70s Spots: Burger Chef (James Cromwell, 1977)

James Cromwell alert. (Burger Chef commercial, 1977)

James Cromwell alert.
(Burger Chef commercial, 1977)

“You get more to like at Burger Chef.”

Actor, James Cromwell (Babe) appears in this spot for Burger Chef. The commercial, featuring a child intimidated by his hamburger, aired in June of 1977.

Burger Chef Commercial with James Cromwell, 1977

Previously on 70s Spots: McDonald’s Banana Shake (1977)

70s Spots: McDonald’s Banana Shake (1977)

Who wouldn't want this lovely banana boat? (McDonald's commercial, 1977)

Who wouldn’t want this lovely banana boat?
(McDonald’s commercial, 1977)

“We’re goin’ bananas!”

Greetings! Who remembers McDonald’s banana shakes? I thought you would! Drink up this fun spot from June of 1977 – it’s triple-thick!

McDonald’s Banana Shake Commercial, 1977

Previously on 70s Spots: Bonanza Restaurant With Gilligan & Barney Fife (1978)

70s Spots: Bonanza Restaurant With Gilligan & Barney Fife (1978)

Don Knotts in Bonanza! (1978)

Don Knotts in Bonanza!
(1978)

“Discover a Bonanza!”

Here’s a mighty fine spot for Bonanza restaurants featuring cameos from Bob Denver (Gilligan’s Island) and Don Knotts (The Andy Griffith Show). Two of my childhood syndicated TV heroes in one commercial from July of 1978. We have a winner, folks!

Bonanza Restaurant Commercial With Gilligan & Barney Fife, 1978

Previously on 70s Spots: Folger’s Coffee ‘Three Spoon Test’ (1974)

More Bob Denver at Bionic Disco: Funshine Friday: ‘Far Out Space Nuts’ (1975)
More Don Knotts at Bionic Disco: In celebration of Don Knotts

70s Spots: Folger’s Coffee ‘Three Spoon Test’ (1974)

Introducing the 'Three Spoon Test.' (Folger's commercial, 1974)

Introducing the ‘Three Spoon Test.’
(Folger’s commercial, 1974)

“Tastes as rich as it looks.”

Here’s a Folger’s Instant Coffee commercial that began a series of “Three Spoon Tests.” The spot aired in 1974. Just look at those shining crystals!

Folger’s Coffee ‘3 Spoon Test’ Commercial, 1974

Previously on 70s Spots: ’77 Ford Pinto (1976)

70s Spots: ’77 Ford Pinto (1976)

Check out that optional glass hatch back! (Ford Pinto commercial, 1976)

Check out that optional glass hatch back!
(Ford Pinto commercial, 1976)

“America’s best-selling small car last year is an even better idea for ’77.”

Happy Friday! Here’s a perky spot for the 1977 Ford Pinto that aired in December of 1976. Go on, ride the Pony!

’77 Ford Pinto Commercial, 1976

Previously on 70s Spots: Sambo’s Restaurant (1978)

70s Spots: Sambo’s Restaurant (1978)

'Kid's hot dogs and hamburgers for .35 cents...' (Sambo's commercial, 1978)

‘Kid’s hot dogs and hamburgers for .35 cents…’
(Sambo’s commercial, 1978)

“Just what the family ordered.”

Here’s a spot for the nearly-defunct eatery, Sambo’s restaurant. At one point in the late 70s, Sambo’s had over a thousand locations. Today, there’s only one.

The best part about this July 1978 spot is the narration by Tom Bosely of Happy Days. Good one, Mr. C!

Sambo’s Restaurant Commercial, 1978

Previously on 70s Spots: Ski-Doo Snowmobiles (1979)