Pufnstuf

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

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.

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.

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.

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!