Aww, cute. The baby Target logo takes some early steps
“Celebrating the Grand Opening sale!”
All righty. Let’s head back 39 years and do some marketing. First, we have a rare find. An early commercial for a Texas Grand Opening event at a new Target store. This one aired in November of ’79.
Second, an August ’79 spot for A&P market in the North Carolina area.
Previously on 70s Spots: Duracell Batteries & Jarman Shoes (1978)
Ancient and durable cell technology
“The copper-top battery.”
Today, we’re throwing it back 40 years to 1978. First, take in a commercial from March ’78 for Duracell batteries. Second, a spot for Jarman shoes featuring Eddie Barth as a friendly road worker.
Previously on 70s Spots: Schlitz Beer ‘Australia’ (1972) & Miller Beer ‘Lumberjacks’ (1973)
More Eddie Barth at Bionic Disco: Hamburger Helper & Morton Lite Salt (1974)
Bucket o’ gusto
“The Aussies share your love for gusto…”
Let’s chug down a couple of beer spots today. In pole position we have Schlitz making a visit to Australia. Not sure they even had/have Schlitz in ol’ OZ, so we’ll just assume the captain brought a case with him. This one aired in October of 1972.
After that, a spot for Miller High Life featuring a team of lumberjacks. This one aired December 1973.
Previously on 70s Spots: ‘Barbara Walters Summer Special’ & Harlem Globetrotters Promo (1978)
Barbara & Bing
“Barbara Walters revisits some old friends…”
Today, we’re going back 40 years for a pair of promos from late ’78. First up, an airing of The Barbara Walters Summer Special from August ’78.
The guests interviewed by Walters are Dolly Parton, Henry Winkler, Donny & Marie Osmond, and Bing Crosby. YouTube viewer, John Grant astutely points out that Crosby had already passed away at the time of this airing. It’s likely why the promo features Bing so prominently.
Second, the Harlem Globetrotters make an appearance in Indiana in December 1978.
Previously on 70s Spots: Timex Electric Watches (1970)
More Barbara Walters at Bionic Disco: 70s Spots: Barbara Walters For Protein 21 Hairspray (1972)
More Harlem Globetrotters at Bionic Disco: Daily 70s Spot: Harlem Globetrotters For Vitalis (1971)
Ahh. Central Park in the fall.
“The first of its kind…”
It’s time to keep good time with Timex. Specifically, electric wrist watches from the 1970 product line.
The first commercial aired in November ’70 and features a young couple’s date in New York City. The second spot attempts some humor with a mind reader’s performance. This one aired in December of 1970.
Previously on 70s Spots: ‘Magnum Force’ (1973) & ‘American Hot Wax’ (1978)
More Timex at Bionic Disco: 70s Spots: Kodak Film & Timex Watches (1970)
‘New York City, 1959. The battleground was rock & roll!’
“His world is dirtier than ever!”
Here’s a pair of TV trailers for your weekend. First, a commercial for the impending Christmas 1973 release of Clint Eastwood’s latest Dirty Harry flick, Magnum Force.
After that, the Fifties are back in this March ’78 spot for American Hot Wax. Make some popcorn, why don’t cha?
Previously on 70s Spots: ’79 Ford LTD & Fairmont (1978)