Pufnstuf (1970)

Too many fans seem to be blown away

The Worst Film Ever

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

I've never done acid. But if I did, this would be the movie I'd want to see.

A flute that talks, a dragon sheriff who seems to lack firey breath, a stove that does a bad Edward G. Robinson impression, a house that sneezes, and all sorts of talking characters that appear to be in drag (check out the dancing frog) join "Oliver's" Jack Wild in this corny ADV adventure. The Saturday morning live action kiddie show was successful enough at the time to warrant a big screen version, and it's entertaining enough to warrant a few laughs, but they are often embarrassing for adults, especially when they recall howling at stuff like this when they were a kid.The energetic performance of Billie Hayes is the major reason to watch this, not the sappy score. Of the songs, only Mama Cass's "Different" stands out, having hidden meanings for kids bullied like Jack here, an outcast in his school simply because he's British. So while this at times seems to be simple children's entertainment, it does try to teach some valuable lessons. Only the most patient of adults will be able to get through it without cringing. References to cultural icons like the Gabor sisters and W.C. Fields as voices of some of the characters hidden inside the costumes, while a stereotypical John Wayne impersonator plays the skybound west wind. Famous little persons Billy Barty and Angelo Rossito are hidden inside some of the smaller costumes. Martha Raye is fairly amusing in a cameo as "boss witch".

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.

A (until recently)lost gem, PUFNSTUF is a wacky feature film extension of the popular late 60s/early 70s childrens's TV show. The story picks up with Jimmy(Jack Wild)getting kicked out of his school band by the harpie band director. Alone and sad, he discovers that his previously inanimate flute can talk! Together they board a boat(which is really under the spell of Witchiepoo, a comically inept witch who is after Freddy)headed for Living Island, a place populated by talking trees, animals, clocks and such, presided over by yellow dragon mayor H.R. Pufnstuf. Luckily for Jimmy, they're all friendly, because he jumps overboard the evil boat and makes for shore. The rest of the movie concerns Jimmy's trying to get off Living Island and avoiding the schemings of the witch to snatch Freddy. Witchiepoo is played by Billie Hayes, and her performance is the highlight of the film. Flanked by incompetent cronies Seymour the spider and Orson the buzzard, Witchiepoo staggers from one half-baked scheme to another, using her magic to assume some wacky disguises, turning herself into a giant sunflower with her face in the middle and a blonde go-go dancer in a yellow fringed jumpsuit! Also on hand are Martha Raye as Boss Witch, the "Queen of all Witch-dom", who informs Witchiepoo that her castle will be the site of the annual Witches'Convention, and "Mama" Cass Elliot in her only feature film appearance as Witch Hazel. The songs are catchy and memorable(Elliot sings a straight-up pop song, "Different", and the rest are Broadway-styled)and the film has some satirical moments. The Living Island citizens storm Witchiepoo's castle dressed as angels(one of the few things that frighten witches)to free Freddy and Pufnstuf, who is tied to a spit with a huge apple in his mouth. The Witches'Convention is in full swing, and as the angels appear, pandemonium breaks out, with witches scrambling for the exit. "Why didn't you get this place angel proofed?"Martha Raye screams to Witchiepoo. The hapless witch begs fleeing guests to stay. "Aw, go to heaven!" yells Cass Elliot as she shoves Witchiepoo aside and makes for the door. Universal recently released this movie on video 30 years after it's theatrical release in the summer of 1970. During that time, it had slipped into oblivion, remembered only by a die-hard few. It has the potential to have the same cult status as WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. If you like WILLY, give PUFNSTUF a try.