Funshine Friday: CB Bears

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Breaker breaker, good buddy – it’s the CB Bears

Hanna-Barbera’s CB Bears originally ran as a 1-hour block on NBC, September through December, 1977. CB Bears attempted to cash-in on three contemporary fads; truckers, disco and detective shows. The trio of starring bears were named after disco dances; Hustle, Boogie and Bump, and were undercover detectives posing as truckers. Daws Butler, Henry Corden and Chuck McCann provided the bear’s voices.

The CB Bears; Boogie, Hustle & Bump – are disco trucker thrash-collecting detectives. No, really.

Other shows in the cartoon block included; Blast-Off Buzzard, Heyyy, It’s the King, Posse Impossible, Shake, Rattle & Roll and Undercover Elephant. In later syndication, CB Bears was cut down to 30 minutes. Enjoy the intro and have a happy Funshine Friday!

CB Bears Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on Funshine Friday: Bailey’s Comets

Show Toppers: Diana Rigg in ‘Diana’

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‘Diana’ intro. NBC, 1973.

Diana was a short-lived TV sitcom starring Diana Rigg (The Avengers). Only 15 episodes were produced and they originally aired Mondays, 8:30-9:00 PM on NBC, beginning in September of 1973.

Diana Rigg takes time to stop and smell the daisies.
‘Diana,’ NBC, 1973

Rigg starred as Diana Smythe, a divorcee, who moved from London to New York City for a new lease on life. After taking over an apartment of her (absent) brother she is surprised to find that many strange women still have keys to the pad and make unannounced visits. David Sheiner, Richard B. Shull (Holmes & Yo-Yo) and Richard Mulligan (Soap) were also cast regulars.

Diana IMDb, DianaRigg.net

Previously, on Show Toppers: The New Adventures of Wonder Woman

Time covers 1977

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In posts past, we took a look at sober and sexy Time Magazine covers from 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976. Today, we turn our gaze to the year 1977.

Major events included Jimmy Carter’s first year as US President, Super Bowl XI with the Raiders and the Vikings, a story on the rise of Rupert Murdoch, “The Energy Crisis” and entertainment stories on Roots, Diane Keaton, Linda Ronstadt and Lily Tomlin.

By clicking one image you can easily enlarge and scroll through them all (look to the lower right and click the next image link).

Time/CoverBrowser

Trailer Tuesday: Dirty Little Billy

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“The real Billy the Kid wasn’t big or tough or brave…he was a punk.”

Revisionist Western, Dirty Little Billy, was released in November of 1972. The film was directed by Stan Dragoti (Love at First Bite) and stars Michael J. Pollard (Bonnie and Clyde) as Billy the Kid.

This is a strange little Western and I have a vague memory of watching it as a child. I’ve always been a big fan of Pollard but had forgotten about this film until stumbling onto the trailer. Reviews were mixed for Dirty Little Billy but I’m intrigued enough to watch it again in adulthood. Fire up the trailer and see what you think.

Dirty Little Billy Wiki, IMDb
Dirty Little Billy review at Every 70s Movie

Previously, on Trailer Tuesday: The Muppet Movie

Music for Monday: David Bowie, ‘Be My Wife’

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“Sometimes you get so lonely.”
David Bowie, 1977

Released in June of 1977, David Bowie’s “Be My Wife” comes from the Low L.P. The single didn’t fare very well on the charts and seems to be forgotten by modern radio. Still, it’s an excellent tune and deserves a three-minute viewing.

Bowie’s previous single, “Sound and Vision,” and the single that followed “Be My Wife,” “Heroes,” grabbed greater attention from the public.

Previously, on Music for Monday: Van Halen, ‘Dance the Night Away’

70s Spots: Doritos With Avery Schreiber

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“The great flavor of Cheeeeeese”
Avery Schreiber for Doritos, 1977

All throughout the 1970s comedic actor Avery Schreiber, of the Burns and Schreiber comedy team, starred in a metric ton of commercials for Doritos. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, Schreiber’s work for Doritos actually ran from the late 60s to the early 80s. An impressive achievement in snack chip spokesmanship!

Here’s two spots for you to enjoy. The first is from 1977. The second isn’t dated but looks to be about three years or so older. CRUNCH!

Thanks to Avery Schreiber’s son, Josh, for posting the vids. Visit his channel.

Previously, on 70s Spots: The Carpenters – Rare Japanese commercials