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

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!

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.

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."

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.