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, Sigmund (Billy Barty), who escaped from his nasty family, including Blurp (Bill Germaine, later Larry Larsen) and Slurp (Fred Spencer, later Paul Gale). Young human siblings Johnny and Scott Stuart (Johnny Whitaker and Scott Kolden) find Sigmund on the beach, befriend him, and help hide him from his cruel relatives and other humans. The series began in 1973 and ran for two seasons and 29 episodes
Aside from Pufinstuf making fun cameos on shows like George Lopez and ChiPs, the characters haven’t been seen in years. Now, with Hollywood quickly running out of TV shows to rehash, execs are looking to bring some of the Krofft shows to the big screen. Land of the Lost is already in production.
There was talk back in 2002 of a Pufnstuf movie, partnering the Kroffts, Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Nickelodeon Movies, but it never materialized. Now, according to Marty Krofft, the brothers are within days of finalizing deals for new Pufnstuf and Sigmund movies. He declined to elaborate about which studio(s) would be involved, possibly based on his experience.
Will Hollywood’s new found interest in these classic 60?s and 70?s shows pay off or will their big money go up in psychedelic smoke? Stay tuned!
I remember back in the 70s enjoying the exploits of Sigmund, The Bugaloos and Pufnstuf. I would have a grand time (even as a middle-aged adult, ha ha!) on Saturday mornings watching these great shows with my own kids. They don’t make these anymore, but fortunately, I have the entire Pufnstuff video collection (thanks ebay!) as well as that saucy “Dyna Girl” series for my viewing pleasure. I still get suck a kick out of those!
I THINK THE BEST ONE TO COME OUT WITH.WOULD BE SIGMUND THE SEA MONSTER.THE MOVIE WOULD MORE THAN LIKELY ROCKET SKY HIGH ON THE BOX OFFICE.AND MIGHT GET GOOD REVIEWS.
I THINK IF THEY DO A MOVIE ON THE PUFFNSTUFF CHARACTER IT WOULD BE A MIX OF CGI AND LIVE ACTORS.THE WITCH COULD BE PLAYED BY ACTRESS AND COMEDIAN TRACY ULLMAN.WHO PLAYED LATRANE IN MEN IN TIGHTS.TO BRING THIS OLD SHOW TO THE BIG SCREEN WOULD BE COOL TO SEE.I REMEMBER WHEN THIS CAME OUT ON TV.BLAST FROM THE PAST.
[…] http://tvseriesfinale.com/articles/hr-pufnstuf-sigmund-and-the-sea-monsters-head-to-the-big-screen/. Why? Where are you ever going to find a young actor so open and genuine? Any trace of modern precocious child actor cynicism will BURY it, so please just stop raping our collective childhoods. Create something new. Smoke a fat spliff if you need to. […]
[…] Space" as a kid? Could it be? H.R. Puff & Stuff and Sigmond headed to the big screen? H.R. Pufnstuf & Sigmund and the Sea Monsters: Headed to the Big Screen? | TV Series Finale __________________ "I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe […]
But what about the original Pufnstuf movie on DVD?????? Keep playing my old I taped it off Disney VHS.
I hope it comes back…… I miss HR Pufnstuf. I see from your advertisment that they now have DVD’s