Nothing says “American investment security” like a bull and a sunrise. (Merrill Lynch commercial, 1975)
“Merrill Lynch is bullish on America.”
Hello, ‘Disco denizens! The weekend is here and it’s time to set up the projector and screen some vintage commercials.
Here’s two for Merrill Lynch featuring the company’s bull mascots. The first ran in January of 1975 (produced in ’74), the second aired in October ’78.
Previously on 70s Spots: Dodge & Chrysler ‘The Clincher!’ (1975)
Sears ‘Free Spirit’ 10-Speed Bike. (‘Boy’s Life’ magazine, June 1976)
“I rode the Free Spirit 10-Speed 349 back-road miles for Sears. From Boston to Philadelphia in six days, and it’s still going strong.”
Ride on! Sears ‘Free Spirit’ 10-Speed Bike originally appeared in the June, 1976 issue of Boy’s Life magazine.
(Source: Boy’s Life)
Previously on Rad Ads: Kmart’s Trax Athletic Shoes (1976)
‘Mad Max’ trailer title, 1979.
In honor of the digital and disc release of Mad Max: Fury Road and the Mad Max video game, here’s the 1979 trailer for Mad Max.
Mad Mel.
Mad Max was directed by George Miller, and stars Mel Gibson as the title character. Like the many car wrecks featured within, you just can’t turn away from the spectacle of this bizarre film.
Previously on Trailer Tuesday: ‘Airport’ (1970)
‘Just for you here’s a love song…’ (Dave Vanian & The Damned, 1979)
Here’s The Damned performing a chaotic, “we don’t give a damn” lip-sync version of “Love Song.” The clip comes from the band’s appearance on the UK’s Top of the Pops in 1979.
I saw The Damned play two days ago and it was a fantastic show. They are still putting on one hell of a gig. The band’s current tour is highly recommended.
Previously on Music for Monday: Elvis, ‘Polk Salad Annie’ (Live ’70)
More of The Damned at Bionic Disco: The Damned, ‘New Rose’ (1976)
“The Clincher!” (Chrysler -Dodge commercial, 1975)
“The Clincher! It’s going to take better care of the people who buy Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth cars.”
Alrighty, let’s roll into the commercial oldies! Today, we’re in January of 1975 for two Chrysler-Dodge spots.
First, we have one for “The Clincher” warranty deal featuring some early video (rather than film) production. After that, a Dodge pickup spot that seems to be going out of its way to ignore women. It’s directed at “men who prefer trucks over cars.” Chrysler history on display below.
Previously on 70s Spots: SpaghettiOs & Fannie Flagg (1974)
Yum? (SpaghettiOs commercial, 1974)
“Uh oh, SpaghettiOs!”
As we head into an extended weekend here in the US, let’s fire up a few vintage commercials to get us in a relaxed mood.
Here’s two spots from January 1974, that were likely produced in ’73. Firstly, one for Franco-American SpaghettiOs. After that, actor and author, Fannie Flagg for Sanka coffee. SpaghettiOs & decaffeinated coffee? Why not!
*Update: Eagle-eared reader, jb points out: “Sounds like Barry Manilow singing that Spaghetti-O’s jingle.”
Previously on 70s Spots: John Newcombe & Tuborg Gold Beer (1978)