barbarella meets Witchie-Poo.

The score, originally on Capitol Records, belongs on CD, and the film itself should have a deluxe release on DVD.

Great fun!

[shargraves · 8/10 · 9 February 2005]

I remember seeing this on TV in the late 70s - and it stayed with me! It's charming, loud, colourful - a great kids film. I put it on for some friends at a party recently - and naturally they thought I was mad and expected something sick to happen to the puppets a la "Meet the feebles" But no - its wholesome clean fun.

jack wild is in fine form, as is mama cass, and the somehow attractive witchy poo.

If you like the banana splits and you are in your 30's this will re-create that surreal childhood Saturday morning vibe!

Even if I've realised now that Puf himself is a bit crap - as all he does is get captured and run away! Quality TV movie - if, like me, you are into death metal - you'll love it!

Dreadful

[hansenmv2002 · 1/10 · 18 March 2012]

Was on late night on some local channel. Couldn't sleep - too bad :( I was amazed sooooo much at how bad it was --- i could only turn away for 2-4min - before switching back to look at another 1-2min of it.

Born in 62 - i vaguely recall the TV show - that was instantly turned off when it appeared on TV when i was??? 7-8-9 yo.

Funny - the pufnstuf character -- didn't know it was a dragon till reading it here -- thought it was a terrifically horrible suit some duff had to wear - thank god his face wasn't shown - mustve been his only thought. Hope he didn't use his real name in the credits.

The drug-hippy insinuations are beyond dated - but then they were when this was made.

one of my happy day's is HRpuff and stuff

[Jangel112000 · 10/10 · 4 February 2003]

i two came home from school fast as i could to catch HRpuff and stuff on t.v. that was the most fun time in my life is to watch HRpuff and stuff on t.v. growing up still love it today i am 46 years old. this year......

The Scariest Movie You Will EVER See (I'm Serious...)

[rhapsodyblue · 1/10 · 20 December 2005]

I tried watching this abomination of the cinema when I was five years old; I have never been the same since. Filled to the brim with drug-induced images that reek of the common ravings of your average asylum resident, this "movie", despite its colorful appearance, is not for humans, ESPECIALLY not children.

It starts out innocently enough with a poor boy who ruins his classmate's drum by (wait for it) putting his head through it; yes, putting his HEAD through it. But fear not, my friends! He is quickly consoled by his chirping flute, which is weird enough, I'll grant you, but still acceptable.

THEN: The movie morphs into a combination of Wizard of Oz and Where the Wild Things Are, but loses all the "warm and fuzzy" aspects of either of these two books.

So, this seven-foot yellow relative of Barney, befriends this poor boy and plunges him even deeper into despair.

And, to add the pleasant array of horrific themes, a carnivorous boat, formerly a friend of the motley crew of hobbling grandfather clocks and doped-up "dragons", is added to the mix of mayhem.

The most comforting image in the midst of this chaos is the villain, aptly dubbed "Witchiepoo" (?). Of course, she has problems of her own: what with an obvious plastic mask constricting her facial expressions to having to deal with a broomstick whose gas level always seemed to be at its lowest at the most inopportune moments. As a result of this, one of her favorite pastimes was nose-diving into the body of water that separated the land of Pufnstuf from her degenerate, decaying abode (I don't know where I would have preferred to live).

In summary, this movie is terrifying...

If you want to watch the movie that has similar effects on its audience as The Exorcist, then this one is for you. Enjoy.

Great surreal fun

[Carl_Tait · 8/10 · 5 July 2010]

Sid and Marty Krofft's brand of children's programming has some affinity with Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka of the same era: weird, near-psychedelic fantasy with darker undertones. This is no "Barney the Dinosaur." I loved the Kroffts when I was little, and my three-year-old twin daughters are already hooked on "H.R. Pufnstuf." The movie is like an extended episode of the TV program, and will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the show. A highlight is "Mama" Cass Elliot's song at the Witches' Convention, which is both very well performed and a memorable tune.

One warning: The voices for Pufnstuf and Freddy the Flute are different from those used in the TV show. Why didn't the producers hire the same people since they were obviously trying to keep everything else the same?

Finally, a note on the case against McDonald's. It was McDonald's who ripped off the Kroffts, not the other way around. The Kroffts sued McD's for copyright infringement and won. See Sid & Marty Krofft Television v. McDonald's Corp., 562 F. 2d 1157: it was ruled that McDonald's had "captured the 'total concept and feel' of the Pufnstuf show." Reps from McD's advertising agency "actually visited the Kroffts' headquarters in Los Angeles to discuss the engineering and design work necessary to produce the McDonaldland commercials" -- then refused to pay the Kroffts a dime while shamelessly infringing their copyrights.

delightful children's musical fantasy with sly satire

[thomandybish · 20 January 2001]

A (until recently)lost gem, PUFNSTUF is a wacky feature film extension of the popular late 60s/early 70s childrens's TV show. The story picks up with Jimmy(Jack Wild)getting kicked out of his school band by the harpie band director. Alone and sad, he discovers that his previously inanimate flute can talk! Together they board a boat(which is really under the spell of Witchiepoo, a comically inept witch who is after Freddy)headed for Living Island, a place populated by talking trees, animals, clocks and such, presided over by yellow dragon mayor H.R. Pufnstuf. Luckily for Jimmy, they're all friendly, because he jumps overboard the evil boat and makes for shore. The rest of the movie concerns Jimmy's trying to get off Living Island and avoiding the schemings of the witch to snatch Freddy. Witchiepoo is played by Billie Hayes, and her performance is the highlight of the film. Flanked by incompetent cronies Seymour the spider and Orson the buzzard, Witchiepoo staggers from one half-baked scheme to another, using her magic to assume some wacky disguises, turning herself into a giant sunflower with her face in the middle and a blonde go-go dancer in a yellow fringed jumpsuit! Also on hand are Martha Raye as Boss Witch, the "Queen of all Witch-dom", who informs Witchiepoo that her castle will be the site of the annual Witches'Convention, and "Mama" Cass Elliot in her only feature film appearance as Witch Hazel. The songs are catchy and memorable(Elliot sings a straight-up pop song, "Different", and the rest are Broadway-styled)and the film has some satirical moments. The Living Island citizens storm Witchiepoo's castle dressed as angels(one of the few things that frighten witches)to free Freddy and Pufnstuf, who is tied to a spit with a huge apple in his mouth. The Witches'Convention is in full swing, and as the angels appear, pandemonium breaks out, with witches scrambling for the exit. "Why didn't you get this place angel proofed?"Martha Raye screams to Witchiepoo. The hapless witch begs fleeing guests to stay. "Aw, go to heaven!" yells Cass Elliot as she shoves Witchiepoo aside and makes for the door. Universal recently released this movie on video 30 years after it's theatrical release in the summer of 1970. During that time, it had slipped into oblivion, remembered only by a die-hard few. It has the potential to have the same cult status as WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. If you like WILLY, give PUFNSTUF a try.

My all time favourite movie!!!

[krusty-23 · 10/10 · 25 February 2012]

I have no idea why but this is my all-time favourite movie, call me crazy. It's amateurish, not that well-made & horribly dated but I LOVED It & still do. The story is simple, it's certainly colourful & the acting is excellent although they obviously ham it up with great delight.

I wouldn't think it scary although some obviously do. I guess I understand that because the scariest movie I saw as a kid was Abbot & Costello meet the mummy (yes – I'm that old), It scared the pants off me despite it being a "comedy" as an eight year old, I had nightmares for months afterwards. I guess adults never saw the terror that kids see.

Anyway back to Pufnstuf, the music lives on & almost all of the songs to me are true classics. I absolutely love Cass Elliot (Mama Cass) & was so saddened by her untimely death at just 33. Jack Wild also had a tragic life dying at 53 from oral cancer associated with alcoholism from age 21 & smoking which seems unimaginable when you watch Pufnstuf! The song "Different" (by Cass Elliot) if you listen to the lyrics has a very powerful & poignant message, there's a message there that almost all of us can relate to. It's the pinnacle song to me, just above "If I could".

It's a travesty that movies as good as this fade into oblivion & I had a real problem trying to find it again a few years back. The soundtrack fortunately did make it to a CD of which I have & treasure. The rest of the cast includes some great stars, Martha Raye & Billie Hays now basically forgotten alas.

Funnily enough the TV series H.R. which predates the movie I found to be quite ordinary in comparison to this fantastic movie, I don't know why. Someone had the audacity (sacrilege) to propose a snuff movie called H.R. Pufnsnuf in 2007 with a budget of $300, thankfully though it appears that it never eventuated.

Childhood reminiscences by Syd & Marty Krofts Productions.

[Stebaer4 · 10/10 · 4 November 2005]

This may just be the most nostalgic journey back in time & through time to when one's childhood starts a journey to reminiscences back & forth onwards & upwards,forwards & backwards,up & down & all around.The boy Jimmy,H.R. Puffinstuff,Dr.Blinky,Cling & Clang,Ludicrous Lion,& even the evil Witchie Poo too through & through. The latter day inspirations of Lidsville,"The Brady Kids Saturday Morning Preview Special" Sigmund & the Sea Monsters,and Land of the lost both the new & old are what this very show bridged the gap to as well as The Donny & Marie Show,The Brady Bunch Variety Hour a.k.a. Brady Bunch Hour & Even The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Maybe even other things in between & Beyond the Buck just keeps on moving on & on & even beyond expectations & as well as unexpected bounds.Now as we get updated in March of '06 we know that Jack Wild's gone & so now it make's it even more symbolic for us to really get nostalgic.Including now in August of '06 both when Jack Wild guest stars as himself on Sigmund and The Sea Monsters as well as when on a latter episode H.R.Puffinstuff does too and to recall all of the other nostalgic journeys of all the Syd & Marty Kroft Characters as well including The H.R.Puffinstuff Goodtime Club;The Donny and Marie Show;The Brady Bunch Variety Hour a.k.a. The Brady Bunch Hour;etc. Truthfully,Stephen "Steve" G. Baer a.k.a. "Ste" of Framingham,Ma.USA.

Flashback to the '70's

[stinky_kniggits · 10/10 · 12 April 2018]

I've never done acid. But if I did, this would be the movie I'd want to see.

The Power of Krofft

[pirate1_power · 6 June 2003]

Recently, during the 29th Annual Saturn Awards, presented by Cinescape Magazine, television legends Sid and Marty Krofft were presented with the Living Legend Award, for outstanding career achievement. It's not hard to imagine why. Where Walt Disney had Mickey Mouse as his flagship character, where DIC's Jean Chalopin and Andy Heyward had Inspector Gadget as theirs, so too the Kroffts had beloved H.R. Pufnstuf.

Is it any wonder, then, that long before it became fashionable to make major motion pictures from hit TV series, the Kroffts were light years ahead of their time when they turned their flagship property, H.R. Pufnstuf, into a movie, entitling it simply Pufnstuf. And more, this is the only time we discover the backstory that is briefly described in the regular series' opening sequence. H.R. Pufnstuf ran for only 17 episodes on NBC Saturday mornings, yet Universal Pictures saw enormous potential in Puf, Jimmy, Freddie the Flute, and (naturally!) Witchiepoo to put them on the big screen.

For some weird reason, Pufnstuf the movie is presented largely from Witchiepoo's perspective. Indeed, she it is who opens and closes the film, kicking things off by appearing before us while the screen remains in darkness. She describes all that we're about to witness as a tale of goody-two-shoes "and what they did to poor, sweet, adorable me," according to her. No wonder Billie Hayes remains deeply touched when she recalls how many children flocked as much to her as Witchiepoo as they did to Pufnstuf himself.

I don't have much to say regarding the plot of the film; what I can tell you is, just see this film for yourselves. Bringing Mama Cass Elliott, Martha Raye and the Krofft world together in the same movie was a feat unheard of, even for its time --- 1970. Then again, Krofft was always somehow psychedelic. It still is today. Rock on, Pufnstuf! Rock on, Witchiepoo!

A wholesome slice of childhood innocence

[hddu10-819-37458 · 7 November 2019]

Capitalizing on the popularity of the short-lived Saturday-morning children's series "H.R. Pufnstuf" came a feature-length film based on the same. As there really wasn't anything "new" to say in this film (it was definitely just a retelling of the same plot and premise as the series) it is clear this was simply another vehicle to make money and market the concept to a wider audience (i.e. outside of the US). Still, fans of the original series (at this point geriatric) would have also enjoyed the film (I know I did). And I think the retro aspect of this film will definitely be as enjoyable as any Disney classic set in the "olden days" ("Song of the South" excluded). Meaning, if today's children took the effort to suspend their disbelief and imagine a time with no cellphones, video games or internet, they might actually find themselves singing along to the lyrics and laughing at the silliness of it all. In sum, there isn't anything remotely harmful or negative here (unless you are some radical feminist wiccan); just good wholesome fun which was made specifically to delight children once upon a time.

Living Island is a most amazing place

[april_fluffy · 22 January 2012]

I've just recently borrowed my sister's DVD of Pufnstuf. I loved this movie and I am a huge fan of Jack Wild from seeing him in Oliver! and I had never seen Pufnstuf before so I thought that I would borrow her DVD. The first time I watched it I loved it straight away, I love the color, the storyline and the songs. My favorite songs are If I could, A friend in you, Different, Living Island, Pufnstuf and Zap the world. Every time you watch it you'll feel happy. In a wizard of oz like fantasy with similarities and who doesn't love Jack Wild or Pufnstuf? R.I.P Martha Raye and Jack Wild. Living Island IS a most amazing place. "Oh go home and have a nightmare."