#Marty krofft

[papermoonloveslucy]

RIP MARTY KROFFT 

1937-2023

Marty Krofft was born on April 9, 1937 in Montréal, Québec, Canada. With his brother Sid, Krofft created some of television's most fantastic and magical programs, mostly centered around puppetry. Lucille Ball's interaction with the Krofft was brief, but memorable.

The Krofft puppets first gained attention at the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair where they presented a show called "Les Poupees de Paris" that included marionettes impersonating popular celebrities. In 1964-1965, they presented the (updated) show at the Worlds Fair in New York. In 1967, Ball's recorded voice, along with Jackie Gleason, Liberace, and Mae West and many other stars, was heard in “Six Flags presents Sid and Marty Krofft’s Circus”.

On September 30, 1977, Donny and Marie welcomed Lucille Ball, who plays the Tin Lady in a Krofft-style spoof of “The Wizard of Oz” starring Ray Bolger. The first three seasons of "The Donny & Marie Show" were produced by the Kroffts, who also created the variety series. Ball appeared on the 2nd episode of the show's 3rd season, and the Osmonds (after a long legal battle) had finally won creative control from the Kroffts feeling they had outgrown the child-like atmosphere created by them. They moved the show to Utah and took over as producers just two months after this episode aired. In this episode, however, the Krofft vibe is still palpably present.

A few Lucille Ball / Desilu performers were seen on Krofft's many television shows.

Johnny Silver played Ludicrous Lion on TV's "H.R. Pufnstuf" (1969) and appeared as Dr. Blinky in the 1970 feature film.

Charles Nelson Reilly and Jerry Maren (both seen on "Here's Lucy") were part of "Lidsville" (1971).

1972's telefilm "Fol-De-Rol" (a film of their 1968 fairy tale puppet show) included Lucy guest stars Ann Sothern, Mickey Rooney, and Totie Fields.

"Sigmund and the Sea Monsters" (1972) starred Ball's good friend Mary Wickes as Aunt Zelda, and also featured Sidney Miller as the voice of Sweet Mama Ooze.

"The Lost Saucer" (1975) included Lucy friends Ruth Buzzi, Jim Nabors, and Vito Scotti.

"Far Out Space Nuts" (1975) featured Hal Smith and John Carradine, both of whom had appeared on "The Lucy Show."

Also seen on "Donny & Marie" during the Krofft years were Desi Arnaz, Jack Albertson, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Ruth Buzzi, Buddy Hackett, Edgar Bergen, Andy Griffith, Rich Little, Iron Eyes Cody, Arthur Godfrey, and Vincent Price.

[greensparty]

Remembering Marty Krofft 1937-2023

Puppeteer and television creator / producer Marty Krofft has died at 86. Along with his brother Sid, they created so much great children's television, especially in the 70s.

compilation of various Sid and Marty Krofft shows

Many of their shows were ones I got into when I saw them in syndication as a kid, notably The Banana Splits Adventure Hour (NBC 1968-1970), H.R. Pufnstuf (NBC 1969-1970), The Bugaloos (NBC 1970-1972), Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (NBC 1973-1975), Land of the Lost (NBC 1974-1977), and Pryor's Place (CBS 1984-1985). All shows I remember fondly as a kid and really enjoyed watching the wacky almost drug-induced puppets getting into crazy situations each episode. Land of the Lost was one I dug a lot! They also did some shows in primetime non-children's shows like their political comedy D.C. Follies (syndicated 1987-1989), which was pretty funny too.

The link above is the obit from Hollywood Reporter.

[aunti-christ-ine]

[astralbondpro]

H.R. Pufnstuf // S01E01: The Magic Path

[kwebtv]

Marty Krofft (April 9, 1937 – November 25, 2023) Producer and writer who with his brother Sid Krofft produced numerous children's television and variety show programs in the U.S., particularly in the 1970s, including H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. Their fantasy programs often featured large-headed puppets, high-concept plots, and extensive use of low-budget special effects.

The Kroffts favoured quirky superhero stories, often with children portraying 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 (1973–1975), Land of the Lost (1974–1976), The Lost Saucer (1975), Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (1976), and Wonderbug (1976–1978).

The Kroffts have occasionally departed from their formula while making new programs, such as on Pryor's Place (1984) and the political puppet satire show D.C. Follies (1987). They have attempted to update some of their classic series for a younger generation, including new versions of Land of the Lost, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, H.R. Pufnstuf and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. A new original series, Mutt & Stuff, aired on Nickelodeon from 2015 to 2017. (Wikipedia)

IMDb listing

[freddyfreeman]

Liberace beside a puppet version of himself (courtesy of Sid and Marty Krofft).

The puppet was sold at an auction in 2019.

[f4kef4ngs]

rest in peace Marty Krofft ❤️❤️❤️

[randomberlinchick]

Marty Krofft, co-creator of imaginative children’s TV shows, dies aged 86 | Television | The Guardian

Childhood hero!

[lenbryant]

Who's your friend when things get rough? H.R. Pufinstuf. Creator Marty Krofft is now off to the undiscovered country where he'll probably be greeted by talking flutes, zany witches, and a sheriff who is a dragon.

[afragmentcastadrift]

Marty Krofft Dead: Businessman Behind Kids TV Empire Was 86 – The Hollywood Reporter

[sttechin]

Dropped a new Pufnstuf video!!

[the1beardedgent]

Marty Krofft, co-creator of hit kids’ TV shows, dies of kidney failure at 86 | CNN

He made my Saturday mornings fun!