Lost in the Land of Sid and Marty Krofft: A Journey Through the Wacky World of 70s Children’s Television
Sid and Marty Krofft are a legendary duo in the world of children’s entertainment, known for creating some of the most innovative and memorable TV shows and live performances of the 1970s and beyond. Born in Montreal, Canada, to a family of puppeteers and performers, the Krofft brothers were exposed to show business from an early age.
In the 1950s, Sid and Marty moved to Hollywood, California, where they began their careers as puppeteers and worked on various TV shows and movies. They created and performed their own puppet shows on local TV stations, and eventually caught the attention of the producers of the hit TV series, “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour.” The Kroffts created and designed the show’s iconic characters, which included a group of four furry animals who played rock music and went on wacky adventures.
Building on the success of “The Banana Splits,” Sid and Marty went on to create a string of other hit TV shows in the 1970s, including “H.R. Pufnstuf,” “Land of the Lost,” and “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.” These shows were known for their colorful, psychedelic visuals, catchy songs, and wild storylines that often featured talking animals and magical creatures.
In addition to their TV work, the Krofft brothers also created and produced a number of live stage shows and amusement park attractions. They designed elaborate sets, costumes, and puppets for these shows, which were performed in venues around the world, including the Las Vegas Strip and the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Despite their success, Sid and Marty faced numerous challenges over the years, including legal disputes over ownership of their characters and declining interest in their brand of children’s entertainment. However, their influence on popular culture remains strong, and their shows continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans of all ages.
Today, Sid and Marty Krofft are recognized as pioneers in the field of children’s entertainment, whose innovative ideas and unique vision helped to shape the landscape of TV and live performance in the 20th century.
“The Banana Splits Adventure Hour” is a live-action and animated series that originally aired from 1968 to 1970. The show features four animal characters, Fleegle the beagle, Bingo the gorilla, Drooper the lion, and Snorky the elephant, who form a rock band and go on various adventures together. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its colorful sets, catchy music, and humorous segments. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s energetic musical performances and silly comedy sketches. The show also featured popular animated segments, including “The Three Musketeers” and “Arabian Knights.” “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour” has since become a cult classic, known for its catchy theme song and its unique combination of live-action and animation. Its influence can be seen in later shows and movies that feature anthropomorphic animal characters and musical performances, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“H.R. Pufnstuf” is a live-action series that aired from 1969 to 1971. The show follows young Jimmy, who is magically transported to Living Island, a world inhabited by talking animals and other fantastical creatures. There, he meets the friendly dragon H.R. Pufnstuf, who helps him navigate the dangers of the island and try to find a way back home. The island is ruled by the wicked Witchiepoo, who is constantly trying to steal Jimmy’s talking flute, which has the power to grant wishes. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its colorful sets, wacky characters, and catchy musical numbers. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and imaginative storytelling. “H.R. Pufnstuf” has since become a beloved classic, known for its iconic characters and whimsical setting. Its influence can be seen in many other children’s shows and movies that followed, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“The Bugaloos” is a live-action series that aired from 1970 to 1972. The show follows a group of musical insects, including Joy, I.Q., Courage, and Harmony, who live in Tranquility Forest and make music together. They are constantly being chased by the evil Benita Bizarre, who wants to capture them and use their magical powers for her own benefit. The Bugaloos are aided in their adventures by Sparky, a firefly with a magic wand. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its colorful sets, catchy music, and imaginative characters. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the Bugaloos’ musical performances and the show’s positive message of friendship and teamwork. The show has since become a cult classic and has continued to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Its whimsical nature and charming characters have made it a beloved part of the Krofft universe.
“Lidsville” is a live-action series that originally aired from 1971 to 1973. The show follows Mark, a teenager who falls into a magical hat in an amusement park and is transported to Lidsville, a world of living hats. The world is ruled by the evil magician HooDoo, who is constantly trying to capture Mark and steal his hat, which he believes holds the secret to ultimate power. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its imaginative sets, zany characters, and catchy musical numbers. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and Mark’s adventures in the whimsical world of Lidsville. The show featured a talented cast of actors, including Butch Patrick as Mark, Charles Nelson Reilly as HooDoo, and Billie Hayes as Weenie, HooDoo’s bumbling assistant. “Lidsville” has since become a cult classic, known for its trippy visuals and entertaining characters. Its influence can be seen in later children’s shows and movies that feature magical worlds and fantastical creatures, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” is a live-action series that originally aired from 1973 to 1975. The show follows two brothers, Johnny and Scotty, who discover a friendly young sea monster named Sigmund living in their clubhouse. The boys help Sigmund avoid his family of mean sea monsters, who want him to scare humans and be more menacing. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its colorful sets, catchy music, and lovable characters. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and the unlikely friendship between the boys and Sigmund. The show also featured a talented cast of actors, including Sid and Marty Krofft themselves, as well as well-known guest stars like Billy Barty and Margaret Hamilton. “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” has since become a beloved classic, known for its heartwarming storylines and entertaining characters. Its influence can be seen in later shows and movies that feature unlikely friendships between humans and fantastical creatures, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“Land of the Lost” is a live-action series that originally aired from 1974 to 1976. The show follows a family consisting of a father, a son, and a daughter (Marshall, Will, and Holly) who are on a river rafting trip when they are suddenly transported to a mysterious, prehistoric world. The family finds themselves stranded in this strange land full of dinosaurs, creatures, and mysterious artifacts. They are accompanied by a friendly primate-like creature named Chaka, who helps them navigate this new world. Together, they must survive against the many dangers of this land while also searching for a way to return home. The show was known for its impressive special effects and animatronic creatures, as well as its imaginative storytelling. “Land of the Lost” has become a cult classic, with fans of all ages still enjoying the show and its various adaptations to this day.
“Far Out Space Nuts” is a live-action series that aired from 1975 to 1976. The show follows two dim-witted NASA repairmen, Junior (Bob Denver) and Barney (Chuck McCann), who accidentally launch themselves into space while working on a spacecraft. The duo finds themselves stranded on an alien planet and must work together to survive and find a way back to Earth. Along the way, they encounter strange alien creatures, villains, and other oddities that challenge their survival skills and test their friendship. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its quirky humor and imaginative alien landscapes. Despite only running for one season, “Far Out Space Nuts” became a cult favorite and has continued to have a dedicated fanbase over the years. Its mix of slapstick comedy and science-fiction elements make it a unique and entertaining addition to the Krofft universe.
“The Lost Saucer” is a live-action series that aired from 1975 to 1976. The show wis about two friendly time-travelling androids from the year 2369 named Fi (Ruth Buzzi) and Fum (Jim Nabors) who land their flying saucer on present-day (1975) Earth. They good-naturedly invite a young boy named Jerry (Jarrod Johnson) and his babysitter Alice (Alice Playten) to check out the interior of their craft. As onlookers begin to gather though, the two androids become nervous about attracting attention and abruptly take off with Jerry and Alice. The flying saucer has the ability to travel through time, but the controls which allow the androids to specify an exact date were damaged, thus preventing the androids from returning Jerry and Alice to their rightful time and place. “The Lost Saucer” was known for its unique premise, quirky humor, and colorful special effects. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and imaginative storytelling. Despite only running for one season, “The Lost Saucer” has become a cult classic, known for its campy style and entertaining characters. Its influence can be seen in later science-fiction shows and movies, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“Wonderbug” is a live-action series that originally aired from 1976 to 1978. The show follows three teenagers, Barry, C.C., and Susan, who discover an old dune buggy that has been transformed into a magical talking car named Wonderbug. The car has the power to fly, become invisible, and perform other incredible feats. With the help of Wonderbug, the teenagers fight crime and solve mysteries around their town. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its colorful sets, exciting action, and lovable characters. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and the exciting adventures of Wonderbug and the teenagers. The show featured a talented cast of actors, including David Levy as Barry, John Anthony Bailey as C.C., and Carol Anne Seflinger as Susan. “Wonderbug” has since become a cult classic, known for its fun action scenes and entertaining characters. Its influence can be seen in later shows and movies that feature vehicles with superpowers, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“Electra Woman and Dyna Girl” is a live-action series that originally aired in 1976. The show follows two female crime fighters, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, who use their superpowers and high-tech gadgets to battle evil villains and protect their city. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its campy humor, colorful costumes, and innovative special effects. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and the female empowerment message of the two lead characters. The show starred Deidre Hall as Electra Woman and Judy Strangis as Dyna Girl, and also featured well-known guest stars like Norman Alden and Richard Bakalyan. “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl” has since become a cult classic, known for its entertaining action scenes and strong female characters. Its influence can be seen in later shows and movies that feature female superheroes and crime fighters, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“Bigfoot and Wildboy” is a live-action series that originally aired from 1977 to 1979. The show follows a young boy named Wildboy who has been raised in the wilderness by a Bigfoot. Together, they use their abilities to communicate with animals and their knowledge of the wilderness to protect the natural world and help those in need. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its adventurous spirit, environmental message, and the bond between the two lead characters. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful tone and the excitement of Wildboy’s adventures in the wilderness. The show starred Ray Young as Wildboy and Joseph Butcher as Bigfoot, and also featured well-known guest stars like Bob Denver and Ted Cassidy. “Bigfoot and Wildboy” has since become a cult classic, known for its heartwarming storylines and the unique relationship between its two lead characters. Its influence can be seen in later shows and movies that feature unlikely friendships between humans and animals, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
“Dr. Shrinker” is a live-action series that originally aired from 1976 to 1977. The show follows three teenagers who are shrunk down to miniature size by an evil scientist named Dr. Shrinker. The teenagers must navigate a dangerous world filled with oversized insects and animals while also trying to find a way to return to their normal size. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and was known for its imaginative storylines, creative special effects, and humorous tone. It was a hit with children, who enjoyed the show’s playful nature and the characters’ attempts to outwit the villainous Dr. Shrinker. The show starred Jay Robinson as Dr. Shrinker and featured well-known guest stars like Billy Barty and Ted Cassidy. “Dr. Shrinker” has since become a cult classic, known for its creative concept and entertaining characters. Its influence can be seen in later shows and movies that feature miniature or oversized characters, making it an important part of the Krofft legacy.
In addition to the shows being a lot of fun, the theme songs were always a highlight. They were always catchy and became as recognizable as the shows themselves. Each theme was a perfect representation of the show you were about to watch and when the opening theme came on, you knew you were in for something special. In 2008 a music cd was released with all of the themes; unfortunately it is no longer available and commands high collectors’ prices.
Please make sure to read other entries in my BASEMENT’S TIMELESS TELEVISION series.
~David Albaugh
