thomandybish Review of Pufnstuf

Pufnstuf (1970)

delightful children's musical fantasy with sly satire

[20 January 2001]

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.