Bionic Disco

Then and Now: ‘Car Wash’ film location, Los Angeles

Posted on April 12, 2012 by David Moore

Workin' at the Car Wash, yeah. Circa 1976.

Universal Pictures released the slice-of-life comedy Car Wash in October of 1976. The movie, featuring appearances by Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Antonio Fargas and The Pointer Sisters, was filmed at an actual car wash located on the corner of Rampart and 6th street in Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, that famed car wash has been torn down and replaced by a nondescript shopping mall. I’ve taken the liberty of grabbing a few screens from the film and providing you with Google Street Map shots of the location as it stands today. Shed a tear, my friends. Shed a soapy tear.

Car Wash Film Locale at 6th & Rampart, L.A., CA, 1976

Car Wash Locale, 6th & Rampart, L.A., CA., 2012

Al's Coffee Shop, 6th & Rampart, 1976

Al's and Big 6 Market, 6th & Rampart, 1976

Al's Coffee Shop and Big 6 Market, 6th & Rampart, 2012

Car Wash Wiki, IMDb

Google street View: 6th and Rampart, Los Angeles, CA

Back to the Bionic Disco homepage for more 70s pop culture!

70s Spots: Burger King, ‘Have it your way’

Posted on April 11, 2012 by David Moore

'Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us.' Burger King, 1974

Commercial time, Bionic believers. For Burger King in the 70s the “Have it your way” advertising campaign was kind of a big deal.

Chew up a typical TV spot from 1974 or so. You’ll be singing along in spite of yourself.

“Extra ketchup” can actually be provided without fuss? Holy toasted buns!

Trailer Tuesday: Death Wish

Posted on April 10, 2012 by David Moore

Charles Bronson in 'Death Wish', 1974.

“Never make a Death Wish…because a Death Wish always comes true…”

Death Wish released to theaters in the summer of 1974. The film stars Charles Bronson as vengeful vigilante, Paul Kersey. The movie, directed by Michael Winner and based on a book by Brian Garfield, made Bronson a household name in the US.

A number of successful actors had early-career, bit parts in the movie such as Jeff Goldblum, Denzel Washington and Welcome Back Kotter‘s Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs. Enjoy the trailer below.

More info: Death Wish Wiki, IMDb

Music for Monday: Suzi Quatro, ‘She’s In Love With You’

Posted on April 9, 2012 by David Moore

Suzi Quatro, 'She's in Love With You', 1979

In America, rocker Suzi Quatro is best known for playing the character of Leather Tuscadero on TV’s Happy Days and for her #3 hit single “Stumblin’ In”. In the UK and elsewhere, Quatro’s recognized for her healthy string of 1970s and early 80s music hits.

Have a happy Monday and stomp your boots along with “She’s In Love With You”, which just barely missed the US top 40 (#41) in 1979 and hit #11 in the UK.

More info: suziquatro.com

Spring Fashion: April, 1978

Posted on April 7, 2012 by David Moore

A few days back we took a look at some “Rad Ads” from Cincinnati Magazine. From the same timeframe, April of 1978, we have this fabulous collection of “Spring Fashion” photos to amaze and delight your senses.

Your eyes will thank me. Swing into spring!