By Michael Lyons
A dragon that held political office, a talking flute and a possible, veiled drug reference.
Welcome to Saturday Morning Television in the late 1960’s.
For the generation that grew up with “H.R. Pufnstuff,” it’s the stuff of rainbow-colored nostalgia. For others, it’s an oddity from a bygone era.
But, no matter your perspective, there’s no denying that “H.R. Pufnstuf” was a true original among children’s television. Like many offerings from creators Sid and Marty Krofft, the show was offbeat and weird, but also a creative use of puppetry, make-up and effects.
This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of “H.R. Pufnstuf,” making it the perfect time to take a..well...a “trip” back in time to the late ‘60’s and celebrate this candy-colored addition to Saturday Morning.
The show told the fantastical story of a young boy named Jimmy (Jack Wild) who finds himself lost in a storm while sailing and shipwrecked on Living Island. Like its namesake, everything on this Island is alive - trees, houses, clocks, candles, books, mushrooms - are alive. And, the other residents, like Cling and Clang, the two diminutive firefighters, Dr. Blinky, the owl physician, Judy Frog the singer and Ludicrous Lion, the peddler, are all unique anthropomorphic creatures.
Overseeing all of this is the Mayor of Living Island, H.R. Pufnstuf, (the H.R. was “Royal Highness” backward) a friendly dragon who helps rescue Jimmy and his talking flute, Freddy.
There’s also a witch on Living Island, Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes), who wants to get her hands on Freddy the Flute. That, combined with Jimmy trying to get home, comprised the majority of the show’s plots.
Creators Sid and Marty Krofft had been successful puppeteers for a number of years. After designing the costumes for Hanna-Barbera’s “The Banana Splits,” NBC offered the brothers the opportunity to create their own kids show and “H.R. Pufnstuf” was born.
The Kroffts crafted the show in their own inimitable way, in which each character and set had a unique look and style. The costumes and puppetry involved were incredibly elaborate, making “H.R. Pufnstuf” something viewers young and old had never seen before.
The show’s success also signaled the start of a successful decade in TV for The Kroffts. With later shows like “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” and “The Land of the Lost,” their Studio joined Hanna-Barbera and Filmation as a driving force in Saturday Morning TV in the ‘70’s.
“H.R. Pufnstuf” debuted on September 6, 1969 and only aired original programming through December. Despite this, the show was a hit (even inspiring a full-length feature film, “Pufnstuf,” in 1970).
There was also rumor of the show’s look and title (puffing stuff...get it?!) being inspired by drug use (this WAS the late ‘60’s after all, when drug use was thought to be behind everything). The Krofft’s denied this, in fact Marty said, “We’re bizarre, that’s all.”
Bizarre as it may have been, “H.R. Pufnstuff” is remembered fondly by a number of groups, including those who didn’t grow up with the show and are fascinated by this TV curiosity.
But, for the generation who sat cross-legged on the living room floor, dining on overly-sugared cereal while captivated by the latest exploits of Pufnstuf and Jimmy outwitting Witchiepoo, the show, in all of its strangeness, is the stuff of sweet childhood memories.
And, those kids, even though now grown, responsible adults, can no doubt immediately break into the show’s oh-so-catchy theme song:
“H.R. Pufnstuf
Who’s you friend when things get rough
H.R. Pufnstuf
Can’t do a little ‘cause he can’t do enough!”
Sources:
“Pufnstuf & Other Stuff: The Weird and Wonderful World of Sid and Marty Krofft” by David Martindale
Wikipedia
