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)
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