70s Spots: EF Hutton (J. Paul Getty) & Paper Mate (Johnny Brown, 1972)

Posted on by

Shouldn’t that be: ‘When J. Paul Getty talks – EF Hutton listens’?

“When EF Hutton talks – people listen.”

The following commercials aired in October of 1972 and they couldn’t be more different to one another. First, a spot for EF Hutton wherein 79 year old wealthy industrialist, J.Paul Getty greets us from his English estate.

After that, another one of those singing and dancing spots for Paper Mate Write Bros. pens starring Johnny Brown (Good Times).

EF Hutton Commercial (J.Paul Getty, 1972)

Paper Mate Commercial (Johnny Brown, 1972)

Previously on 70s Spots: Esso Gasoline ‘Toys & Animation’ (1971)

70s Spots: Esso Gasoline ‘Toys & Animation’ (1971)

Posted on by

Little known fact: the gas shortage got so bad it began to affect children’s toys.

“Esso is doing more.”

Two commercials for Esso HTA gasoline today featuring toy cars and a focus on the “hesitation” theory. The first spot aired in November 1971. The second aired a bit earlier in August of ’71.

Esso ‘Toy Cars’ Commercial (1971)

Esso ‘Hesitation’ Commercial (1971)

Previously on 70s Spots: United Airlines ‘Hawaii’ (Brian Forster) & TWA 747s (Lou Jacobi, 1970)

70s Spots: United Airlines ‘Hawaii’ (Brian Forster) & TWA 747s (Lou Jacobi, 1970)

Posted on by

Brian Forster preps for ‘The Partridge Family.’

“Fly the friendly skies of United.”

Two spots today from the top of the decade featuring those newfangled 747 planes. First, we have a United Airlines “Hawaii Service” commercial starring Brian Forster from The Partridge Family. The spot aired in September of 1970.

Second, a spot for TWA featuring two old timers (one being Lou Jacobi) reminiscing about DC-3s and flying in the 1930s. This one aired a few months earlier in April of ’70.

United Airlines ‘Hawaii’ Commercial (Brian Forster, 1970)

TWA ‘New’ 747 Commercial (Lou Jacobi, 1970)

Previously on 70s Spots: Mattel Electronics Football & Tyco Model Trains (1979)

70s Spots: Mattel Electronics Football & Tyco Model Trains (1979)

Posted on by

I spent untold hours staring at LED lines dancing across this screen.

“Hey, who’s in there?”

Bionic friends! I’ve uncovered a real nugget of nostalgic gold today. A commercial for Mattel Electronics Pocket Football. This was one of my favorite games through 1977 and into 1978. That little white handheld went everywhere with me and I got damn good at beating the computer over and over again (until one day it lost its charm after so much repetition). Catch the spot below. It aired in November of 1979 but was produced in ’78.

After the Mattel spot, another fun toy clip. Tyco’s Clementine old timey gold mining model train set. That one also aired in November of ’79.

Mattel Electronics Pocket Football Commercial (1979)

Tyco ‘Clementine’ Model Train Commercial (1979)

Previously on 70s Spots: Sara Lee Cakes & La Choy Chinese Food (1978)

70s Spots: Sara Lee Cakes & La Choy Chinese Food (1978)

Posted on by

‘I’m gonna chocolate love my husband…’

“Gonna Sara Lee love my family.”

For your meal today we have Sara Lee cakes and brownies and La Choy Chinese food. Both spots aired in February of 1978.

And, yes. I raised my eyebrows at the lyrics of the Sara Lee song – but I’m not going to go there! Not in public at least. Ahem.

Sara Lee ‘Love’ Commercial (1978)

La Choy Chinese Food Commercial (1978)

Previously on 70s Spots: Ford Pickup ‘Whistler’s Mother’ & Ford Granada ‘Wedding’ (1977)

70s Spots: Ford Pickup ‘Whistler’s Mother’ & Ford Granada ‘Wedding’ (1977)

Posted on by

Off her rocker and into a Ford.

“Far out!”

1977 Ford vehicles are rolling out with a dash of humor in today’s pair of commercials. First, we find “Whistler’s Mother” in command of the latest Ford pickup.

Second, the Ford Granada’s resemblance to Mercedes and Cadillac causes confusion at a wild wedding. Both spots aired in October of 1977.

Ford Pickup ‘Whistler’s Mother’ Commercial (1977)

Ford Granada ‘Wedding Mix-Up’ Commercial (1977)

Previously on 70s Spots: Ore Ida Vegetables & Roman Meal Bread (1976)