Show Toppers: Petrocelli

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Lawyer for the defense, ‘Petrocelli,’ TV intro circa 1974

Petrocelli ran Wednesday nights at 10 PM on NBC from September, 1974 to March, 1976. The show starred Barry Newman as Boston defense lawyer, Tony Petrocelli who gives up big city life to move to the small town of San Remo (skillfully played by Tucson, Arizona).

Petrocelli kisses the missus. Street scene opening, 1974.

Petrocelli and his wife Maggie (Susan Howard) live in a camper-trailer and are assisted in business by investigator Pete Ritter (Albert Salmi,) a local cowboy. Guest stars included Mark Hamill, Marion Ross and Louis Gossett Jr.

Barry Newman first played the role of Petrocelli in a 1970 film called The Lawyer.

Petrocelli Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on Show Toppers: Swiss Family Robinson

Brady Bunch Moments: Dunking Alice

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Alice relaxes on the dunking machine. What could possibly go wrong?
The Brady Bunch, 1971

Welcome to another thought-provoking installment of Brady Bunch Moments. This time around we witness Alice joyfully flirting with disaster. You’ve got to admire her pluck and courage! Watch and be awed.

This wet ‘n’ wild scene is from the The Brady Bunch third season episode, “My Sister, Benedict Arnold” which originally aired on October 15, 1971.

Previously, on Brady Bunch Moments: Bedroom battle!

Trailer Tuesday: ‘Five Easy Pieces’ (1970)

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Jack “Hold the chicken” Nicholson
Five Easy Pieces, 1970

The top grossing film for this week (September 25th) in 1970 was Five Easy Pieces. Five Easy Pieces was directed by Bob Rafelson and stars Jack Nicholson as Robert Dupea who hides his background as a child prodigy and works in an oil field.

‘Five Easy Pieces,’ Trailer, 1970

This is the film that really made audiences and Hollywood stand up and take notice of Nicholson. It’s also the movie that features the famed diner scene where Nicholson squares off with a waitress and vainly attempts to have his order served to his liking. Catch the trailer.

Five Easy Pieces Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: Over the Edge

Music for Monday: Atlanta Rhythm Section, ‘So Into You’

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Atlanta Rhythm Section get ‘So Into You,’ on UK TV, 1977

Happy Monday. In keeping with the Southern Rock vibe established last week, here’s Atlanta Rhythm Section performing “So Into You” on the UK’s Old Grey Whistle Test TV show in 1977.

“So Into You” is ARS’ biggest hit reaching a height of #7 on the Billboard “Hot 100” in April of 1977. The tune comes from the band’s A Rock and Roll Alternative L.P. of December ’76.

Read up on the band’s history at AtlantaRhythmSection.com.

Previously, on Music for Monday: Lynyrd Skynyrd, ‘Gimme Three Steps’

A Bruce Lee Moment: Nunchucks at noon

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Bruce Lee is ‘Billy Lo’ in ‘Game of Death,’ 1972/1978

It’s time for A Bruce Lee Moment! This two-minute clip features a nunchaku battle where Lee faces off against the Third Floor Pagoda Guardian, Pasqual (Dan Inosanto). The battle comes to us courtesy of the film Game of Death.

Game of Death (released in 1978) features footage shot of Bruce Lee in 1972 and was “finished” by piecing that footage together with new actors and Lee doubles. Enjoy a brief moment with the real deal.

Game of Death Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on A Bruce Lee Moment: Destroying O’Hara

Mood Music: Rick Springfield, ‘Hooky Jo’

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Rick Springfield belts out ‘Hooky Jo’ on Aussie TV circa 1972

Here’s an odd bit of Mood Music for your Saturday that you may not have heard before – Rick Springfield’s “Hooky Jo” from 1972. The single comes from Springfield’s debut L.P., Beginnings.

“Hooky Jo” is super poppy and you’ll likely be singing along by the end of the tune. The song is about war but it’s hard to say which conflict. The Civil War? Vietnam? One thing’s for certain – you’ll never hear another cow bell and whistling breakdown this fantabulous. Enjoy!

Rick Springfield Wiki, Beginnings review at No Depression

Previously, on Mood Music: The Muppets, ‘Movin’ Right Along’