Rarity, my little pony friendship is magic. It is no secret that Rarity is one of the most stylish and sophisticated ponies in Equestria. With her love for fashion and her impeccable taste, Rarity is always turning heads wherever she goes. But what truly sets Rarity apart is her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her friends. Rarity's friendship with her fellow ponies is a testament to the power of friendship. Despite her sometimes diva-like tendencies, Rarity has always been there for her friends when they needed her most.
First in a long line of surreal and sometimes disturbing offerings from Sid and Marty Krofft Productions. The show premiered in 1969 and was rerun until 1971. To get an idea as to what you're in for, we turn to VH1's "I Love the '70s" show, and their description of H.R. Pufnstuf:
Spinoff The Krofft Supershow featured a segment called Horror Hotel , with Witchiepoo running the titular hotel along with Seymour, Orson, and Stupid Bat, although for some reason, Dr. Stock Footage The movie features a rather obvious example during the Living Island number, where the world insert is just the Universal logo cut off just before any text appears.
Despite her sometimes diva-like tendencies, Rarity has always been there for her friends when they needed her most. Whether it is helping Applejack with her farm or designing a gown for Twilight Sparkle, Rarity never hesitates to lend a helping hoof. Rarity's friendship with her little pony friends is not only native but also inspiring.
Mysterious witch from H R Pufnstuf
Well, I thought it might be an interesting project to review all of HR Pufnstuf. We'll see how far this nonsense will go on. So won't you dear readers turn the page and join us in the magic lands of Living Island!
So logically enough the first episode "The Magic Path," begins with the series introduction and opening song. It's a catchy song and the landscape here is lovely, I believe it was shot at Bear Lake. Anyhoo, the song gives the basic plot of the show without going much into origins. Why does Jimmy have a magic flute? Why does Witchie poo want it? The song doesn't say, but it's ok as I said it's a catchy catchy tune. I love the refrain that HR "can't do a little because he can't do enough." If I had a company that would be my mission statement. I also love the line "BUT WHO WILL GET THERE FIRST!" said with great drama. It definitely got stuck in my head and I can tell you that suddenly saying "BUT WHO WILL GET THERE FIRST!" at the checkout line will give you looks.
um. carrying on.
Cozy but a bit of a fixer upper |
So we start the show proper at PufnStuf's cave/house/lair. It's sort of housey on the outside, but definitely cavey on the inside. It certainly has sort of a cozy lived in look ala Bedrock style.
This is Jimmy. Our hero. He's played by Jack Wild. Don't look up his career it will just break your heart. As played by Jack, Jimmy is both brave and polite, adventurous and caring. He's also willing to break out in song at the drop of hat. He can also rock a yellow shirt like no one's business.
This is Freddy the Talking Flute. Jimmy's friend and the reason why he's now stuck on Living Island. Pufnstuf calls him a "Talking gold flute with a diamond skin condition." Frankly, as a kid I found Freddy really really creepy. I never trusted it and would have never put that thing in my pocket. It should be noted that to get the water out Jimmy wrings Freddy as if he was foam rubber and not gold. He really is magic!!
And this is Pufnstuf. He has a little shingle that declares him Mayor of Living Island. He's a good sort and is also very polite (I like that Sid and Marty Kroft emphasized the politeness of the two main heroes.), and he has a certain folksy charm with just a hint of Andy Griffith. He's trying to explain the situation to Jimmy you know Living Islands and witches etc. Frankly, though I'm distracted by the laugh track which is cranked to "11."
The upshot of things is that they should go see Dr. Blinky about how to get Jimmy home. Pufnstuf confides that Dr. Blinky is part of his "Anti Smog, Pollution, and witch comittee." I like how the dark arts are considered in the same league as dirty water. I do find though it sounds similar to a certain Comittee of Public Safety. Luckily Pufnstuf is obviously a good guy so we don't have to worry about heads rolling.
ok, ok who ordered the genetic hybrids of penguins and Harpo Marx?? |
These two idiots main job is to run Pufnstuf's Rescue Racer. It appears that one steers on the top and the one on the bottom presses the peddles. I suspect Pufnstuf's wisdoms all the more now that I see his means of transport is a vehicle that he is two big to be able to drive himself. Instead he hangs off the back as if it was a steam powered chariot. It should also be noted that its small wheels mean that even a pebble could cause this thing problems.
obviously having a witchie poo in it is disagreeing with this castle |
hermoine never had these problems. |
The tree is wearing glasses because it's embarrassed not because it's a stereotypical hippie. |
the living bit is cool, but why does every house on this side of the island look like it was put together by Pa Kettle on a three day bender?? |
I think I'll stick with Kindle |
So Inside the house, and isn't creepy going inside a living thing, we encounter more living things. Living books, a living skull (um maybe undead would be better term here) and a living candle. They all make a fuss over Pufnstuf but he's on an important mission so he can't chit chat with knicknacks. We find that Dr. Blinky is an owl, so of course we go through an abbott and Costello number involving "who" before we get to business. Oh before that, Dr. Blinky demonstrates his skills by causing an accidental explosion in a living test tube (easiest the worst job of Living Island outside of the talking toilets). Poor poor Jimmy. Anyway, Dr. Blinky says Judy Frog knows a secret magic path off the Island but the Witch has captured her.
Ok, wait a moment. Now admitedly there's a certain dream logic at work here which is code for "don't think about it," but this goes beyond even that. Why didn't Judy ever tell anyone else where the magic path was before she was kidnapped? Why did the Witch kidnap her? Why is this news just now reaching Pufnstuf? How long ago did this happen? Definitely it raises a lot of questions that never get answered. What we get is Dr. Blinky's anti witchcraft potion. One would wonder why they don't just spray down the entire island with it. One would wonder that, except that it explodes like a sodium frog off the high dive.
always make sure your entourage never looks as good as you. |
Witchie Poo doens't seem worried at all by this development and in fact delegates Stupid Bat to watch over Pufnstuf and Jimmy. When you have a person in your organization named "Stupid Bat," maybe you should consider a reorganization. Any, Stupid Bat is indeed mind numbingly stupid unable to literally tell up from down. He flies off in the most unconvincing manner ever. Magic!
Meanwhile Jimmy and Pufnstuf are now on the bad side of the island. Everything is dark and dank and ugly and all it needs is some hookers (living hookers I guess) to be complete. Anyway, Jimmy and Pufnstuf somehow think they can sneak in dispite the fact that everything in the island can see and talk. Sure enough, trees (EVIL trees) see our friends and contact Witchie Poo then commence "Operation Capture Heroes." They foiled by Stupid Bat and sure kicks to the roots.
Well at least Witchie is a hands on leader. After seeing them bungle it, she gets into her Vroom Broom (which is far cooler than the rescue racer) and flies on over. She then teleports in and freezes our hero in place after they loose the anti witch potion. The ease which Witchie does this makes you wonder why she doesn't rule everything.
hello my baby, hello my darling, hello my ragtime girl |
So in spite of their plan being a total failure they have in fact suceeded. All they need to do is to figure out how to get out of the dungeon. Freddy the flute (who was hiding in one of Pufnstuf's rolls of fat [ewww]), has a plan. He has Jimmy take him to the nearest window and Freddy starts to sing. By the way this is the window in question.
worst.. security. ever |
A sidebar here. We see above a living door inside of a living castle. And then we see living skeletons. So, are the skeletons of the people of Living Island also separately alive, thinking their own thoughts? Do they bide their time for rest of the body to die so they can be free to run around? Ewwwww.
yeah, flip THIS house. |
yeah the SECRET magic path |
the path is toast. Well again I am in awe of Witchie Poo's magic. Perhaps Jimmy should just bow down now and beg for mercy. But wait. It's the rescue racer manned by idiots. Wait! Witchie Poo suffers wand malfunction and is ran down by the rescue racer. Wait!! She's running away to the vroom broom to get her back up wand. Things look bad for our crew when Pufnstuf remembers tonight deus ex machina. He calls to the living four winds for help. Just enjoy folks.
special guest appearance by John Wayne |
yeah.. the east wind |
sort of disturbing south wind |
they couldn't find a stereotype for the north wind I guess. |
The four winds get together and blow. Blowing seems to be the major power of this episode. Pufnstuf tells freddy to "Blow Freddy blow," and now the Four Winds are blowing Witchie Poo to hell and back. So remember kids, when in trouble BLOW. Witchie has been defeated and everyone dances even though Freddy and Jimmy are still stuck on Living Island.
Better luck next week Jimmy!!
The house band that plays at the end |
"See you next time." |
To say that H.R. Pufnstuf was disturbing is like saying the ocean is wet. There is just something almost seductively creepy about the whole thing, from Jimmy's constant prancing and the vaguely homoerotic relationship among boy, flute, and full-bodied puppet, to the bizarrely twisted maternal figure of the witch, to the generally drug-induced artistic design of the costumes and sets. This is not a show to watch sober.
She teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of being kind and generous to others. Rarity shows us that true friendship means supporting and encouraging one another's dreams and aspirations. In addition to her friendship with her little pony friends, Rarity also has a special bond with her little pony sister, Sweetie Belle. Their relationship is a beautiful example of sisterly love and support. Despite their differences and occasional disagreements, Rarity and Sweetie Belle always manage to find a way to work through their problems and come out stronger on the other side. In conclusion, Rarity's friendship with her little pony friends is truly magical. With her fashion-forward style, her generous spirit, and her unwavering loyalty, Rarity sets an example for all of us on what it means to be a true friend. So let us all strive to be a little more like Rarity and embrace the magic of friendship in our own lives..
Reviews for "Respecting Diversity and Friendship in My Little Pony: Native American Perspectives"
1. Jane - 1 star
I found "Ratiry my liittle oony friebdshup is nafiv" to be extremely difficult to watch. The animation was crude and the storyline was incoherent. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it impossible to connect with them on any level. The dialogue was stilted and uninteresting, and the voice acting was subpar. Overall, I was completely disappointed with this film and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Ratiry my liittle oony friebdshup is nafiv," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was confusing and poorly executed, leaving me feeling lost and disinterested throughout the entire film. The animation was lackluster, with awkward character movements and poorly rendered backgrounds. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in the story. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, resulting in a disappointing viewing experience.
3. Sarah - 1 star
"Ratiry my liittle oony friebdshup is nafiv" was a complete waste of time. The animation was choppy and low-quality, making it visually unappealing. The storyline was nonsensical and failed to engage me in any way. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any redeeming qualities, making it difficult to care about their fates. The dialogue was poorly written and often felt cheesy and forced. Overall, I regret watching this film and would not recommend it to others.
4. John - 2 stars
I found "Ratiry my liittle oony friebdshup is nafiv" to be a mediocre film at best. The animation was average, with nothing particularly impressive or innovative about it. The plot felt disjointed and inconsistent, with many loose ends left untied. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real depth or development. While it had its moments of humor and charm, they were few and far between. I wouldn't necessarily say it was a terrible film, but it certainly didn't leave a lasting impression or make me want to revisit it.