Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Nostalgia Central
    Banner
    • Home
    • Blog
      • Lists
      • Playlists
    • Television
      • Shows by Decade
        • 1950s Television
        • 1960s Television
        • 1970s Television
        • 1980s Television
        • 1990s Television
      • Shows by Genre
        • Comedy
        • Drama
        • Kids TV
        • Variety
        • News & Sport
        • Advertisements
      • Shows by Country
        • UK TV
        • USA TV
        • Australia & NZ TV
        • Canada TV
        • Europe TV
        • Japan TV
      • Shows A to K
        • Shows A
        • Shows B
        • Shows C
        • Shows D
        • Shows E
        • Shows F
        • Shows G
        • Shows H
        • Shows I
        • Shows J
        • Shows K
      • Shows L to Z
        • Shows L
        • Shows M
        • Shows N
        • Shows O
        • Shows P
        • Shows Q
        • Shows R
        • Shows S
        • Shows T
        • Shows U
        • Shows V
        • Shows W
        • Shows X
        • Shows Y
        • Shows Z
      • Shows 0 to 9
    • Music
      • Music by Decade
        • 1950s Music
        • 1960s Music
        • 1970s Music
        • 1980s Music
        • 1990s Music
      • Music A to K
        • Music A
        • Music B
        • Music C
        • Music D
        • Music E
        • Music F
        • Music G
        • Music H
        • Music I
        • Music J
        • Music K
      • Music L to Z
        • Music L
        • Music M
        • Music N
        • Music O
        • Music P
        • Music Q
        • Music R
        • Music S
        • Music T
        • Music U
        • Music V
        • Music W
        • Music X
        • Music Y
        • Music Z
      • Music 0 to 9
      • Genres
      • Music on Film & TV
      • One-Hit Wonders
      • Online Radio
    • Movies
      • Movies by Decade
        • 1950s Movies
          • Movies 1950
          • Movies 1951
          • Movies 1952
          • Movies 1953
          • Movies 1954
          • Movies 1955
          • Movies 1956
          • Movies 1957
          • Movies 1958
          • Movies 1959
        • 1960s Movies
          • Movies 1960
          • Movies 1961
          • Movies 1962
          • Movies 1963
          • Movies 1964
          • Movies 1965
          • Movies 1966
          • Movies 1967
          • Movies 1968
          • Movies 1969
        • 1970s Movies
          • Movies 1970
          • Movies 1971
          • Movies 1972
          • Movies 1973
          • Movies 1974
          • Movies 1975
          • Movies 1976
          • Movies 1977
          • Movies 1978
          • Movies 1979
        • 1980s Movies
          • Movies 1980
          • Movies 1981
          • Movies 1982
          • Movies 1983
          • Movies 1984
          • Movies 1985
          • Movies 1986
          • Movies 1987
          • Movies 1988
          • Movies 1989
        • 1990s Movies
          • Movies 1990
          • Movies 1991
          • Movies 1992
          • Movies 1993
          • Movies 1994
          • Movies 1995
          • Movies 1996
          • Movies 1997
          • Movies 1998
          • Movies 1999
      • Movies A to K
        • Movies A
        • Movies B
        • Movies C
        • Movies D
        • Movies E
        • Movies F
        • Movies G
        • Movies H
        • Movies I
        • Movies J
        • Movies K
      • Movies L to Z
        • Movies L
        • Movies M
        • Movies N
        • Movies O
        • Movies P
        • Movies Q
        • Movies R
        • Movies S
        • Movies T
        • Movies U
        • Movies V
        • Movies W
        • Movies X
        • Movies Y
        • Movies Z
      • Movies 0 to 9
    • Pop Culture
      • Fads
      • Toys & Games
      • Fashion
      • Decor
      • Food & Drink
      • People
      • Radio
      • Technology
      • Transport
    • Social History
      • 1950s Year by Year
      • 1960s Year by Year
      • 1970s Year by Year
      • 1980s Year by Year
      • 1990s Year by Year
      • Events
    Nostalgia Central
    Home»Movies»Movies by Decade»1970s Movies»Movies 1970
    Movies 1970 Movies P 3 Mins Read

    Pufnstuf (1970)

    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email

    H.R. Pufnstuf was the first of a long string of Saturday morning hits from Sid and Marty Krofft, the legendary team who also brought us The Bugaloos, Lidsville, Land of the Lost and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.

    In this story of “a boy and his magic golden flute,” the Kroffts transported young viewers to Living Island, a psychedelic realm of dragons, witches and talking trees.

    Reprising their roles from the TV series, Oliver! star Jack Wild played young Jimmy, and veteran musical actress Billie Hayes was cast as the outrageously funny Witchiepoo. For the feature version of the tale – titled Pufnstuf – Martha Raye did a wonderfully wicked turn as Boss Witch, and Mama Cass of the Mama’s and The Papa’s made her screen debut as Witch Hazel.

    pufnstuf21

    Jimmy is a British lad who is also the owner of a magical living flute named Freddie. After a bad day at school, Jimmy climbs aboard an enchanted boat and finds himself at the centre of a fiendish plot devised by Witchiepoo to steal Freddie the Flute. The witch’s plan goes awry when Jimmy jumps overboard, washing up on the shores of Living Island.

    Town mayor H.R. Pufnstuf (a tall orange and green dragon with an easygoing Andy Griffith-like disposition) rescues the lad and protects him and his flute from Witchiepoo’s clutches.

    Witchiepoo desperately wants Freddie the Flute to win the “Witch of the Year” crown at this year’s convention. Boss Witch and Witch Hazel lend her a wicked hand, and soon the baddies possess the prized instrument.

    With Pufnstuf by his side, Jimmy and his new friends storm the witch’s castle to rescue Freddie and find a way back home.

    Surprisingly, the show’s popular opening theme was shelved for the feature, but in its place came many memorable tunes from Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, who also penned, among other things, the Laverne and Shirley theme.

    Included were Pufnstuf, Leaving Living Island and Different.

    Like its Saturday morning counterpart, Pufnstuf was a colourful excursion into the world of fantasy, bigger and broader than the TV series, without losing any of the charm.

    Martha Raye and Mama Cass both added a cackly touch of witchy zing, but the movie belonged to Billie Hayes and Jack Wild as the winsome witch and plucky lad, respectively.

    Together, their chemistry brought the far-out Krofft vision to life in a way that was as magical as Living Island itself.

    Jimmy
    Jack Wild
    Witchiepoo

    Billie Hayes
    H.R. Pufnstuf

    Al Melvin (voice)
    Roberto Gamonet (costume)
    Boss Witch

    Martha Raye
    Witch Hazel

    ‘Mama’ Cass Elliot
    Shirley Pufnstuf

    Sharon Baird
    Cling
    Joy Campbell
    Orson Vulture
    Don Messick (voice)
    Joy Campbell (costume)
    Clang
    Angelo Rossitto
    Seymore Spider
    Walker Edmiston (voice)
    Angelo Rossitto (costume)
    Dr Blinky/Ludicrous Lion

    Walker Edmiston (voice)
    Johnny Silver (costume)
    Googy Gopher
    Don Messick (voice)
    Billy Barty (costume)
    Orville Pelican
    Al Melvin (voice)
    Billy Barty (costume)
    Alarm Clock

    Andy Ratoucheff
    Polka-Dotted Horse

    Al Melvin (voice)
    Felix Silla (costume)
    Miss Flick
    Jane Dulo
    Witch Way
    Jan Davis
    Freddy the Flute 
    Don Messick (voice)
    Joan Gerber (voice)
    Henrich Rat/Stupid Bat
    Al Melvin (voice)

    Director
    Hollingsworth Morse

    Video

    Related Posts

    • Phynx, The (1970)
      Phynx, The (1970)
      A wonderfully bizarre cinematic nugget of the psychedelic era. The Phynx is the ultimate pre-fab pop group, created by a…
    • Cry of the Banshee (1970)
      Cry of the Banshee (1970)
      Vincent Price returns here to Witchfinder General territory as the sadistic magistrate Lord Edward Whitman who is obsessed with tracking…
    • Pirates of Blood River, The (1962)
      Pirates of Blood River, The (1962)
      This lavish technicolour production from Hammer Films tells the story of a young Huguenot who, although himself a victim of…
    • Walkabout (1970)
      Walkabout (1970)
      "In Australia when an Aborigine man-child reaches sixteen, he is sent out into the land. For months he must live…
    • Princess Bride, The (1987)
      Princess Bride, The (1987)
      Part swashbuckling adventure, part tongue-in-cheek parody, The Princess Bride is a fairy tale with a comic edge. The story begins when a…
    • Love Story (1970)
      Love Story (1970)
      The plot of Love Story is basically this; Two students marry. She dies. But people wept while standing in line to see…
    • Parent Trap, The (1961)
      Parent Trap, The (1961)
      They cloned Pollyanna. Not really, but that was certainly the effect Walt Disney wanted for 1961's The Parent Trap. Young actress Hayley…
    • Philadelphia Experiment, The (1984)
      Philadelphia Experiment, The (1984)
      In 1943, the United States tests an anti-radar system to make US Navy ships invisible to the enemy. Dr James…

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticlePunch and Judy Man, The (1963)
    Next Article Psych-Out (1968)

    Comments are closed.

    Can you help?
    Nostalgia Central has been a labour of love for me since 1998. The site carries no advertising, and I rely on donations to help with the running costs of the site and ensure I can keep Nostalgia Central running for your entertainment and education.

    If you find the site informative or enjoyable, please consider a donation – no matter how small.


    Thank you so much, and please enjoy your trip in the time machine!
    Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    You May Also Like
    • Shuggie Otis
      The fourth and final album by Otis – Inspiration […]
    • Stockard Channing Show, The
      1 9 8 0 (USA) 13 x 30 minute episodes Susan Goodenow (Stockard […]
    • Evil Dead, The (1981)
      Cool horror flick starring B-movie king Bruce Campbell, and one […]
    • Blue Remembered Hills
      1 9 7 9 (UK) 1 x 75 minute episode The BAFTA award-winning […]
    • Machinations
      Australian band Machinations formed around guitarist Tim Doyle […]
    • Bagdad Cafe
      1 9 9 0 – 1 9 9 1 (USA) 15 x 30 minute episodes Percy […]
    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    OUR LATEST FACEBOOK POSTS

    Sad news. We wish her well 🤗

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Dame Esther Rantzen says her lung cancer is in stage four

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The TV presenter and Childline founder says she is on a new form of medication for the disease.
    3 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 3

    Comment on Facebook

    Oh no 😢 in my prayers Esther xxx

    Didn’t she want to put the unvaccinated into camps during lockdown…

    That’s not cool 😞

    Another great voice has left us 😪

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Tina Turner: Music legend dies at 83

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Her unmistakable voice on hits like The Best and What's Love Got to Do With It made her a superstar.
    5 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 2

    Comment on Facebook

    I found out on tiktok before I saw it on any news channels..

    Terrible, terrible news. Taken far too young. Vale Andy Rourke!

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Andy Rourke: The Smiths bassist dies aged 59

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Guitarist Johnny Marr confirmed Rourke died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9_xELTfEds

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-65576903 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    The Beatles: Rare first edition White Album given to charity

    www.bbc.co.uk

    A 1968 White Album, complete with original inserts, is given to a Sutton Coldfield charity shop
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    I recently fulfilled the dream of over 40 years and saw The Zombies perform live (They were amazing!). Their current bass player is a chap called Søren Koch, and this is his regular band - The Beatophonics. If you love 60s Beat music, do yourself a favour and have a listen. They are truly superb. open.spotify.com/artist/5W05FY5rERtVTBippPjold?si=nU5zM8gJSXONAGCWOUrTnA

    variety.com/2023/film/news/beetlejuice-2-release-date-theaters-1235607767/ ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    ‘Beetlejuice 2,’ Starring Michael Keaton and Jenna Ortega, to Hit Theaters in 2024

    variety.com

    Whether or not you say his name three times, Beetlejuice is returning to movie theaters next year. Warner Bros. has announced that “Beetlejuice 2” will be released on the big …
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 3
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-65470238 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Why The Wicker Man has divided opinion for 50 years

    www.bbc.co.uk

    It has been described as the Citizen Kane of horror movies - and one of the worst films ever made.
    4 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    RIP Harry Belafonte 😢

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Harry Belafonte: Singer and civil rights activist dies aged 96

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The King of Calypso, who became a major voice in America's civil rights movement, died at home.
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bfi.org.uk/features/railway-children-yorkshire-locations ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    The Railway Children: in search of the Yorkshire locations, 50 years on

    www.bfi.org.uk

    Does the chocolate-box Yorkshire depicted in The Railway Children still exist? More than half a century since its release, we went looking for the locations.
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 9
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Farewell Possum :(

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Barry Humphries: Dame Edna Everage comedian dies at 89

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The Australian was known for comic creations such as Dame Edna, Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone.
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 4
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    RIP Mary Quant - the originator of the mini skirt and a key figure in the rise of “Swinging London“. 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65265531

    RIP Mary Quant - the originator of the mini skirt and a key figure in the rise of “Swinging London“.
    www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65265531
    ... See MoreSee Less

    2 months ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 16
    • Shares: 3
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Load more
    Please note


    Nostalgia Central covers the period 1950 to 1999 and contains some words and references which reflect the attitudes of those times and which may be considered culturally sensitive, offensive or inappropriate today.
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Search Nostalgia Central
    Tag Cloud
    Action Figures Amicus Arcade games Australia Beach movies Beatles Blaxploitation Board games British Invasion Britpop Canada Cold War Crime Disco Disney Doo-Wop Elvis Presley Girl groups Glam Goth Hammer Heavy Metal Irwin Allen Kraütrock Labels Merseybeat Mod revival Motown New Romantic New Wave NWOBHM Oi! One-hit wonders Politics Power Pop Prog rock Pub rock Punk Radio Scotland Ska Soul music Sport Surf music Video games
    Copyright © 1998, 2023 Nostalgia Central. Run by volunteers. Funded by donations.
    • About Nostalgia Central
    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.