“Handsome side-zip boots just $18.99.” (JCPenney, 1972)
“New looks (for men) like high heels…”
Our Daily 70s Spot is a “fashionable” one for JCPenney’s line of men’s shoes for fall 1972. Commercial aired in November ’72.
*Interesting note: I’m fairly certain the actor in this spot is Jerry Lacy who was a regular on TV’s Dark Shadows and portrayed Humphrey Bogart in Woody Allen’s film, Play It Again, Sam.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: The San Pedro Beach Bums’/’Charlie’s Angles’ promo (1977)
‘Inside Woody Allen’ Sunday title panel, 1978
In 1976, artist Stuart Hample launched the Inside Woody Allen comic strip and it ran for eight years, until 1984. Hample had much guidance from Woody Allen himself, who provided character insight as well as notes for jokes and comedic ideas.
‘Inside Woody Allen’ comic strip, 1978
In 1978 a strip collection book, Non-Being and Somethingness, was published. In 2009, another collection entitled Dread and Superficiality: Woody Allen as Comic Strip was released. Inside the book, Hample talks about the creation of the strip and the extent to which Allen provided feedback. Here’s a snippet:
“Woody always envisaged I’d give him a wisecracking, zeitgeisty cartoon that would deal with relationships, politics, social commentary. He wanted his strip to be amusing but also intelligent. But the anxious syndicate honchos demanded more gags and subjects accessible to the largest possible readership. Woody’s response was that an artist has to follow his own intuition, rather than obey some huckster driven by readership surveys.
This is borne out by my notes from a meeting with Woody, during which he said: ‘We will gain more than we will lose by establishing an identity; my tendency would be to risk being more offensive. I always believe that if I love a thing, 90% of the time there will be some people out there who also like it.’
Woody’s scribblings to me on the strips I sent for his approval offered suggestions: ‘The key is developing people. They must have desires – goals – so we are interested in them. I still feel you must be daring. The strip can probably exist on the level of ‘cute’ little jokes each day, but if you really want to involve the readers, it needs more substance – more plot.’
Another Woody reminder: ‘We need more strips I’m not in. My folks. My lovers.’ And another: ‘We must not just use jokes that exploit my image – jokes should have genuine insights. Don’t pander. Don’t be afraid to be far out. Lead your audience; don’t look to them to lead you.'”
‘Inside Woody Allen’ comic strip, 1978
Hop here for more from Hample and Allen at The Guardian and here for a batch of original strips.
‘Inside Woody Allen’ comic strip, 1978
Inside Woody Allen Wiki
Christopher Murney as ‘Buddy’ in ‘The San Pedro Beach Bums,’ 1977
Our Daily 70s Spot is a quick ABC promo for situation comedy, The San Pedro Beach Bums. The series only lasted for 10 episodes. This particular spot from fall 1977 promotes a cross-over appearance by Charlie’s Angels (Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith).
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Play-Doh Fuzzy Pumper Barber & Beauty Shop (1978)
Gene Wilder is George Caldwell in ‘Silver Streak,’ 1976
Comedic thriller, Silver Streak hit theaters in December of 1976 and ended up a top 10 money-earner for the year. The movie stars Gene Wilder as a book publisher (George Caldwell) who takes the “Silver Streak” train from Los Angeles to Chicago. Along the journey Wilder meets and falls for Jill Clayburgh (Hilly Burns), witnesses a death, is accused of murder, buddies up with Richard Pryor (Grover T. Muldoon) and survives numerous calamities.
This happened – and we rolled in the aisles. (Gene Wilder(L) and Richard Pryor(R))
Take a gander at the theatrical trailer below. It’s one of those coming attractions that gives away a bit too much of the film, but after 37 years do I still need to post a SPOILER warning? Hmm, I guess I just did.
Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: Robby Benson in ‘One on One’
“We’ll fix Mommy’s hair just so. You can make it with Play-Doh”
“Sit right down. Crank up the chair – as Daddy grows his Play-Doh hair…”
In our Daily 70s Spot we put the kids to work – in Kenner’s Play-Doh Fuzzy Pumper Barber & Beauty Shop. Commercial aired in 1978.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Mickey Mantle for NP27 Foot Spray (1975)
It’s a thin line between amazing and incredible. (The Persuaders, 1971)
Enjoy a taste of smooth R&B to keep the new week gliding along. Here’s The Persuaders performing “Thin Line Between Love and Hate” on Soul Train in 1971.
“Thin Line Between Love and Hate” appeared on the L.P. of the same name, hitting #1 on Billboard’s “R&B Chart” and #15 on the “Hot 100.” You may be familiar with The Pretenders 1984 version of the tune. Take a few minutes and soak up the original. You’ll be persuaded.
Previously, on Music for Monday: Stevie Wonder, ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’ (live, ’70)