Pufnstuf (film)

Pufnstuf (sometimes referred to as Pufnstuf Zaps the World) is a 1970 feature film based on the television series H.R. Pufnstuf.
Jimmy (Jack Wild) after being kicked out of the school band by his orge-like band director ventures to Living Island with his magical, talking flute, Freddy. Once there, he befriends many of the island's inhabitants, but the evil Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes) is determined to steal Freddy the flute away from the boy to impress the visiting witches' council and win the Witch of the Year Award.
Production

Hot on the heels of the H.R. Pufnstuf television series, this film was rushed into production for theatrical distribution, with filming beginning in January 1970.[1] The movie was financed by Universal Pictures and Kellogg's Cereal,[1] the latter of which was a sponsor of the television show.

Sid Krofft cast his next door neighbor, singer Cass Elliot, as Witchiepoo's frenemy and bitter rival Witch Hazel.According to actress Joy Campbell McKenzie, Cass Elliot was "very distant. Not rude or arrogant but she just didn't mingle which most people were surprised about."

Martha Raye was cast as Boss Witch. The cast and crew expected Raye to behave like a diva, but she instead befriended everyone behind the scenes, even inviting them to dinner.[3] Raye's involvement in Pufnstuf led to her being cast as Benita Bizarre in the Kroffts' upcoming television show The Bugaloos.
Cast

Jack Wild - Jimmy
Billie Hayes - Wilhemina W. Witchiepoo
Cass Elliot - Witch Hazel
Martha Raye - Boss Witch
Billy Barty - Googy Gopher, Orville Pelican
Jane Dulo - Miss Flick
Jan Davis - Witch Way

Voice cast

Walker Edmiston - Dr. Blinky, Ludicrous Lion, Seymour Spider, Candle, Hippie Tree
Joan Gerber - Dowager Tree, Granddaughter Clock
Al Melvin - H.R. Pufnstuf, Heinrich Rat, Living Island Boat, Orville Pelican, Polka-Dotted Horse, Stupid Bat, West Wind
Don Messick - Freddy the Flute, Googy Gopher, Orson Vulture

Puppeteer cast

Van Snowden - H.R. Pufnstuf
Directed by Hollingsworth Morse
Produced by Sid and Marty Krofft
Si Rose
Malcolm Alper
Written by John Fenton Murray
Starring Jack Wild
Billie Hayes
Martha Raye
'Mama' Cass Elliot
Billy Barty
Voices
Walker Edmiston
Joan Gerber
Al Melvin
Don Messick
Cinematography Kenneth Peach
Editing by David Rawlins
Studio Sid and Marty Krofft Enterprises
Distributed by United States Universal Pictures (theatrical)
Running time 98 min.
Country United States
Language English