The Kroffts were very imaginative,creative guys. I think they designed a mascot for the 1968 World's Fair or something like that. HR Puff-n-Stuff,Sigmond +the sea monsters are 2 other good tv examples of their work. One common thread in all their stuff is great costumes and sets,they are all original and interesting. (I think the Kroffts successfully sued McDonalds for taking their work in the early 70's and using it in commercials and advertising.I was very young but I remember the hamburglar,grimace,
the French fry guys,etc did indeed disappear).
Now onto this show...
Lidsville is a great show for kids and adults alike,both will like it. It is silly and pretty funny. Charles Nelson Riley is clearly having a ball as the villian,he is able to cut loose and have fun,and I think he is hilarious.
The affable young man that plays 'Mark'
is none other than Butch Patrick,the actor that was 'Eddie Munster' !
Patrick plays a good part without over-doing it.
Some may recognize the 'Weenie the Genie" actress from another role on HR Puff-n-Stuff,she plays an energetic fun part with style.
The main puppet characters are hats,and it is funny as well,eg the cowboy hat talks like John Wayne,another hat talks a Frenchman,etc. Ya gotta see it!
As for people that imply that the Kroffts were using drugs or that they were endorsing drug use (with a wink and a nod) on their shows,I'd say that is in the eye of the beholder. The show is very different and unusual,for sure,but I don't see anything that even hints at drugs. Even watching
with the idea of trying to spot possible drug references or implications comes up empty. I highly recommend this show.
