Trailer Tuesday: Disney’s The World’s Greatest Athlete

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There he is - 'The World's Greatest Athlete'! (Jan-Michael Vincent, 1973)

There he is – ‘The World’s Greatest Athlete’! (Jan-Michael Vincent, 1973)

Walt Disney Productions’ The World’s Greatest Athlete isn’t a particularly well-remembered movie. The sports comedy released 40-years-ago this month (February, 1973) and was quite successful in its day, ending up the 16th highest-grossing film of the year. That’s higher than classics like Sleeper and High Plains Drifter.

Jan-Michael Vincent starred as Nanu, a Tarzan-like orphan from Africa who is fast enough to outrun a speeding cheetah. A desperate-for-success college coach from America, Sam Archer (John Amos) and his assistant, Milo (Tim Conway) discover Nanu and cart him off to the US. Amazement and Disney-approved chuckles await the stunned collegiate crowds. Howard Cosell makes an appearance as a track announcer to provide some 1970s sports authority to the farcical proceedings.

I couldn’t come up with the proper theatrical trailer but here’s a nifty 30-second TV spot from ’73 and a 90-second clip from the film. Disney is offering up the movie for rent if you are so inclined. Run it.

The World’s Greatest Athlete, TV Trailer, 1973

The World’s Greatest Athlete, Clip with Howard Cosell, 1973

The World’s Greatest Athlete Wiki, IMDb
The World’s Greatest Athlete review at Every70sMovie

Disney_The_Worlds_Greatest_Athlete_1-sheet_1973

Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: The Swarm

Daily 70s Spot: Leslie Nielsen for Ford Motors commercial (1972)

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'Surely, you must be interested in buying a Ford?' ('Yes, but stop calling me Shirley.')

‘Surely, you must be interested in buying a Ford?’ (‘Yes, but stop calling me Shirley.’)

A rather serious, pre-Airplane! Leslie Nielsen stars in our Daily 70s Spot for Tuesday. Nielsen wants to send you the “Car Buying Made Easier” book and help you better understand the benefits of owing a Ford. The commercial aired in November of 1972.

Daily 70s Spot #25: Leslie Nielsen for Ford Motors Commercial, 1972

Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Ziggy cartoon glasses commercial (1978)

Music for Monday: David Dundas, ‘Jeans On’ (1976)

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Nice jacket, Lord Dundas! (David Dundas, 'Jeans On,' 1976)

Nice jacket, Lord Dundas! (David Dundas, ‘Jeans On,’ 1976)

David Dundas (now, Lord David Dundas) released his song “Jeans On” in 1976. The tune, originally written for Brutus Jeans TV commercials, rose to #1 in Germany, #3 in the UK and #17 in the US (Feb. 1977).

My guess is that you may have completely forgotten about this song but once you hear it again memories will come flooding back. Wear it!

(*The original clip was removed from youtube. Here’s a replacement. Not as good, but better than none.)

David Dundas, ‘Jeans On’ (1976)

Previously, on Music for Monday: George Harrison, ‘My Sweet Lord’ (live,’71)

Daily 70s Spot: Ziggy cartoon glasses commercial (1978)

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Raise a glass - here's to good friends! (Ziggy character glasses, 1978)

Raise a glass – here’s to good friends! (Ziggy character glasses, 1978)

A short and sweet Daily 70s Spot is now ready for your viewing pleasure. This one is a 15 second commercial for Ziggy cartoon character 7-Up glasses at Kenny King’s. The spot was captured in May, 1978. Kenny King’s is a now-defunct Ohio restaurant chain that was later bought out by KFC.

Daily 70s Spot #24: Ziggy 7-Up Glasses at Kenny King’s Commercial, 1978

Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Bic Pens ‘Frankenstein’ commercial (1972)

Daily 70s Spot: Bic Pens ‘Frankenstein’ commercial (1972)

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Frankie thinks Bic is slick (Bic commercial, 1972)

Frankie thinks Bic is slick (Bic commercial, 1972)

Daily 70s Spot time. Why is Frankenstein encased in ice and why is a Bic pen his savior? Watch this spooky, silly commercial recorded from the television airwaves in August of 1972 and scratch your bolted-heads in wonder. The Bic ice-pick. Write on!

Daily 70s Spot #23: Bic Pens ‘Frankenstein’ Commercial, 1972

Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Hawaiian Punch ‘Win Hawaii Sweepstakes’ commercial (Late 1970s)

70s Shots: The Reapers, Bowies & Bee Gees

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Welcome to the weekend. Here’s a trio of super 70s shots for you to soak up; a LIFE spread on early-70s NYC street gang The Reapers, David and Angie Bowie stepping out and the Bee Gees on the verge of winning five Grammy Awards. Feast upon the images.

Gang of New York: The Reapers, 1972

The Reapers, Eddie & Yevette, New York, 1972 (John Shearer, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

The Reapers, Eddie & Yevette, New York, 1972 (John Shearer, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Reapers photo source and further info: John Shearer—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images, LIFE article

Angie And David Bowie’s Edgy ’70s Style

Angie and David Bowie, UK, 1973 (John Rodgers/Redferns)

Angie and David Bowie, UK, 1973 (John Rodgers/Redferns)

Bowie photo source and further info: Redferns/Getty Images, Huffington Post article

Bee Gees up for 1979 Grammy Awards

Bee Gees Grammy Awards chat, Jan. 1979 (Mary Frampton/Los Angeles Times)

Bee Gees Grammy Awards chat, Jan. 1979 (Mary Frampton/Los Angeles Times)

Bee Gees photo source and further info: Mary Frampton/Los Angeles Times article

Previously, on 70s shots: Shazam! cast photos