From sea to shining sea – it’s the new Ford LTD
“A New American Road Car.”
A pair of fancy Ford flicks today. First, we have a nice :60 second spot for the ’79 LTD. This one aired in December of 1978.
Second, from a few months earlier in October ’78, a spot for the ’79 Fairmont.
Previously on 70s Spots: Remington Shaver (Fran Tarkenton) & Sunbeam Shaver (Pat Summerall, 1972)
Fran Tarkenton has a few used shaver blades he’d like to sell you
“We made the close shave comfortable.”
A pair of competing shaver spots today from November of 1972 – both fronted by football heroes. First up, Fran Tarkenton for the Remington Mark III & IV.
After that, sportscaster Pat Summerall for the Sunbeam Shavemaster. Run ’em over your face for a bit.
Previously on 70s Spots: VO5 Hairspray (1971) & Mennen Skin Bracer (1972)
More Fran Tarkenton at Bionic Disco: 70s Spots: Fashion Time With Bob Griese & Fran Tarkenton (1972)
‘Now with Miral Plus!’
“More hold with less spray!”
A pair of early 70s good grooming tips today. First, we have a rather silly commercial for VO5 hairspray featuring two gals riding on a “Hair Spray Torture Test” attraction. This one aired in August of 1971.
Second, another Mennen Skin Bracer “Thanks, I needed that” spot. This one aired in November 1972.
Previously on 70s Spots: ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Debut (1976) & ‘Six Million Dollar Man’ (1977)
More Mennen at Bionic Disco: 70s Spots: John Goodman For Mennen & Jane Curtin For Hoover (1979)
Listen to your friend, The Fonz
“You’re invited to meet Laverne and Shirley…”
I’ve got two pretty nifty ABC promos for you today. Firstly, from January 1976, a specially-produced spot for the debut of Laverne & Shirley featuring guest star, Fonzie.
Second, a fun spot from January 1977 for The Six Million Dollar Man. View with extreme nostalgic pleasure.
Previously on 70s Spots: Mego Micronauts Toys & Kenner Girder & Panel Playset (1977)
A very happy Independence Day Bionic friends! Let’s turn the time-clock back and revisit two posts celebrating the day; Holiday Sing-A-Long: ‘The 4th Of July Parade’ From ‘Rudolph’s Shiny New Year’ (1976) & America’s Bicentennial: July 4th, 1976.
“There’s a happy celebration in each town across the nation…” (Rankin/Bass, 1976)
“On this island, every day is the 4th of July!”
Happy 4th of July to all who are celebrating at home and abroad! To get us in the proper mood, here’s “The 4th of July Parade” song from Rankin/Bass’ Rudolph’s Shiny New Year.
“…At the 4th of July Parade!” (Rankin/Bass, 1976)
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year first aired in December of 1976 (topping off the Bicentennial celebrations). In the clip below you can hang out with Ben Franklin, Rudolph and the Baby New Year. Music & lyrics by Johnny Marks. Music arranged & conducted by Maury Laws. Let the festivities begin!
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America’s Bicentennial: July 4th, 1976
Happy 4th of July, folks! From 1974 throughout 1976 America was gripped with a “Bicentennial fever” of sorts.
The omnipresent ('74-'76) Bicentennial symbol
It started with the government unveiling the official Bicentennial logo (above) and went on to encompass TV commercials featuring Ben Franklin and other 1776-era figures, “Bicentennial Minute” public service announcements, numerous Bicentennial postage stamps being issued and the painting of local fire hydrants red, white and blue. Really, pretty much any paintable or printable surface seemed to sport red, white and blue colors from ’74-’76.
I can distinctly remember vacationing at my grandparent’s place in Houston, Texas and watching TV coverage of the massive flotilla of ships streaming into the New York Harbor while fireworks exploded overhead. The 1976 Summer Olympics would follow soon after (July 17th) and it just felt good to be an American.
Have a look at this great footage (below) from ABC on the long-awaited day of celebration. It’s a real slice-o’-life moment from 42 years ago. If you like what you see, you can continue onto parts 2-5 easily enough. Have a great extended weekend and an enjoyable 70s flashback!
Sunday, July 04, 1976: “From the American Broadcasting Company’s Bicentennial Center in New York City…Harry Reasoner.”
Read more: Bicentennial, ’76 Summer Olympics, Bicentennial postage stamps, Harry Reasoner
‘From the Micronauts collection…’
“All have interchangable parts!”
Let’s spill out the toys on the living room floor and get to playing. We’ll start with Mego’s Micronauts. After that, it’s Kenner’s Girder & Panel Bridge & Skyscraper Action Building Set. Whew, what a mouthful. Both spots aired in 1977.
Previously on 70s Spots: Green Giant & Pfeiffer Salad Dressing (1979)