Bionic Disco

70s Spots: ‘Papillon’ (1973) & ‘Quintet’ (1979) TV Trailers

Posted on March 13, 2017 by David Moore

Dustin Hoffman disappears into the role of Louis Dega. (‘Papillon,’ 1973)

“The greatest adventure of escape ever filmed.”

TV trailers spooling out now for a pair of seventies flicks. First, Franklin J. Schaffner’s Papillon starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The promo aired in December of 1973.

I saw Papillon in the theater at the tender age of seven years old and remember enjoying it. I believe I caught it again on TV a few years later. Haven’t seen it since. It’s definitely time for another viewing.

After Papillon, we have a TV promo for Robert Altman’s Quintet starring Paul Newman. The spot aired in February of 1979. This one I’ve been meaning to watch for almost 40 years. Maybe it’s finally time.

‘Papillon’ TV Trailer (Steve McQueen, 1973)

‘Quintet’ TV Trailer (Paul Newman, 1979)

Previously on 70s Spots: Sears Video Game System & Thrifty Drug Store (1979)

70s Spots: Sears Video Game System & Thrifty Drug Store (1979)

Posted on March 12, 2017 by David Moore

An Atari in disguise.

“Play up to 371 video games!”

We’ve worked our way to the end of the decade this week – here’s two spots from November of 1979. Firstly, a commercial for the Sears Video Game System. This one looks like an Atari because it is (officially licensed and re-branded).

Second, a spot for Thrifty drug stores featuring Henna hair products and a memorable jingle.

Sears Video Game System Commercial (1979)

Thrifty ‘Shampoo’ Commercial (1979)

Previously on 70s Spots: Sizzler & Sambo’s (1978)

70s Spots: Sizzler & Sambo’s (1978)

Posted on March 11, 2017 by David Moore

$3.99 for steak & crab at the sign of the purple cow.

“A price that won’t pinch your wallet.”

Continuing with an eating theme and rolling into 1978 – here’s a spot for Sizzler featuring a crab claws and sirloin deal. Narration by Michael Bell. The commercial aired in February of ’78.

Following that, another spot for Sambo’s restaurant featuring warm narration by Tom Bosley (Happy Days). Mangia!

Sizzler ‘Crab & Sirloin’ Commercial (1978)

Sambo’s Restaurant ‘Roast Beef’ Commercial (1978)

Previously on 70s Spots: Kraft Margarine & Hunt’s Tomato Paste (1977)

70s Spots: Kraft Margarine & Hunt’s Tomato Paste (1977)

Posted on March 10, 2017 by David Moore

Spreads 36 more biscuits per pound. It’s a darn miracle!

“That’s a lot of good eatin’!”

Our theme today is eating in a ’77 style. To go along with that cobbled together idea we have a Kraft Miracle Margarine commercial from September of 1977.

Directly after that, you can enjoy a Hunt’s Tomato Paste spot featuring a visit to the Roman Colosseum. This one aired in May of ’77 but the copyright mark goes all the way back to 1974. They got some good mileage out of that paste. Have a wonderful Friday!

Kraft Miracle Margarine Commercial (1977)

Hunt’s Tomato Paste Commercial (1977)

Previously on 70s Spots: Sanka Coffee (Robert Young) & Kawasaki Motorcycles (1976)

70s Spots: Sanka Coffee (Robert Young) & Kawasaki Motorcycles (1976)

Posted on March 9, 2017 by David Moore

The Sanka doctor knows best!

“Maybe it’s the coffee you should be drinking.”

1976 time! Here’s a Sanka decaf coffee spot starring Robert Young of Marcus Welby, M.D. and Father Knows Best fame. He’s not a coffee drinker, but he plays one on TV. Or something. The commercial aired in October of 1976.

Next, another sing-along spot for Kawasaki motorcycles featuring a nudist colony, a bear, and the “Let the Good Times Roll” song. This one aired in January of ’76 (and therefore was likely produced in ’75).