Sid and Marty Krofft
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Sid and Marty Krofft are a sibling team of prolific television producers who were very influential in children's television and music/variety television, particularly throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. They are 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. The team also dominated the arena of celebrity music/variety programs during the period.
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 child who has accidentally stumbled into an alternate fantasy world and can never escape, the team also established a storytelling formula they would often return to. 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 Land of the Lost, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, The Bugaloos, and Lidsville.
The Kroffts' memorable children's programs have developed a wide and enduring following, largely among adults who watched the shows as children. Krofft productions are also included prominently in an entertainment category known as camp.
The Kroffts were also responsible for a large number of prime time music/variety programs. These shows also tended to employ a reliable formula, in this case featuring a celebrity host or team of hosts, weekly celebrity guest performers, flashy and colorful sets, and frequent interludes of scripted banter and gag-driven, "corny," good-natured sketch comedy.
The Kroffts' have occasionally departed from their successful formula, notably in producing the comedy Family Affair and the political puppet satire D.C. Follies. The team has recently attempted to update some of their most popular series for a younger generation, including new versions of Land Of The Lost, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, and H.R. Pufnstuf.
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.
The Kroffts' "camp" popularity stems largely from their shows' low-budget production values, the often surrealistic feel of many of the programs, the uniquely "'70s" style of music and design, and many intentional or unintentional references to psychotropic drug use.
Sid and Marty Krofft Productions 1969-2003
- Family Affair (2002)
- Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (2001; unsuccessful pilot)
- Land of the Lost (1991)
- D.C. Follies (1987)
- The Patti Labelle Show (1985)
- Pryor's Place (1984)
- Harry Tracy, Desperado (1982)
- Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters(1980)
- Middle Age Crazy (1980)
- The Bay City Rollers Show (1978)
- The Krofft Supershow (1978)
- Bigfoot and Wildboy (1977)
- The Brady Bunch Hour (1977)
- Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (1976)
- Dr. Shrinker (1976)
- Donny and Marie (1976) aka The Osmond Family Show
- The Lost Saucer (1975)
- Far Out Space Nuts (1975)
- Land of the Lost (1974)
- Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973)
- Lidsville (1971)
- The Bugaloos (1970)
- Pufnstuf (1970)
- H.R. Pufnstuf (1969)
External link
- Those wacky (and sometimes disturbing) Krofft shows (http://www.albany.net/~genxtv/krofft.html)