Robert Redford and his pre-mountain-man face Jeremiah Johnson, 1972
40-years-ago next month, Warner Brothers released Sydney Pollack’s Jeremiah Johnson to theaters.
The adventure epic stars Robert Redford (hot off his appearance in The Candidate) as a man disillusioned with his time served in the Mexican War. Johnson drops out of society and moves to the frigid mountains to be alone. Both joy and sorrow follow.
I can remember my Mother taking me to see this film when I was only six-years-old and I really took to it. In fact, all of us who went, loved it. Growing up, I listed it as one of my favorite movies. I don’t think I’ve seen Jeremiah Johnson in 30 years. Time to throw a log on the fire, put my feet up and remedy that.
Get back! Elton John performs ‘Honky Cat’ live in London, 1972
I spent the last hour searching around looking for a good 1970s song relevant to Veteran’s Day (technically yesterday, but many have today off as a holiday) and came up empty. I had a few options in mind but no quality visuals could be uncovered.
Instead, let’s listen to Elton John, live in London, belting out “Honky Cat” as he debuts his Honky Chateau L.P. in ’72. A great song celebrates the living and those who have passed into the beyond. Kick it cats!
It’s a patriotic day, right? George Hamilton is ‘Evel Knievel,’ 1971
It’s time to kick back and watch a movie on this long weekend. Apparently the 1971 film, Evel Knievel, starring George Hamilton, is now public domain and fair game for posting and “enjoying.”
If you can get through the opening monologue you’ve got it made. There’s actual footage in this one of Evel’s leaps and spills. Fire that sucker up and I hope you make the jump!
Stay for the footage of Knievel cracking himself to pieces Caesar’s Palace, 1967
Hey folks, here’s a tasty trio of 70s-related stories I’ve been collecting for you over the past few weeks; “Jimmy Carter: Rock’n’roll president,” Jenny Agutter awarded an Order of the British Empire, and a story on a 1972 #1 song from Italy sung in gibberish. They will amaze and delight your senses. Dig in!
Jimmy Carter: Rock’n’roll president?
A rock ‘n’ roll summit circa 1977; Jimmy Carter, Cher, Gregg Allman Photo: Peter Bregg/AP/The Guardian
UK paper, The Guardian, pulled a story out of their archives entitled “Jimmy Carter: Rock’n’roll president?” which takes a look at the just-elected president and his connection to the 1970s rock industry. The Allman Brothers? Bob Dylan? Buddies of ol’ Carter. Read about it.
The Guardian Quote:
“Carter, though, went even further. His mainline connection with the rock world is through Phil Walden, manager of the now defunct Allman Brothers Band and head of Capricorn Records.
As Governor of Georgia, Carter was responsible for adding various anti-piracy (bootlegging) laws into the legislation, laws which obviously affected Walden’s record business. Thus the two were brought together in a mutually co-operative venture, and a close friendship developed.
Throughout this year a number of Capricorn acts have played benefit concerts to raise money for Carter’s campaign and Carter, in turn, has introduced the Allman Brothers on stage. He did this very simply.
‘I’d like to say one thing,’ he’d yell in his Southern accent to a stadium full of fans anticipating the ABB. ‘My name is Jimmy Carter and I’m running for President. I’d like to introduce you to my friends, the Allman Brothers.'”
Jenny Agutter awarded OBE for services to charity
Jenny Agutter and her OBE Photo: Sean Dempsey/GETTY/The Telegraph
Actress Jenny Agutter, lauded here at the ‘Disco for her work in Logan’s Run (1976) and Walkabout (1971), has been awarded the OBE for her charity work. You can read all about it here.
The Telegraph Quote:
“Film star Jenny Agutter was awarded an OBE on Friday for her tireless support for charities and accepted it for all those working for good causes. The actress has been a regular face on cinema and TV screens for more than 40 years, starring in a string of acclaimed and popular movies and TV programmes.
But today she was honoured for her efforts away from the bright lights, working to raise awareness and funds for charities close to her heart.”
It’s Gibberish, But Italian Pop Song Still Means Something
You don’t need to comprehend to love Adriano Celentano and “Prisencolinensinainciusol”
Read this story on NPR and watch this excellent early-70s video presenting Adriano Celentano and his number one hit tune (released ’72, performed ’74) “Prisencolinensinainciusol,” sung in complete gibberish. Fantastico!
NPR Quote:
“In November 1972, Italian pop star Adriano Celentano released a song, “Prisencolinensinainciusol,” that hit No. 1 in his home country, despite the fact it wasn’t performed in Italian.
It also wasn’t performed in English. In fact, it wasn’t performed in any language at all.
The song, called ‘Prisencolinensinainciusol,’ was written to mimic the way English sounds to non-English speakers.
Celentano, now 74 years old, says that he wanted to break down language barriers and inspire people to communicate more.”
“In a bottle was a chick only two inches tall” ‘Hanna-Barbera’s ‘Jeannie,’ 1973
Hanna-Barbera’s Jeannie cartoon was an animated re-imagining of the live-action hit, I Dream of Jeannie. The series originally ran on CBS from September through December, 1973. Later, in 1977, the show was re-packaged and included in episodes of Fred Flintstone and Friends.
“Yazzle Dazzle!”
The animated version of Jeannie, now sporting red hair, was voiced by Julie McWhirter. Her magical, bumbling side-kick, Babu, was played by Joe Besser of The Three Stooges. Jeannie’s master, Corey, was played by Mark (Luke Skywalker) Hamill. Corey’s best buddy, Henry, was played by Bob Hastings.
I remember Jeannie well and watched it frequently as a child. I never realized as a Star Wars fanatic just a few years later that I already knew Hamill from numerous Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Also, I’ll point out that I always heard Babu’s catch-phrase as “Yazzle Dazzle!,” as opposed to Wikipedia’s listing of “Yapple Dapple!” I re-checked and wouldn’t you know it – it is “Yapple Dapple!” Live and learn. I still think “Yazzle Dazzle!” is better but whatareyagonnado?
The ‘Busting Loose’ crew led by Adam Arkin (right), 1977
Busting Loose, a comedy starring Adam Arkin, ran on CBS over a 10-month period in 1977. The show debuted in January and ran through May, Monday evenings at 8:30 PM. From July to November, 1977 the show switched to Wednesdays (again at 8:30).
‘Busting Loose’ followed ‘Good Times’ in the CBS ’77 line-up
Arkin played engineering school graduate, Lenny Markowitz, “Busting Loose” from his overprotective parents and moving into his own apartment. To temporarily earn some money, Arkin goes to work in a nearby shoe store. Co-workers, wacky neighbors and buddies were played by Ralph Wilcox (Raymond), Barbara Rhoades (Melody), Danny Goldman (Lester), Steve Nathan (Allan), Greg Antonacci (Vinnie) and Paul Sylvan (Woody).
