Yankee great, Mickey Mantle wants to cure your itching feet. (NP27, 1975)
Daily 70s Spot time. There’s nothing worse on a Monday morning than a case of Athlete’s Foot. Here’s Hall-of-Famer Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees for NP27 Foot Spray. Commercial aired in August of 1975.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Digger the Dog (1978)
Hello, good people. I hope your weekend is going well. Here at the ‘Disco the 1970s-related stories have been piling up. Read on for a collection of articles you may find fascinating regarding the original cast of Star Wars, comedian and ventriloquist act, Willie Tyler and Lester, recent passings of 70s-era notables and more.
Ford, Fisher, Hamill in talks for new ‘Star Wars’
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. (‘Star Wars,’ 1977)
According to Reuters (and others) it’s looking good that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will be reprising their roles and appearing in Disney’s recently-announced Star Wars sequels.
Reuters Quote:
“Disney bought George Lucas’ Lucasfilm company in October 2012 for $4.05 billion, and announced three new installments of the widely popular ‘Star Wars’ franchise, which has grossed more than $4.4 billion at the global box office. Fans of the franchise have been eager to know whether any of the original cast members would be back.”
An Interview with Willie Tyler and Lester
Willie Tyler & Lester on ‘The Jeffersons,’ 1978 (Photo: Classic Television Showbiz)
Do you remember comedian and ventriloquist Willie Tyler and his “partner” Lester? Willie & Lester were regulars on Laugh-In, made guest appearances on a number of 70s TV shows including; The Jeffersons (1978), Lola! (1976) and The Electric Company (1972-73) and even appeared in the film Coming Home (1978). Kliph Nesteroff at Classic Television Showbiz has a wonderful, two-part interview with a pleasantly non-bitter Tyler that you’ll enjoy reading.
Classic Television Showbiz Quote:
“Kliph Nesteroff: You were on The Flip Wilson Show a few times.
Willie Tyler: Yes, I have a photo of myself with Flip Wilson. I did his show and the picture has Lester and I with Flip and Flip is holding another ventriloquist figure. The ventriloquist figure that he had was actually my extra Lester and they dressed him up in drag like Geraldine.”
Recent Passings of 70s-Era Notables
Bonnie Franklin, ‘One Day at a Time’ TV intro, 1976
Bonnie Franklin, actress, One Day at a Time
Cleotha Staples of the Staple Singers
Alvin Lee, guitarist for Ten Years After
Damon Harris of The Temptations
Richard Street of The Temptations
Frank Pooler, teacher and musical adviser for The Carpenters
Stuart Freeborn, Star Wars Makeup and creature effects icon
Michael Winner, film director, Death Wish
Taiho, dominating sumo wrestling champion
Other 70s-related stories you may wish to read:
Luke Skywalker’s house – Rä di Martino’s best photograph
The Tale of the Forgotten Cristy Bar! at CollectingCandy.com
“Walkin’ Digger, Mom!”
“Digger the Dog. Digger, he goes with you. When you explore. Just pull his leash.”
Our Daily 70s Spot for Sunday pokes your memory-bone with Romper Room’s Digger the Dog toy. If you grew up in the 70s and early-80s you’ve seen this spot a few hundred times. Heck, I still find the song popping into my mind on occasion. Never had a Digger toy (I was already past the toddler age when it debuted) but this one sure has stuck with me.
The commercial aired in 1978 but was produced earlier – around 1974 or so. Take it for a walk.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Brim Coffee (1973)
Jim Croce charms ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test,’ 1973
Here’s Jim Croce and his musical partner Maury Muehleisen performing “Workin’ at the Car Wash Blues” on The Old Grey Whistle Test (UK) in July of 1973. The song appeared on Croce’s I Got a Name L.P. and hit #32 on the Billboard “Hot 100” (#9 “Adult Contemporary”).
Two months after the performance below, both Croce and Muehleisen were killed in a plane crash in September of ’73.
Previously, on Mood Music: Bay City Rollers, ‘Yesterday’s Hero’ (Japan ’76)
Your morning ration of coffee. (Brim commercial, 1973)
This morning, I’ve brewed up a fresh Daily 70s Spot for Brim Decaffeinated Coffee. Brim has been off the market for about 16 years but may be re-launched soon as a “healthier” coffee option.
The commercial below aired in February of 1973. Drink your fill.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing (late 1970s)
‘The Ghost Busters’ TV title, 1975
Filmation’s live-action kid’s series, The Ghost Busters originally ran from September through December, 1975. 15 episodes were produced. The show features a trio of apparition-chasing detectives; Kong (Forrest Tucker), Eddie Spencer (Larry Storch) and Tracy the Gorilla (Bob Burns).
Who ya gonna call? (L-R: Eddie Spencer (Larry Storch), Kong (Forrest Tucker), Tracy (Bob Burns)
Yes, these three ne’er-do-wells were the first “Ghost Busters” and beat Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray to the screen by nine years. Catch the intro for the series below and have a happy Funshine Friday!
Previously, on Funshine Friday: ‘The Ant and the Aardvark’ – ‘Don’t Hustle An Ant With Muscle’