Psst, buddy. Wanna buy a paper towel? (Mardi Gras commercial, 1973)
“The towel that does more for your kitchen than just clean it up.”
Time to spill our Daily 70s Spot on the kitchen counter. Here’s a colorful commercial for Mardi Gras paper towels. You’ve never seen such beautiful paper towels. No, really. That’s the pitch. Spot aired in February of 1973.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Ford LTD Brougham (1972)
Thanks, Merv, for calling my comedy ‘vile’ (Steve Martin on ‘The Merv Griffin Show,’ 1979)
Here’s a few minutes of humorous history yanked from The Merv Griffin Show on the afternoon of November 13, 1979. It’s Steve Martin promoting his just-released film, The Jerk, his best-selling book, Cruel Shoes and his hit L.P., Comedy Is Not Pretty. The man was on fire with success.
Try to ignore the onscreen text and Merv Griffin advertising and enjoy the moment.
Jag or Brougham – you make the call (Ford commercial, 1972)
“Quiet is the sound of a well-made car.”
Let’s push our Daily 70s Spot down the hill and get things jump-started. Here’s a commercial for the 1973 Ford LTD Brougham with a comparison to the Jaguar. Spot aired in November of 1972.
*Note: The LTD spokesman looks a lot like Gavin MacLeod, but after watching a Mary Tyler Moore episode from the mid-70s and comparing a number of photos, I’ve decided the actor just looks a hell of a lot like Captain Stubing, but isn’t him. If you feel differently let me know.
*UPDATE: Astute Bionic Disco reader, Steve H. has identified the actor as Alan Oppenheimer, whom you may remember from The Six Million Dollar Man. That’s it! Thanks, Steve.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Amana Radarange With Barbara Hale (1976)
Includes ‘Cookmatic’ AND ‘Touchmatic’ technology! (Amana Radarange commercial, 1976)
“If it doesn’t say Amana, it’s not a Radarange.”
Time to cook up a hot and delicious Daily 70s Spot in a matter of mere seconds. Today we have an Amana Radarange microwave oven commercial. The spokesperson is actress Barbara Hale of Perry Mason fame. Spot aired in December of 1976.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Gillette Trac II Razor (1978)
“Gimme the beat, boys and free my soul…” (Dobie Gray, 1973)
“…I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away!”
Dobie Gray released “Drift Away” in February of 1973 and it rose to #5 on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart by May. The song, written by Mentor Williams, sold over a million copies, was one of the most popular songs of ’73, and remains a classic rock radio staple.
Here’s the official “Drift Away” promotional film from 1973. Let it wash over you.
Previously on Music for Monday: The Who, ‘Long Live Rock’ (1973)
Give that actor a CLIO Award! (Gillette commercial, 1978)
“No other blade will do.”
Good Morning. Time to freshen up with our Daily 70s Spot. Here’s a humorous Gillette Trac II ‘Twin Blade Shaving System’ razor commercial. Spot aired in March of 1978.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Mobil Gasoline ‘Steam Room’ Commercial With Pat Paulsen (1970)