I’ve written a lot about all of the amazing kids’ shows created by brothers Sid Krofft and Marty Krofft — and, whenever I mention H.R. Pufnstuf, without fail, someone will suggest that I do something on Jack Wild. Part of me has really not wanted to do it, mostly because I know how the story ends. That said, I’ve been doing a little more research and I have come to the conclusion that the actor’s story is a little more complex than it first appeared to be.

The Krofft brothers got the inspiration for H.R. Pufnstuf from work they did for the 1968 World’s Fair; fleshing those ideas out further, they developed the TV show, which debuted in 1969. Jack Wild starred as Jimmy, an 11-year-old boy who becomes shipwrecked by the nefarious Witchiepoo (played by the amazing Billie Hayes), who wants Jack’s magical flute. On the island, Jimmy meets its residents — living, talking objects.