70s Spots: Nestea Plunge, Ford LTD & More (1976-77)

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Four “new” commercials from the 1970s incoming. A spot for Nestea and their famed refreshing plunge is the star attraction here. What seventies kid didn’t try to imitate this in the swimming pool? Drink up.

Nestea Plunge Commercial (1977)

Instant Nestea iced tea mix commercial featuring a Mother-Daughter Day and the cool pool plunge aired August 1977.

Pillsbury Frosting Supreme ‘Paper Knife’ Commercial (1977)

Pillsbury Frosting Supreme Chocolate Fudge commercial featuring a paper knife demonstration aired August 1977 (produced in ’76).

’77 Ford LTD Commercial (Hugh Downs, 1976)

Ford LTD commercial with a comparison to Chevrolet and Cadillac. Spokesperson is Hugh Downs (’20/20′). Spot aired December 1976.

Mitchum Roll-On Commercial (1976)

Mitchum Roll-On antiperspirant commercial featuring ballet dancers aired March 1976.

Previously on 70s Spots: Ricochet Racers (1976), Cool Whip & More

More Nestea: Daily 70s Spot: Nestea Plunge ‘Road Worker’ (1976)

More Pillsbury: 70s Spots: Poppin’ Fresh Cinnamon Rolls & Folger’s Coffee Crystals (1979)

More Ford: 70s Spots: Plymouth Road Runner & Ford LTD (1971)

‘Star Wars Debuts In Japan’ (1978)

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In 1978 Mark Hamill went on a publicity trip to Japan to promote Star Wars. YouTuber “btm0815ma” has posted a 23-minute video of behind-the-scenes footage of the visit.

The footage is unedited and only fanatics, like myself, will want to view it in its entirety. However, brave explorers will uncover much that fascinates like a pre-Empire Strikes Back Hamill enjoying himself at a press conference, appearing on a TV show, and interacting with fans. Fun fact: Hamill likely feels comfortable in Japan as he spent a few teenage years living in Yokosuka and attended high school in Yokohama.

You’ll also get a look at some classic Star Wars merchandise, Star Wars characters in a parade, and Japan in the late 70s. Well worth a watch…or a scan through to find the bits that interest you.

‘Star Wars’ Debuts In Japan (1978)

https://youtu.be/4gmZR0UoSoE

More Star Wars: Daily 70s Ad: MPC ‘Star Wars’ Model Kits (1979)

Hidden Gems: Paul Siebel, ‘Jack-Knife Gypsy’ (1971)

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Here’s a Hidden Gem that may be new to you. New York-born singer-songwriter Paul Siebel released the “Jack-Knife Gypsy” single in early 1971. The song was recorded in Los Angeles with Robert W. Zachary Jr. producing and comes from the album of the same name.

Have a listen to this crackin’ tune. It should have been a fair-sized hit in ’71. Alas, Siebel is best-known for writing songs for other artists or being covered by the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, and Waylon Jennings.

Paul Siebel, ‘Jack-Knife Gypsy’ (1971)

Previously on Hidden Gems: The Manhattans, ‘Strange Old World’ (1972)

70s Spots: Ricochet Racers (1976), Cool Whip & More

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Time to switch on the memory box for an assortment of vintage commercials. This time around you’ll find spots for Cool Whip, Hasbro’s Ricochet Racers, Air France with Brigitte Bardot, and Winnebago with Tom Kennedy. Have at ’em.

Cool Whip Desserts Commercial (Mid-1970s)

Birds Eye Cool Whip commercial featuring layered pound cake aired in the mid-1970s.

Ricochet Racers Toy Commercial (Hasbro, 1976)

Hasbro Repeat’in Ricochet Tracer Racers toy commercial featuring glow-in-the-dark capabilities aired in 1976.

Air France Commercial (Brigitte Bardot, 1974)

Air France airlines commercial featuring actor Brigitte Bardot aired March 1974.

Winnebago ‘Grand Giveaway’ Commercial (Tom Kennedy, 1974)

Winnebago motorhomes “Grand Giveaway” commercial starring game show host Tom Kennedy (‘Split Second,’ ‘Name That Tune’). Spot aired March 1974.

Previously on 70s Spots: Heinz Ketchup ‘Anticipation’ (1977) & More

More Cool Whip: 70s Spots: Hawaiian Punch, Cool Whip (1975) & Chevy Citation, Malibu (1979)

More Hasbro: Daily 70s Spot #528: Hasbro’s Lite-Brite (1978)

More Winnebago: Daily 70s Spot: Winnebago ‘Spring Rally’ (1973)

Classic 70s Ads: John Lennon, ‘Power To The People’/ Yoko Ono ‘Open Your Box’ (1971)

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John Lennon ‘Power To The People’ / Yoko Ono ‘Open Your Box’ via Cash Box March 20, 1971

Being the 50th anniversary of this Plastic Ono Band release (Mar. 12 ’71 UK/Mar. 22, ’71 US), let’s listen in to John Lennon’s “Power To The People” and Yoko Ono’s “Open Your Box.”

“Power To The People” was recorded, with Phil Spector producing, during sessions for Lennon’s Imagine album. The anthem hit #11 in the US and #7 in the UK. The song has an undeniable sing-a-long and stomp your feet quality but doesn’t really rank up there with Lennon’s best. The artist himself later admitted to being a bit embarrassed by the tune.

Yoko Ono’s “Open Your Box” faced some controversy due to its racy lyrics and Capital Records refused to release it in the US. It was replaced by the tune “Touch Me.” “Open Your Box” was produced by Lennon-Ono and features Lennon on funky guitar.

John Lennon, “Power To The People” (1971)

Yoko Ono, “Open Your Box” (1971)

Previously on Classic 70s Ads: Sammy Johns, “Chevy Van” (1975)

More John & Yoko: Daily 70s Ad: John Lennon Plastic Ono Band, ‘Shaved Fish’ (1975)

70s Spots: Heinz Ketchup ‘Anticipation’ (1977) & More

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The star of our block of seventies commercials today is Heinz Ketchup featuring Carly Simon’s “Anticipation.” I’m sure you remember this running series of spots featuring the tune. You’ll also find the Body Buddies, Jeanne and Bernie Ernst, syndicated TV fitness instructors, Revlon, and the ’79 Ford Futura. I’ve arranged them in chronological order for your viewing pleasure.

(Check out the Bionic Disco YouTube channel for more 70s commercials.)

Revlon Cream-On Eyeshadow Commercial (1976)

Revlon Super Lustrous Cream-On Shadow makeup commercial featuring a model flying a helicopter aired March 1976.

Heinz Ketchup ‘Anticipation’ Commercial (1977)

Heinz Tomato Ketchup commercial featuring Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” aired August 1977. Narrator is Casey Kasem.

Win’s Super Belt Commercial (‘Body Buddies,’ 1978)

Trim With Win Super Belt commercial featuring syndicated TV fitness instructors, Dr. Bernie & Jeanne Ernst – the ‘Body Buddies.’ Spot aired May 1978 (produced in ’77).

Ford Futura ‘Now!’ Commercial (1979)

’79 Ford Futura commercial featuring actor Morgan Brittany (‘Dallas’) disco dancing aired February 1979.

Previously on 70s Spots: Buc-Wheats, Yogi Berra, AMC, Philco (1973)

More Revlon: 70s Spots: Revlon Shampoo & Maybelline Nail Polish (1978)

More Heinz: Daily 70s Spot: Heinz French Fries (1978)

More Ford: 70s Spots: ’73 Camaro & Ford Pick Up ‘Charlie Chaplin’ (1972)