
A truly fun early children's sitcom!

Children's television innovators Sid and Marty Krofft created many great moments in network broadcasting for Saturday mornings. Their programs include a fine variety of shows such as "The Bugaloos", "Lidsville", "Sigmund And The Sea Monsters", "Far Out Space Nuts" and "The Lost Saucer". However, it is their very first show that is perhaps best remembered by many fans of the Kroffts. "H.R. Pufnstuf" was truly innovative for its time. It was a brilliant combination of wacky costumes, imaginative characters, colorful set deigns and fun story telling that perfectly showcased what Sid and Marty were trying to bring to American television audiences starting in 1969. A total of only 17 episodes were ever produced. These 17 shows have become timeless staples of programming from that era. The cast included Lenny Weinrib as the voice of Pufnstuf, a friendly and helpful dragon who was also the Mayor of Living Island; young boy Jimmy, played by British star Jack Wild who had already scored success as The Artful Dodger in the 1968 Oscar-winner for Best Picture, "Oliver!"; and stage veteran Billie Hayes as Witchiepoo, who is always trying to capture Jimmy's talking flute Freddy for herself but always manages to fail at every turn. Living Island itself is also full of unique characters; among them are Dr. Blinky, Orson Vulture, Seymour Spider, Polka Dotted Horse, Stupid Bat, Ludicrous Lion, Grandmother Clock, Judy Frog and even the four winds with the West Wind sounding much like John Wayne. This was the start of a long and brilliant career for the Krofft brothers, and after viewing these timeless episodes, one can see where the direction of children's television would take them.
Review ID: 10000000011086309

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