Trailer Tuesday: Apocalypse Now

Posted on by

Apocalypse Now, 1979. Martin Sheen "In country."

Director Francis Ford Coppola released Apocalypse Now in August of 1979 after a long, troubled shoot and editing process that ran from March, 1976 until release. Thankfully, instead of a disaster we were presented with a powerful classic that did well at the box office, won many awards and garnered rave reviews.

My father took me to see Apocalypse Now in what must have been the opening or a special premiere week at a theater in San Francisco in ’79 and we received a glossy promotional booklet for the film which I still have packed away somewhere. Take in the trailer below.

Apocalypse Now Wiki, IMDb

Happy New Year: #1 Song, Jan. 1972 – Melanie, ‘Brand New Key’

Posted on by

Melanie - 'Brand New Key', Jan. 1972

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2012 is a wonderful year for you and yours. Let’s celebrate the day by going back exactly 40 years and enjoying the number one song for January 1st, 1972.

The beautiful and talented Melanie Safka was at the top of the charts at the beginning of ’72 with her tune “Brand New Key“. Relax with it below. A “Brand New Key” for a brand new year.

‘Pitch In’ Public Service Spot

Posted on by

'Pitch In' so we can call it 'America the Beautiful' once again.

As I’ve mentioned before, saving the environment, stopping pollution and other ecology-minded issues really caught steam and gained attention in the 1970s. The public service announcement below was typical of the era. The “Pitch In” campaign was sponsored by the US Brewers Association (see, the beer can folks really do care!) and I well remember these types of TV spots and the iconic “Pitch In” signs seemingly everywhere you looked.

The person who posted this spot on Youtube says its from 1975 but I believe it was produced earlier, likely in 1971. My guess is based on the clothing and cars seen in the spot as well as a Wikipedia listing for the author of the “Pitch In” jingle, Steve Karmen, where the tune’s creation date is 1971.

When you’re done watching the PSA do remember to crumple it into a ball and toss it in the trash, mmkay?

Funshine Friday: ‘Hong Kong Phooey’ (1974)

Posted on by

Hong Kong Phooey, 1974: 'Number one super guy!'

Happy Funshine Friday, Bionic peoples! On this fine start-of-the-weekend morning we cast ourselves back to 1974 and let the intro for Hong Kong Phooey wash over us in a pleasant manner.

Hong Kong Phooey was a Hanna-Barbera production and featured the dulcet tones of actor Scatman Crothers as the illustrious Mr. Phooey. The show originally aired from September 7, 1974 to December 21, 1974. Have a great Funshine Friday!

‘Hong Kong Phooey’ TV Intro, 1974

David Bowie: Lost 1973 ‘Jean Geanie’ Footage Uncovered

Posted on by

David Bowie sings 'The Jean Geanie' on TOTP, 4 January 1973. 'He says he's a beautician and sells you nutrition.'

Kick the clicker below and soak up a recently uncovered 1970s David Bowie performance. Thought lost forever, this Top of the Pops live version of “The Jean Geanie” was originally broadcast on 04 January, 1973.

The BBC routinely erased recording tapes back in the 70s but a wise cameraman saved this tasty performance from Ziggy and the Spiders. Read up on it here and enjoy the show below.

BBC Quote:

“It was believed that every recording of the singer’s performing number two hit “The Jean Genie” had been destroyed. It emerged in October that one had been found – and it will feature in a Top of The Pops Christmas Special on BBC 2.

The footage belonged to TV cameraman John Henshall, who was unaware how rare the performance was. Mr Henshall, from Oxfordshire, worked on the show and kept a copy of Bowie’s appearance. He mentioned that he had the tape during an interview on Johnnie Walker’s Radio 2 show earlier this year, after which excited Bowie aficionados contacted him to explain its status.”

Merry Christmas: Kojack Sings Just for You

Posted on by

Telly Savalas on TOTP, UK, 1975. 'Merry Christmas...baby.'

Merry Christmas, Bionic friends! I hope your holiday is joyous, safe and bright. And now, from 1975, Telly “Kojack” Savalas will “sing” a nice Christmas tune for all of us – just because. Enjoy!

Telly Savalas: ‘If’ (‘Top of the Pops,’ 1975)