‘The biggest selling brand of small cigars around.’ (Susan Anton for Muriel, 1978)
“Nobody wants to smoke second best.”
For the second day in a row, our Daily 70s Spot features a cigar. This time around we have 70s star Susan Anton (Goldengirl) singing and dancing for Muriel Cigars. Anton recorded a series of ads for Muriel. This particular commercial aired in November of 1978.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Tijuana Smalls cigars (1972)
Broadway Joe autographs a photo for an ailing Bobby (‘The Brady Bunch,’ 1973)
My goodness! We’re well overdue for a helping of Brady Bunch Moments. This time around we watch in awe as Broadway Joe Namath of the New York Jets drops in for a meet-up with the Bradys. Bobby and Cindy have tricked kindhearted Joe into visiting by sending him a letter claiming Bobby is deathly ill.
Bobby and Joe are best buddies even after Bobby’s wicked deception (‘The Brady Bunch,’ 1973)
This chunk of televised history first aired September 21, 1973 during season five of The Brady Bunch. The episode is entitled “Mail Order Hero.” Dig it.
Previously on Brady Bunch Moments: Jan’s majorette blunder
‘You know who you are, baby…’ (Tijuana Smalls, 1972)
“10 small cigars. 10 for the road.”
Time to light up our Daily 70s Spot. Here’s a Tijuana Smalls cigar commercial featuring freewheeling individuals prancing around iconic California scenery. Dune buggies and the Golden Gate Bridge included. Spot aired on New Year’s Day, 1972.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Yellow Pages with animated mascot (1979)
‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,’ trailer title, 1979
“An astrological disco sports extravaganza!”
For this week’s Trailer Tuesday we celebrate comic genius Jonathan Winters (who left us to our fates on April 12th).
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, a disco-fueled sports comedy, hit theaters in November of 1979. The film starred Winters, Julius “Dr. J” Irving, Meadowlark Lemon of the Harlem Globetrotters, Flip Wilson and Stockard Channing (among many others).
Harry Shearer, Jonathan Winters and M. Emmet Walsh in ‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh’ (1979)
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh features a failing pro basketball team, the Pittsburgh Pythons, who begin re-making their team with a variety of wacky amateurs – all born under the astrological sign of Pisces. Once the new “fishy” players are in place, the team’s fortunes begin to turn around. Many 1970s basketball stars (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, for example) make cameos and Harry Shearer and Debbie Allen appear in the early stages of their careers.
Take in the trailer below. If you are so inclined, you can watch the flick on-demand via Warner Brothers.
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh Wiki, IMDb
Previously on Trailer Tuesday: Walter Matthau in ‘Kotch’ (1971)
Hey! It’s ol’ whats-his-name – the Yellow Pages mascot (1979)
“Let the Yellow Pages do your talking.”
Our Daily 70s Spot is a Yellow Pages Southwestern Bell commercial featuring an animated mascot with an “Irish” accent. I remember this mascot fellow but an internet search failed to turn up his name or any additional info. He seems to have faded into obscurity. Commercial aired in November of 1979.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Volkswagen Rabbit (1976)
‘Do I have to spell it out? C.H.E.E.S.E.A.N.D.O.N.I.O.N.S.’
“I have always thought – in the back of my mind – cheese and onions.”
Monday. “Tax Day.” I think we can all use a good laugh…and a Yellow Submarine Sandwich.
Here’s The Rutles with “Cheese and Onions” from their March, 1978 TV special, All You Need Is Cash.
Previously on Music for Monday: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, ‘American Girl’ (live ’78)