“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.
Daily 70s Spot #58: Digger The Dog Commercial, 1978
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.
Jim Croce, ‘Workin’ at the Car Wash Blues,’ Live, 1973
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.
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!
Edith creates her Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing in secret
Daily 70s Spot time. Here’s a fun one for Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Salad Dressing. The actress playing “Edith” (I’m afraid I don’t know her name) makes the spot enjoyable with her personable, humorous disposition. Commercial aired in the late 1970s.
The Bob Newhart Show originally ran on CBS from September, 1972 to April, 1978. This beloved sitcom about a Chicago psychologist, his wife, neighbor, co-workers and patients was a top 20 ratings success in its first three seasons (where it followed The Mary Tyler Moore Show on Saturday evenings).
Suzanne Pleshette as Emily Hartley
Comedian Bob Newhart starred as Dr. Robert Hartley and Suzanne Pleshette (d. 2008) played his wife, Emily. Bill Daily co-starred as neighbor, Howard, and Peter Bonerz and Marcia Wallace played Newhart’s co-workers Jerry and Carol. A huge raft of performers made appearances as Newhart’s neurotic and humorously-agitated patients. Those you may remember included; Jack Riley (Elliot), John Fiedler (Emil), Florida Friebus (Lillian) and Renée Lippin (Michelle).
Howard (Bill Daily) and Bob (Bob Newhart)
My favorite character on the show was Howard, played by Bill Daily. Airline navigator Howard was bumbling but always friendly and lovable. Daily almost seemed to be continuing his portrayal of Major Healey on I Dream of Jeannie. Enjoy a 1977-era opening for The Bob Newhart Show below with its later season, funky theme song.
