Funshine Friday: ‘Sesame Street’: Ernie Sings ‘Rubber Duckie’ (1970)

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'Rubber Duckie I am awfully fond of you...' ('Sesame Street,' 1970)

‘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)

Daily 70s Spot: Early GTE Computer System (1978)

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Advanced electronics circa late 70s (GTE commercial, 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.

Daily 70s Spot #210: Early GTE Computer System Commercial, 1978

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Esso (Exxon) Gasoline (1971)

Show Toppers: Claude Akins In ‘Movin’ On’ (1974)

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'Movin' On' TV title, 1974

‘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)

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!

‘Movin’ On’ TV Intro, 1974

‘Movin’ On’ TV Outro, 1975

Movin’ On Wiki, IMDb

Previously on Show Toppers: ‘Lou Grant’ (1977)

Daily 70s Spot: Esso (Exxon) Gasoline (1971)

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Esso gasoline helps eliminate 'drivey sad face' (Esso, 1971)

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.

Daily 70s Spot #209: Esso (Exxon) Gasoline Commercial, 1971

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: ‘Coke Adds Life’ Coca-Cola ‘Waterfall’ (1978)

Daily 70s Spot: ‘Coke Adds Life’ Coca-Cola ‘Waterfall’ (1978)

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I'm not sure it 'adds life,' but it does look refreshing (Coca-Cola, 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.

Daily 70s Spot #208: ‘Coke Adds Life’ Coca-Cola ‘Waterfall’ Commercial, 1978

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Mercury Marquis (1972)

Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Groove Tube’ (1974)

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'Just You, Just Me''s dancin' fool ('The Groove Tube,' 1974)

‘Just You, Just Me”s dancin’ fool (‘The Groove Tube,’ 1974)

The Groove Tube hit theaters in January of 1974. This low-budget comedy, written produced and starring Ken Shapiro, parodied television with a series of wild, off-color segments. Sketches included a kids show take-off with Koko the Clown reading illicit literature to children and an evening news parody that directly influenced Saturday Night Live‘s Weekend Update.

Richard Belzer (L) and Ken Shapiro (R) in 'The Groove Tube,' 1974

Richard Belzer (L) and Ken Shapiro (R) in ‘The Groove Tube,’ 1974

The Groove Tube was produced for 200k and went on to earn over 20 million at the box office. You’ll want to tune in for the first film work by Chevy Chase and comedian Richard Belzer.

Here’s the original theatrical trailer and my favorite moment, the “Just You, Just Me” dance in the streets of NYC.

‘The Groove Tube’ Theatrical Trailer, 1974

‘The Groove Tube’: Ken Shapiro, ‘Just You, Just Me,’ 1974

The Groove Tube Wiki, IMDb

The_Groove_Tube_1-Sheet_1974

Previously on Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Last Detail’ (1973)