Pufnstuf (1970)

Pufnstuf: Directed by Hollingsworth Morse. With Jack Wild, Billie Hayes, Martha Raye, Cass Elliot. Young Jimmy is being pursued by the evil Wilhemina W. Witchiepoo. More specifically, Witchiepoo is after Jimmy’s small friend, a small solid gold diamond encrusted talking flute named Freddy. Witchiepoo knows that if she has Freddy in her possession, she will definitely be named Witch of the Year at the upcoming witch’s convention. In Witchiepoo’s pursuit of them, Jimmy and Freddy escape to Living Island, where Witchiepoo’s wicked castle is located. But Living Island is also a fantastical land of among other things talking animals, talking trees and talking winds. The mayor of Living Island is H.R. Pufnstuf, a talking dragon. Pufnstuf and his friends do whatever they need to to protect Jimmy and Freddy from Witchiepoo’s evil grip. Pufnstuf and his friends have to get Jimmy and Freddy off the island to their ultimate safety. In the end, Jimmy may have to save Pufnstuf and all the good guys, as another of Witchiepoo’s plans is to serve spit-roasted dragon at the convention.

“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 Jimmyu0026#39;s grey witch wig is ripped off and Witch Hazel (Cass) sneers u0026quot;I KNEW she had brown roots!u0026quot;. 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMartha 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 – thereu0026#39;s really nothing subtle, and when little Jack Wild has to emote his concern for the kidnapped residents of Living Island itu0026#39;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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI love the soundtrack, especially the above mentioned Different but also Zap The World, Pufnstuf and even Jack Wildu0026#39;s touching If I Could. Whatu0026#39;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”