Judd Hirsch argues with himself over polyester slacks (JCPenney, 1972)
Your Daily 70s Spot for Friday features a pre-Taxi Judd Hirsch for JCPenney polyester slacks. Watch Hirsch split into three and chat with himself about the merits of JCPenny’s $13.00 washable trousers. These pants have such a lovely burgundy color and prominent creases. How could you deny them? Commercial grabbed in November, 1972.
Daily 70s Spot: Pabst Blue Ribbon ‘Stunt Boats’ commercial (1977)
‘1-Adam-12, 1-Adam-12. See the post at Bionic Disco. A disturbance.’ (Kent McCord & Martin Milner, 1973)
Show Toppers is now in session. Today, we take a look at a cop classic featuring a pair of L.A.’s finest, patrolling the streets in Adam-12. Created by Dragnet‘s Jack Webb (along with R.A. Cinader,) Adam-12 originally ran for seven seasons from September, 1968 to May, 1975. The series had a healthy re-run life throughout the 1970s and beyond.
William Boyett is Sgt. ‘Mac’ MacDonald (Adam-12, 1973)
Adam-12 starred Martin Milner as the seasoned pro, Officer Pete Malloy, and Kent McCord as the fresh, young rookie, Officer Jim Reed. William Boyett co-starred as the pair’s station sergeant, “Mac” MacDonald. Gary Crosby (Bing’s son) made frequent guest appearances as the somewhat smug, Officer Wells.
In recent months, I’ve been re-watching Adam-12 (the whole shebang is available on Netflix) and have been enjoying the blast of nostalgia. I’m currently midway through 1971 and the rapport between Malloy and Reed is still a decent reason to watch. However, I take particular pleasure in recognizing various Los Angeles locations and noting what changes the ensuing decades have brought. The hippy-holdover fashions and hip lingo of the youthful citizens is smile-inducing as well.
Two clips are up for you to spy below. The first is the season 6 intro from 1973 and the second is a rather cool and rare promo from around 1975. See the woman. Shots fired…
‘ADAM-12’ SEASON 6 TV INTRO (1973)
RARE ‘ADAM-12’ NBC PROMO (1975)
Previously, on Show Toppers: The Streets of San Francisco
Remember, kids – speed boats and drinking don’t mix (Pabst Blue Ribbon, 1977)
Water! Flames! Beer! Here’s your Daily 70s Spot and it’s time for action! Strap in tight for this manly Pabst Blue Ribbon commercial featuring a crew of hard-working stunt boat pilots. Commercial captured from the tube in 1977. Oh, and don’t hold me to this – but it sure sounds like actor David Janssen providing the narration.
“Pabst Blue Ribbon knows that to pilot a boat through a wall of flame…is a challenge that’s just not for everyone.”
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Haggar Polyester Clothing ‘Fortune Teller’ commercial (1978)
“I never have lived – so I never grow old!” (‘H.R. Pufnstuf,’ ‘Mechanical Boy,’ 1969)
I double-dog dare you to watch the H.R. Pufnstuf clip below and refrain from singing along. You’ll find it very difficult not to join in as Jimmy (Jack Wild) belts out this brief and wonderful tune.
H.R. Pufnstuf‘s fourth episode, featuring the song in question, originally aired in September of 1969, but kids grew up watching and singing along throughout the 1970s. Go, Artful Dodger, go!
Previously, on Mood Music: Chet Atkins plays Joplin’s ‘The Entertainer’ (1975)
“I see much polyester in your future.” (Haggar commercial, 1978)
Your Daily 70s Spot for Wednesday features Haggar and their “Dacron Polyester” clothing line. A drab young fellow visits a fortune teller who magically shows him the delights of a new Haggar polyester wardrobe. Commercial captured in November of 1978. Remember Haggar because “looking good makes you feel good.”
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Maxim Coffee ‘You’ll swear it perked’ commercial (1976)
Irwin Allen’s The Swarm, 1978
The Swarm buzzed angrily into theaters in July of 1978. Arriving near the end of the “Disaster Flick” era, Irwin Allen’s The Swarm fared poorly with both critics and movie-goers. Not even a summertime launch, a decent budget and a huge roster of respected film stars could save this tale of African killer bees on the rampage.
Just a few of the actors who tried valiantly to make this movie watchable included; Michael Caine, Henry Fonda, Richard Widmark, Olivia de Havilland, Katharine Ross and Fred MacMurray (in his final film role). Of course, something this awful stills warrants a viewing for the sheer pomp and circumstance. Let the trailer sting you below.
The Swarm Wiki, IMDb
The Swarm review at Every70sMovie
Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: Play It Again, Sam