Show Toppers: ‘Turnabout’ (1979)

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'Turnabout' TV title, 1979

‘Turnabout’ TV title, 1979

Turnabout originally ran Friday evenings on NBC from January through March, 1979. The sitcom starred John Schuck (Holmes & YoYo) as Sam and Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey) as Penny – a married couple who magically switch places. Sam’s spirit enters Penny’s body and vice versa – thanks to a mysterious Gypsy statue in their home. Laughter and awkward situations, such as Sam visiting a gynecologist, ensued. For around six weeks.

Sharon Gless and John Schuck in 'Turnabout.' (NBC promo photo, 1979)

Sharon Gless and John Schuck in ‘Turnabout.’ (NBC promo photo, 1979)

It’s quite difficult to scrounge up info on Turnabout (only what you see below is to be found on YouTube, for example) and I only have the vaguest memories of the show myself. Here’s the intro for the almost-forgotten series which was based on a 1931 novel. Enjoy.

‘Turnabout’ TV Intro, 1979

Turnabout Wiki, IMDb

Previously on Show Toppers: Mark Hamill in ‘The Texas Wheelers’ (1974)

Daily 70s Spot: Magic Johnson for 7-Up (1979)

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'Reachin' up. Feelin' up.' (Magic Johnson for 7-Up, 1979)

‘Reachin’ up. Feelin’ up.’ (Magic Johnson for 7-Up, 1979)

“America is turnin’ 7-Up!”

Daily 70s Spot (celebrity week) time. Here’s a sporty 7-Up commercial starring ‘Magic’ Johnson of the L.A. Lakers, Dave Kingman of the Chicago Cubs and Don Maloney of the N.Y. Rangers. Spot aired in October of 1979.

Daily 70s Spot #104: Magic Johnson for 7-Up, 1979

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: John Ritter for Listerine (1976)

Mood Music: Elton John, ‘Tiny Dancer’ (live ’71)

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'Blue jean baby. L.A. lady. Seamstress for the band ...' (Elton John, 1971)

‘Blue jean baby. L.A. lady. Seamstress for the band …’ (Elton John, 1971)

Mood Music time. Here’s Elton John performing “Tiny Dancer” live on the UK’s Old Grey Whistle Test in 1971.

This performance likely dates from around September, 1971 and one of the first episodes of Whistle Test. “Tiny Dancer,” written by John and Bernie Taupin, was recorded in the summer of ’71 and released as a single in February of 1972. The song just barely missed the Top 40 in the US (#41) but over the years has become one of John’s best-loved songs and a staple of classic rock radio.

Elton John ‘Tiny Dancer,’ Live On ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test,’ 1971

Previously on Mood Music: Paul McCartney & Wings, ‘Mull of Kintyre’

Daily 70s Spot: John Ritter for Listerine (1976)

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John Ritter enjoying fresh breath (Listerine, 1976)

John Ritter enjoying fresh breath (Listerine, 1976)

“More than a mouthwash.”

Our Daily 70s Spot (celebrity week) is for Listerine mouthwash and stars John Ritter of Three’s Company fame. The spot aired in July of 1976 (at the height of Bicentennial madness) before Ritter became a breakout star with the Three’s Company launch in March of ’77.

Daily 70s Spot #103: John Ritter for Listerine, 1976

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Johnny Bench for Gillette (1970)

Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ (1970)

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Butch Patrick is Milo in 'The Phantom Tollbooth,' 1970

Butch Patrick is Milo in ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ 1970

The movie version of Norton Juster’s classic children’s book, The Phantom Tollbooth, was directed by Chuck Jones, Abe Levitow and Dave Monahan and saw theatrical release in November, 1970.

The animated version of Butch Patrick in 'The Phantom Tollbooth,' 1970

The animated version of Butch Patrick in ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ 1970

The film stars Butch Patrick (The Munsters, Lidsville) as Milo, a disinterested and eternally-bored youth who journeys on a series of inventive and enlightening adventures. The film is a mix of live-action (primarily the first 10 minutes) and animation and features voice work by cartoon greats such as; Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny), Daws Butler (Yogi Bear), June Foray (Rocket J. Squirrel) and Hans Conried (Grinch).

The Phantom Tollbooth Theatrical Trailer, 1970

The Phantom Tollbooth Wiki, IMDb

The_Phantom_Tollbooth_1-Sheet_1970

Previously on Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh’ (1979)

Daily 70s Spot: Johnny Bench for Gillette (1970)

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Johnny Bench for Gillette (1970)

Johnny Bench for Gillette (1970)

Continuing the celebrity-themed week – our Daily 70s Spot stars Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds. Here we see Bench selling Gillette Platinum Blades. Spot aired in November of 1970.

1970 was a good year for the young ballplayer. That year, Bench won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award and led the league with 45 home runs and 148 RBIs.

Daily 70s Spot #102: Johnny Bench for Gillette, 1970

Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Tom Selleck for Close-Up toothpaste (1977)