‘Movin’ On’ TV title, 1974
Truckin’ was hot and hip in the 70s and the suits at NBC were ready to capitalize on the trend. Movin’ On originally ran Thursday evenings (later switching to Tuesdays) from September, 1974 to September, 1976.
This one-hour drama about a pair of independent truckers stars Claude Akins as Sonny and Frank Converse as Will. Each week, as the the duo traveled the US, they’d cross paths with and assist a new guest star, such as Michael J. Pollard or Mackenzie Phillips. To add authenticity, Movin’ On was filmed on location and featured a theme song written and sung by Merle Haggard.
Frank Converse (Will) and Claude Akins (Sonny) (‘Movin’ On,’ 1974)
Here’s the intro for the series (sorry, it’s the best-quality example I could scrounge up) as well as the closing theme. If your memory bone has been pleasantly tickled, you can watch Movin’ On episodes for free at Hulu. Now, hit the road!
Previously on Show Toppers: ‘Lou Grant’ (1977)
Movin’ On premiered in the midst of the CB (citizen’s band) Radio craze. There was a song called “Convoy” by CW McCall in the mid 70s about truckin’ and CB radios. My brother had one. Many people did. There was also the Sam Peckinpah film “Convoy” with Kris Kristofferson.
More 70s trucker flicks: ‘White Line Fever’ (1975), ‘Breaker! Breaker!’ (1977) and ‘High Ballin” (1978).