Marty Krofft, who with his brother Sid produced memorable kids shows “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Land of the Lost” — as well as the 2009 feature based on the latter — has died. He was 86.
Krofft died of kidney failure Saturday in Los Angeles, Calif., a family representative told Variety.
Often referred to as the King of Saturday Mornings, Krofft and his brother also produced a number of primetime variety shows, including “Donny and Marie” and “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.”
Sid and Marty Krofft began their careers producing children’s television with “H.R. Pufnstuf,” a live-action program about a boy (played by British actor Jack Wild) in a fantastic land with a dragon for a friend and a witch — Witchiepoo, played by Billie Hayes — for an enemy; as conceptualized, the show followed the interactions between human actors; actors in colorful, oversized costumes; and life-size puppets with enormous heads.
The Kroffts were proudly...
Krofft died of kidney failure Saturday in Los Angeles, Calif., a family representative told Variety.
Often referred to as the King of Saturday Mornings, Krofft and his brother also produced a number of primetime variety shows, including “Donny and Marie” and “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.”
Sid and Marty Krofft began their careers producing children’s television with “H.R. Pufnstuf,” a live-action program about a boy (played by British actor Jack Wild) in a fantastic land with a dragon for a friend and a witch — Witchiepoo, played by Billie Hayes — for an enemy; as conceptualized, the show followed the interactions between human actors; actors in colorful, oversized costumes; and life-size puppets with enormous heads.
The Kroffts were proudly...
- 11/26/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Whether you’re chilling out before a costume party or working late at the lab (Halloween is a Monday this year), October 31 practically screams, “Watch something!”
Yes, there are myriad seasonal activities to be enjoyed away from the ghastly glow of your screens: be it bobbing for apples, carving jack-o-lanterns, summoning the undead, or an overpriced rideshare. But few experiences are as instantly and totally transporting as the ones provided by our go-to movies and TV shows. That’s why so many of us insist on sneaking in annual viewings of our favorites between social events and trick-or-treaters. No matter how scary busy our schedules may get, making time for the Halloween tales we cherish feels in some small way important.
Maybe you’re putting on your makeup to the familiar beats of “Beetlejuice” or working from home with “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” to keep you company.
Yes, there are myriad seasonal activities to be enjoyed away from the ghastly glow of your screens: be it bobbing for apples, carving jack-o-lanterns, summoning the undead, or an overpriced rideshare. But few experiences are as instantly and totally transporting as the ones provided by our go-to movies and TV shows. That’s why so many of us insist on sneaking in annual viewings of our favorites between social events and trick-or-treaters. No matter how scary busy our schedules may get, making time for the Halloween tales we cherish feels in some small way important.
Maybe you’re putting on your makeup to the familiar beats of “Beetlejuice” or working from home with “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” to keep you company.
- 10/31/2022
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will return to its normal two-hour live format on TNT and TBS. One of the highlights each year is the special In Memoriam segment. It’s been a particularly rough year with over 100 deaths of prominent actors and actresses who were likely members of SAG/AFTRA. Show producers typically are able to include approximately 40-50 people in a tribute. The 2021 segment saluted 55 people because they had responsibility for 14 months instead of 12.
Among that group will certainly be previous SAG president Ed Asner, who was also a life achievement award recipient. That honorary award was also presented to Sidney Poitier and Betty White, who both died this past year.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Who else might be featured in the 2022 tribute? Look for Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Oscar nominees Ned Beatty, Peter Bogdanovich and Dean Stockwell, plus Emmy champs Louie Anderson, Michael Constantine, Charles Grodin,...
Among that group will certainly be previous SAG president Ed Asner, who was also a life achievement award recipient. That honorary award was also presented to Sidney Poitier and Betty White, who both died this past year.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Who else might be featured in the 2022 tribute? Look for Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Oscar nominees Ned Beatty, Peter Bogdanovich and Dean Stockwell, plus Emmy champs Louie Anderson, Michael Constantine, Charles Grodin,...
- 2/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Burbank, CA – The early years of the Caped Crusader get a closer examination as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (Wbhe) brings the fully-remastered The Batman: The Complete Series to Blu-ray for the very first time. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the 65-episode box set will be distributed February 1, 2022 by Wbhe on Blu-ray+Digital ($69.99 Srp) in the United States, and a Blu-ray only package ($79.98 Srp) in Canada.
The six-time Emmyâ Award-winning series premiered on September 11, 2004 on Kids’ WB before eventually shifting to Cartoon Network for subsequent seasons. The Batman: The Complete Series follows 20-something-year-old Bruce Wayne’s early adventures as he balances his daytime persona as a bachelor billionaire with his nighttime guise as a caped crimefighter. Along the way, Batman is joined by allies Robin and Batgirl as they combat Gotham City’s Rogues’ Gallery, including updated versions of his familiar foes as well as a bevy of rarely...
The six-time Emmyâ Award-winning series premiered on September 11, 2004 on Kids’ WB before eventually shifting to Cartoon Network for subsequent seasons. The Batman: The Complete Series follows 20-something-year-old Bruce Wayne’s early adventures as he balances his daytime persona as a bachelor billionaire with his nighttime guise as a caped crimefighter. Along the way, Batman is joined by allies Robin and Batgirl as they combat Gotham City’s Rogues’ Gallery, including updated versions of his familiar foes as well as a bevy of rarely...
- 11/18/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Larry King, Norm Macdonald, Michael K. Williams and no fewer than three cast members of The Mary Tyler Moore Show were among the stars remembered during this year’s Emmy In Memoriam segment, as the photos of those we lost scrolled by to the tune of Leon Bridges’ lovely “River.”
73rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Deadline’s Full Coverage
A few names were left out — most notably Michael Constantine, who won an Emmy in 1970 for his performance as Principal Seymour Kaufman in Room 222 — but the list nonetheless was a somber reminder of the toll taken by 2021. As Bridges and Jon Batiste performed live, the images of such greats as Charles Grodin and Christopher Plummer unspooled, along with beloved icons like Jeopardy!’s Alex Trebek and Cicely Tyson (The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman) and such generational touchstones as Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island) and Billie Hayes (H.R. Pufnstuf).
Also among...
73rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Deadline’s Full Coverage
A few names were left out — most notably Michael Constantine, who won an Emmy in 1970 for his performance as Principal Seymour Kaufman in Room 222 — but the list nonetheless was a somber reminder of the toll taken by 2021. As Bridges and Jon Batiste performed live, the images of such greats as Charles Grodin and Christopher Plummer unspooled, along with beloved icons like Jeopardy!’s Alex Trebek and Cicely Tyson (The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman) and such generational touchstones as Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island) and Billie Hayes (H.R. Pufnstuf).
Also among...
- 9/20/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers of the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony honored almost all of the expected people who died this past year. Who was not featured during the emotional In Memoriam segment Sunday night on CBS? Prominent performers and character actors such as Frank Bonner, Sean Connery, Michael Constantine, Abby Dalton, James Hampton, Bruce Kirby, Norman Lloyd, Helen Reddy and Jane Withers were not part of the 49 people included.
While over 100 celebrated television people died since last year’s event in mid-September of 2020, the segment generally only makes room for less than 50. Among those featured Sunday night: TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Norm Macdonald sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
The 49 people featured...
While over 100 celebrated television people died since last year’s event in mid-September of 2020, the segment generally only makes room for less than 50. Among those featured Sunday night: TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Norm Macdonald sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
The 49 people featured...
- 9/20/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Emmys 2021: In Memoriam segment will honor Michael K. Williams, Cicely Tyson, Ed Asner and who else?
Producers of this Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony have some difficult decisions to make about who to honor during the emotional In Memoriam segment. Cedric the Entertainer will host the 2021 Emmys for CBS at 8:00 p.m. Et; 5:00 p.m. Pt. A total of 34 presenters have been announced so far.
Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2020. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
Ed Asner (actor)
Dana Baratta (writer/producer)
Anne Beatts (writer)
Ned Beatty (actor)
William Blinn (writer)
Frank Bonner (actor)
Perry Botkin,...
Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2020. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
Ed Asner (actor)
Dana Baratta (writer/producer)
Anne Beatts (writer)
Ned Beatty (actor)
William Blinn (writer)
Frank Bonner (actor)
Perry Botkin,...
- 9/15/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Billie Hayes, the actor who portrayed Witchiepoo on NBC’s “H.R. Pufnstuf,” has died. She was 96.
Hayes’ death was announced on her official website.
Hayes is best known for her portrayal of the comical witch Witchiepoo on Sid and Marty Krofft’s show “H.R. Pufnstuf” from 1969 to 1970. From there, Hayes reappeared as Witchiepoo on “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special” and the series finale of “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour.” Hayes also appeared as a witch in several other shows, including “Bewitched,” “Weenie the Genie,” “The Monkees” and “Lidsville.”
Marty Krofft paid tribute to Hayes in a statement to Variety: “In addition to being a very talented and special person, Margret Hamilton (Wicked Witch of the West/’Wizard of Oz’) once told me that Witchiepoo was the best witch ever. And as far as I’m concerned, there was no one better than Billie Hayes. She was a home run for us and ‘H.
Hayes’ death was announced on her official website.
Hayes is best known for her portrayal of the comical witch Witchiepoo on Sid and Marty Krofft’s show “H.R. Pufnstuf” from 1969 to 1970. From there, Hayes reappeared as Witchiepoo on “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special” and the series finale of “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour.” Hayes also appeared as a witch in several other shows, including “Bewitched,” “Weenie the Genie,” “The Monkees” and “Lidsville.”
Marty Krofft paid tribute to Hayes in a statement to Variety: “In addition to being a very talented and special person, Margret Hamilton (Wicked Witch of the West/’Wizard of Oz’) once told me that Witchiepoo was the best witch ever. And as far as I’m concerned, there was no one better than Billie Hayes. She was a home run for us and ‘H.
- 5/4/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
She also voiced Mrs. Neederlander on “Transformers: Rescue Bots”
Billie Hayes, an actress who starred as the wacky villain Witchiepoo on the beloved 1969-70 children’s series “H.R. Pufnstuf,” died Thursday at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. She was 96.
Hayes’ family announced her death on Monday.
By the time she was squaring off with a psychedelic dragon over a talking flute on “H.R. Pufnstuf,” Hayes was already an established comic actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1956 in the ensemble cast of the aptly titled “New Faces of 1956,” which also featured a young Maggie Smith. That same year, Hayes originated the role of Mammy Yokum in the musical “Li’l Abner” and went on to star in the show’s 1961 film version.
However, it was Hayes’ cackling, conniving performance as Witchiepoo (short for Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo) that captured the imaginations of children across the country. Just 44 at the time of shooting,...
Billie Hayes, an actress who starred as the wacky villain Witchiepoo on the beloved 1969-70 children’s series “H.R. Pufnstuf,” died Thursday at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. She was 96.
Hayes’ family announced her death on Monday.
By the time she was squaring off with a psychedelic dragon over a talking flute on “H.R. Pufnstuf,” Hayes was already an established comic actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1956 in the ensemble cast of the aptly titled “New Faces of 1956,” which also featured a young Maggie Smith. That same year, Hayes originated the role of Mammy Yokum in the musical “Li’l Abner” and went on to star in the show’s 1961 film version.
However, it was Hayes’ cackling, conniving performance as Witchiepoo (short for Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo) that captured the imaginations of children across the country. Just 44 at the time of shooting,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Alex Noble
- The Wrap
Billie Hayes, who played the cackling Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo on Sid and Marty Krofft’s H.R. Pufnstuf and the scrappy Mammy Yokum in the Broadway and big-screen versions of Li’l Abner, has died. She was 96.
Hayes died Thursday of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson said.
After starring as the evil protagonist on the 1969-70 kids program H.R. Pufnstuf, she reteamed with the Krofft brothers in 1971-72 on Lidsville, another Saturday morning show for children (she played the incompetent Weenie the Genie on that one).
The Kroffts reacted on Twitter to the news of ...
Hayes died Thursday of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson said.
After starring as the evil protagonist on the 1969-70 kids program H.R. Pufnstuf, she reteamed with the Krofft brothers in 1971-72 on Lidsville, another Saturday morning show for children (she played the incompetent Weenie the Genie on that one).
The Kroffts reacted on Twitter to the news of ...
Billie Hayes, who played the cackling Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo on Sid and Marty Krofft’s H.R. Pufnstuf and the scrappy Mammy Yokum in the Broadway and big-screen versions of Li’l Abner, has died. She was 96.
Hayes died Thursday of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson said.
After starring as the evil protagonist on the 1969-70 kids program H.R. Pufnstuf, she reteamed with the Krofft brothers in 1971-72 on Lidsville, another Saturday morning show for children (she played the incompetent Weenie the Genie on that one).
The Kroffts reacted on Twitter to the news of ...
Hayes died Thursday of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson said.
After starring as the evil protagonist on the 1969-70 kids program H.R. Pufnstuf, she reteamed with the Krofft brothers in 1971-72 on Lidsville, another Saturday morning show for children (she played the incompetent Weenie the Genie on that one).
The Kroffts reacted on Twitter to the news of ...
Billie Hayes, whose portrayal of the flamboyantly and comically wicked witch Witchiepoo on the 1969-70 Saturday morning live-action children’s classic H.R. Pufnstuf, died of natural causes April 29 at Cedar’s Hospital in Los Angeles. She was 96.
Her death was announced by her family.
A Broadway veteran by the time she reached national fame as the flute-stealing nemesis to a psychedelic dragon, Hayes had starred as Mammy Yokum in both the Broadway and film versions of the popular late-1950s musical Lil’ Abner. She’d made her Broadway debut in New Faces of 1956 along with an ensemble that included actress Maggie Smith.
Following a couple of guest appearances on episodic TV in 1967 – including a Mammy Yokum-type matriarch in the “Hillbilly Honeymoon” episode of The Monkees – Hayes endeared herself to a generation of glued-to-the-tube Saturday morning viewers in 1969 as the eccentrically costumed, ever-cackling and always bumbling Witchiepoo (full name: Wilhelmina W.
Her death was announced by her family.
A Broadway veteran by the time she reached national fame as the flute-stealing nemesis to a psychedelic dragon, Hayes had starred as Mammy Yokum in both the Broadway and film versions of the popular late-1950s musical Lil’ Abner. She’d made her Broadway debut in New Faces of 1956 along with an ensemble that included actress Maggie Smith.
Following a couple of guest appearances on episodic TV in 1967 – including a Mammy Yokum-type matriarch in the “Hillbilly Honeymoon” episode of The Monkees – Hayes endeared herself to a generation of glued-to-the-tube Saturday morning viewers in 1969 as the eccentrically costumed, ever-cackling and always bumbling Witchiepoo (full name: Wilhelmina W.
- 5/3/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A happy-go-lucky dragon with a yellow head who talks with a magic flute. Diminutive sea monsters frolicking with a pair of young boys. A world where lifesize hats run things. And presidents in a bar, laughing it up with Saddam Hussein and Barbara Walters. These are the worlds which have been the mainstay of Sid and Marty Krofft for over 50 years, and for which they are being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Feb.13.
The Kroffts’ craft developed out of several decades of marionette work, including their hugely successful “Les Poupées de Paris,” the first “adults only” puppet show, featuring naked marionettes, which opened in 1962. Its success drew the attention of Six Flags, who brought the brothers onboard as creative heads to install shows at all of their amusement parks.
To produce the many costumes, puppets and props used at the Six Flags parks, the...
The Kroffts’ craft developed out of several decades of marionette work, including their hugely successful “Les Poupées de Paris,” the first “adults only” puppet show, featuring naked marionettes, which opened in 1962. Its success drew the attention of Six Flags, who brought the brothers onboard as creative heads to install shows at all of their amusement parks.
To produce the many costumes, puppets and props used at the Six Flags parks, the...
- 2/13/2020
- by Matt Hurwitz
- Variety Film + TV
Sid and Marty Krofft created memorable, magical Saturday morning live-action television shows including “H.R. Pufnstuf,” “Land of the Lost” and “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl,” but their success extends far beyond sea monsters, magic flutes and Vroom Brooms. They’ve entertained millions, employed thousands and inspired many of today’s content creators — they’re still in production today with “Mutt & Stuff,” which airs on Nickelodeon. Recently, a revival of “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” appeared on Amazon. Now, the dynamic duo is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
“It’s not easy to be in the business with your relatives,” says Marty Krofft. “But we’ve lasted longer than most marriages in the world.”
“You just make it work,” says Sid Krofft. “We’ve been together professionally for 60 years. We argue, but that’s just part of being Sid and Marty Krofft.
“It’s not easy to be in the business with your relatives,” says Marty Krofft. “But we’ve lasted longer than most marriages in the world.”
“You just make it work,” says Sid Krofft. “We’ve been together professionally for 60 years. We argue, but that’s just part of being Sid and Marty Krofft.
- 4/27/2018
- by Michael Maloney
- Variety Film + TV
Who's the best witch in all pop culture-dom?
That's a tough question to answer, since movies and TV have offered us all manner of witchy women. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are beautiful (but aren't so nice inside) and some look scary (but are still a lot of fun). In lieu of power ranking the various pop culture spellcasters, we've heralded their individual achievements with yearbook-style superlatives.
1. Most Improved: Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch
Mildred (Fairuza Balk) is a witchy underdog. No one at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches thinks much of Mildred's potential as master of the supernatural elements,...
That's a tough question to answer, since movies and TV have offered us all manner of witchy women. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are beautiful (but aren't so nice inside) and some look scary (but are still a lot of fun). In lieu of power ranking the various pop culture spellcasters, we've heralded their individual achievements with yearbook-style superlatives.
1. Most Improved: Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch
Mildred (Fairuza Balk) is a witchy underdog. No one at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches thinks much of Mildred's potential as master of the supernatural elements,...
- 10/26/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- People.com - TV Watch
Teen Titans Go! The Complete First Seasonnow Available On Blu-rayfrom Warner Archive Collection
First 52 Episodes of Popular Animated Series Arrive Today on Two Blu-Ray Discs
Teen Titans Go!, the popular Warner Bros. Animation television series airing on Cartoon Network, gets the full HD treatment via Warner Archive Collection when Teen Titans Go! The Complete First Season debuts on Blu-rayTM today (April 21). Orders are now available via wbshop.com.
What happens after everyone’s favorite teenage super heroes have saved the planet from total annihilation? Swing by Titans Tower and find out as Robin, Cyborg, Raven, Starfire and Beast Boy chill out after a hard day of crime fighting and take on some real challenges like laundry, chores, video games and plain ol' trying to get along! Enjoy the laughs when Beast Boy introduces his new villainous girlfriend, Raven's demonic father stops in for a visit, or Cyborg has his birthday...
First 52 Episodes of Popular Animated Series Arrive Today on Two Blu-Ray Discs
Teen Titans Go!, the popular Warner Bros. Animation television series airing on Cartoon Network, gets the full HD treatment via Warner Archive Collection when Teen Titans Go! The Complete First Season debuts on Blu-rayTM today (April 21). Orders are now available via wbshop.com.
What happens after everyone’s favorite teenage super heroes have saved the planet from total annihilation? Swing by Titans Tower and find out as Robin, Cyborg, Raven, Starfire and Beast Boy chill out after a hard day of crime fighting and take on some real challenges like laundry, chores, video games and plain ol' trying to get along! Enjoy the laughs when Beast Boy introduces his new villainous girlfriend, Raven's demonic father stops in for a visit, or Cyborg has his birthday...
- 4/21/2015
- by Matt MacNabb
- Legions of Gotham
Here’s another installment featuring Joe Dante’s reviews from his stint as a critic for Film Bulletin circa 1969-1974. Our thanks to Video Watchdog and Tim Lucas for his editorial embellishments!
Modest, lively juvenile fantasy‑with‑music from the TV series combines live actors and life‑sized puppet characters in broad slapstick. Ok for matinee and family trade. Rating: G.
Economically expanded from Sid and Marty Krofft’s Saturday morning NBC‑TV kiddie show, Pufnstuf is lively and flashy enough to hold the attention of the kids for whom it was designed, although the fantasy has a plastic aura which prevents it from attaining a much higher level than that of cardboard whimsy. A smart merchandising deal with TV sponsor Kellogg, a ready‑made audience, and its G‑rated comic nature will enable the Universal release to score in family situations and kiddie matinees, though it definitely requires a...
Modest, lively juvenile fantasy‑with‑music from the TV series combines live actors and life‑sized puppet characters in broad slapstick. Ok for matinee and family trade. Rating: G.
Economically expanded from Sid and Marty Krofft’s Saturday morning NBC‑TV kiddie show, Pufnstuf is lively and flashy enough to hold the attention of the kids for whom it was designed, although the fantasy has a plastic aura which prevents it from attaining a much higher level than that of cardboard whimsy. A smart merchandising deal with TV sponsor Kellogg, a ready‑made audience, and its G‑rated comic nature will enable the Universal release to score in family situations and kiddie matinees, though it definitely requires a...
- 5/13/2014
- by Joe Dante
- Trailers from Hell
Lidsville -Sid Krofft talked to me over the phone. That’s almost as wild and weird as the shows he created with his brother Marty that dominated the ’70s. Their live action Saturday morning series mixed puppets and people went perfect with the sugar rush from a fresh bowl of Count Chocula. This was like a weird childhood dream as I had so many questions that had puzzled me since childhood. Krofft was eager to give answers.
He was excited about Vivendi Entertainment’s recent release of H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series Collector’s Edition. There’s also a normal H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series. What’s the difference? A cool bobblehead of H.R. Pufnstuf. I’ve had little contact with the bobblehead since my two year-old has turned it into her new best friend. I told Sid Krofft how another generation has embraced the lizard hero of my youth.
He was excited about Vivendi Entertainment’s recent release of H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series Collector’s Edition. There’s also a normal H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series. What’s the difference? A cool bobblehead of H.R. Pufnstuf. I’ve had little contact with the bobblehead since my two year-old has turned it into her new best friend. I told Sid Krofft how another generation has embraced the lizard hero of my youth.
- 4/22/2011
- by UncaScroogeMcD
"Who's your friend when things get rough?" the theme song asks us. A 7-foot, green, dragon-man with red hair, a southern accent and a mayor's sash; that's who! For a generation of kids who grew up in the late sixties (Of which I'm one) H.R. Pufnstuf holds a special, nostalgic place. Today, guys in big, rubber costumes pretending to be benign monsters went out with Barney, but there was a time when kids weren't so jaded about such things.
Looking at it today, if you aren't familiar with 60s children's TV, you might be put off by the show's deliberately psychedelic appearance and ask "What the hell were they smoking when they made this?" That's actually a valid question, since H. R. Pufnstuf was the product of a period where certain shows were marketed toward both young children and also young adult stoners. Producers Sid and Marty Krofft churned out...
Looking at it today, if you aren't familiar with 60s children's TV, you might be put off by the show's deliberately psychedelic appearance and ask "What the hell were they smoking when they made this?" That's actually a valid question, since H. R. Pufnstuf was the product of a period where certain shows were marketed toward both young children and also young adult stoners. Producers Sid and Marty Krofft churned out...
- 4/10/2011
- by Rob Young
- JustPressPlay.net
In this incarnation of our Videolog column (which began in 1982 with VHS and Betamax and later laserdisc), Starlog posts information (usually on Tuesdays) on selected genre titles being released (or re-released) on DVD and Blu-ray. Here’s what’s new (not much this week).
DVD Releases for July 14, 2009:
Bewitched: The Comple Eighth Season (Sony, $39.95): The magic of Elizabeth Montgomery’s sitcom ends in this eighth and final year, which consists of 26 episodes on four discs. The guest stars this season include Peter Lawford, Julie Newmar, Bernie Kopell and Witchiepoo herself, Billie Hayes.
The Haunting In Connecticut (Lionsgate, single disc, $29.95; Unrated Special Edition, $34.98; Blu-ray, $39.99): You have three choices when it comes to buying this DVD of the Virginia Madsen-starring supernatural thriller supposedly based on a true story. If you want to see the longer version of the film, go for the “Unrated Special Edition” or Blu-ray,...
DVD Releases for July 14, 2009:
Bewitched: The Comple Eighth Season (Sony, $39.95): The magic of Elizabeth Montgomery’s sitcom ends in this eighth and final year, which consists of 26 episodes on four discs. The guest stars this season include Peter Lawford, Julie Newmar, Bernie Kopell and Witchiepoo herself, Billie Hayes.
The Haunting In Connecticut (Lionsgate, single disc, $29.95; Unrated Special Edition, $34.98; Blu-ray, $39.99): You have three choices when it comes to buying this DVD of the Virginia Madsen-starring supernatural thriller supposedly based on a true story. If you want to see the longer version of the film, go for the “Unrated Special Edition” or Blu-ray,...
- 7/16/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (Allan Dart)
- Starlog
Being Halloween, lots of places are running themed lists including beleaguered AOL which attempts to list the Top 20 witches on television. While we don’t find any glaring omissions, we wonder about many of the placements.
20. Alex Russo, The Wizards of Waverly Place
19. Miss Cackle, The Worst Witch
18. Marge Simpson, Treehouse of Horror VIII
17. Amanda Tucker, Tucker's Witch
16. Ella, Hex
15. Witch Hazel, Looney Tunes
14. Endora, Passions
13. Paige Matthews (Rose McGowan), Charmed
12. Tabitha Stephens (Lisa Hartman), Tabitha
11. Mildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk), The Worst Witch
10. Prue Halliwell (Shannen Doherty), Charmed
9. Endora (Agnes Moorehead), Bewitched
8. Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes), H.R. Pufnstuf
7. Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano), Charmed
6. Tabitha (Juliet Mills), Passions
5. Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), Sabrina the Teenage Witch
4. Grandmama Addams (Blossom Rock), The Addams Family
3. Piper Halliwell (Holly Marie Combs), Charmed
2. Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan), Buffy the Vampire Slayer
1. Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montrgomery), Bewitched
We applaud Piper over her sisters given...
20. Alex Russo, The Wizards of Waverly Place
19. Miss Cackle, The Worst Witch
18. Marge Simpson, Treehouse of Horror VIII
17. Amanda Tucker, Tucker's Witch
16. Ella, Hex
15. Witch Hazel, Looney Tunes
14. Endora, Passions
13. Paige Matthews (Rose McGowan), Charmed
12. Tabitha Stephens (Lisa Hartman), Tabitha
11. Mildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk), The Worst Witch
10. Prue Halliwell (Shannen Doherty), Charmed
9. Endora (Agnes Moorehead), Bewitched
8. Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes), H.R. Pufnstuf
7. Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano), Charmed
6. Tabitha (Juliet Mills), Passions
5. Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), Sabrina the Teenage Witch
4. Grandmama Addams (Blossom Rock), The Addams Family
3. Piper Halliwell (Holly Marie Combs), Charmed
2. Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan), Buffy the Vampire Slayer
1. Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montrgomery), Bewitched
We applaud Piper over her sisters given...
- 10/31/2008
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Any kid who grew up in the 1970s likely remembers the psychedelic kids' shows H.R. Pufnstuf and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. Well, if Sid and Marty Krofft have their way, the kids of today will become acquainted with their far-out characters as well.
Created by the Krofft brothers, H.R. Pufnstuf debuted on September 6, 1969. The brightly-colored series told the story of a young boy named Jimmy (Jack Wild) who owns a magic flute named Freddie. The boy is lured to Living Island by the evil Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes) who wants to steal the flute. Thankfully, the mayor of the island, H.R. Pufnstuf (voiced by show writer Lennie Weinrib), and his friends save Jimmy and manage to keep the boy from the evil witch's clutches. Though the series is well-remembered, it only ran for one season of 17 episodes.
Sigmund and the Sea Monsters followed the escapades of a sweet young sea monster,...
Created by the Krofft brothers, H.R. Pufnstuf debuted on September 6, 1969. The brightly-colored series told the story of a young boy named Jimmy (Jack Wild) who owns a magic flute named Freddie. The boy is lured to Living Island by the evil Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes) who wants to steal the flute. Thankfully, the mayor of the island, H.R. Pufnstuf (voiced by show writer Lennie Weinrib), and his friends save Jimmy and manage to keep the boy from the evil witch's clutches. Though the series is well-remembered, it only ran for one season of 17 episodes.
Sigmund and the Sea Monsters followed the escapades of a sweet young sea monster,...
- 6/27/2008
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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