Krofft's first filmgoing experience was
The Wizard of Oz (1939). A neighbor sneaked him into a premiere screening at the Majestic Theater in Providence, Rhode Island on August 13, 1939. He later toured as the opening act for
Judy Garland, and his fame exploded in 1969 with the creation of the television series
H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), which he freely admits was influenced by the movie.