Citizen Vino
“We will sell no wine before its time.”
Fine dining on the menu today with a wine and steak combo. First a classic Paul Masson white wine commercial starring a seemingly non-inebriated Orson Welles. The spot aired in November of 1978.
After the glass of Emerald Dry, throw some frozen Morton steaks in the oven or microwave. The Morton Steak House spot aired in February of ’78.
Previously on 70s Spots: Ray-O-Vac (Burgess Meredith) & Bactine (1977)
Power trio!
(Nipsey Russell, Ruth Buzzi, and Burgess Meredith for Ray-O-Vac, 1977)
“Get something started with Ray-O-Vac!”
Here’s a dandy, celebrity-filled spot for Ray-O-Vac batteries. The commercial aired in December of 1977 and features Nipsey Russell, Ruth Buzzi, and Burgess Meredith. Star powah!
After that, a classic spot for Bactine with a focus on soothing those dastardly mosquito bites. Poor lil’ Sam! This one aired in May of ’77 (and appears to have been produced in ’75 or ’76 according to the copyright).
Previously on 70s Spots: ‘Papillon’ (1973) & ‘Quintet’ (1979) TV Trailers
Doin’ the Boo!
Music for Monday, Monday, Monday! Time to leap over to Cherry Stereo and discover which seventies song is basking in the limelight.
Hey, groovy! It’s Lobo singing “Me And You And A Dog Named Boo” on European TV in 1971. This’ll bring you right back. Have a look & listen!
Previously on Music for Monday: Faces, ‘Stay With Me’ (Live ’72)
Dustin Hoffman disappears into the role of Louis Dega. (‘Papillon,’ 1973)
“The greatest adventure of escape ever filmed.”
TV trailers spooling out now for a pair of seventies flicks. First, Franklin J. Schaffner’s Papillon starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The promo aired in December of 1973.
I saw Papillon in the theater at the tender age of seven years old and remember enjoying it. I believe I caught it again on TV a few years later. Haven’t seen it since. It’s definitely time for another viewing.
After Papillon, we have a TV promo for Robert Altman’s Quintet starring Paul Newman. The spot aired in February of 1979. This one I’ve been meaning to watch for almost 40 years. Maybe it’s finally time.
Previously on 70s Spots: Sears Video Game System & Thrifty Drug Store (1979)
An Atari in disguise.
“Play up to 371 video games!”
We’ve worked our way to the end of the decade this week – here’s two spots from November of 1979. Firstly, a commercial for the Sears Video Game System. This one looks like an Atari because it is (officially licensed and re-branded).
Second, a spot for Thrifty drug stores featuring Henna hair products and a memorable jingle.
Previously on 70s Spots: Sizzler & Sambo’s (1978)
$3.99 for steak & crab at the sign of the purple cow.
“A price that won’t pinch your wallet.”
Continuing with an eating theme and rolling into 1978 – here’s a spot for Sizzler featuring a crab claws and sirloin deal. Narration by Michael Bell. The commercial aired in February of ’78.
Following that, another spot for Sambo’s restaurant featuring warm narration by Tom Bosley (Happy Days). Mangia!
Previously on 70s Spots: Kraft Margarine & Hunt’s Tomato Paste (1977)