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.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Johnny Bench for Gillette (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 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 Wiki, IMDb
Previously on Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh’ (1979)
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.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Tom Selleck for Close-Up toothpaste (1977)
He speaks for the trees! (‘The Lorax,’ 1972)
Happy Earth Day! To celebrate the planet and stand vigilant against pollution and greed – here’s 38-seconds filled with sweet memories of Dr. Seuss’ Truffula trees and Bar-Ba-Loots.
The song “Under the Trees” first aired along with the entire CBS TV special, The Lorax, on February 14, 1972. For more on Earth Day visit Earth Day Network.
Previously for Earth Day: Earth Day 1970s: EPA’s ‘Documerica’ photos
Previously on Music for Monday: The Rutles, ‘Cheese and Onions’ (1978)
A pre-‘Magnum, P.I.,’ Tom Selleck flashes his pearly whites for Close-Up. (1977)
“Put your money where your mouth is.”
All this week (just for the gosh darn heck of it) our Daily 70s Spots will feature celebrities. To get us started, here’s a Close-Up toothpaste commercial starring Tom Selleck. Spot aired in 1977.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: #100: Budweiser ‘When do you say Bud?’ (1977)
Wow! 100 Daily 70s Spots! (Budweiser commercial, 1977)
“When do you say Budweiser?”
Holy cannoli! We’ve reached the 100th Daily 70s Spot! Not too shabby. I’ve posted 100 of these in-a-row for you – with more to come. Can I get a “Hurrah!”? Yep, thanks.
Here’s a Budweiser beer commercial that aired in July of 1977. Let it quench your thirst.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter (1976)