These Sand Vans are so fast even the power supply has a racing stripe! (Aurora ‘Red Dunes’ model race cars set, 1972)
“Aurora. We’re for real.”
Let’s lay down some track and slot in our Daily 70s Spot. Today we have an Aurora model race cars commercial featuring the groovy ‘Sand Vans’ of the ‘Red Dunes’ set. Spot aired in January of 1972.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Bird’s Eye Wisconsin Style Vegetables (1975)
It’s Bonnie Parker! Kinda sorta. (‘The Crossroads Crash,’ 1973)
School movie time! Yes, yes, you can run the projector. Now sit down and enjoy this surprisingly watchable 1973 safety film, Crossroads Crash, or to give it its full title, National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course – The Crossroads Crash.
Mr. Speedy-pants is busted (‘The Crossroads Crash,’ 1973)
This 10-minute movie starts with a slapstick Bonnie & Clyde-style bank robbery and shows off many gas-guzzling 70s cars in Chicago and suburban Illinois. Roll it!
Previously on School Movies: Skateboard Sense (mid-1970s)
Not looking at the missing tooth…not looking at the missing tooth…
“You’ll think it’s the real McCoy.”
OK, let’s cook up the Daily 70s Spot. Today we have a Bird’s Eye commercial featuring frozen “Wisconsin Country Style Vegetables.” Real Wisconsin folk can be found within. Uh, within the commercial – not in the packet of vegetables. Spot aired in November of 1975.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Dutch Masters President Cigars (1978)
Downtown Cincinnati in September, 1975 (Lyntha Scott Eiler/National Archives, Records of the Environmental Protection Agency)
David Rosenberg from the Behold photo blog at Slate.com has written up an excellent story entitled, “Searching for the ’70s and Finding America.” The article highlights a number of wonderful images taken by various photographers for the Documerica Project in the 1970s.
Here’s a choice quote and a few shots to soak up:
“Founded by Gifford Hampshire, Documerica lasted about six years, hired roughly 70 photographers, and knocked out 115 assignments in all 50 states. Photographers were paid $150 a day plus film and expenses and were given the creative freedom to interpret environmental issues outlined to them from EPA employees.
The results—22,000 images—ended up documenting environmental issues and brought another meaning to environment that focused on local neighborhoods, social issues, political changes, and the remarkable fashion trends typical of the 1970s.
The National Archives in Washington, D.C., edited through the archives of Documerica and has put on view an exhibition titled “Searching for the Seventies: The Documerica Photography Project” that will run through Sept. 8 in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery.”
Portland, Ore., in April 1974 (David Falconer/National Archives, Records of the Environmental Protection Agency)
Brooklyn, N.Y., in June 1974 (Danny Lyon/National Archives, Records of the Environmental Protection Agency)
New Ulm, Minn. in October 1974 (Art Hanson/National Archives, Records of the Environmental Protection Agency)
Read and see more at Slate.com and at the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery.
Previously on 70s Shots: Everyday life in the hood: NYC, Ford & Pele
This man has the nose of a tobacco master! (Dutch Masters ad with Ross Billings (?), 1978)
“They really are masters at Dutch Masters.”
Let’s light up the Daily 70s Spot. Here’s one for Dutch Masters cigars featuring the ‘President’ line and a behind-the-scenes look at a tobacco curator. Spot aired in November of 1978.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Skittle Baseball With Don Adams (1972)
‘Melody’ trailer title,1970
Melody originally released in the UK in 1971 as S.W.A.L.K. (Sealed With A Loving Kiss). The film, directed by Waris Hussein from a screenplay by Alan Parker, reunited the stars of Oliver!, Mark Lester and Jack Wild.
In this tale of childhood puppy love we find young Daniel Latimer (Lester) falling in love with and attempting to marry Melody Perkins (Tracy Hyde). Daniel makes friends with the school troublemaker, Ornshaw (Wild), who helps the young couple in their endeavor. The film was shot in various locations around London.
The cast of ‘Melody’ (L-R): Jack Wild, Mark Lester and Tracy Hyde
The Melody cast also includes; Roy Kinnear, Sheila Steafel, and James Cossins. The Bee Gees provide the film’s soundtrack.
Below we have the 1970 theatrical trailer, and as an extra treat, a 70s-era “Making of” piece.
Previously on Trailer Tuesday: (Bicentennial Week) ‘The Omen’ (1976)