![]() They were offered a second season, but financially, they couldn't swing it. Pufnstuf " was a financial disaster - the Kroffts sunk tons of their own money into the show and got nothing in return. but then again, these are the same guys who brought the world " Les Poupées de Paris. Of course, all of this is what people have read into it (no different that the theory that Bert and Ernie are lovers) there weren't any depraved hidden meanings intentionally added by the Kroffts or their writers. It's also been noted that there's some disconcerting Freudian depravity in the plot: an aging hag has made it her quest in life to wrap her hands around a teenage boy's phallus-like flute. Marijuana usage was on the rise (by the time the Kroffts vanished from Saturday mornings, it was the norm), and with its colorful sets, talking mushrooms and hippie trees, the show also seemed to also evoke the LSD usage that was so rampant in that era (decades later, Pufnstuf was lovingly spoofed in a wacky skit on " Mr Show " called " Drugachusettes "). It's become legend that "H.R." stands for "Hand Rolled" (though, according to Sid, it really stands for the words "Royal Highness," flipped around). Just like " Puff the Magic Dragon " before it, the title " Pufnstuf " seemed to suggest the creators were. Quickly, however, the show came under scrutiny and before long, the Kroffts discovered some of the biggest fans of their shows weren't young children but college aged stoners who faithfully tuned in each week. Audiences were ready for a change.Premiering in 1969, Pufnstuf was an instant success. Basically a live-action cartoon, the show harked back to THE WIZARD OF OZ in plot (and colors!), and it debuted at a time when Saturday morning television was overrun with superheroes and action shows. Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes), a bumbling witch, was forever trying to get her hands on Jimmy's talking flute, Freddy, aided by evil mushrooms and trees, and cohorts like the aptly named Stupid Bat and her vulture sidekick, Orson. (If everything's alive, I wonder what people eat on Living Island?!) Wilhimina W. When stage veteran Billie Hayes stormed into the office, began cackling and jumping on the desk, she was immediately given the role.The story revolved around Jimmy, a youngster who was whisked away to Living Island, where everything from the plants and trees to the books are alive. Only one other actress auditioned for Witchiepoo. "We couldn't have a Brooklyn witch," Sid once joked. Penny Marshall auditioned to play the witch ( ! ), but the brothers felt she wasn't right for the part. There was no other discussion of who was gonna get the lead in their new series - that was the kid. Around the time they were coming up with ideas for a TV series, Sid was invited to view a rough cut of the film OLIVER!, and he took notice of a young boy named Jack Wild, who played the Artful Dodger. Pufnstuf " catapulted the Krofft brothers into the hearts of children (and stoners) worldwide, and it would continue to be a favorite for generations to come.
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