Show Toppers: ‘The American Girls’ (1978)

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'The American Girls,' TV title, 1978

‘The American Girls,’ TV title, 1978

On this edition of Show Toppers we have a little-known series that aired briefly in the late 70s. The American Girls originally ran Saturday evenings on CBS from late September to early November, 1978. The hour-long drama about TV news magazine reporters starred Priscilla Barnes (Three’s Company) as Rebecca Tomkins, Debra Clinger as Amy Waddell and David Spielberg (Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice) as TV producer, Francis X. Casey.

Priscilla Barnes (Rebecca) and Debra Clinger (Amy) are 'The American Girls,' 1978

Priscilla Barnes (Rebecca) and Debra Clinger (Amy) are ‘The American Girls,’ 1978

These spunky reporters weren’t content to simply report the stories they uncovered. The two would dive into dangerous, Charlie’s Angels-style adventures while digging up news for their TV show, The American Report.

I’ve got to admit, this show hasn’t held a place in my memory banks. Perhaps this one rings a bell for you? Take in the intro below.

The American Girls TV Intro, 1978

The American Girls Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on Show Toppers: ‘Delta House’ (1979)

Daily 70s Spot: Rolaids ‘Spells Relief’ Commercial (1976)

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"R.O.L.A.I.D.S." Oh, what a relief that spells.

“R.O.L.A.I.D.S.” Oh, what a relief that spells.

“How do you spell relief?”

If you ate a bit too much for lunch you’ll want to pay special attention to our Daily 70s Spot. This campaign for Rolaids Antacid Tablets went on for many years. In fact, it’s probably still going on somewhere…in the back of my mind. The commercial below aired in July of 1976.

Daily 70s Spot #83: Rolaids ‘Spells Relief’ Commercial, 1976

Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Care*Free Sugarless Gum ‘Ben Franklin’ (late 70s)

Rare McDonald’s ‘McDonaldland’ Industrial Film (1972)

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Hangin' with Mayor McCheese. ('McDonald's Setmakers,' 1972)

Hangin’ with Mayor McCheese. (‘McDonald’s Setmakers,’ 1972)

Here’s a rare and delightful time warp back to your childhood – when a visit to McDonald’s was still something to look forward to. In this 11-minute industrial film from 1972, Setmakers shows off the large line of park-like attractions they can build and install to attract customers to McDonald’s.

Why not vote for your McDonaldland favorite? Will it be the ‘Captain Crook Spiral Slide,’ ‘Mayor McCheese Roundabout,’ ‘Big Mac Climber’ or the ‘Pond with Filet o’ Fish Fountain’? Me, I’m going with the ‘Apple Pie Tree.’ Oh, yes.

Huge crowds at the first McDonaldland opening. ('McDonald's Setmakers,' 1972)

Huge crowds at the first McDonaldland opening. (‘McDonald’s Setmakers,’ 1972)

The 'Apple Pie Tree.' I need this in my dining room. ('McDonald's Setmakers,' 1972)

The ‘Apple Pie Tree.’ I need this in my dining room. (‘McDonald’s Setmakers,’ 1972)

MCDONALD’S ‘MCDONALDLAND’ SETMAKERS INDUSTRIAL FILM, 1972

Thanks, to YouTube poster, Panafelx. Visit his channel.

Daily 70s Spot: Care*Free Sugarless Gum ‘Ben Franklin’ (Late 70s)

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Moted!

Moted!

“Get more gum with Care*Free. 32% more.”

Our Daily 70s Spot presents a commercial for Care*Free Sugarless Gum with famed gum-chewer, Ben Franklin. This long-running spot aired in the late 1970s – something like ’75 or ’76 and beyond, capitalizing on the Founding Fathers/Bicentennial fever of the day.

Daily 70s Spot #82: Care*Free Sugarless Gum ‘Ben Franklin’ Commercial, Late 1970s

Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Chevrolet Concours (Late 70s)

Trailer Tuesday: ‘Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid’ (1973)

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'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid' trailer title, 1973

‘Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid’ trailer title, 1973

Sam Peckinpah’s Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid rode into theaters just shy of 40-years-ago, in May of 1973. The film follows lawman Pat Garrett (James Coburn) who has been hired by cattle barons to take down his old friend, Billy the Kid (Kris Kristofferson). The cast includes; Jason Robards, Slim Pickens, Jack Elam, Richard Jaeckel and singer, Rita Coolidge. Bob Dylan plays a small role and provided the film’s soundtrack. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” was originally written for the movie.

Bob Dylan as Alias in 'Pat Garret and Billy the Kid'

Bob Dylan as Alias in ‘Pat Garret and Billy the Kid’

Director Peckinpah battled with MGM executives over his vision for Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. The MGM money men won, taking the film away, re-editing and removing 20 minutes of footage. The version released was a critical and box office failure. 15 years later, Peckinpah’s cut of the movie was released and fared much better with critics, some hailing it as a classic.

Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid Theatrical Trailer, 1973

Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid Wiki, IMDb
Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid review at Every70sMovie

Pat_Garrett_And_Billy_The_Kid_1-Sheet_1973

Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: Robert Shaw in ‘Swashbuckler’ (1976)

Daily 70s Spot: Chevrolet Concours (1977)

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"In Europe, to show that an American car can challenge the highways of the world." (Chevrolet Concours, late 1970s)

“In Europe, to show that an American car can challenge the highways of the world.” (Chevrolet Concours, late 1970s)

“A world class luxury compact.”

Let’s roll into our Daily 70s Spot. Today we take a look at the Chevrolet Concours as the company shows off the vehicle during a European tour. Commercial aired in 1977.

Daily 70s Spot #81: Chevrolet Concours ‘In Europe’ Commercial, 1977

*Update: I’ve mostly confirmed this Chevy spot is from 1977 and the post has been updated.

Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Erlanger Beer Commercial (1979)