70s Spots: American Express & Visa (Karl Malden, 1978 & ’77)

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‘What’ll you do? What will you do?’

“Don’t leave home without them.”

It’s a plastic fantastic Monday with two credit card commercials on display. First, we have a spot from November 1978 for American Express Travlers Cheques. Karl (The Streets of San Francisco) Malden, long-standing spokesperson for the product, appears in trademark trilby and overcoat.

After that, a December 1977 spot announcing BankAmericard’s name change to Visa. Watch now. Pay later.

American Express ‘Lost Wallet’ Commercial (Karl Malden, 1978)

BankAmericard ‘Becoming Visa’ Commercial (1977)

Previously on 70s Spots: Bisquick & Welch’s Grape Juice (1974)

70s Spots: Bisquick & Welch’s Grape Juice (1974)

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Easy bakin’

“You bake em’ – this quick!”

Here’s something for you to eat and drink on this Sunday. First course, a spot for Bisquick featuring biscuits and waffles and a catchy jingle.

Second course, an animated commercial for Welch’s Frozen Grape Juice Concentrate. Both spots aired in February of 1974.

Bisquick ‘This Quick!’ Commercial (1974)

Welch’s Grape Juice Animated Commercial (1974)

Previously on 70s Spots: ‘Have A Coke And A Smile’ (Bob Hope, 1979)

70s Spots: ‘Have A Coke And A Smile’ (Bob Hope, 1979)

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Dueling slogans

“A Coke and a smile – makes me feel good.”

Two Coca-Cola commercials today from July of 1979. Both feature the famous “Have A Coke And A Smile” jingle. The first gets a boost of star power from Bob Hope.

I know it’s only spring, but these spots make me feel like summer is already here. It may have something to do with the 90 degree heat in LA too. Have a lovely Friday.

Coca-Cola ‘Smile’ Commercial (Bob Hope, 1979)

‘Have A Coke And A Smile’ Commercial (1979)

Previously on 70s Spots: Piels Real Draft Beer & Miller High Life (1970)

70s Spots: Piels Real Draft Beer & Miller High Life (1970)

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This guy!

“For a taste of the good ol’ days.”

Two al key hall spots from the start of the decade today. First, we have a nifty December 1970 Piels Real Draft beer commercial featuring an old timey political speech.

After that, one for Miller High Life, aka “The Champagne of Beers,” from November of ’70.

Piels ‘Old Fashioned’ Beer Commercial (1970)

Miller ‘Champagne Of Beers’ Commercial (1970)

Previously on 70s Spots: Sony ‘Secret Agent’ Electronics (1977)

70s Spots: Sony ‘Secret Agent’ Electronics (1977)

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Oh, James!

“It’s a Sony.”

A pair of commercials for Sony today. First up, we have a fun spot from October 1977 featuring a Roger Moore, 007-type and Sony micro-recorders and video cameras.

Second, a November ’77 spot for Sony TVs featuring the TelePrompTer cable TV company. TelePrompTer were the biggest provider of cable in the US in the early 70s (according to Wikipedia).

Sony Electronics ‘Secret Agent’ Commercial (1977)

Sony TV Set Commercial (1977)

Previously on 70s Spots: Kraft Caramels & Betty Crocker Cookies (1974)

70s Spots: Kraft Caramels & Betty Crocker Cookies (1974)

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A caramel apple a day…

“Thanks Mom”

Snack time! Here’s two spots to curb your hunger. First we have a father and son fishing trip and a bag of Kraft Caramels. Second, Betty Crocker’s “new” Bar-Cookie mixes. Both commercials aired in February of 1974

Kraft Caramels Candy Commercial (1974)

Betty Crocker Bar-Cookie Commercial (1974)

Previously on 70s Spots: John Goodman For Mennen & Jane Curtin For Hoover (1979)