What a dapper Snapper! (Snapper Riding Mower commercial, 1975)
“For a good job – done fast.”
Righto, time to hop on our Daily 70s Spot and ride it around the lawn. Here’s a snappy little commercial for the Snapper Riding Mower. Spot aired in August of 1975. 38 fertilizing seasons ago.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Early GTE Computer System (1978)
‘Rubber Duckie I am awfully fond of you…’ (‘Sesame Street,’ 1970)
To assist you in the creation of a most wonderful weekend, Bionic Disco joyfully presents Sesame Street‘s Ernie singing his signature tune, “Rubber Duckie.”
This particular clip is the second appearance of the song on Sesame Street and occurred during season two in 1970. Did you know that “Rubber Duckie”(written by Jeff Moss) was a top 20 tune on Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart in September, 1970? Fact!
‘SESAME STREET’ SEASON TWO: ERNIE SINGS ‘RUBBER DUCKIE,’ 1970
“Rubber Duckie” at Muppet Wiki
Previously on Funshine Friday: ‘Battle Of The Planets’ (1978)
Advanced electronics circa late 70s (GTE commercial, 1978)
“Gee!” “No, GTE.”
Let’s flick the switch on our Daily 70s Spot. Today we have a GTE commercial featuring an early computerized communications system for hospitals. I love looking at old tech like this. It was so cutting-edge at the time and now appears archaic. Spot aired in July of 1978.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Esso (Exxon) Gasoline (1971)
‘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)
Esso gasoline helps eliminate ‘drivey sad face’ (Esso, 1971)
“Esso is doing more.”
OK, time to “fill ‘er up” with our Daily 70s Spot. Here we have an Esso Gasoline commercial touting the horrors of vehicle “hesitation.” Spot aired in October of 1971. Not long after, I believe just a few months later in ’72, Esso changed their name to Exxon.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: ‘Coke Adds Life’ Coca-Cola ‘Waterfall’ (1978)
I’m not sure it ‘adds life,’ but it does look refreshing (Coca-Cola, 1978)
“Is it hot where you are? It’s cool where we are. Ice cold Coca-Cola.”
Let’s pour out our Daily 70s Spot. Today we have a Coca-Cola commercial featuring the long-running “Coke adds life” campaign. We also have a lovely, gurgling waterfall and a sing-a-long tune. It must be summertime. Spot aired in July of 1978.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Mercury Marquis (1972)