Time for Saturday Morning, Sid & Marty flashback!
These guys made my Saturday mornings…as a freaky-creative kid, the bizarre characters, cheesy sets and twisted humor was right up my alley.
And H.R Pufnstuf (hahaha Drugs are bad, mmmkay?) was hands down my favorite Krofft show.
♫♪ HR Pufnstuf…Who’s your friend when things get rough..? ♪♫
(Wiki)Sid Krofft (born July 30, 1929) and Marty Krofft (born April 9, 1937), are a sibling team of television producers who were largely known for a unique brand of ambitious fantasy programs, often featuring large-headed puppets, high-concept plots, and extensive use of low-budget special effects…
After designing the characters and sets for Hanna-Barbera‘s Banana Splits series, the Kroffts’ producing career began in 1969 with the landmark children’s television series H.R. Pufnstuf. The series introduced the team’s trademark style of large scale, colorful design, puppetry, and special effects. Featuring a boy who has been lured into an alternate fantasy world and can never escape, the team also established a storytelling formula they would often return to.
It just wouldn’t be a total flashback though if I didn’t include my other favorite…long before Jurassic Park was around to make little children wet themselves, there was the BIGGEST, SCARIEST, T-REX EVER…COMIN’ RIGHT AT YA…BUSTING THE SCREEN TO SWALLOW YOU WHOLE.!!
Oh, and let’s not forget these creepoids…always sent chills down my spine…
Sleestak Gods
(Full Episode)
Some people suggested that the Krofft brothers were influenced by marijuana and LSD, although they have always denied these claims. In a 2005 interview with USA Today, Marty Krofft said, “No drugs involved. You can’t do drugs when you’re making shows. Maybe after, but not during. We’re bizarre, that’s all.” Referring to the alleged LSD use, Marty said in another interview, “That was our look, those were the colors, everything we did had vivid colors, but there was no acid involved. That scared me. I’m no goody two-shoes, but you can’t create this stuff stoned.”
The Kroffts also favored quirky superhero stories, often with children involved as the heroes or part of a hero team. Particularly visionary and popular Krofft productions have included The Bugaloos (1970),Lidsville (1971), Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973), Land of the Lost (1974), The Lost Saucer (1975), Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (1976), and Wonderbug (1976).
A condensed look back at the greatest era of Saturday morning TV. A tribute to the sacred day that belonged just to kids!
The Kroffts are often acknowledged for the ambitious vision and creativity of their projects. In addition to their recognizably colorful and hyper-kinetic programs, they often created children’s shows with complex stories, unusual protagonists, uniquely modern sensibilities, or with darker or more action-themed tones than most children’s shows. Their “camp” popularity stems largely from their shows’ low-budget production values, the often surrealistic feel of many of the programs, and the uniquely “’70s” style of music and design.
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