Watching Omega: The Gift and the Curse The concept of time has always been a fascinating aspect of human life. We are constantly trying to understand it, keep track of it, and make the most out of it. One invention that has revolutionized our perception of time is the watch, particularly the Omega brand. Omega watches have become a symbol of luxury, precision, and style. However, there is a gift and a curse associated with owning and wearing such timepieces. The gift of wearing an Omega watch lies in the feeling of exclusivity and prestige.
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.
The gift of wearing an Omega watch lies in the feeling of exclusivity and prestige. Owning an Omega timepiece instantly sets you apart from others, making a bold statement about your taste and refinement. It is a symbol of status and success, attracting admiration and envy from those around you.
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.
The intricate design, impeccable craftsmanship, and attention to detail make Omega watches a work of art that adorns your wrist. Every time you glance at your watch, you are reminded of the value and sophistication it represents. It serves as a constant reminder of your achievements and the high standards you hold for yourself. However, with this gift comes the curse of responsibility. Owning an Omega watch demands constant care and maintenance. These timepieces are not just accessories; they require meticulous attention to preserve their functionality and appearance. Regular servicing, polishing, and proper storage are necessary to ensure that your Omega watch maintains its allure and precision. Failure to do so can result in the deterioration of its value and performance. This curse weighs on the owner, reminding them of the commitment and effort required to uphold the integrity of their luxurious possession. Moreover, wearing an Omega watch can also be a curse in the sense that it becomes a distraction from living in the present moment. Constantly glancing at the watch can lead to an obsession with time, causing anxiety and a constant need to be aware of every passing second. The watch, which was initially intended to help manage time, can ironically become a hindrance to fully experiencing and enjoying life. It can create a sense of urgency and pressure to always be aware of time, depriving us of the ability to be fully present in the moment. In conclusion, owning an Omega watch is both a gift and a curse. It bestows upon the owner a sense of prestige and exclusivity, representing their taste and success. However, it also demands responsibility, care, and constant attention. It can become a distraction from living in the present moment, causing anxiety and a constant need to keep track of time. Ultimately, the gift and curse of wearing an Omega watch lie in the balance between the admiration it brings and the responsibilities it entails..
Reviews for "Exclusivity and Luxury: The Dual Nature of Omega Watches"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - While I was initially intrigued by the concept of "Watcb omrga the gift and thr curse", I found myself disappointed by the execution. The story felt disjointed and confusing, with multiple plotlines that never seemed to fully come together. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster, lacking depth and failing to create a compelling atmosphere. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed by this film.
2. Jason - 1 star - "Watcb omrga the gift and thr curse" was an absolute mess. The plot was convoluted and the characters were underdeveloped, leaving me uninvested in their journey. The dialogue was clunky and unrealistic, making it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. The film also suffered from poor pacing and the editing left much to be desired. I would not recommend wasting your time on this disappointing film.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Watcb omrga the gift and thr curse", but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The storyline was predictable and lacked originality, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The acting was subpar, with many performances feeling forced and unnatural. Additionally, the cinematography and special effects were unimpressive. Overall, this film failed to leave a lasting impression and I was left feeling unfulfilled.